Every now and then, we come across stories about events that got a bit out of hand – think messy crowd control, slow payment systems, never-ending lines, and places so packed you can barely breathe (like that time at Trevor Noah’s ‘Off The Record’ show, remember?). These issues don’t just mess with the vibe of an event; they also leave attendees feeling pretty bummed out. But that’s why event apps are so important for organizers today.

For event organizers, event apps are key to enhancing both the planning process and the attendee experience. These platforms not only streamline event logistics but also enrich the attendee experience, making them an indispensable tool in the modern event organizer’s arsenal. Here’s why:

Why You Need an Event App in 2024

Gone are the days when event check-in involved long queues and cumbersome paperwork. In today’s fast-paced world, attendees expect a seamless, efficient, and contactless check-in process that an event app can provide. Not only does it enhance the attendee experience right from the get-go, but it also sets the tone for the rest of the event. Mobile Event apps eliminate the frustrations of outdated printed spreadsheets, manage check-in lines effectively, and adapt to last-minute changes, ensuring a positive first impression​​.

Event apps also play a crucial role in making events sustainable by reducing paper waste associated with attendee lists, printing tickets, and badges. Moreover, they facilitate a hassle-free attendee check-in, boost onsite productivity, enable onsite badge printing, contactless registrations and payments, and provide live event check-in data and reports, allowing for real-time decision-making​​.

How Does An Event App Improve Your Event 

1. Simplified Event Planning and Management

• Streamlined Communication: Event apps centralize communication, providing organizers and attendees with a single point of contact. This eliminates the need for multiple communication channels, making it easier to disseminate information, updates, and changes.
• Efficient Registration and Check-in: With integrated registration and check-in features, event apps reduce wait times and paper usage. Attendees can check themselves in using their mobile devices, reducing wait times and avoiding the hassle of physical paperwork or interaction. They can also register for the event, sessions, and workshops within the app, facilitating a smooth and eco-friendly entry process.
• Better Event Staff Productivity Onsite: With access to real-time data and reports, event staff can monitor check-ins, manage sessions, and respond to attendee needs more efficiently. The app’s backend features allow for quick adjustments and real-time problem-solving, boosting staff productivity and event flow.
• Onsite Badge Printing, Contactless Registrations, and Payments: The integration of onsite badge printing within event apps complements the contactless registration process, allowing attendees to print their badges upon arrival through self-service kiosks. Additionally, some event apps support contactless payments for registrations, merchandise, or at-event purchases, streamlining the transaction process.

2. Enhanced Networking Opportunities

• Personalized Profiles and Matchmaking: Attendees can create personalized profiles, listing their interests, expertise, and objectives. The app can then use this information to recommend networking opportunities, connecting like-minded individuals and potential business partners.
• In-app Messaging and Scheduling: Direct messaging and meeting scheduling features within the app allow attendees to connect and plan one-on-one meetings effortlessly, maximizing the event’s networking potential.

3. Improved Engagement and Interaction

• Live Polls and Q&A Sessions: Event apps can host live polls and Q&A sessions, allowing attendees to actively participate in discussions and provide real-time feedback. This interactive element keeps the audience engaged and gives speakers immediate insights into the attendees’ thoughts and opinions.

• Gamification: Incorporating gamification elements, such as challenges, leaderboards, and rewards, encourages attendees to engage with the content, exhibitors, and each other, enhancing the overall event experience. For more information check out How you can use Mobile Event App to Gamify your Events

4. Access to Resources and Content

• Immediate Access to Presentations and Documents: Attendees can access presentations, documents, and other resources directly through the app. This not only ensures that attendees have all the necessary information at their fingertips but also supports sustainability by reducing paper waste.
• On-demand Content: Post-event, the app can offer on-demand access to session recordings, presentations, and other materials, allowing attendees to revisit content at their convenience and ensuring they derive maximum value from the event.

5. Data Collection and Analytics

• Live Event Check-In Data : Organizers have access to live data regarding check-ins, attendance rates, and session popularity. This real-time insight allows for immediate adjustments and better resource allocation, ensuring the event runs smoothly and efficiently.
• Real-time Feedback: Event apps enable organizers to collect real-time feedback from attendees through surveys and polls. This immediate insight into attendee satisfaction and preferences is invaluable for making on-the-fly adjustments and planning future events.
• Comprehensive Analytics: The data collected through the app provides organizers with comprehensive analytics on attendee behavior, session popularity, engagement levels, and more. These insights are crucial for measuring event success and guiding strategic decisions for future events.

Top Features to Look for in an Event App for Your Next Event  

1. Interactive Engagement Tools: Features like live polling, surveys, and Q&A sessions are crucial. They not only engage attendees in real-time but also provide valuable feedback and insights for organizers. Sarcon’s Event App includes these interactive elements, enhancing the overall event experience.
2. Networking Capabilities: A top event app should facilitate easy networking among attendees. Look for features like business card exchange, networking lounges, and AI-driven matchmaking. Sarcon enhances attendee engagement through these comprehensive networking features, allowing for meaningful connections and discovery of new opportunities​​.
3. Custom Branding and Design: The ability to customize the app with your event’s branding and design is vital for creating a cohesive experience. Sarcon allows for full customization of the app’s look and feel, as well as the registration page, ensuring that your event’s unique brand is well represented​​. 
4. Efficient Event Management: Features that simplify the logistics of event management, such as dynamic registration, scheduling, and content management systems (CMS), are indispensable. Sarcon’s app supports these functionalities to streamline the planning process.
5. Real-time Updates: It allows organizers to send instant notifications and announcements to attendees. This feature is critical for communicating schedule changes, important reminders, or emergency alerts, ensuring that everyone stays informed. It enhances the attendee experience by providing up-to-date information, facilitating smoother event operations, and adapting quickly to any unforeseen circumstances. This immediacy not only keeps participants aligned with the event flow but also significantly improves their satisfaction and engagement levels.

   

6. Offline Capabilities: An essential feature for event apps is the ability to operate offline. This ensures that attendees can access vital information like schedules, speaker bios, and venue maps without needing a constant internet connection. It’s especially beneficial in areas with limited or unreliable Wi-Fi.
   
7. Navigation and Interactive Maps: Including detailed, interactive maps within the app helps attendees navigate the event venue with ease, locate sessions, booths, and amenities, and plan their day more efficiently. This feature enhances the user experience by reducing confusion and saving time, making it easier for participants to engage with the event fully.
   
8. Multi-event Support: An app that can manage multiple events simultaneously is beneficial for organizations that host various events throughout the year. Sarcon’s platform accommodates this need, making it easier to oversee different events.
9. Sustainability: With a growing emphasis on sustainability, features like digital badge creation and distribution are significant. They help reduce the environmental impact of your event by minimizing the need for printed materials.
10. Analytics and Reporting: Access to real-time analytics and detailed reports can help you measure the success of your event and identify areas for improvement. Sarcon’s Event App provides these insights, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Incorporating these features in an event app can significantly enhance the attendee experience, streamline event management, and contribute to the overall success of your event. For more details, check out our Event App page to see how these features can enhance your event

In addition to the above, Sarcon offers a suite of features designed for both in-person and virtual events, such as 3D virtual environments, hybrid event apps, on-site management, live streaming, and comprehensive event engagement and gamification options. This makes it an all-encompassing solution for event planners aiming to deliver a memorable experience​​.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the necessity of integrating an event app into your event planning toolkit in 2024 cannot be overstated. With benefits ranging from improved attendee experience and environmental sustainability to enhanced staff productivity and real-time insights, event apps like those provided by Nunify and Sarcon are indeed the future of event planning. As we move forward, choosing an event app with the right features will be pivotal in not just meeting but exceeding attendee expectations, ultimately contributing to the success of your event. For more information read 21 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Mobile Event App