In 2016, it was expected that 86% of events would incorporate an event application (fondly referred to as an app). By 2017, 76% of those who hadn’t yet done so would be adopting the practice. Apps increase attendee engagement, reduce costs, promote sponsors, and provide accurate real-time analytics. We’ve used various apps for different clients, but our current favorite is the Attendify App.
Where do the real benefits come from?
Creating a branded app is easy. With tools such as Attendify, you can create and preview your app before you decide to purchase it. Once you’ve submitted your new app for purchase and approval, you can be live in the Google and Apple app stores with ease.
- The cost of your app is easily offset by reducing or eliminating the printed program book. Since 50% to 96% of attendees will use an app (depending on the size and type of event), a smaller printed program or a limited print run can greatly reduce your design, print, and shipping costs. Make the printed program book optional now instead of assuming every attendee wants one, and print less than ever before.
- With the addition of a Lead Capture component, you can support your sponsors and exhibitors with more detailed data on attendee leads from their use of the app. You can also promote your sponsors in various ways, increasing web traffic for them, as well as booth traffic when done correctly.
Now, let’s look at the key features that will enhance the success of your conference, trade show, or meeting, AND improve the attendee experience:
- A private social network for your audience to engage with you and with each other. This can include messaging (group and private), notifications (session start times, schedule changes, other event news), photo sharing, and polls.
- Push notifications to easily reach some or all attendees instantly. Think about using this if a session or workshop isn’t quite filling up as much as you’d like it to – you can push a notification out that creates buzz and excitement to drive more participation. Last minute changes? No problem! Just communication through your app at the drop of a hat!
- Gamification allows you to find and reward your event influencers with fun opportunities to get more points. If your budget allows, you can create games like a passport to education, and if the attendee visits all the things you want them to, their name gets put into a drawing for a prize.
- The program schedule is literally at the fingertips of your app users. We find that many attendees use this feature the most. No more lugging around programs, now your attendees can tap, see what’s going on and participate!
- Speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and fellow attendees are easy to find and engage.
- Floor maps guide everyone where they want and need to be whether breakout rooms or sponsor booths. Set a time perhaps where your speakers take Q&A either prior to or following their session – more engagement means more repeat attendance.
- Real-time metrics allow you to monitor event performance and engagement throughout and after the event. If something’s not working, you can find out quickly, pivot and do something a little different. Without an app, you have to rely on hearsay and post show surveys.
- Promote your event venue and city to connect everyone with local culture and activities. Get people engaged early and often, and give a sneak peek of the locale.
- An opportunity to engage everyone even before they arrive by encouraging them to download the app in advance and allow them to stay connected after the conference has ended.
Studies have shown that an engaged attendee is more likely to come back. Using an app is an easy way to engage your audience pre-during and post conference.
It’s important to do your research to identify the tool that best meets your needs. We feel strongly that having one go-to tool that can do everything improves both event management, and (most importantly) the attendee experience.
Sources
https://www.crowdcompass.com/newsroom/planners-engagement-increases-with-mobile-event-apps.shtml
http://www.eventmanagerblog.com/event-app-bible/
https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/American_Express_Meetings_Events_Forecast_2017.pdf
https://blog.bizzabo.com/event-marketing-statistics
https://blog.capterra.com/12-powerful-event-statistics-and-trends-for-2016