When you’re trying to find what you need from your event tech, it can be tough working out the must-haves vs. the nice-to-haves. Each event will have a specific set of tech requirements, but if you’re new to event tech (and event apps in particular) it can help to know which event app features to focus on.
With this in mind, we got our office gurus together and worked through the list of event app features. We discussed the benefits of each one and debated their likely importance to most events.
In order of importance, here’s our top ten:
1. Event Agenda
It’s the beating heart of all events and event apps! With an ability to personalise agendas and ‘favourite’ sessions, attendees can work out where they want to be and when.
2. Conference Speaker and Attendee Bios
In second spot is people information. Great networking is a common driver for many events. Access to relevant information about fellow attendees and speakers through the event app helps people make the right connection and presentation choices.
3. Event Engagement Maps
Helping people navigate your event through your event app is crucial to providing an excellent event experience. It’s no good having an event packed with great features if attendees can’t find them easily.
4. Mobile Event App Branding and Flexible Layout
A flexible event app is a great event app. The ability to tailor the layout and branding means you can create a custom look that gives each event its own individual identity.
5. Event Sponsor Area and Sponsor Branding
Our fifth place goes to the sponsors. Often the reason why events can happen at all, it’s important to make sure they get a good event ROI. A dedicated event app space with prominent branding opportunities means sponsors’ messages don’t get lost in the mix.
6. Attendee and Exhibitor Documents
Getting the right information to the right people boosts the event experience. The event app can house a whole library of resources, such as presentations and supporting PDFs. It gives breadth to event speaker sessions and stops attendees having to carry around reams of paper.
7. Important Event Information – The Info Booth
It’s the basic detail that can get forgotten! The event apps Info Booth makes sure the must-have info is always at hand. From addresses to dress code, attendees can access the essentials in one place.
8. Attendee Engagement and Interactivity
In eighth place is interactivity. An interactive event app gives attendees a voice. Whether it’s participating in live polling or Q&As or creating a personalised planner or surveys, interactivity changes attendees from spectators to participants.
9. Gaming and Gamification of future events
Getting attendees engaged in the event activity is a top outcome for just about every event planner. Gaming is a proven way to get attendees connected with each other and event features- event apps make gaming a no-brainer!
10. Exhbitor Lead Tracking
Our final place goes to this key event app feature that helps exhibitors make qualified follow-ups. Many events provide great sales opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors. The ability to qualify leads is enticing for any organisation that is considering getting involved in your event.
So, these are our findings of the top ten most important event app features in the CrowdComms’ office. What have we missed or what do you think should be in the top ten?
Boost Engagement with Mobile Event Apps
Mobile event apps are a game-changer for enhancing attendee engagement and streamlining event management. These apps provide a centralised platform where attendees can access event schedules, speaker profiles, and interactive maps, making navigation and planning seamless. Features like live polling, Q&A sessions, and push notifications keep attendees informed and engaged in real time.
For organisers, mobile apps offer valuable analytics, allowing them to track attendee behaviour, gather feedback, and measure engagement levels. This data helps refine future events and ensure they align with audience preferences. Additionally, mobile apps facilitate networking through in-app messaging and matchmaking features, fostering meaningful connections among participants.
Incorporating a mobile app into your event strategy not only boosts attendee satisfaction but also showcases your commitment to innovation and efficiency.
Event Organisers: How to Drive Adoption of Your Event App
Driving adoption of your event app is crucial to unlocking its full potential and ensuring attendees engage with your event. Here are some strategies to maximise downloads and usage:
Promote Early and Often
Start promoting your app well before the event. Include download links in registration confirmation emails, on your website, and in pre-event communications. Highlight the app’s benefits, such as personalised schedules, networking opportunities, and real-time updates.Showcase Value
Clearly communicate how the app enhances the event experience. Use visuals or short demo videos to show features like live Q&A, interactive maps, and exclusive content only accessible through the app.Incentivise Downloads
Offer incentives for attendees to download and use the app. This could include exclusive access to certain sessions, early bird content, or entry into a prize draw for app users.Simplify Access
Make the app easy to find and download. Use QR codes at check-in, on event signage, and in printed materials. Ensure the app is available on major app stores and is easy to navigate.Engage Through Push Notifications
Once attendees download the app, keep them engaged with timely push notifications. Share reminders, updates, and interactive opportunities like live polls or session check-ins to encourage continued use.Train Your Team and Promote On-Site
Ensure your event staff are familiar with the app and can assist attendees with downloads or navigation. Set up a help desk or station dedicated to app support and promotion during the event.
By combining early promotion, clear communication of benefits, and user-friendly design, you can drive higher adoption rates and make your event app an indispensable tool for attendees and organisers alike.
Pete Hair – CrowdComms, Co-Founder
In 2011, Pete co-founded CrowdComms from his garage in Sydney. With over two decades experience in event tech in the UK and Australia, Pete’s been involved with thousands of events, large and small. He gets a buzz improving events using the latest technology, and exciting customers with innovative solutions and great technical support.
