The use of event specific applications is becoming increasingly popular throughout the conference and events industry. While they provide delegates with a unique experience, they also create a platform for possible issues to arise. It is therefore imperative for companies to have a comprehensive understanding of what the application does before deciding whether or not to incorporate it into their event. As conference experts, we’ve developed a list of event app pros and cons, which should assist companies making future decisions regarding the use off an app.

 

Pros

Important information hub

An event app provides delegates with all necessary information such as the agenda, speakers, location, Social Media feed, and so forth. It also helps them prepare for the event beforehand.

Live information with instant feedback

Conference organisers are able to provide guests with real-time information and instantaneously handle any queries that may arise throughout the day. It also provides a platform for dealing with issues as and when they arise as opposed to sending out surveys after the event.

Networking

An event app is a great platform for networking and building your business circle. It provides an idea of who will be attending the event and which speakers will be on stage.

Sharing

Event apps provide users with the opportunity to easily share photos and videos with others. This is useful for people who have an interest in the event but were unable to attend.

Going green

With the use of an app, companies can drastically reduce the amount of printed collateral that is required for the event.

 

Cons

Technology can sometimes be a downer…

It’s no secret that technology isn’t always as reliable as we’d like it to be and it often crashes at the worst possible time. It’s also important to note that when users are expected to make use of apps, they generally assume that they’ll be provided with free Wi-Fi. This opens the door for possibly having to deal with connectivity issues.

Preparation

When it comes to event apps, attendees often come unprepared. They’ll sometimes only download the app when they arrive at the event, or they’ll download it without browsing through it beforehand.

Perceived value

Many people don’t even bother downloading the app, as they believe that the hassle of downloading the application, setting it up and possibly having to create space on the phone, isn’t worth the value that they’ll receive from the app.

Costs

Developing an app can be quite costly so it’s important for companies to decipher whether the investment will be worth it or not.

 

If you decide to incorporate an app into your next event, you’re likely to experience an abundance of advantages however, if it not done correctly, you’ll become inundated with the exact opposite. Before making a decision, ensure that you’ve done a sufficient amount of research and taken the above-mentioned points into consideration.