In 2008, Apple launched the App store for app distribution for iPhones. That same year the Android app market was also launched. The concept of applications for phones and mobile devices transformed the communication industry and started a new niche - creation of apps for any and all products and services. From checking emails, the weather, news, doing banking or connecting to social media, users increasingly depend on mobile apps to perform everyday tasks and to stay connected and informed. 

If you look at the statistics about the mobile usage, you could be terrified - because some state that an average European spends more than 2 hours every day looking at the smartphone screen. Not to mention that the ratio between mobile Internet browsing vs. desktop/laptop Internet browsing is in favor of mobile since 2014.

Event organizers have a unique opportunity with an event app to offer attendees an interactive alternative to the program book, and to connect to them in a more direct way. Deciding to get an event app can be an investment that requires many considerations such as cost, benefits and effectiveness. Here are 7 reasons why an event app is a must-have for your next event.

1. No more print
Many events use printed programs and abstract books. Printed media for an event can present an array of challenges for the event organizer: What to do with program changes? How to deal with resources? How many units to print? Going paperless with an event app means that program updates are made easily and can be immediately communicated to attendees. Cutting down on printing is both beneficial for the budget and for the environment.

2. Complete program and more
Attendees can access and navigate the full program, as well as view additional multimedia resources such as presentation slides and videos. Quickly finding a session, exhibitor stand or speaker bio is simpler than ever. The event venue is easy to navigate with multiple floor plan views and clear markers. Not to mention the integration of routable Google maps!

3. Increase interaction
An event app enables interaction. Not only are attendees kept up-to-date, but they can also use it to create a personal schedule, sync this across multiple devices, and get notified when a presentation is about to start. Attendees can participate in live questionnaires and give feedback to presenters through the app, increasing engagement and interest.

4. Stay connected and build your community
As an event professional, you can stay connected to your community and engage them in ongoing discussions. Interactive sessions, news and publications are just a few of the things that you can notify attendees of before, during and after the event. With an event app you are able to send notifications to all users at any moment.

5. Increase sponsors revenue
For sponsors, your event is a way to gain exposure to a specific target group. An event app offers a new and more direct channel for sponsors to reach that target audience and for a longer period of time, since the app can be installed and used before, during and after the event. 

6. Real time event analytics
An event app can provide you with (real-time) event information like nothing else can. This information can be used to make adjustments during your and plan for your next event to ultimately improve the event experience and ROI.

7. Keep up with attendee demands
An event app enables you to adapt to the ever evolving needs of your attendees. In 2017, attendees want more than just to consume information. Today’s attendees want to participate and be more involved. An event app can make this is possible. It gives delegates the means to communicate, collaborate and interact during the event, making their event experience more complete.

Event apps are gradually becoming an industry standard with clear benefits to both users and organizers. Are you ready to take the next step? Contact us today to further discuss how you can get an app for your next event.