Why You Should Have An Event App

article reference from conferencecompass

In 2008, Apple launched the App store for app distribution for iPhones. That same year the Android app market was also launched. The concept of applications for smartphones and mobile devices transformed the communication industry and sparked a frenzy of app creation for any and all products and services. From checking emails, the weather, news, doing banking or connecting to social media, users increasingly depend on mobile apps to perform everyday tasks and to stay connected and informed.

No event manager can get by nowadays without a mobile Internet strategy. A mandatory aspect is a responsive website – however, many event planners go for special apps for their conference, trade fair or event to offer their visitors and exhibitors added value. Event organizers have a unique opportunity with an event app to offer attendees an interactive alternative to the program book, and to connect to them in a more direct way. Deciding to get an event management app can be an investment that requires many considerations such as cost, benefits and effectiveness. Let’s look at 7 reasons why an event app is a must-have option for your next event.

1 - No more print

Many events use printed programs and abstract books. Printed media for an event can present an array of challenges for the event organizer: What to do if program changes? How to deal with resources? How many units to print? Going paperless with an event app means that program updates are made easily and can be immediately communicated to attendees. Cutting down on printing is both beneficial for the budget and for the environment.

2 - Complete program and more

Attendees can access and navigate the full program, as well as view additional multimedia resources such as presentation slides and videos. Quickly finding a session, exhibitor stand or speaker bio is simpler than ever. The event venue is easy to navigate with multiple floor plan views and clear markers.

3 - Increase interaction

An event app enables interaction. Not only are attendees kept up-to-date, but they can also use it to create a personal schedule, sync this across multiple devices, and get notified when a presentation is about to start. Attendees can participate in live questionnaires and give feedback to presenters through the app, increasing engagement and interest.

4 - Stay connected and build your community

As an event professional, you can stay connected to your community and engage them in ongoing discussions. Interactive sessions, news and publications are just a few of the things that you can notify attendees of before, during and after the event. With an event app you are able to send notifications to all users at any moment.

5 - Increase sponsors revenue

For sponsors, your event is a way to gain exposure to a specific target group. An event app offers a new and more direct channel for sponsors to reach that target audience and for a longer period of time, since the app can be installed and used before, during and after the event.

6 - Real time event analytics

An event app can provide you with (real-time) event information like nothing else can. This information can be used to make adjustments during your event and plan for your next event to ultimately improve the event experience and ROI.

7 - Keep up with attendee demands

An event app enables you to adapt to the ever evolving needs of your attendees. Currently attendees want more than just to consume information. Today’s attendees want to participate and be more involved. An event app can make this possible. It gives delegates the means to communicate, collaborate and interact during the event, making their event experience more complete.