12 App Features that Improve Attendee Experience

Eighty percent of event attendees (in North America) now use smartphones and on average, spend more than 60 hours a week consuming content on their mobile devices. If you haven’t already, it’s time to jump on the mobile event app bandwagon.

Conference and event planners around the world are utilizing mobile apps to not only improve attendee experience and engagement, but also to keep attendees updated on important information and to provide a platform for communication.

So in a sea of choices, what does one look for in a mobile event app?

1. Easy to Use

Look for a simple, intuitive user interface with goof-proof app navigation and design.

2. Customization and Branding

Carrying the fonts, colors and logos of your theme or brand consistently throughout the entire event is important for optimal attendee impact.

3. Device Agnostic

Make sure that every attendee can access your app, no matter what type of smartphone, tablet, or computer is brought to your event.

4. Instant Access

It’s easiest if you can simply direct attendees to an event URL through their internet browser. Then the event app downloads automatically in seconds.

5. Offline Capable

Find a mobile event app that, after the initial download, attendees can access anytime, even offline.

6. Security

A login feature with personal credentials is important. Attendees will feel more confident sharing information with added security. It’s also critical that classified information stays classified with enhanced SSL encryption.

7. Personalized Attendee Experience

Personalized attendee dashboards are the latest and greatest in mobile event technology. They allow users to set up their favorites, save notes and easily edit their event app profile. It’s also extremely helpful if you can easily select groups for your attendees and send out push notifications of relevant announcements before and during the event.

8. Private In-App Chat

In-app messaging is a really great way to encourage attendee networking. Attendees can chat one-on-one through the app without publicly displaying contact information.

9. Interactive Maps

Whether it’s a map of an unfamiliar city or multiple conference halls, all event-goers will appreciate this tool.

10. Real-Time Polls, Surveys and Session Feedback

Powerful live polling through an event app turns attendees into participants. Finding an app that also incorporates quick and easy surveys is priceless in collecting valuable feedback.

11. Easy Access to Files and Documents

An invaluable feature that allows access to session presentation slides, exhibitor collateral, meeting handouts and more. Convenient and eco-friendly.

12. Analytics

Real-time analytics enable reporting functionality on such things as how many attendees logged into the app, took notes, created a schedule, etc. Priceless information for your post-event debrief and future event planning.

Find Mentioned Suppliers

Tom McCullugh, Owner | Chief Marketing Officer | metroConnections | tmcculloch@metroconnections.com

In 1998, Tom McCulloch joined metroConnections and is Vice President of Marketing and Conference Services. He is responsible for strategic marketing, channels marketing and along with partner, Mike Graves, leads the ongoing technology offerings in the Conference Services division. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota - Duluth. In 2007, McCulloch was awarded Meetings and Events Magazine "Hall of Fame - Conference Planner of the Year.”

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