the evebt app bible 2017

The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT1

THE

EVENT APPBIBLE 2017R E B O O T

FREEDOWNLOAD


TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION 4

Are Event Apps Doomed? 6THE MAJOR TRENDS IN EVENT APPS 8

1. Deep Learning 82. Chatbots/Concierge 83. Voice Activation 104. Vertical vs Holistic Apps 105. Social Extension 106. Matchmaking and Networking 107. Virtual Reality Gateways 118. Support 11

THE NEW BENEFITS OF USING A MOBILE APP AT EVENTS 13Connecting Remote Attendees 14Divest or Re-allocate Temporary Staff 14A New Way to Check on Progress 15Real-time, Actionable Data 15

DO YOU NEED AN EVENT APP? (FLOWCHART) 17HOW TO EVALUATE IF AN EVENT APP IS WORTHWHILE FOR YOUR EVENT 19

1. Know Your Audience 212. Analyze the Event Objectives 223. Consider Specific App Objectives 234. Segment Your Users 245. Research the Options 256. Work Out the Total Investment Cost 257. Undertake a Cost-Benefit Analysis 258. Address Concerns from the Event Team 269. Undertake a Risk Analysis 2710. Investigate Peer Reviews 2711. Have a Demo 2812. Test It First Hand 2813. Set Up a Focus Group 2814. Do a Competitor Analysis 2915. Look at real-time Data and Analytics 2916. Consider Future Returns on the Investment 29

PURCHASING FACTORS 31Price and Cost 31App Provider Location 32Web vs Native 33Looking at Features 34Checking App Provider Credentials 35

VITAL THINGS YOUR ORGANIZATION SHOULD CONFIRM BEFORE INVESTING IN AN APP 3626 Questions to Answer Internally Before Progressing Your Event App (Checklist) 38

TRICKY SUBJECTS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR MOBILE APP PROVIDER 3943 Questions to Ask Event App Providers (Checklist) 42

CHATBOT SPECIFIC CHALLENGES 4316 Questions to Ask Chatbot Providers (Checklist) 45

ISSUING AN EVENT APP REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) 46Event App RFP Sample Template 47

PROJECT TIMELINE TO PREPARE YOUR EVENT APP 50WHAT TO DO WHEN TIME IS LIMITED 51FEATURE TABLES 54MOBILE APP AND FEATURES GLOSSARY 61GEOLOCATION TABLES 67EVENTPROF SURVEY RESULTS 72ABOUT THE AUTHORS 73CMP CREDITS 74CREDITS 75DISCLAIMER 76

Page

AD

http://eventmb.com/2nfoRjz


INTRODUCTIONJulius Solaris

2017 is the year that will be remembered in the event app world. It will be the year when event apps started to change. That is why we called this year’s edition The Event App Bible, Reboot.

2017 is the before and after date for event apps. When we started this report 5 years ago, the event industry was very different. Apps were the latest cool thing. Things have massively changed. In what we have referred to as the second wave of event technology after online registration, event apps have been the most talked about, adopted and invested in type of technology for the event industry in a while.

2016 has been a very defining year. A combination of technological advancement and market saturation have impacted on event apps massively. Here are some of the factors that contributed to the change in event apps:

Tech. The recent developments in technology, the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning are profoundly changing the current technological landscape.

User Experience. The massive rise of voice activated platforms is deeply changing the way we interact with smartphones and intelligent devices.

Market. As we have diligently reported in the past editions, the growth in apps for event providers has been 20% year on year. With so much competition, the market has seen a lot of companies going out of business, downsizing or being acquired.

General App Adoption. While apps may have been the most exciting tech in 2009, we cannot expect the same buzz 8 years in. Apps are now a commodity. Numbers for app adoption are substantially down in the consumer market. Some could argue that event apps are needed to navigate what’s happening, some others could reply that most don’t bother downloading them as everything will be over in a matter of days.

www.evenium.com [email protected] Francisco / Paris

ConnexMe helped us bring a collaborative element both to general presentations and to

team-building workshops.

ConnexMe greatly facilitates the interaction between the speaker and his audience.

Franck COHENPresident of Europe, Middle East & Africa, SAP

Engage Your Corporate Event Attendees

ConnexMe brings a new dimension to our events. �ey become less formal and more

immersive for the guests.

Isabel SOUTOEvents Manager, BNP Paribas

with Evenium ConnexMe

Céline CARRERASHead of Internal Communication, Eurotunnel

AD

http://eventmb.com/2n7bz9i


Are Event Apps Doomed?You would be massively wrong to think so. The very fact they have become a commodity makes them essential for most events. Moreover, the recent changes in technology put them back into the hot spot, making them once again buzzworthy and exciting for events.

In fact, event apps are one of the most exciting areas of event technology, once again with the biggest potential to disrupt events.

2017 is the year event apps changed forever. Just like when we saw responsive design put websites back on the radar of event professionals, event apps have changed the way we experience events.

Curious to know why? Read on.


AD

http://eventmb.com/2lEw3cu


THE MAJOR TRENDS IN EVENT APPSJulius Solaris

The 2017 reboot of event apps is defined by major trends in technology affecting the event applications market. There is a substantial growth in both what app providers offer and what event professionals want that is rapidly reshaping the market.

So what are these trends in event apps and what should you look for when selecting the next app for your event?

1. Deep Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not something new. It’s been around for a while in many forms and applications. AI defines 2017 in its different application. Deep learning is one of the most exciting developments in artificial intelligence that is affecting the way we interact with technology. The ability of apps to learn from data, voice, signs is the number one trend for apps in 2017. The shift is massive and it impacts the very way we use apps. Deep learning is powering the evolution of event apps by providing immediate responses and actionable items for event professionals using apps by analyzing and sometimes predicting responses.

2. Chatbots/Concierge

Chatbots are the most visual application of artificial intelligence. They are computer powered chat interfaces where the user seems to interact with a person. The application of chatbots is immediately relevant for events. I don’t want to tap 5 different screens before getting an information.

Chatbots or concierge apps, help in getting relevant responses immediately. We asked if providers were offering chatbot or concierge features in their apps. We used both terminologies as they are both adopted. 14% of the providers listed in the report offer this functionality.


AD

http://eventmb.com/2lZIRp5


3. Voice Activation

Voice is yet again another facet of artificial intelligence. With the growth of voice activated platforms and increasing role of assistants such as Siri, Cortana, and Alexa, the event app of 2017 is definitely taking advantage of voice recognition. The apps that offer concierge services often offer voice interaction. Why is voice so revolutionary for event apps?

Once again it is a matter of convenience. What is more efficient, tapping away or just ask a question to your smartphone? Nobody prefers looking through pages of show guides over just asking a question to a member of staff. Voice recognition is one to watch in 2017.

4. Vertical vs Holistic Apps

A result of the explosion of apps in recent years, the market has adjusted to reflect either a verticalization of offering or a more holistic approach. Some apps have focused on very specific technology that helps in a defined area of the event, some others are becoming 360-degree tools that deliver a plethora of functions and options.

While there may be a business case for both approaches, integration seems to be the core requirement of whether you decide to adopt one or the other. How well your app provider integrates with your current technological infrastructure seems to be paramount, as once again suggested from our research with event professionals.

5. Social Extension

Social walls are by far one of the fastest growing extension of event mobile apps. Whether it is by means of integrated, on-screen feed within the app or via live display application, taking advantage of social media is key for all apps to retain attendees within the apps. As we have reported in previous editions, the use of social media in-app has a positive impact on app usage and attendee retention.

6. Matchmaking and Networking

We have highlighted in previous research how the attendee to attendee interaction is deeply connected to how we evaluate and

10


engage with events. Despite networking being one of the original features why apps were born, just half of the apps surveyed offer networking capabilities.

That comes as a shocker in an era where apps such as Tinder are facilitating matchmaking. Event app providers do not seem to embrace something that the audience of event professionals demands quite heavily.

7. Virtual Reality Gateways

Virtual reality, mostly by means of 360-degree (live) video is the biggest opportunity for events in 2017. How can you involve remote attendees that could not attend? Those event apps that offer virtual reality or 360-degree live video integration are the ones that immediately provide another opportunity for event professionals willing to involve remote audiences.

8. Support

In such a saturated market, what makes the difference when adopting event mobile apps? Consistently our research shows that having reliable support, possibly even onsite support at times is necessary to implement successful event app programs. Those companies able to guide event professionals and troubleshoot when things go wrong (because often they will) are to be favored in 2017.

Simple online support may not cut it for a very time sensitive type of event technology that requires a number of technological factors to be successful.

The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT

AD

http://eventmb.com/2lEGXPE


THE NEW BENEFITS OF USING A MOBILE APP AT EVENTS Julius Solaris

We conducted a research with over 300 event professionals sharing their opinion on the use of event apps. Their insights are extremely valuable in establishing the role event apps have today in the event industry.

47% of the surveyed event professionals still don’t use apps but 75% of them intend to adopt them, signaling a continued interest and growth opportunity for apps in events. What is driving that interest may be very different today from 6 or 7 years ago.

Some of the basic drivers behind event app selection remain the same. Above all, ditching paper guides remains one of the strongest reasons why event professionals turn to apps. The inherent cost effectiveness together with the incredible market penetration of smartphones makes apps a commodity for many events.



The ability to connect in real-time with attendees and push notifications about the event makes apps very palatable for many event professionals. The more attendees get to know about what is happening and understand the unfolding of the event the better they will connect with the objectives of the event planner.

Live engagement and feedback are cardinal reasons as to why event planners turn to apps. With many apps embracing audience response and feedback generation, event apps are effective allies in getting attendees to interact with the content presented and to gather feedback.

This is nothing new if you’ve read previous editions of this report. So what are the new benefits of event apps? What are trends such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality bringing to the plate?

Connecting Remote AttendeesEvents that have stagnated for a while on growth should embrace the opportunities brought along by the recent developments in live video. With Facebook, Twitter and Youtube embracing live streaming as well as 360-degree live video, we finally have the opportunity to deliver a properly immersive experience to those willing to follow online.

The anachronistic thought that live would cannibalize attendance is finally behind us. With phenomena like FOMO (fear of missing out) being the direct results of audiences experiencing events on social media, we can expect only positive things by involving online audiences. Apps are at the epicenter of this action. Whether it is by means of integration or by their own proprietary software, apps should be considered to extend the reach of our events.

Divest or Re-allocate Temporary StaffThe biggest benefit of chatbots and concierge features is to replace a human interaction on functional information. While no software will ever be able to calm down an angry customer or to connect with another individual on a personal level, software can be used to give trivial information. This is an evolution of what we already use apps for, but on steroids. Basic information such as where is something or what session is next is why we use apps as digital show guides. Artificial Intelligence brings along a whole new level of speed and user experience to the plate.



Apps should now be evaluated as an extension of your team, to save on temporary staff costs or to re-allocate temp staff budget to more sensible tasks such as security, one of the most pressing issues for event professionals in 2017.

A New Way to Check on Progress While most of the benefits of event apps seem to involve attendees first, many event professionals have pointed out in our research how going through setting up event applications has helped in streamlining the event planning process.

“We use event apps because they help streamline our work

and cut down costs in certain places/instances.

Event apps have come along way in the past couple of years

and they have changed the whole way we work as event

professionals.” Sean Mash, Social Media Marketing Manager, Grooveyard Event Management

Many apps offer very visual project management tools and progress monitoring tools. For a great part of the event industry, still relying on complex and fragmented spreadsheets to plan an event, this is a considerable step up. While this is not the most immediate benefit of using event apps, it is a very tangible result the widespread use of apps is having on event planners.

Real-time, Actionable DataThe deep learning, artificial intelligence component of new event mobile apps is bringing along the ability to deliver fast and actionable data about an event. If voice, data and face recognition are combined, event professionals could access a new whole array of tools to quickly exploit marketing opportunities or act on security issues.


Mobile Event AppsBe more relevant. More engaging. More personalized than

ever before. Your Cvent mobile event app can do it for you:

Personalized Schedule | Activity Feed | Live Q & A | Polling

4.3 Million+ Unique App Users in 2016

Your Next Event Just Got More Engaging.

See the app in action.

DOWNLOAD A DEMO

AD

http://eventmb.com/2nfzUZV


DO YOU NEED AN EVENT APP?Becki Cross

Have you used an event app before?

What did you learn?What would you change?

Was your adoption(download) rate good?

If you didn’t take time to analyse and understand the data last time, consider if you will have more time to invest in the app this time.

Was data and reporting available to you?

How can you improve this for next time?How will you change your strategy?

Can the app provider offer guidance, tips and tricks?

Think about what will encourage attendees to download the app. What are the benefits to them? How will you effectively communicate and

market the app to your attendees?? How will you support those who are unsure how to download and use the app?

Will there be support for those that need it?

Was your engagement (usage) rate good?

If the app didn’t give you this reporting and data, look to research and

work with another provider next time.

It is important to analyse and understand the data provided. How can you ensure

you will have more time to invest in the app next time? Can you start the process

earlier? Can you allocate extra resources?

Were you happy with the provider?Would you work with them again?

What would you change?

How can you improve this for next time? How will you change your strategy?

Can the app provider offer guidance, tips and tricks?

Was data and reporting available to you?

If the app didn’t give you thisreporting and data,

look to research and rethink your options.

Think about what will encourage attendees to engage with the app? What are the benefits to them.

What are the unique content and cool features available? How will you support those who are unsure how to use the app?

Is the WiFi robust at the venue or does the app work offline?

What is your main reason for having an event app?

Not sure

Seems like a cool thing to do

The app will solve all of our problems

Our competitor used an event app

To increase engagement

To meet CSR objectives

To deliver rich event analytics

To improve and simplify information distribution

To provide a revenue stream

To increase exposure for sponsors and exhibitors

To offer better problem solving and matching to attendees

To improve customer service

Investing in an event app might not be right for you at this time. Think about more solid objectives and motivations.

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

NOT SURE

YES NO

YES NO

NOT SURE

NO

FLOWCHART


Have you clarified your other key objectives for wanting an event app? Read and answer

Vital Things Your Organization Should Confirm Before Investing in an App

Do you have buy-in from your boss or board

or client?

ReadHow to Evaluate if an Event App

is Worthwhile for Your Event?

Do you know what budgetis available

to invest in the event app?

Confirm your allocated maximum budget. Also consider the bigger picture such as staff time and extras such as WiFi costs at the venue.

Do you know which features you are particularly interested in?

Mobile App and Features Glossarymay be useful

Have you got enough staff time and resources to allocate to the app?

Although it isn’t a possibility for this event why not start planning ahead for next year/your next event?

Are you looking for a native or web-enabled app?

Are you aware that it may take up to 2 weeks for native apps to gain approval from Apple?

Do you have plenty of time?

Have you got enough time and resources to create the app content, get it published, apply updates and then

market the app to your participants?

At least you know now before investing money into an app you cannot do justice to.

Although it isn’t a possibility for this event why not start planning ahead

for next year/your next event?

The Project Timeline for an Event App will be useful.

Have you researched which app(s) may be most suitable?

Could a chatbot be the solution for you? Read Chatbot Specific Challenges

The Features Tables and Online Tables will be helpful in narrowing down your search.

Have you issued an RFPto the best fit companies?

Read Tricky Subjects to Discuss with Your Mobile App Provider

Read Issuing an Event App Request For Proposal (RFP)

Are the shortlisted apps compatible with your other systems, e.g. CRM, registration?

Does this matter?

Back to the drawing board to choose an app which fits your

organization better.

Is data easy to upload? Have you identified the winning app?

Time to look at the reasons why, refine, reassess and start the

process again.

CONGRATULATIONS! The Project Timeline for an Event App will be useful to your own bespoke schedule. Read

Chatbot Specific Challenges if you are interested in concierge features.

Here is an Event App RFP Sample Template

You could consider a chatbot or a web-based app instead of a native app to save time waiting for approval if lead times are

really short. Read other tips in What to Do When Time is Limited

YES

YES

YES

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

NO

YES

NO

NO

YES NO

NO NO

NO

NO

NO

NO

YES YES

YES

YES

NO YES

YES

NOT SURE

NOT SURE

NATIVE WEB-ENABLED

YES


HOW TO EVALUATE IF AN EVENT APP IS WORTHWHILE FOR YOUR EVENTBecki Cross

Many event planners responding to our survey flagged up uncertainty whether an event app could add enough value to justify the expenditure. An event app can be a big commitment to make in terms of the event budget and also the time and resources which need to be invested. It seems that many eventprofs are still far from convinced. Chatbots are still a relatively new innovation for the event industry too so the benefits of having bot functionality may not be widely understood. Before pressing ahead it is vital to look at the bigger picture to be assured that you are making the right decision for your event.

Opinions from the survey were divided, as some of these quotes highlight:

“Event apps done right save time and money. They simplify communication to and from attendees.


The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT20 The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT

“Event apps are one of the best inventions for networking and productivity in the event planning space.

“Attendees loved the mobile app at our 2016 conference.

“We’ve eliminated paper programs and rely strictly on an event app now. The change has saved us a ton of money, we can make instant changes if the schedule changes and attendees seem to love it.

“It makes an event more interactive, alive, real and interesting for attendees, they are IN the process, not separated from what is happening. Our experience is successful in this field.

“Survey results show our attendees would not use one.

“They are not used, no traffic.

“We have tried event apps three times, 2014, 2015 and 2016 Conferences. The use was dismal. The App was pushed quite hard both years, but just not utilized. The cost could not be justified for 2017.

“Except for current clients, we will no longer offer event app development.

“Tried apps - the cost vs the return was too low.

“It is difficult to get executive buy-n.

Event planners probably know their event and the audience better than anyone. Often you will have a “gut feeling” whether an approach, such as implementing an event app, is the right fit, or not. Although more often than not your intuition may be correct, this is not sufficient to get others, who may be much more skeptical, on your side.

Even if you are certain that investing in an event app is right for your event there could still be resistance and reluctance from your boss, your client, the board or the rest of your team before you can implement an event app strategy. For the best chance of success, you need to take the time to research and present all the evidence. A rational, critical and professional approach, backed up by data, facts and figures has the potential to win the approval and investment of the wider event working group.

This section gives a framework for how to make your case and confidently address some of the most common concerns raised. Going through this evaluation process should mean that you can


have all the answers ready and can come to an informed decision everyone is happy with.

1. Know Your Audience

If you have used an event app previously at your event you should have access to really useful data including who downloaded the app, what devices the app was accessed on, how well the app was used and what the most visited content was.

If not, you will need to be a lot more creative in trying to get a clearer picture about your audience, particularly if this is a brand new event, rather than a repeated, established event. To gauge how tech-savvy your delegates are, some of the things to think about might be:

G When you send out email campaigns what percentage are accessed from mobile versus desktop? Is this higher or lower than other events/markets you work with?

G What is the seniority level of those attending in the past and registering to attend for this year? Are they high-level executives? Operations personnel?

G What do you know about the audience demographics? Do you have an idea of the age range of those attending?

G At past events was interaction on social media high?

G Is there an active social media interest, following and response?

G At previous events did you notice people checking their phones? Did people seem to be using more than one device? Was there a high demand for charging points?

G What has the response been to online and electronic information issued? Are they receptive to online surveys for example? Do you receive many calls for support with people having difficulty with your online registration system or other such warning signs?

G Can you ask your audience if they would be interested in an event app via a quick poll on social media or a survey? Can you pick up the phone and ask a few attendees if they have a few minutes to give their honest feedback?

These are of course only indicators, but hopefully, it could start to give a clearer picture of how receptive or not your audience may be.

For some industry sectors, security and confidentiality are taken extremely seriously and it may be very complex or impossible to try to introduce an event app. These markets may include pharmaceuticals, medicine, banking, the military and government.

21


2. Analyze the Event Objectives

Look at your overall event objectives; what do you want to achieve and could an event app help to deliver? Here are some examples of wider event objectives and how an app may contribute:

G Event objective

To grow your customer base and increase customer loyalty.

An event app is one of the ways potential attendees can evaluate your event and whether they should attend, before even booking a place. It is also a way to cement your brand and company personality. This could be particularly true if you use a chatbot as it emulates a human relationship and communications.

G Event objective

To be seen as the top innovator and thought leader in your industry.

Using a groundbreaking app or chatbot could help to differentiate your event from competitors, but most importantly it could also offer greater feedback and insights from those attending through polling, Q&A, surveys, reporting, content curation, data analytics, etc. If you use a chatbot you should have access to the chat log history to see the specific questions attendees are asking your bot. By having your finger on the pulse and access to this privileged and insightful information you can gain a better understanding of your audience and use this data to your advantage, for example when programming content for next year’s event or deciding what to invest in.

If you go down the route of a chatbot this can be seen as a bold and innovative move as, depending on the industries you work in, you may be an early adopter and it is probably something your competitors haven’t implemented yet. A certain kudos could come from being the first to offer the technology to your event attendees, in the same way, event apps were a big talking point for the thought leaders that first introduced them to their events many years ago.

G Event objective:

To create a green event in line with CSR objectives.

An app can help to vastly reduce the amount of printing required by removing the need for a printed event brochure and abstract guide. Many organizations are committing to going paperless and reducing their carbon footprint so an event app supports these ideals but ensure that the attendee has all the information they need in one place. It can go further than just the event printing



too. If attendees can connect and share contact details via the app, this reduces the reliance on paper business cards and sharing hard copies of their research.

G Event objective:

To create more business opportunities for attendees, sponsors and exhibitors.

The app may be able to offer intelligent matchmaking, 1-to-1 appointment setting, lead retrieval, and to offer more robust statistics which can help recruit new revenues (e.g. exhibitors and sponsors) in the future. For example, you may be able to analyze footfall and movement across the venue, the number of leads generated by each exhibitor, the number of downloads of content, the number of clicks on sponsor banners and so forth. If your app has chatbot capabilities the bot may be able to specifically highlight people you should meet at the event and could even set up a meeting for you.

G Event objective

To make a profit.

Although there is likely to be a cost for the app, does it also offer significant potential savings and opportunities to generate revenue? For example, by automating processing does it cut down staff time spent on manual tasks such as matchmaking and appointment setting and considerably cut costs? Apps often give precedence to your sponsors and detailed analytics, which could encourage them to come on board and support the event in the first place. See 7. Undertake a Cost-Benefit Analysis for more information about this

3. Consider Specific App Objectives

It is useful to formulate specific objectives for the event app too. What would prove that the event app was a success? What will give a positive ROI and satisfy your boss and the event board members?

Think about the opportunities an event app will give you to measure data more scientifically. Particularly look ahead to the future and gather data that will help you to sell your event to sponsors, partners and attendees next year. Some of the stats which could be useful include:

G The adoption and engagement rate with the app

23


G The amount of activity before, during and after the event

G Click-through rate to sponsors and exhibitors

G Downloads and favorites

G Most popular sessions

G Exhibitor lead retrieval

G The number of positive matches identified by the app

G Connection requests and private messages sent

G Appointments scheduled via the app

G In-app searches

G Poll results, questions submitted, session ratings, surveys and feedback

G Chatbot query log

G The amount of user-generated content such as photos, videos, social media updates

G The content that attendees engaged with most

4. Segment Your Users

Think about the different groups that will use and benefit from the app, such as the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, press, VIPs and the event management team. Each of these will have very different and specific requirements from an app.

G Segment the main user groups and look at an event app from each perspective:

G What would be their motivation to use your event app?

G Think about what their pain points are and how an app can address these.

G How will the event app make their lives easier or better?

G Why should they bother to download and use the app?

Some apps allow you to create different profiles which give different permissions and functions to different users, so this is something to think about now in terms of how to satisfy different target users. For example, within a single app: exhibitors may be able to use it for lead retrieval, the press could have access to press releases and downloads, event managers could moderate live questions submitted, and VIPs could use it to access special areas on the event floor.



5. Research the Options

Whatever your specific event requirements, there is likely to be an app out there which can meet all (or most) of your essential demands. If you can determine your anticipated needs you will then be able to get an idea of which app providers offer a good fit. Vitally this can also start to give an indication of the likely costs involved so you know if it is within reach.

It is much easier to pitch your case for an event app to your boss based on precise, tangible products on the market, rather than your wish list or what you think is available. By undertaking detailed research into products it can also open your eye to other useful functionality which would be useful but you didn’t even know was possible.

6. Work Out the Total Investment Cost

The cost of an app can vary from free to over $100,000 if you require a bespoke build. Keep in mind too that the off-the-shelf starting price advertised for an app may differ substantially from the end price if modifications, a custom build, support and extras are required. Ensure that the cost you are sharing with your boss is as close as possible to the complete anticipated end price, otherwise, you may get agreement for an app that can’t actually be delivered within your agreed projected budget.

Don’t forget that your boss will want to know the bigger picture too. The cost of the app itself does not give the full true cost of the investment - for example, the staff hours required to set up the app within the team, costs such as upgrading the WiFi at the venue and providing extra support staff on site to answer questions attendees may have about the app.

7. Undertake a Cost-Benefit Analysis

A cost-benefit analysis is a useful exercise to undertake and to present the hard financial facts to your boss. Although there is an outlay in terms of the investment in the app and the time and resources required, there may also be cost-savings to be made, for example:

G Reducing printing costs by removing the need for items such as the event brochure, daily updates/press, abstract catalog, delegate list, sponsor inserts, evaluation forms.

25


G Potentially removing the need for event badges if check in is via the app or only printing badges on demand to ensure there is no waste.

G Eliminating the need for conference folders or bags.

G Reducing staff time dedicated to tasks which can be automated via the app such as matchmaking and appointment scheduling.

G Removing the requirement for staff to “stuff” delegate folders/bags.

G Cutting out the delivery and shipping costs for the items listed above.

It is interesting to start considering these other potential knock-on savings to the event budget. The larger the event the more cost effective an event app is likely to become. Large conventions sometimes find that an event app saves them money when the hefty design and printing costs are removed. Some event app providers offer a cost saving calculator via their website which will do this cost analysis for you.

8. Address Concerns from the Event Team

Particularly in the lead up to the live event, event planners can work ridiculously long hours. It is understandable therefore for resistance from management if they believe it will increase their wage bill and/or possibly reduce staff morale by placing extra demands on staff. Likewise, if team members are worried about an event app adding to their workload and causing extra pressure, they are less likely to embrace it enthusiastically.

Look for app solutions which are easy to set up and avoid extra work or duplication. Some apps may integrate or easily pull data from your event registration site or allow easy importing of data from a CSV or Excel file. Others will need data to be re-entered manually or supplied in different formats to allow it to be imported. As an event planner you probably have all the information required at your fingertips, but making this process as pain-free as possible is good.

There may be other worries too, so take time to listen and address these specifically. Other real concerns might be around operational issues. For instance, if there is slide sharing functionality, how quick and easy is it for slides to be imported and how will this affect the deadlines for speakers submitting their presentations? What happens if there are last-minute



changes to the presentation on the day of the event?

Consider that having an event app may change people’s behavior too. As people are aware that an app can often be updated in real-time and is more flexible to update than a printed event guide they may be less respectful of deadlines and submit data late. Even if your team or event partners can add and update information directly themselves it may still need a lot of chasing to ensure that it is done promptly. No one wants an unpopulated or out of date event app.

9. Undertake a Risk Analysis

Appreciate that there are potential risks in taking the decision to use an event app or any event technology, and be prepared to answer tricky questions from your boss. It may help to undertake a written risk analysis addressing some common concerns, large and small, and determining what the backup plan is. For example:

G What if there is a mistake in the content on the app?

G What would we do in case of WiFi fail?

G What if no one downloads and uses the app?

G What happens if the app fails completely?

G What if the app goes over budget?

G What if there is a data security breach?

G What if we find it is incompatible with specific phones/operating systems?

G What if the bot can’t answer the attendees’ queries?

By looking at the worse case scenarios you will be better placed to deal with any problems effectively in the moment. You want to ensure that the decision to use an event app was made and agreed for all the right reasons. Undertaking an honest and comprehensive review of the potential opportunities for things to go wrong is a very important exercise.

10. Investigate Peer Reviews

Ask app providers for case studies and evidence from events similar to your own. Can they provide testimonials, proven data

27


and reviews? This body of evidence can be revealing and useful.

You don’t just want to take their word for it though. Ideally, the app company may be able to put you in contact with previous clients who have used the app and are willing to have a short, private conversation with you and your boss so you can find out the low down and discuss any specific concerns.

Don’t forget to check how the app is rated in the app stores too.

11. Have a Demo

Every app provider should be able to invite you to have a demonstration of their product. This is the best way to understand the capabilities and potential that an event app can offer and navigate around the back system. If possible encourage your boss and wider team to join you for the demo of the product too. This can hopefully show how easy it is to set up the app, to make quick updates and also demonstrate the features and capability that a delegate, or your different users, would experience.The provider can also answer specific concerns and questions and focus on the unique selling points of the product over their competitors.

12. Test It First Hand

All providers should be able to recommend a live event app for a similar event project using their platform for event planners to download and test out. This is useful in terms of appreciating the navigation and customization, however, this won’t necessarily give an insight to any live event capability such as polling and live Q&A.

If you attend an event yourself and are impressed with the event app they are using, find out the provider and enquire for further information. This is particularly useful if you are able to test first-hand functions such as slide sharing, Q&A, polling, lead retrieval and location based notifications in a live event environment.

When creating your own app some providers also offer a test version or a 14-day free trial so you can see exactly what your app could look like, before committing to any payment.

13. Set Up a Focus Group

It is important to find out what your key stakeholders think, be they exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees or event staff. Consider having a small focus group to gauge the reaction



towards a few test apps and learn what they like and don’t like and what they would want to see in your event app. The results may give the confidence to progress with an event app or may reveal that it isn’t the right time for your audience. It may show that the expectations from an event app and the reality of what is available and what can be afforded do not match. Or you may realize that actually a simple app focused on a few key features is what is really needed.

14. Do a Competitor Analysis

It isn’t always easy to know what your competitors are planning and having an event app just to keep up with them is a poor reason to implement an event app. Copying others is a dangerous practice and recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, it is interesting to know what are they doing, if they have used an event app or chatbot, or if they are they planning to? It may be that this impacts your decision and perhaps you will actually decide not to have an event app or bot if a close competitor is just introducing one for their event.

Innovate. Don’t imitate.

15. Look at real-time Data and Analytics

One of the strongest arguments for having an event app is the possibility for strong data, the opportunity to understand your audience better and use reporting to gain more revenue and make better decisions in the future.

Look at your event and app objectives identified earlier in this process and correlate and compare the real-time data and analytics available from all event apps you are considering. The data that can be measured and the reporting and exporting which is available via the apps you are interested in may identify a clear winner. Hopefully, there will be good synergy between the app and your requirements and any app which is weak in this area is not likely to be a good investment.

16. Consider Future Returns on the Investment

This is difficult to quantify and not scientific, but you should also think about ways in which the investment in the app now may lead to increased potential revenue in the future, such as:

29


G More connections and better attendee networking, helping to fulfill the main objective of attending the event for many participants.

G Targeted messages to change attendee behaviors e.g. to encourage greater footfall to exhibitors or deal with a room change more efficiently.

G Greater satisfaction of exhibitors and hopefully more business done as a result of better matchmaking, appointment scheduling and lead retrieval.

G Valuable event pictures, video and other content shared via the app.

G A greater insight into the pain points/interests/requirements of the attendees via audience response or chatbot capability, which may help with future programming decisions.

G Better feedback to make improvements to the event - hopefully resulting in increased demand/greater ticket sales in future years.

G Information available to attendees via the app or chatbot 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

G Opportunities to personalize and improve the service you can offer attendees through machine learning.

G More robust analytics to assist with future exhibitor sales and sponsorship negotiations.

G An opportunity to expand the life cycle of the event by keeping the community engaged via the event app and more inclined to purchase tickets.

These considerations may appeal to a forward-thinking boss, looking ahead to the future.

Investing in any #eventtech needs to be a well thought out decision rather than a nice to have, a gut feeling or keeping up with your competitors. By undertaking this evaluation process you can be certain that it is the right move for your event, attendees and stakeholders. You might have only one chance to sell an event app to your boss, client or board so by going through this detailed analysis you will be well prepared to give all the answers.

Good luck!



PURCHASING FACTORSJulius Solaris

Once you have established the need for an event app and have defined a clear mobile event app strategy it is time to make an actual decision on which app to choose. This is usually where confusion kicks in. In fact, the offerings are so numerous and diverse that it is almost too much to take in.

After learning about hundreds of event professionals’ experiences with selecting apps we came to the conclusion that five factors usually influence the decision. Evaluating the following selection criteria will help to simplify your decision-making process.

Price and Cost For event professionals using an event app for the first time price is a major factor influencing the decision. In fact, a good model is to start with a small investment in year one and then build into larger app programs. We cannot emphasize enough the difference between the app price and actual cost to your organization. The latter includes the price of the app plus the time needed to roll the app out.



While price usually drives overall costs, it’s also good practice to look at the time needed to set up the app and what support is available from the app provider. The online tables include pricing (at least of those apps that disclose such information) yet it is still difficult to offer an objective overview of the actual cost to your company. That cost usually depends on the structure, size and skills of your team. Looking at the app price is an excellent start but we encourage you to look at the full picture before making a decision, that includes delving into the features, trying the product and carefully evaluating the support you will receive. Low-cost or free apps are usually a good place to investigate initially. ‘Freemium’ models, where you can get started for free and then upgrade later, provide a low-risk way to get started and a pathway to keep investing if your app program is successful.

Also, consider that some of the apps listed as pricing Not Disclosed in our online tables are in fact free or low-cost apps offered by a registration provider. The deal is that if you use their registration platform the event app is offered at little or no cost and is fully integrated with the back-end data provided. This could be an appealing option to many eventprofs.

App Provider LocationThe second factor influencing app program decision-making is geographic location and the support network of the app provider. The availability of the app provider in the country where your event is held may be key for a successful app program. If this is the first time you are going to use an app for your event you will want the app provider to be readily available in your timezone to contact for troubleshooting should anything go wrong. The same is true if you run a very complex app. The risks associated with organic app architectures are usually high. Having the provider at hand may help to ensure that everything goes to plan. While the country of origin of the app is a good indication of the time zone where the provider operates, sometimes large app providers feature wider support programs, custom setup, and dedicated event teams. Therefore, we strongly suggest you give consideration to geographic location and to refer to individual app providers to find out more about their support network.


http://eventmanagerblog.com/members/register/


Web vs NativeThe decision to use a web-based or native app is not straightforward. There are many factors involved and each alternative has different pros and cons for event planners.

A Native App, which is developed specifically for each operating system (e.g. iOS, Android) offers many benefits in terms of functionality, user experience, reliability and responsiveness. Apps must be approved by the app stores before being available for download. With Apple, this could take 1 or 2 weeks for approval. Native apps can offer more sophisticated features on the whole than web applications. Users must agree to the permissions of the application to download a native app but this can enable the app to integrate with the smartphone’s hardware and data such as camera, address book, microphone and accelerometer (automatic screen rotation).

Native apps allow the use of push notifications, alerting users when their attention is required or when new content is available. This gives an opportunity to regularly engage and bring your audience back to the app.

The downsides of a native app are that space is required on the device to download, which not all attendees may be willing to do for a one off event and possible concern about what data the app is extracting from the device about the user. The user must also download it from the specific store, typically consisting of them searching for the app within the store and downloading it to their device of choice.

Another thing to consider when choosing a mobile app, is that all content should be dynamic. This ensures a seamless transition for the user in the case of information changes, additions or deletions.. However, consider that if a structural issue exists, an app update is required, which of course varies per mobile ecosystem. For example on Apple, an app update is required to be sent off to Apple to re-test and ensure the app follows their guidelines of app development (this takes as long as it takes for Apple to get around to reviewing your application, there is no set timeframe). A web app, on the other hand, consists of the user navigating to a specific web address on their mobile device, which of course can be updated in real-time without any need for user intervention or agreement. However, it proves more difficult when wanting to include some form of persistence to the application, typically this is where you want to store the user’s login, or

33


information such as favoriting content to be viewed when no data connection is available.

Web-based apps operate across multiple platforms, operating systems and devices rather than being developed natively. Users do not need to download the app, although some web-based apps may offer a shortcut which looks like an app icon. This potentially removes the issue of users being unwilling to download due to limited storage space on their phone. The benefits of web apps are fast and easy updates from the event planner and for the end user, quick availability (particularly important if lead times for your event are short) and perhaps also cost.

Web apps can however only access a limited amount of native features. It can be more difficult to build a loyal user base from web apps as you cannot send push notifications. Also as web apps don’t appear on the app store you may be missing an opportunity for marketing your event and app.

Web apps are however less of a privacy and security risk as they do not require permissions on download like a native app but can ask for permissions as required without requiring an update or re-installation.

There are also benefits of the desktop and mobile experience being streamlined.

Some web apps also allow content to be stored and accessed even when offline.

A Hybrid App (web and native) can potentially offer an almost native experience but with benefits of speed of development and cost. Offering a seamless experience to attendees whether they are using their desktop, smartphone or tablet will be appealing to many Event Planners, however, a truly native app will always be the most responsive and intuitive option.

Looking at FeaturesFeatures usually are the strongest decision-making factor in the app selection process. By matching features to pricing most consumers usually have a clear idea of what they are getting. It is also important to carefully assess the features offered. In



fact, there are often different levels of complexity found for the same feature. Saying that you should check which features are offered is sterile. Looking at how these features are implemented is a better course of action. While the feature tables in this guide and the online tables will help you to quickly assess whether or not an app has a feature you are looking for, we suggest to further investigate how this feature is implemented before making your final decision.

We cannot stress enough how more is not necessarily better.

Checking App Provider Credentials Some event and meeting professionals give substantial weight to the credentials of the app provider. Usually, this is one of the most detailed sections of the app Request For Proposal (RFP).

We believe that checking app provider’s credentials is extremely important. We invite you to use this report as a starting point to visit app websites, ask for client references and search social networks for opinions. This is especially true if you are looking for a highly supported app. With such a large and competitive market, there is a lot of hype by providers to emphasize their own credibility. We believe that the technology of the app should be carefully reviewed in conjunction with the reputation of the company. In those cases where you are comparing companies and the technology provided is exactly the same, huge price discrepancies are not justified by reputation alone.

The final decision is a mixture of the above five factors, your team’s skills, time available, the size of your event, your budget, your mobile program objectives and last, but by no means least, your gut feeling.

35


VITAL THINGS YOUR ORGANIZATION SHOULD CONFIRM BEFORE INVESTING IN AN APPBecki Cross

There are several vital pieces of information which should be confirmed internally within your organization or event team before progressing your event app. If the evaluation process has confirmed that implementing an event app is the right thing to do it will also have opened dialogue and helped to start defining your requirements more clearly, which may differ entirely from what you originally thought your needs would be. At this stage, if you can determine answers to these vital questions before approaching (or re-opening) discussions with event app providers and issuing a Request For Proposal (RFP), you will be in a much stronger position to communicate your event app strategy and achieve what you want.

PrioritiesFrom the evaluation process, your priorities for having an event app should be much clearer to everyone. If you can list the importance or weighting of your main objectives for having an app this will make it easier to shortlist the potential app solutions that fit your criteria and to ensure everyone is in agreement and support of the final decision.

UsersIf you have identified users with different needs, certain app users may take priority. For example, the needs of your paying partners - such as sponsors and exhibitors - may need to be given preference over the things your attendees would ideally like to see in the app. You may be happy with one app to meet everyone’s needs or you may prefer to segment how different groups use and access the app, so this needs to be given some thought.



Chatbots and Artificial Intelligence (AI)You may have identified that you are most interested in a chatbot or in an event app which offers chatbot capabilities. If so you need to give some thought to how this will be most useful. For example, voice control may not be required but you may be looking for features powered by AI to enable better problem solving and greater personalization.

Roles and ResponsibilitiesThe staff that have been identified to manage and input into the event app should be confirmed at this stage. To ensure that they are fully up to speed before a final decision is taken, it makes sense to involve them in the reviewing process. Even if the app allows exhibitors to upload data directly themselves it is still likely to need some chasing to prompt people to submit. It will also help to identify early on who will be responsible for updates and queries on site at the live event.

BudgetNow is the time to identify the true budget you have available to spend on the event app, any contingency that is available and to be realistic about the other resources which may be required, such as investment in boosting the WiFi strength.

Success and FailureConsider what you expect for the event app to be recognized as a success, and what would be seen as a failure. By visualizing different outcomes you will be able to ask more probing questions to the event app providers.

CommunicationStart to think about communicating the app to your attendees and the reasons that will encourage them to download and use the app.

TimescalesMap out the key milestones for the event, including when you will have data to populate the app, when you would like to announce the app to attendees and the different opportunities to remind people to download.



© What are your top 3 priorities for implementing an event app in order of importance?

© Who are the different user groups?

© Do you need an app to offer different access to different users? Or can it be the same for all users?

© Is it important to satisfy specific user’s needs as a priority?

© What features are most important to different users?

© Do you know what devices your attendees are using?

© Are you looking for an event app or chatbot?

© Do you want chatbot functions to be available within your app?

© Is voice control required?

© Is AI important to you?

© Who will take the lead on the app?

© Which team members will support on the app?

© Who will make updates on the day of the event?

© Who will be responsible for chasing up exhibitors, sponsors, etc for information?

© Should stakeholders be able to add information directly themselves?

© What is the total budget available?

© Is any contingency available?

© What other resources will be made available to make the app a reality?

© Define what success will look like in terms of your event app?

© Define what failure will look like in terms of your event app?

© How will you communicate to attendees about the app? What is the communications plan?

© What will encourage your attendees to download and use the app?

© What is the lead time?

© What are the key deadlines you are working towards?

© How will the data and stats from the app be used?

© Is password protection required?

CHECKLIST

38

26 QUESTIONS TO ANSWER INTERNALLY BEFORE PROGRESSING YOUR EVENT APP


TRICKY SUBJECTS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR MOBILE APP PROVIDER Becki Cross

You will already have lots of questions to ask the event app providers you are considering working with, however, this section highlights some difficult questions you may also want to discuss before making a final decision.

Lead TimeThe event app providers you are talking to will be in the best position to let you know how much lead time is required, or recommended, to get the most from the investment. They will know from experience how long it generally takes an event planner from signing the contract to populating the app. They will also be submitting apps to Apple every day and so will have a fairly accurate idea of the current wait times (all iOS apps need to get approval from Apple, which varies but can take over a week). Often the more time that is available the better the response in terms of encouraging downloads and usage prior to the event.



Set UpIf the app integrates with your registration platform you may be able to pull the data that way to populate the app or to import the data via CSV or Excel files. The app may need you to manipulate the data you have into a specific format, which can be time-consuming in itself. It is important to know the options and how complex this is likely to be, otherwise, you might be typing in all the event details manually.

Support It is vital to know what support is available to event planners and attendees. Even if it is a self-service product you are looking for the peace of mind that someone is available to help when you need it. This is also why location can still be an important factor when deciding on an event app provider as operating in the same time zone will give you the best chance of being able to reach the support team when you need help.

Adoption and EngagementProbe the event app providers in terms of the download and usage rates you should realistically expect from the app and ask for tips on how to ensure the best chance of success. Ask for their help and advice for how to increase usage before, during and after the event.

Revenue Generation and Cost SavingsThe best apps offer opportunities for increased revenue to be generated by offering extra exposure and features which are of interest to your sponsors and exhibitors. Most importantly it also enables engagement to be tracked and analyzed for accurate reporting to your stakeholders. At the same time, the app should enable you to save money too in terms of reduced staff input, conference bag and printing costs.

Pitfalls Don’t be afraid to ask event app providers what the downsides of the app are. It should be easy to see the benefits but you also want to be aware of anything that lets it down too, for example, things that it doesn’t do, any negative feedback received and areas they are working on improving. They might be surprised to be asked this question but hopefully, they will give an honest answer so that you are prepared.

WiFiWe all know that WiFi is still notoriously slow, unreliable and unstable in many venues when under pressure from numerous



event attendees, despite what they tell you on the site visits. It is important to find out exactly what functions are reliant on WiFi and what happens it the signal drops out completely.

Reviews from Other PlannersTalking to planners of similar event projects who have used the app is the best way of getting the honest lowdown on the product and learning from their experience. It is also the sign of a genuine app provider if they are happy to connect people, as it means that they are confident in the product they are offering.

User Data and Privacy PolicyIf you are accessing user data ensure that this is clearly defined in your Privacy Policy. Apps must request permission to access data from the user but this can be offputting to some of your audience who will prefer not to download the event app if they are not happy with the level of access being requested.

Security, Legislation and ComplianceWhether you are looking for an event app or Chatbot it is likely that you will be handling personal data and so you must ensure that you are working within the law. Over 100 countries worldwide have adopted comprehensive data protection and privacy laws to protect personal data held by private bodies. The laws apply to personal information held in both electronic and physical form and to all or nearly all subject areas. More information can be found here: National Comprehensive Data Protection/Privacy Laws and Bills 2016.

The legislation will vary depending on the country you operate and the type of data you are handling but you may need to ensure compliance with the following, as relevant:Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) - WorldwideData Protection Act 1998 (DPA) - UKEU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - EuropeHealth Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) - USSarbanes–Oxley Act (SOX) - USFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) - USPersonal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) - CanadaThe Privacy Act 1988 - Australia

Reporting and AnalyticsAccessing and exporting real-time data is one of the big benefits of using an event app. Check exactly what reporting and statistics are available, particularly the valuable information that will be helpful to feedback to event stakeholders, sponsors and exhibitors.

41

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1951416

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1951416

https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/contents

https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-reform/overview-of-the-gdpr/

https://aspe.hhs.gov/report/health-insurance-portability-and-accountability-act-1996

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarbanes%E2%80%93Oxley_Act

https://ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html

https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/

https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/


© What operating systems and devices does the app work on?

© What lead time is required?

© What is maximum and minimum lead time you would recommend for the best results?

© How long is Apple currently taking to approve your apps on average?

© Does the app integrate with a registration provider? Can it extract the data that way?

© Are there other integrations and APIs available?

© What other resources are needed, e.g. barcode scanners, tablets, robust WiFi, charging points?

© What content can be added?

© What formats are supported e.g. HTML, video, pictures, downloads, links?

© How can the event details be populated?

© What opportunities does your app offer for revenue generation?

© Do you have a cost-benefit calculator available on your website?

© Is it easy to add speakers and exhibitors confirmed late in the day?

© Can exhibitors and sponsors be granted access to add their data directly?

© What support is available to event planners?

© How can support be contacted?

© During what hours are the support team contactable?

© What timezone do you work on?

© How quickly should an event planner or attendee expect a response to a support request?

© Is there an option for the app to be set up on your behalf?

© What does this cost?

43 QUESTIONS TO ASK EVENT APP PROVIDERS

CHECKLIST

© Do you have support available for app users and are the support channels the same as for an event planner?

© Are there videos, picture tutorials, text instructions, web chat, a helpline number, etc?

© Can you provide an on-site event support team?

© What download and usage rates you should realistically expect from the app?

© How can you ensure the best chance of success in terms of adoption?

© How can you encourage engagement before, during and after the event?

© What are the ‘cons’ of the app?

© What features rely on WiFi?

© What happens if the signal drops?

© Can the app operate via phone signal (3G/4G)?

© What checks can be done to check the bandwidth at the venue?

© Can the app use location features such as beacons?

© Is it compatible with wearable devices?

© How, and in what formats, can data be exported from the app?

© Can you put me in contact directly with event planners of similar events that have used your app?

© Can the app be used for multiple events?

© Is data held securely and safely?

© What measures are in place to avoid data being hacked?

© Is the app compliant with all relevant data protection legislation?

© Can you provide a sample Privacy Policy?

© Are passwords encrypted?

© Is financial and password information kept separate to personal details?


CHATBOT SPECIFIC CHALLENGESBecki Cross

Set UpAsk the provider how information should be provided to get the chatbot operating. Set up times are generally much quicker than a traditional event app and some allow you to name and brand the event app to fit your event. It may operate within an event app and/or through Facebook Messenger, your standard mobile texting app, WhatsApp, webchat, or other popular messaging providers so check how it operates.

Machine LearningThe more queries asked to a chatbot the more accurate the responses can become as you can add new solutions and information to the library as they are flagged up. The provider will be able to advise how much time and input is required to ensure you have a helpful bot.

Brand VoiceEnsure that your bot speaks the same language. For example, a cool event brand aimed at the younger generation may encourage ‘text speak’ and emojis in a way that would not be suitable in a bot aimed at high-level executives.



Artificial IntelligenceAI can be used to offer more intelligent matchmaking, problem solving and logic. Discuss with the app provider the ways AI is used within the app to make better decisions or offer better solutions to users.

PersonalizationA big bonus of chatbots is that it can be used to personalize the experience for the attendee through personal recommendations and learning the user’s likes and dislikes. Ask the provider how this works in practice and what this means for the future.

Chatbot User Data and PrivacyIf your chatbot works through other apps and channels such as Facebook Messenger, text, or WhatsApp the user is likely to already have this app installed on their device and they will not, therefore, be asked for permission to access data (as they would when installing a native event app for the first time). It is vital therefore that if your event chatbot operates through third-party applications that you make clear to users any data that you will access and what you will do with this data. It is vital to be transparent, trustworthy and have a robust privacy policy in place.

Chatbot Security and Data ProtectionYour bot builds up a library of data and history so it is important to ensure that the data is handled securely and in line with legislation and regulations (see Security, Legislation and Compliance).


© What data should be added initially?

© What format should this data be provided?

© How long does it take to get up and running?

© Which platforms does the chatbot work on?

© Can the app be named and branded?

© If the bot cannot answer a question how is this flagged?

© How can you train the bot to speak in a way that fits your event and brand?

© How can you guarantee that the bot will stay true to your brand voice?

© Can the bot use emojis?

© How is AI used to improve the experience?

© Does the chatbot personalize recommendations?

© How is data exported? E.g. survey data, chat log.

© Is security and storage of your chatbot data fully compliant in line with regulations?

© How does the chatbot access user data?

© What privacy policy needs to be put in place outlining any user data the chatbot will access?

© How should you make it clear to users how their data will be used and handled?

CHECKLIST

16 QUESTIONS TO ASK CHATBOT PROVIDERS

45


ISSUING AN EVENT APP REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)Becki Cross

Once you have a shortlist of potential app providers you are interested in you are likely to need a more formal quotation detailing the exact costs and what precisely is included in each package. At this stage, it is usual to issue a Request For Proposal (RFP) as this can be the most comprehensive way to get detailed information back, in a format that allows you to easily compare responses.

We have prepared a handy RFP template which you can complete and issue to the providers you are most interested in.



EVENT APP RFP SAMPLE TEMPLATERequest For Proposal

From: (Organisation name) __________________________________________________________To: (Event App Provider Name) _______________________________________________________Date of RFP issue: _________________________________________________________________Required Response Date: ___________________________________________________________

EVENT DETAILS

Event Name: ______________________________________________________________________Event Website: ____________________________________________________________________Date: ____________________________________________________________________________Format (e.g. Plenary Sessions, Breakout Sessions, 5 tracks running concurrently): _____________Venue Full Address: ________________________________________________________________Number of Attendees: ______________________________________________________________Number of Exhibitors: ______________________________________________________________Level and Number of Sponsors: ______________________________________________________Event Brief Overview: ______________________________________________________________

Target Audience and Overview: _______________________________________________________Audience Devices/Technology: _______________________________________________________Details of Event Apps Used in the Past (providers, uptake, most popular features, etc): __________

Primary Objectives of the Event:1. ______________________________________________________________________________2. ______________________________________________________________________________3. ______________________________________________________________________________4. ______________________________________________________________________________5. ______________________________________________________________________________

EVENT APP

Primary Objectives of the Event App1. _____________________________________2. _____________________________________3. _____________________________________4. _____________________________________5. _____________________________________

Must Have Features1. _______________________________________________________________________________2. _______________________________________________________________________________3. _______________________________________________________________________________4. _______________________________________________________________________________5. _______________________________________________________________________________6. _______________________________________________________________________________7. _______________________________________________________________________________8. _______________________________________________________________________________9. _______________________________________________________________________________10. ______________________________________________________________________________

PRINT ME


Budget (if this can be disclosed): ______________________________________________________

Information Requested from the App ProviderLead Contact Name: _______________________________________________________________Email: ___________________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________________________________Website: _________________________________________________________________________

Overview of the App____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What operating systems and devices does the app work on?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Features and Functionality Offered____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Menu Options and Content____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How is content added?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How quickly do changes and updates show up?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How can the app be used for communication with attendees?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What opportunities are available for revenue generation?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


How does your app enable event planners to save money?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What integrations do you offer?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Which features rely on WiFi to operate?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please provide examples of apps provided for similar event projects?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please include sample reports of statistics, data and analytics and how the data can be accessed and exported. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please give details of encryption, security and data protection compliance.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What differentiates your app from competitor apps? What are your USPs?_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please disclose the price of your app.______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are the payment terms for your app?______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When a Decision will be MadeShortlisting: ______________________________________________________________________Final Decision: ____________________________________________________________________How you will be notified: ____________________________________________________________

Person to Contact in Case of Any QuestionsName: ___________________________________________________________________________Email: ___________________________________________________________________________Phone: __________________________________________________________________________

The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT50 The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT50

PROJECT TIMELINE TO PREPARE YOUR EVENT APPBecki Cross

It isn’t easy to create a specific timeline for implementing an event app. Lead times, your event requirements, demands and timescales are different for native, web-enabled, hybrid apps and chatbots. Every event is different and every app has unique features and nuances. We have however tried to look past this and create a basic project timeline as a useful starting point.

The plan is an outline for your events when you do have the time and resources to invest fully in your mobile app program. We have based this on a 12-month lead time as you may have for an annual event or large event project. This chart can of course still act as a starting point for when you are working under much tighter time constraints and for when time needs to be saved, corners cut and quick decisions made for it to happen. The template is downloadable in Excel format so you can adapt to your unique circumstances.

Download the Sample Project Management Template for an Event App


REGISTER* ON OUR PORTAL TO ACCESS AN EDITABLE

PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEMPLATE

OPEN NOW

*You need to register to access the online portal



WHAT TO DO WHEN TIME IS LIMITEDBecki Cross

Event planners don’t always have the luxury of time, in fact, lead times seem to be forever getting shorter. If timescales are challenging but you are committed to implementing an event mobile app we would recommend one or more of these things will help you make the most of the time available and turn your event app into reality.

G Cut Out the RFP. It takes time to issue and analyze responses from a formal RFP process. When time is of the essence consider requesting information and talking directly with a small number of suppliers to enable a decision to be made in a shorter timeframe. Our online tables will help you to make a fast assessment before deciding who to talk to.

G Speak to the App Providers. The app providers are experts in app development, current approval times on the app stores and their specific product, so talk to them and ask their honest advice and whether it is feasible. To bypass the sales talk also try to speak directly to another event planner that has first-hand experience of using the app and find out how long it really took and how easy it really was to set up.



G Choose a Chatbot. A chatbot can be set up much faster than a traditional event app. If time is tight it may be worth considering using a bot which can operate through messaging services your attendees are already using.

G Revise Your Vision. If time is short perhaps choose a free or low-cost event app, over a high-end event app. This could be a useful experiment and learning curve before investing further in an app in future years. You still need to be confident though that you have the resources to support it, rather than a half-hearted effort.

G Focus on a Specific Feature. Instead of implementing a comprehensive event app why not choose a simpler app with fewer features, or specialized in one particular area such as audience response or slide sharing.

G Pay for Full Support. Some providers can provide a full set up service for you which could save you time, although you, or a member of your team, will need to provide the information to them in the first place.

G Choose an Integrated App. Some apps integrate directly with registration systems or website to pull the data from there. This can be a great time saver as much of the data required will already be available.

G Easy Import/Set Up. When time is short this is even more reason to prioritize the apps with easy import and set up that work with your data.

G Favor Web-Enabled or Hybrid Apps. To avoid delays with the app gaining approval from Apple consider going for a web-enabled app over a native app. Some providers also offer hybrid apps which don’t require new approvals each time. For instance, you download the provider master app and attendees put in a unique password which then pulls the data for your specific event.

G Loan Devices with the App Pre-installed. You may want to consider hiring tablet devices with the app pre-installed to bypass publishing and approval on the app stores. This is particularly feasible if the app is for a quiz or some form of gamification, particularly if it is a team based event.



G Get Started. When time is of the essence get the app ready and submitted to the app stores as soon as possible, knowing that it can take 1-2 weeks for iOS approval. Of course, sometimes it only takes a few days - there are no guarantees.

G Boost WiFi. Realize that the nearer to the live event date the app is published the less time there is for communicating and encouraging your attendees to download the app. This increases the likelihood that more people will only download the app when they get to the event. With this in mind think about whether the WiFi bandwidth will cope with multiple simultaneous downloads and consider investing more money to avoid failure.

G Consider Shelving the Idea until Next Time. If time is really short, quality is going to be compromised and downloads and usage are likely to be much lower as a result. Ask yourself if it is essential to have an app at such short notice or whether it is best to take proper time and care implementing an app for future events and bypassing this event.

53


COMPARE 145 PROVIDERS IN A SNAP

*You need to register to access the online portal

145 providers advised us on the functionality of their event apps and chatbots. We investigated 136 features across 8 key areas (last year we enquired about 96 features). 48 features were uncommon - offered by less than 60% of providers across any price point.

We have listed some of the most interesting features within the following tables. The complete listings with details of all 136 features surveyed are available in our online tables. The dynamic tables allow you to search and filter the apps that meet your specific requirements and budget and other detailed company information.

FEATURE TABLES

Register* on our portal to access a full versionof the comparison tables and filter the apps

that meet your requirements

OPEN NOW



10times

Actigage Live Engagement Platform

ActivTouch

AgendaPop

AIDAIO Hub

Akkroo

All In The Loop

Attendease

Attendee Schedule Builder

Attendica

Attendify

Azavista Event App

Beekast

Blispa Events and Festivals

BOABEE

Boomset Lead Retrieval App

Built.io Conference App

BusyConf

ChirpE Premium

Clientry Concierge

ConBop

Concierge EventBot

Confer

Conference Compass

Conferience

Confrenz

ConnexMe

Conversation Starter

Core-apps

CrowdComms

CrowdCompass by Cvent

Crowdlink

Crystal Event App

Crystal Mobile

Dazzmobile

Delegate Select Web App

Delegia Mobile

Digivents

DoubleDutch

EasyTag

Engage

Equilar Engage

ERMobile

Evenbase Free

event app by etouches

Event Apptitude

Event Buddy

Event Mobile Apps by Poken

event2mobile

EventApp360

Eventbase Enterprise

Eventbase Premium

Eventbuizz

eventcloud

Eventdex

Eventdrive by myQaa

EventEdge

EventEye

Eventfuel.io

EventMobi

EventOPlanner

Eventory

Eventpedia

EventPilot Conference App

eventpowwow

EventsCase

eventScribe

Eventsential by Results Direct

Eventtus

eventuosity

evenTwo

EventXP

EventZebra

evenzu

FestApp

Festfeed

Gather Digital

GEVME

Glisser

Goomeo

Grenadine Event Guide

Grip

Guidebook

HelloCrowd

Hobnob

HOO Events

Howdy

IdeasEvent

iEvent App

ITM Mobile

JUBLIA

JUJAMA Networking Platform

KAYO

Krónos

LeaDS

Live Engagement App

Livecube

LOQUIZ

Lumi Show

Meet

MeetApp

Meetee

MeetingPlay

MeetingSift

MeetMatch

Meetoo

mEvent

Mobapplogic

mobLee

Moozup

MyEventApps

Networkapp

NetworkTables.com

Noodle Live

NVOLV

Panelsensor

Pathable

PheedLoop

Pitch and Match

PowerVote Event App

Presdo Match

QuickMobile

QuickTapSurvey

registraid.com

Results at Hand Event App

Sharypic

ShowGizmo

Slido

SpotMe

Superevent

Swapcard

Symposia

Tailgate

TapFuse

Time2

Topi

TripBuilder EventMobile

twoppy

uSummit

Velocevent

Virtual Event Bags

Whova

Wooclap

Yapp

Zuant

NEW

EM

ERG

ING

FEA

TUR

ES

LIVE

STR

EAM

ING

VIRT

UAL

REA

LITY

AUGM

ENTE

D R

EALI

TY

MAC

HIN

E LE

ARN

ING

INST

AGRA

M

INTE

GRAT

ION

SMS/

WH

ATSA

PP

LIVE

STR

EAM

ING

VIRT

UAL

REA

LITY

AUGM

ENTE

D R

EALI

TY

MAC

HIN

E LE

ARN

ING

INST

AGRA

M

INTE

GRAT

ION

SMS/

WH

ATSA

PP

feature available

feature not available

Providers are cliccable

55

http://www.10times.com/app

http://www.actigage.com

http://www.sherpa-solutions.com

http://www.agendapop.com

http://www.aidaio.com

http://www.akkroo.com

http://www.allintheloop.com

http://www.attendease.com/features

http://www.hubb.me/attendee

http://www.attendica.com

http://www.attendify.com

http://www.beekast.com/

http://www.blispa.com/applications

http://www.boabee.com

http://www.boomset.com/lead-retrieval-app

http://www.built.io

http://www.busyconf.com

http://www.chirpe.com

http://www.clientryconcierge.com

http://www.conbop.com

http://www.conciergeeventbot.com

http://www.atanto.com

http://www.conferencecompass.com

http://www.conferience.com

http://www.confrenz.com

http://www.evenium.com/c/connexme

http://www.conversationstarter.net

http://www.core-apps.com

http://www.crowdcomms.com

http://www.crowdcompass.com

http://www.event.crowdlink.io

http://www.cimeetings.com/event-apps/conference-app


http://www.dazzmobile.com

http://www.delegateselect.com/webapp.html

http://web.delegia.se/product/mobile

http://www.digivents.com

http://doubledutch.me/product

http://www.easytag.in

http://www.experientengage.com

http://www.equilar.com/networking.html

http://www.eventrebels.com/products/er-mobile

http://www.eventbase.com/free-event-app

http://www.etouches.com

http://www.eventapptitude.com

http://www.eventgurus.net/app

http://www.poken.com/mobile

http://event2mobile.com

http://www.eventapp360.com

http://www.eventbase.com/enterprise-event-apps

http://www.eventbase.com/products/premium

http://eventbuizz.com

http://www.eventcloud.co

http://www.eventdex.com

http://myqaa.com/

http://www.eventedge.co

http://www.eventeye.co

http://www.eventfuel.io

http://www.eventmobi.com/product/demo

http://www.eventoplanner.com

http://www.eventory.cc/pages/how-it-works

http://www.eventpedia.com

http://www.ativsoftware.com

http://www.eventpowwow.com

http://www.eventscase.com

http://www.eventscribe.com/CadmiumCD/products-app.asp

http://www.eventsential.com

http://www.eventtus.com

http://www.eventuosity.com

http://www.eventwo.com/?lang=en

http://eventxp.it

http://www.eventzebra.com/p/event-app.html

http://www.inavate.dk

http://aloompa.com

http://www.festfeed.com

http://www.gatherdigital.com

http://www.gevme.com

http://www.glisser.com

http://www.goomeo.com

http://events.grenadine.co/event-and-conferences-mobile-app

http://grip.events/event-networking-app

http://www.guidebook.com

http://www.hellocrowd.net

http://www.hobnobspace.com/product.html

http://hoo.events

http://gethowdy.com

http://www.ideasevent.com

http://www.ieventapp.com

http://www.itmmobile.com

http://jublia.com

http://www.jujama.com

http://www.kayo.fr/en

http://www.appkronos.com

http://www.delegateselect.com/mobileapp.html

http://www.jomablue.com

http://www.livecubeapp.com

http://loquiz.com

http://www.lumiglobal.com/event-apps

http://www.mready.net/en/

http://www.meetappevent.com

http://www.meet.ee

http://www.meetingplay.com

http://www.meetingsift.com

http://www.meetmatch.biz

http://www.meetoo.com

http://halosys.com/mobile-event-app.html

http://www.shocklogic.com/products/mobapplogic

http://moblee.com.br/en

http://moozup.com

http://www.myeventapps.com

http://networkapp.eu/en

http://www.networktables.com

http://www.noodlelive.com/event-mobile-apps

http://www.nvolv.co

http://panelsensor.com

http://pathable.com

http://pheedloop.com

http://www.pitchandmatch.com

http://www.powervote.co.uk/event-app

http://www.match.presdo.com

http://ww.quickmobile.com

http://www.quicktapsurvey.com

http://www.registraid.com

http://www.resultsathand.com/event-app

http://www.sharypic.com

http://www.showgizmo.com

http://www.slido.com

http://www.spotme.com

http://www.superevent.com

http://www.swapcard.com/event-app

http://www.symposia.co.uk/event-app

http://www.localist.com/products/tailgate

http://www.tapfuse.io

http://www.time2.mobi

http://www.topi.com

http://www.tripbuildermedia.com/product/eventmobile

http://www.twoppy.com

http://www.usummitapp.com

http://www.velocevent.com

http://www.virtualeventbags.com/

http://www.whova.com

http://www.wooclap.com

http://www.yapp.us/features/mobile-event-app

http://www.zuant.com

http://www.azavista.com/event-app/


10times


ActivTouch

AgendaPop

AIDAIO Hub

Akkroo

All In The Loop

Attendease


Attendica

Attendify

Azavista Event App

Beekast


BOABEE



BusyConf

ChirpE Premium

Clientry Concierge

ConBop

Concierge EventBot

Confer

Conference Compass

Conferience

Confrenz

ConnexMe


Core-apps

CrowdComms


Crowdlink

Crystal Event App

Crystal Mobile

Dazzmobile


Delegia Mobile

Digivents

DoubleDutch

EasyTag

Engage

Equilar Engage

ERMobile

Evenbase Free


Event Apptitude

Event Buddy


event2mobile

EventApp360


Eventbase Premium

Eventbuizz

eventcloud

Eventdex

Eventdrive by myQaa

EventEdge

EventEye

Eventfuel.io

EventMobi

EventOPlanner

Eventory

Eventpedia


eventpowwow

EventsCase

eventScribe


Eventtus

eventuosity

evenTwo

EventXP

EventZebra

evenzu

FestApp

Festfeed

Gather Digital

GEVME

Glisser

Goomeo


Grip

Guidebook

HelloCrowd

Hobnob

HOO Events

Howdy

IdeasEvent

iEvent App

ITM Mobile

JUBLIA


KAYO

Krónos

LeaDS

Live Engagement App

Livecube

LOQUIZ

Lumi Show

Meet

MeetApp

Meetee

MeetingPlay

MeetingSift

MeetMatch

Meetoo

mEvent

Mobapplogic

mobLee

Moozup

MyEventApps

Networkapp

NetworkTables.com

Noodle Live

NVOLV

Panelsensor

Pathable

PheedLoop

Pitch and Match

PowerVote Event App

Presdo Match

QuickMobile

QuickTapSurvey

registraid.com


Sharypic

ShowGizmo

Slido

SpotMe

Superevent

Swapcard

Symposia

Tailgate

TapFuse

Time2

Topi


twoppy

uSummit

Velocevent

Virtual Event Bags

Whova

Wooclap

Yapp

Zuant

PERS

ONAL

IZED

SC

HED

ULE

MU

LTI-E

VEN

T

PUSH

NOT

IFIC

ATIO

NS

REAL

TIM

E AN

ALYT

ICS

& R

EPOR

TS

PERS

ONAL

IZED

SC

HED

ULE

MU

LTI-E

VEN

T

PUSH

NOT

IFIC

ATIO

NS

REAL

TIM

E AN

ALYT

ICS

& R

EPOR

TS

EVEN

T M

ANAG

EMEN

T FE

ATU

RES

56

feature available


















http://www.built.io







































http://myqaa.com/
















http://eventxp.it



http://aloompa.com











http://hoo.events

http://gethowdy.com




http://jublia.com







http://loquiz.com




http://www.meet.ee








http://moozup.com





http://www.nvolv.co


http://pathable.com



















http://www.topi.com











10times


ActivTouch

AgendaPop

AIDAIO Hub

Akkroo

All In The Loop

Attendease


Attendica

Attendify

Azavista Event App

Beekast


BOABEE



BusyConf

ChirpE Premium

Clientry Concierge

ConBop

Concierge EventBot

Confer

Conference Compass

Conferience

Confrenz

ConnexMe


Core-apps

CrowdComms


Crowdlink

Crystal Event App

Crystal Mobile

Dazzmobile


Delegia Mobile

Digivents

DoubleDutch

EasyTag

Engage

Equilar Engage

ERMobile

Evenbase Free


Event Apptitude

Event Buddy


event2mobile

EventApp360


Eventbase Premium

Eventbuizz

eventcloud

Eventdex

Eventdrive by myQaa

EventEdge

EventEye

Eventfuel.io

EventMobi

EventOPlanner

Eventory

Eventpedia


eventpowwow

EventsCase

eventScribe


Eventtus

eventuosity

evenTwo

EventXP

EventZebra

evenzu

FestApp

Festfeed

Gather Digital

GEVME

Glisser

Goomeo


Grip

Guidebook

HelloCrowd

Hobnob

HOO Events

Howdy

IdeasEvent

iEvent App

ITM Mobile

JUBLIA


KAYO

Krónos

LeaDS

Live Engagement App

Livecube

LOQUIZ

Lumi Show

Meet

MeetApp

Meetee

MeetingPlay

MeetingSift

MeetMatch

Meetoo

mEvent

Mobapplogic

mobLee

Moozup

MyEventApps

Networkapp

NetworkTables.com

Noodle Live

NVOLV

Panelsensor

Pathable

PheedLoop

Pitch and Match

PowerVote Event App

Presdo Match

QuickMobile

QuickTapSurvey

registraid.com


Sharypic

ShowGizmo

Slido

SpotMe

Superevent

Swapcard

Symposia

Tailgate

TapFuse

Time2

Topi


twoppy

uSummit

Velocevent

Virtual Event Bags

Whova

Wooclap

Yapp

Zuant

ATTE

ND

EE

MAT

CHM

AKIN

G

APPO

INTM

ENT

SCH

EDU

LIN

G

SOCI

AL M

EDIA

SIG

N IN

LEAD

RET

RIEV

AL F

OR

EXH

IBIT

ORS

ATTE

ND

EE

MAT

CHM

AKIN

G

APPO

INTM

ENT

SCH

EDU

LIN

G

SOCI

AL M

EDIA

SIG

N IN

LEAD

RET

RIEV

AL F

OR

EXH

IBIT

ORS

NET

WO

RK

ING

FEA

TUR

ES

57

feature available


















http://www.built.io







































http://myqaa.com/
















http://eventxp.it



http://aloompa.com











http://hoo.events

http://gethowdy.com




http://jublia.com







http://loquiz.com




http://www.meet.ee








http://moozup.com





http://www.nvolv.co


http://pathable.com



















http://www.topi.com











10times


ActivTouch

AgendaPop

AIDAIO Hub

Akkroo

All In The Loop

Attendease


Attendica

Attendify

Azavista Event App

Beekast


BOABEE



BusyConf

ChirpE Premium

Clientry Concierge

ConBop

Concierge EventBot

Confer

Conference Compass

Conferience

Confrenz

ConnexMe


Core-apps

CrowdComms


Crowdlink

Crystal Event App

Crystal Mobile

Dazzmobile


Delegia Mobile

Digivents

DoubleDutch

EasyTag

Engage

Equilar Engage

ERMobile

Evenbase Free


Event Apptitude

Event Buddy


event2mobile

EventApp360


Eventbase Premium

Eventbuizz

eventcloud

Eventdex

Eventdrive by myQaa

EventEdge

EventEye

Eventfuel.io

EventMobi

EventOPlanner

Eventory

Eventpedia


eventpowwow

EventsCase

eventScribe


Eventtus

eventuosity

evenTwo

EventXP

EventZebra

evenzu

FestApp

Festfeed

Gather Digital

GEVME

Glisser

Goomeo


Grip

Guidebook

HelloCrowd

Hobnob

HOO Events

Howdy

IdeasEvent

iEvent App

ITM Mobile

JUBLIA


KAYO

Krónos

LeaDS

Live Engagement App

Livecube

LOQUIZ

Lumi Show

Meet

MeetApp

Meetee

MeetingPlay

MeetingSift

MeetMatch

Meetoo

mEvent

Mobapplogic

mobLee

Moozup

MyEventApps

Networkapp

NetworkTables.com

Noodle Live

NVOLV

Panelsensor

Pathable

PheedLoop

Pitch and Match

PowerVote Event App

Presdo Match

QuickMobile

QuickTapSurvey

registraid.com


Sharypic

ShowGizmo

Slido

SpotMe

Superevent

Swapcard

Symposia

Tailgate

TapFuse

Time2

Topi


twoppy

uSummit

Velocevent

Virtual Event Bags

Whova

Wooclap

Yapp

Zuant

SLID

E-SH

ARIN

G

ABST

RAC

TS

SLID

E-SH

ARIN

G

ABST

RAC

TS

ENG

AGEM

ENT

FEAT

UR

ES +

C

ON

TEN

T FE

ATU

RES

GAM

IFIC

ATIO

N

MU

LTI S

ESSI

ON L

IVE

INTE

RACT

ION

SUPP

ORTS

LIV

E DI

SPLA

Y

GAM

IFIC

ATIO

N

MU

LTI S

ESSI

ON L

IVE

INTE

RACT

ION

SUPP

ORTS

LIV

E DI

SPLA

Y

58

feature available


















http://www.built.io







































http://myqaa.com/
















http://eventxp.it



http://aloompa.com











http://hoo.events

http://gethowdy.com




http://jublia.com







http://loquiz.com




http://www.meet.ee








http://moozup.com





http://www.nvolv.co


http://pathable.com



















http://www.topi.com











10times


ActivTouch

AgendaPop

AIDAIO Hub

Akkroo

All In The Loop

Attendease


Attendica

Attendify

Azavista Event App

Beekast


BOABEE



BusyConf

ChirpE Premium

Clientry Concierge

ConBop

Concierge EventBot

Confer

Conference Compass

Conferience

Confrenz

ConnexMe


Core-apps

CrowdComms


Crowdlink

Crystal Event App

Crystal Mobile

Dazzmobile


Delegia Mobile

Digivents

DoubleDutch

EasyTag

Engage

Equilar Engage

ERMobile

Evenbase Free


Event Apptitude

Event Buddy


event2mobile

EventApp360


Eventbase Premium

Eventbuizz

eventcloud

Eventdex

Eventdrive by myQaa

EventEdge

EventEye

Eventfuel.io

EventMobi

EventOPlanner

Eventory

Eventpedia


eventpowwow

EventsCase

eventScribe


Eventtus

eventuosity

evenTwo

EventXP

EventZebra

evenzu

FestApp

Festfeed

Gather Digital

GEVME

Glisser

Goomeo


Grip

Guidebook

HelloCrowd

Hobnob

HOO Events

Howdy

IdeasEvent

iEvent App

ITM Mobile

JUBLIA


KAYO

Krónos

LeaDS

Live Engagement App

Livecube

LOQUIZ

Lumi Show

Meet

MeetApp

Meetee

MeetingPlay

MeetingSift

MeetMatch

Meetoo

mEvent

Mobapplogic

mobLee

Moozup

MyEventApps

Networkapp

NetworkTables.com

Noodle Live

NVOLV

Panelsensor

Pathable

PheedLoop

Pitch and Match

PowerVote Event App

Presdo Match

QuickMobile

QuickTapSurvey

registraid.com


Sharypic

ShowGizmo

Slido

SpotMe

Superevent

Swapcard

Symposia

Tailgate

TapFuse

Time2

Topi


twoppy

uSummit

Velocevent

Virtual Event Bags

Whova

Wooclap

Yapp

Zuant

APP

TEC

H S

PEC

S AN

D S

UP

PO

RT

FEAT

UR

ES +

IN

TEG

RAT

ION

FEA

TUR

ES

24/7

SU

PPO

RT

WO

RK

S O

FFLI

NE

24/7

SU

PPO

RT

WO

RK

S O

FFLI

NE

CRM

INTE

GR

ATIO

N

ONSI

TE R

EGIS

TRAT

ION

&

CHEC

K-IN

VIA

APP

CRM

INTE

GR

ATIO

N

ONSI

TE R

EGIS

TRAT

ION

&

CHEC

K-IN

VIA

APP

59

feature available


















http://www.built.io







































http://myqaa.com/
















http://eventxp.it



http://aloompa.com











http://hoo.events

http://gethowdy.com




http://jublia.com







http://loquiz.com




http://www.meet.ee








http://moozup.com





http://www.nvolv.co


http://pathable.com



















http://www.topi.com











10times


ActivTouch

AgendaPop

AIDAIO Hub

Akkroo

All In The Loop

Attendease


Attendica

Attendify

Azavista Event App

Beekast


BOABEE



BusyConf

ChirpE Premium

Clientry Concierge

ConBop

Concierge EventBot

Confer

Conference Compass

Conferience

Confrenz

ConnexMe


Core-apps

CrowdComms


Crowdlink

Crystal Event App

Crystal Mobile

Dazzmobile


Delegia Mobile

Digivents

DoubleDutch

EasyTag

Engage

Equilar Engage

ERMobile

Evenbase Free


Event Apptitude

Event Buddy


event2mobile

EventApp360


Eventbase Premium

Eventbuizz

eventcloud

Eventdex

Eventdrive by myQaa

EventEdge

EventEye

Eventfuel.io

EventMobi

EventOPlanner

Eventory

Eventpedia


eventpowwow

EventsCase

eventScribe


Eventtus

eventuosity

evenTwo

EventXP

EventZebra

evenzu

FestApp

Festfeed

Gather Digital

GEVME

Glisser

Goomeo


Grip

Guidebook

HelloCrowd

Hobnob

HOO Events

Howdy

IdeasEvent

iEvent App

ITM Mobile

JUBLIA


KAYO

Krónos

LeaDS

Live Engagement App

Livecube

LOQUIZ

Lumi Show

Meet

MeetApp

Meetee

MeetingPlay

MeetingSift

MeetMatch

Meetoo

mEvent

Mobapplogic

mobLee

Moozup

MyEventApps

Networkapp

NetworkTables.com

Noodle Live

NVOLV

Panelsensor

Pathable

PheedLoop

Pitch and Match

PowerVote Event App

Presdo Match

QuickMobile

QuickTapSurvey

registraid.com


Sharypic

ShowGizmo

Slido

SpotMe

Superevent

Swapcard

Symposia

Tailgate

TapFuse

Time2

Topi


twoppy

uSummit

Velocevent

Virtual Event Bags

Whova

Wooclap

Yapp

Zuant

IND

OO

R N

AVIG

ATIO

N

IND

OO

R N

AVIG

ATIO

N

ABIL

ITY

TO N

AME

&

BR

AND

TH

E B

OT

GATH

ERS

HIS

TOR

Y FO

R

PER

SON

ALIZ

ATIO

N

ABIL

ITY

TO N

AME

&

BR

AND

TH

E B

OT

GATH

ERS

HIS

TOR

Y FO

R

PER

SON

ALIZ

ATIO

N

INTE

GR

ATIO

N F

EATU

RES

+

VOIC

E C

ON

TRO

L AN

D C

ON

CIE

RG

E FE

ATU

RES

6060

feature available


















http://www.built.io







































http://myqaa.com/
















http://eventxp.it



http://aloompa.com











http://hoo.events

http://gethowdy.com




http://jublia.com







http://loquiz.com




http://www.meet.ee








http://moozup.com





http://www.nvolv.co


http://pathable.com



















http://www.topi.com











24/7 SUPPORTRound-the-clock support is available for the app from the vendor.

3D MAPSMaps which appear 3-dimensional, rather than ‘flat’.

ABSTRACTSA summary of academic research often shared within academic and scientific conferences.

AISee artificial intelligence.

ALERTSSome apps can send alerts to the event planner at specific times, for instance when a VIP checks in.

ANDROIDMobile operating system developed by Google. Apps are available via the Google Play store.

ANONYMOUS VOTINGAttendees vote anonymously; it is not possible to track the individual.

APPLE PAY A method of making electronic payments via an iOS device.

APPOINTMENT SCHEDULINGThe app enables appointment scheduling with exhibitors or other attendees.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCEIntelligent behaviour by machines, such as logic and problem solving.

ATTENDEE NETWORKINGAttendees can use the app to find other people with shared interests and contact them directly via the app.

ATTENDEE PROFILESAttendees can create customized profiles and consult the profiles of other attendees to maximize networking time and opportunities.

AUDIENCE RESPONSEUsed during live events, the audience can interact via the app to provide feedback in real time. This feature may be used for attendees to place votes, respond to polls, answer questions, etc. Results can be shown live.

AUDIO BEACONSAudio beacons use your microphone to access your device and send ultra-high frequency sounds that you cannot hear to your smartphone. With audio beacons, content is delivered over a wider area, dissimilar to beacons, where content can be different based on an attendees location within a venue.

AUGMENTED REALITYComputer generated content such as video, sound or imagery superimposed on our real-world surroundings to give a sense of illusion or virtual reality. Via an app and our smartphone, we can access this hidden content through a marker.

BADGESApps can provide a badge for attendees or check-in via the app can trigger badge printing.

BEACON INTEGRATION Beacons allow you to send push notifications to an attendee based on their location. The beacon is a transmitter that works through low energy bluetooth technology via proximity sensing. Every iPhone and iPad can be turned into a beacon, and beacon signals can be received by both iOS and Android devices.

BOTSee chatbot.

BRAINSTORMING/COLLABORATIVE DOCUMENT CREATIONParticipants can contribute to a shared document, with input from multiple people.

BRANDING/CUSTOMIZATIONThe app can be branded with the event logo, graphics, and colors. Different themes, icons, tabs and layouts may also be available.

MOBILE APP AND FEATURES GLOSSARY


BUSINESS CARD SCANNINGSome apps enable business cards to be scanned and shared, sharing details between devices.

CALENDAR SYNCThe ability to sync the app data with your electronic calendar.

CHAT BOX ON WEBSITEA text help box via a website, with responses often via a chatbot.

CHAT HISTORYThe full chat history is useful to be accessed by the event planner.

CHAT LOG FOR ATTENDEEThe participant can see the communications and queries and the responses from a chatbot.

CHATBOTA computer program which conducts a conversation via voice or text and emulates how a human would respond to specific queries.

CONCIERGEAnother description for chatbots, offering a concierge service. Siri and Alexa are well known concierge applications.

CONTENT CAPTURE/SHAREAttendees can take pictures or video at the event and easily share with other attendees and/or their social networks via the app. Content sharing can boost app usage.

CMSCMS stands for Content Management System. This allows for data and changes to the app content to be made directly by the event team without relying on input from the provider.

CRMCRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. CRM is used to record interactions and engagement with customers. Some apps integrate with popular CRM software.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONSThese are fully customized applications, completely redesigned graphically and/or functionally for a specific use case or client (e.g. for a venue or multiple events).

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS FOR VENUESSome apps offer solutions specifically for venues, such as local information and advertising.

DATA PROTECTIONThe safe protection of user data, covered by legislation.

DOCUMENT SHARINGDocuments can be accessed and/or downloaded via the app. This could be supporting research, sponsor information or any other relevant event content.

EVENT AGENDA/SCHEDULEEnables attendees to check the event schedule and the sessions currently taking place or about to start.

EVENT BUDGETSome apps incorporate event management tools for the planner, such as the event budget.

EVENT WEBSITESome apps create an event website in parallel with the creation of the event app.

EXHIBITOR CATEGORIES/TAGSDescriptions to help it easier to search and find relevant information which is of interest to attendees.

EXHIBITOR PROFILES AND DIRECTORYTrade show exhibitor profiles are featured to help participants determine in advance which booths to visit.

EXPORT INFORMATIONInformation which can be exported from the app, for instance, notes, documents and slides exported to an attendee and reports exported to the event planner.

FEEDBACKAttendee feedback can be collected via the app.

FLOOR PLANAttendees can access a floor plan of the event venue, spaces and rooms. This may also include a detailed layout of the exhibitor booths too.

GAMIFICATIONAn interactive game component, such as trivia, scavenger hunts, quizzes, leaderboards, to encourage specific behaviour and with rewards to encourage participation and competition.

GOOGLE ANALYTICSAnalysis of traffic.

GOOGLE WALLETThe Android version of Apple Pay.

GPS BASED SELF CHECK-INGPS stands for Global Positioning System and some


events use geolocation technology to check-in attendees.

HTMLHyperText Markup Language (HTML) is the standard code for creating web pages and web applications.

HTML5The language of content on the internet which allows you to create responsive web applications and support mobiles, tablets and desktop access across multiple platforms and browsers. The user can switch seamlessly between desktop, mobile and tablet without having to install a different app on each. HTML5 can allow content to be stored and accessed even when offline. Updates are much quicker and easier than for a native app, which is particularly important if the user is updating via their 3/4G rather than WiFi. Unlike a native app, a HTML5 app can ask for permissions as required to access data or hardware, without requiring an update or reinstallation.

HYBRID APPS (Native and Web)Hybrid apps fall between native and web apps and are built using cross compatible web technologies such as HTML5, CSS or JavaScript, which offer a better, almost native experience, whilst potentially offering a faster development time and lower cost. For a better user experience and to enable the app to access the wider functionality of the device some native code is used. However, a hybrid app will be a little slower than a truly native app.

IN-APP SOCIAL MEDIAThe user can interact with social media from within the app, e.g. send a tweet, without having to switch to the specific social media app.

INDOOR NAVIGATIONIndoor navigation relies on an indoor positioning system (IPS) to locate objects or people inside a building using radio waves, magnetic fields, acoustic signals, or other sensory information collected by mobile devices and direct the user.

INSTAGRAMA popular image sharing social media network.

INTEGRATION WITH OTHER APPS Compatibility and integration with other apps, for example, social media, weather, Google Maps, etc.

INTERACTIVE MAPSMaps and plans with greater functionality for the user.

iOSThe mobile operating system for Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

LEADERBOARDA competitive scoreboard showing the positions of those taking part. The most successful participant will traditionally appear at the top of the list.

LEAD RETRIEVALContact data collected from an individual via the app. For example exhibitors can collect the details of those that would like to receive further information following the event.

LIBRARYChatbots develop a library of queries, which develops over time.

LIVE DISPLAYThe ability to link and show content on the big screen.

LIVE Q&AQuestions submitted by attendees in real time.

LIVE STREAMINGFor large events or in cases where you have app users who can’t be at the live event, live streaming allows you to share live video of the presentations or performances.

LOCATION SPECIFIC NOTIFICATIONSThe participant receives alerts according to their specific location.

MACHINE LEARNINGMachine learning is a type of artificial intelligence (AI) that means computers have the ability to learn when exposed to new data, without being explicitly programmed. By recognizing patterns it enables predictions to be made on data.

MAPSAttendees can access maps of the local area and points of interest.

MATCHMAKINGAttendees can use the app to find other people with shared interests and contact them directly via the app. Some apps use algorithms or AI to intelligently match people.

MODERATION (MANUAL/AUTOMATIC)The ability to manipulate what is shown either using automatic pre-set rules and filters or with human input.


This is commonly used to approve questions submitted, comments and social media.

MULTI-EVENTThe management process for the app is designed in such a way as to make it easy for organizers to create content for multiple events, without duplication of effort.

MULTI-LANGUAGEThe app is available in more than one language.

MULTI-SESSION LIVE INTERACTION The ability to use live interaction across multiple simultaneous sessions, such as polls, live Q&A, etc.

MULTI-TRACK AGENDASSpecific content tracks can be segmented and highlighted within a wider conference agenda.

NATIVEAn app developed for use on a particular platform e.g. iOS or Android, or device e.g. tablet or smartphone. The user downloads the app to their device via the relevant app store. More functionality can be built into native apps, for example, the app can have permission to integrate with the user’s address book, microphone, camera and so forth and can often operate without a WiFi connection. Native apps generally run faster than web-based applications as they are designed specifically for that operating platform.

NFC INTEGRATIONNear Field Communication (NFC) is a form of wireless communication. NFC works on a very short range, of about 4 to 20 cm. A NFC tag inserted into a name-tag or wristband can be used by attendees to collect key information. For example, an attendee could use their tag to collect contact information, exhibitor brochures or record their session attendance. When integrated with an event app, this information can then be collated and organized within the app.

NOTE TAKINGThe ability to take notes within the app which can be accessed by the user.

OFFLINE MODEThe ability to work offline, without the need for an internet connection. Some features rely on WiFi and so will not function without it, otherwise will operate without issues if the connection fails.

ON SITE REGISTRATION AND CHECK-INVia the app users can register or check-in on site at

the event. The attendee may have an electronic version of their ticket within the app, use QR codes, or location based check-in.

OSStand for Operating System, such as Android and iOS.

PASSWORD PROTECTIONAdditional security, such as password protection, may be required for event apps in high-security sectors.

PERSONALIZATIONThe ability to offer bespoke content based on a user’s preferences or actions.

PERSONALIZED SCHEDULING/REMINDERSAttendees can create a personalized schedule by saving sessions and appointments for quick reference during the event. The app may also send them reminders of the activities that they have selected.

PHOTO GALLERYA collection of images.

POLLSA survey or people’s thoughts and feelings.

PRIVATE APPAn app which is not publically available via the app stores.

PRIVATE MESSAGING/IN-APP CHATAttendees are able to connect directly with other attendees, speakers and exhibitors and have one-to-one text-based conversations via private message.

PRIVATE SOCIAL NETWORK/CHAT ROOMSome apps create a private area to exchange content with other app users, without it being seen publicly as it could be on a public social media network.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT FOR THE EVENTSome apps offer specific functionality for the event planner, such as project management tools.

PUBLIC APPAn app that is available in the public domain, e.g. through the app stores.

PUSH NOTIFICATIONSOrganizers can send or ‘push’ customized alerts, messages and reminders directly to the app on the user’s smartphone.

QR CODEA Quick Response, 2-dimensional barcode, which stores data.


REAL TIME ANALYTICS AND REPORTSStatistics and insights for the organizer in relation to the event. This may include app downloads, usage, survey feedback, session attendance, ratings and poll results.

REGISTRATION WITHIN APPAttendees are able to register for the event via the app itself.

RFID INTEGRATIONRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication. A RFID tag inserted into a name-tag or wristband can be used by attendees to collect key information. For example, an attendee could use their tag to collect contact information, exhibitor brochures or record their session attendance. When integrated with an event app, this information can then be collated and organized within the app.

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTSFunctionality to schedule appointments via the app.

SEATING ALLOCATION/VIEWSeating information via the app.

SECURITY COMPLIANCEApp providers offer different levels of security compliance. If you operate in a protected sector use of an event app may be discouraged or high-level encryption and compliance may be obligatory.

SESSION CHECK INUse the app to check-in to a specific session. This may trigger relevant content to be accessed, such as session feedback, supporting information, etc.

SESSION RATINGSAttendees are able to rate sessions and speakers in the app, providing valuable feedback to the organizer.

SLIDE-SHARINGAttendees can access the slides on the app and follow along with the presentation in real-time.

SMS A Short Message Service which enables text messages to be sent via mobile phones.

SNAPCHATA popular social media network where content is time sensitive and disappears within 24 hours.

SOCIAL MEDIA SIGN-INAttendees are able to use their social media account(s)

to sign-in to the app, and pull data, rather than creating new profile information. Once the app is linked to their social media account(s) attendees may be able to view who else from their network is coming to the event. They can also use the social sign-in to share event news via the relevant network directly from the app.

SOCIAL WALL/STREAMA feed from social media, pulling data from one or more social networks using a hashtag, keywords or account handle. Comments and content posted from within the app private network may also be able to sync and feed in.

SMARTPHONEA mobile phone with an advanced operating system, such as Android or iOS, and access to the world wide web and apps.

SPEAKER PROFILESThe attendees are able to view detailed information, such as biographies and photographs, of the speakers or performers who are participating in the event.

SPLASH SCREENThe full-screen bespoke graphic that shows for a few seconds as an app is accessed.

SPONSOR BANNERSAreas within the app specifically designed to feature and profile sponsors.

STICKERS/FILTERSStickers and filters were first made popular by Snapchat and are now common across other social media.

TASK MANAGEMENTEvent planners can schedule tasks via apps if they offer event management features as well as the attendee facing content.

TEXT MESSAGEA common way to type and send messages between mobile phones.

TRACKING RESPONSES BACK TO THE INDIVIDUALSome apps enable data such as feedback and polling to be tracked back to the specific user. This can be useful to analyze data more deeply.

TRAVEL INFORMATIONDetails about travel for the attendee.


TRAVEL/FLIGHT STATUS UPDATESAlerts and updates to travel information.

VIDEO FILES EMBEDDEDThe option to add and access video content.

VIRTUAL KEY Grants or denies access to sessions or special areas within an event.

VIRTUAL REALITY (VR)An immersive and realistic environment created artificially by computer technology.

VOICE ACTIVATEDResponds to voice commands.

VOTE UP QUESTIONSAttendees can ‘vote’ for the questions they would most like to be answered by a speaker to prioritize the order that they are tackled.

WEARABLE DEVICES Some apps are compatible with wearable devices such as smart watches.

WEB APPSWeb apps run via a browser to operate across multiple platforms, operating systems and devices rather than being developed natively. Web-based apps need a WiFi connection to work fully, although some content can be downloaded and stored locally. Web apps are less of a privacy and security risk as they do not require permissions like a native app and updates are faster. Web apps remove the problem of a user’s device being too full to download an app.Web apps are written in HTML5, Javascript, CSS or other languages.

WHATSAPPA POPULAR SMS APPLICATION.

WHITE LABELAn app produced by one company but packaged and offered under the branding of another company.

WINDOWSThe Operating System from Microsoft.



10times Noida, India - - - -

Actigage Live Engagement Platform Singapore, Singapore - - - -

AIDAIO Hub Bangalore, India - - - -

Attendica Mumbai, India - - - -

Blispa Events and Festivals Istanbul, Turkey - - - -

Built.io Conference App Mumbai, India - - - -

CrowdComms Sydney, Australia - - - -

CrowdCompass by Cvent Sydney, Australia - - - -

Delegia Mobile Thailand, Bangkok - - - -

EasyTag Hyderabad, India - - - -

event app by etouches Singapore, Singapore North Sydney, Australia - - -

Event Buddy Kochi, India Gurgaon, India - - -

event2mobile Singapore, Singapore - - - -

Eventdex Hyderabad, India - - - -

EventEdge Ahmedabad, India - - - -

Eventfuel.io Singapore, Singapore Melbourne, Australia - - -

EventMobi Sydney, Australia Singapore, Singapore - - -

Gather Digital Kinmen, Taiwan - - - -

GEVME Singapore, Singapore Yangon, Myanmar Hyderabad, India - -

Guidebook Seoul, South Korea - - - -

Hobnob Mumbai, India - - - -

Howdy Singapore, Singapore - - - -

ITM Mobile Bangkok, Thailand - - - -

JUBLIA Singapore, Singapore - - - -

JUJAMA Networking Platform Hyderabad, India - - - -

Live Engagement App Sydney, Australia Singapore - - -

Lumi Show Sydney, Australia Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Singapore, Singapore - -

Meetoo Hong Kong, Hong Kong - - - -

mEvent Sydney, Australia Melbourne, Australia Bangalore, India Hyderabad, India Singapore

Moozup Hyderabad, India - - - -

PowerVote Event App Singapore, Singapore - - - -

ShowGizmo Sydney, Australia Melbourne, Australia Wellington, New Zealand - -

Slido Singapore, Singapore Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Melbourne, Australia Sydney, Australia Taipei, Taiwan

SpotMe Singapore, Singapore - - - -

Virtual Event Bags Sydney, Australia - - - -

Whova Beijing, China - - - -

ASIA & OCEANIA

GEOLOCATION TABLES


Actigage Live Engagement P. Seattle, WA, USA - - - - - -

ActivTouch Montréal, QC, Canada - - - - - -

AgendaPop McLean, VA, USA - - - - - -

All In The Loop New Port Richey, FL, USA - - - - - -

Attendease Vancouver, Canada - - - - - -

Attendee Schedule Builder Vancouver, WA, USA - - - - - -

Attendify Palo Alto, CA, USA Phoenix, AZ, USA - - - - -

Azavista Event App New York, NY, USA - - - - - -

Blispa Events and Festivals South Carolina, SC, USA - - - - - -

Boomset Lead Retrieval App New York, NY, USA - - - - - -

Built.io Conference App San Francisco, CA, USA - - - - - -

BusyConf Lafayette, CO, USA - - - - - -

ChirpE Premium Columbia, MD, USA - - - - - -

Clientry Concierge Dallas, TX, USA - - - - - -

ConBop Costa Mesa, CA, USA - - - - - -

Concierge EventBot Salt Lake City, UT, USA Chicago, IL, USA Seattle, WA, USA - - - -

ConnexMe San Francisco, CA, USA - - - - - -

Core-apps Arnold, MD, USA - - - - - -

CrowdCompass by Cvent Tysons Corner, VA, USA Portland, OR, USA Santa Barbara, CA, USA Austin, TX, USA Dallas, TX, USA Atlanta, GA, USA Fredericton, NB, Canada

Crowdlink Ann Arbor, MI, USA - - - - - -

Dazzmobile Hopkinton, MA, USA - - - - - -

Delegia Mobile Los Angeles, CA, USA - - - - - -

Digivents New York, NY, USA Buenos Aires, Argentina - - - - -

DoubleDutch San Francisco, CA, USA Phoenix, AZ, USA Portland, OR, USA - - - -

Engage Frederick, MD, USA Lincolnshire, IL, USA Chicago, IL, USA Arlington, VA, USA Twinsburg, OH, USA Fenton, MO, USA -

Equilar Engage Redwood City, CA, USA - - - - - -

ERMobile Baltimore, MD, USA - - - - - -

Evenbase Free Vancouver, Canada - - - - - -

event app by etouches Norwalk, CT, USA Orlando, FL, USA - - - - -

Event Apptitude Golden, CO, USA - - - - - -

Event Mobile Apps by Poken New York, NY, USA Bogota, Colombia Ottawa, ON, Canada - - - -

event2mobile New York, NY, USA - - - - - -

Eventbase Enterprise Vancouver, Canada - - - - - -

Eventbase Premium Vancouver, Canada - - - - - -

Eventdex Morganville, NJ, USA - - - - - -

EventEdge Austin, TX, USA - - - - - -

EventMobi Toronto, ON, Canada - - - - - -

Eventory San Francisco, CA, USA - - - - - -

Eventpedia McLean, VA, USA Charleston, SC, USA Dallas, TX, USA Los Angeles, CA, USA - - -

EventsCase Austin, TX, USA - - - - - -

eventScribe Forest Hill, MD, USA Rockville, MD, USA Chicago, IL, USA - - - -

Eventsential by Results Direct Alexandria, VA, USA - - - - - -

eventuosity Pennsylvania, PA, USA - - - - - -

AMERICAS


evenTwoLomas del Campestre, Mexico Aurora, IL, USA Las Condes, Chile - - - -

FestApp Nashville, TN, USA - - - - - -

Festfeed Vancouver, Canada - - - - - -

Gather Digital Chapel Hill, NC, USA Chicago, IL, USA Tampa, FL, USA - - - -

GEVME Seattle, WA, USA - - - - - -

Glisser New York, NY, USA Seattle, WA, USA - - - - -

Goomeo Montréal, QC, Canada - - - - - -

Grenadine Event Guide Montréal, QC, Canada - - - - - -

Guidebook San Francisco, CA, USA Raleigh, NC, USA - - - - -

HelloCrowd San Diego, CA, USA - - - - - -

HOO Events Toronto, ON, Canada - - - - - -

IdeasEvent Mississauga, ON, Canada - - - - - -

iEvent App Pleasanton, CA, USA - - - - - -

ITM Mobile Apple Valley, CA, USA - - - - - -

JUJAMA Networking Platform Scranton, PA, USA - - - - - -

Krónos Buenos Aires, Argentina - - - - - -

Live Engagement App San Francisco, CA, USA - - - - - -

Livecube New York, NY, USA - - - - - -

Lumi Show Minneapolis, MN, USA - - - - - -

MeetApp Chicago, IL, USA - - - - - -

MeetingPlay Frederick, MD, USA Tysons Corner, VA, USA - - - - -

MeetingSift San Francisco, CA, USA - - - - - -

Meetoo Boston, MA, USA - - - - - -

mEvent Dallas, TX, USA Fremont, CA, USA Bridge Water, NJ, USA Redmond, WA, USA Atlanta, GA, USA Chicago, IL, USA -

mobLee Florianópolis, Brazil Buenos Aires, Argentina - - - - -

MyEventApps Ottawa, ON, Canada - - - - - -

NVOLV San Mateo, CA, USA Milpitas, CA, USA - - - - -

Pathable Seattle, WA, USA Los Angeles, CA, USA Atlanta, GA, USA Fort Worth, TX, USA - - -

PheedLoop Toronto, ON, Canada Vancouver, BC, Canada San Francisco, SF, USA - - - -

PowerVote Event App Mexico, Mexico - - - - - -

Presdo Match Mountain View, CA, USA - - - - - -

QuickMobile Vancouver, Canada - - - - - -

QuickTapSurvey Toronto, ON, Canada - - - - - -

Results at Hand Event App Bloomfield Hills, MI, USA - - - - - -

ShowGizmo Denver, CO, USA - - - - - -

Slido New York City, NY, USA San Francisco, CA, USA Mexico City, Mexico - - - -

SpotMe Chicago, IL, USA - - - - - -

Swapcard Montréal, QC, Canada San Francisco, CA, USA - - - - -

Tailgate Silver Spring, MD, USA - - - - - -

Time2 Montréal, QC, Canada - - - - - -

Topi New York, NY, USA - - - - - -

TripBuilder EventMobile Westport, CT, USA - - - - - -

uSummit Chester, NJ, USA - - - - - -

Velocevent Marina Del Rey, CA, USA - - - - - -

Virtual Event Bags Dallas, TX, USA - - - - - -

Whova San Diego, CA, USA San Francisco, CA, USA Champaign, IL, USA - - - -

Wooclap Montréal, QC, Canada - - - - - -

Yapp New York, NY, USA - - - - - -

Zuant Los Angeles, CA, USA New York, NY, USA - - - - -


Akkroo London, UK - - - - -

All In The Loop Chesire, UK - - - - -

Azavista Event App Amsterdam, The Netherlands - - - - -

Beekast Paris, France - - - - -

Blispa Events and Festivals Bath, UK - - - - -

BOABEE Lokeren, Belgium - - - - -

Boomset Lead Retrieval App Istanbul, Turkey - - - - -

Built.io Conference App Paris, France - - - - -

Confer Oxford, UK - - - - -

Conference Compass Delft, The Netherlands - - - - -

Conferience Leicester,UK Chalandri, Greece - - - -

Confrenz Poznań, Poland - - - - -

ConnexMe Paris, France - - - - -

Conversation Starter Antwerp, Belgium - - - - -

CrowdComms Dorset, UK - - - - -

CrowdCompass by Cvent London, UK Maidenhead, UK Gurgaon, India - - -

Crystal Event App London, UK Liphook, UK - - - -

Crystal Mobile London, UK Liphook, UK - - - -

Delegate Select Web App London, UK - - - - -

Delegia Mobile Sweden, Stockholm Sweden, Gothemburg - - - -

Digivents Milan, Italy Avellino, Italy - - - -

DoubleDutch Amsterdam, The Netherlands London, UK - - - -

Evenbase Free London, UK - - - - -

event app by etouches Reading, UK Gent, Belgium - - - -

Event Mobile Apps by Poken Lausanne, Switzerland London, UK Dubai, UAE Centurion, South Africa - -

event2mobile London, UK Birmingham, UK - - - -

EventApp360 Heidelberg, Germany - - - - -

Eventbase Enterprise London, UK - - - - -

Eventbase Premium London, UK - - - - -

Eventbuizz Copenhagen, Denmark Berlin, Germany - - - -

eventcloud Dubai, UAE Cape Town, South Africa London, UK Frankfurt, Germany Vienna, Austria -

Eventdrive by myQaa Paris, France - - - - -

EventEye Oslo, Norway - - - - -

Eventfuel.io Lisbon, Portugal - - - - -

EventMobi Berlin, Germany London, UK Madrid, Spain Paris, France Dubai, UAE Durban, South Africa

EventOPlannerCapelle aan den IJssel, Netherlands - - - - -

Eventory Kraków, Poland - - - - -

eventpowwow London, UK - - - - -

EventsCase London, UK Valencia, Spain - - - -

eventScribe London, UK - - - - -

Eventtus Dubai, UAE Cairo, Egypt - - - -

evenTwo Madrid, Spain Düsseldorf, Germany - - - -

EUROPA, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA


EventXP Rome, Italy Milan, Italy - - - -

EventZebra Cologne, Germany - - - - -

evenzu Copenhagen, Denmark - - - - -

Gather Digital Cardiff, UK - - - - -

GEVME Kiev, Ukraine - - - - -

Glisser London, UK - - - - -

Goomeo Paris, France Limoges, France London, UK - - -

Grip London, UK - - - - -

Guidebook London, UK - - - - -

HelloCrowd Glasgow, UKJohannesburg, South Africa Dublin, Ireland - - -

Howdy London, UK - - - - -

ITM Mobile Stockholm, Sweden London, UK Accra, Ghana Istanbul, Turkey - -

KAYO Rouen, France - - - - -

LeaDS London, UK - - - - -

LOQUIZ Tallinn, Estonia - - - - -

Lumi Show Breendonk, BelgiumIssy les Moulineaux, France

Nuremberg, Germany Breukelen, Netherlands

Gauteng, South Africa Liphook, UK

Meet Bucharest, Romania - - - - -

MeetApp Stockholm, Sweden Hannover, Germany - - - -

Meetee Tel Aviv, Israel - - - - -

MeetMatch Zwijndrecht, Belgium - - - - -

Meetoo Liphook, UK London, UK Vasa, Finland - - -

mEvent Brentford, UK Frankfurt, GermanyAmsterdam, Netherlands Paris, France Dubai, UAE Doha, Qatar

Mobapplogic London, UK - - - - -

Networkapp Utrecht, The Netherlands - - - - -

NetworkTables.com Amsterdam, The Netherlands - - - - -

Noodle Live London, UK - - - - -

Panelsensor West Sussex, UK Kallithea, Greece - - - -

Pitch and Match Utrecht, The Netherlands Madrid, Spain - - - -

PowerVote Event App London, UK Dusseldorf, Germany Madrid, Spain Milan, Italy Paris, France -

registraid.com Heemstede, The Netherlands - - - - -

Sharypic Paris, France - - - - -

Slido London, UK Bratislava, Slovakia Paris, France Copenhagen, Denmark - -

SpotMe Lausanne, Switzerland - - - - -

Superevent Vienna, AustriaAmsterdam, The Netherlands - - - -

Swapcard Paris, France Abidjan, Ivory Coast - - - -

Symposia Bournemouth, UK London, UK - - - -

TapFuse London, UK - - - - -

Time2 Brussels, Belgium - - - - -

twoppy Amsterdam, The Netherlands - - - - -

Virtual Event Bags London, UK - - - - -

Wooclap Brussels, Belgium - - - - -

Zuant London, UK - - - - -

The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT72 The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT72 The Event App Bible 2017: REBOOT72

EVENTPROF SURVEY RESULTS

Are you providing an event app for your attendees for any of your current event projects?

Do you intend to provide an event app in the near future for your attendees (within the next 12 months)?

YES53%

NO47%

YES76%

NO24%


ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Julius Solaris

Julius Solaris is the editor of Event Manager Blog. Started in 2007, Event Manager Blog is the number one website worldwide for event professionals, covering topics such as event planning, social media for events, event technology, event trends, event inspiration but also destination management marketing, meeting planning.

He has been named one of 25 most influential individuals in the Meeting Industry in 2015 and 2016.

Becki Cross

Becki Cross set up UK based event management company and SME, Events Northern Ltd, in 2004. Becki has organized events ranging from conferences to exhibitions, festivals to awards ceremonies, fashion shows to golf tournaments and everything in between.

Organizing conferences and corporate events is Becki’s passion and she believes that conferences should never be boring! She enjoys incorporating event technologies and social media into the mix and working closely with a diverse range of clients to achieve their event objectives. Becki is also interested in innovation and how entrepreneurial thinking and skills can be encouraged.

Becki is the Deputy Editor and Contributor to EventMB, which she describes as her dream job alongside event planning! Follow Becki on Twitter @beckitrain.


CMP CREDITS

EventMB is the leading online resource for event planners worldwide. EventMB is a CMP Preferred Provider accredited by the Convention Industry Council and provides Continuing Education credits for learning activities.

This report is worth 2 CE Credits.

To acquire CE credits through this or other reports, webinars and reading material from EventMB, please refer to www.eventmanagerblog.com/cmp.

For more information about the CMP credential or Preferred Provider Program, please visit www.conventionindustry.org.

http://www.eventmanagerblog.com/cmp

http://www.conventionindustry.org


CREDITS

This guide would not have been possible without the help of an incredible team of people.

I would like to thank:

Carmen Boscolo - for making the project a reality.Becki Cross, MD of Events Northern Ltd and Deputy Editor of EventMB - for co-authoring the book and coordinating the book production.Camille Wagner - for research support.Beatrice Tagliaferri - for cover and ebook design.Lee Stacey - for proofreading and validation of the content.All the event professionals who participated in our questionnaire.All of the providers that shared details of their products with us and answered all of our questions.Our sponsors - for making the book happen.


DISCLAIMER

This report is based on a research carried out in February and March 2017.While this report has been sponsored by event technology providers the analysis is completely unbiased.

If you wish to sponsor our future publications or receive sponsorship opportunity notifications, get in touch with carmen at eventmanager-blog dot com.

Publication release date: 21 March 2017.


the evebt app bible 2017

Data & Analytics