The demand for Event Apps has steadily increased for a number of years now. Whether event organisers aimed for sustainability, sought operational efficiency at live events, or simply desired a better user experience for attendees, an app became the preferred solution to introduce a digital element to their events.
The current state of technology has advanced significantly, making apps more sought after than ever. Several factors contribute to this trend. A notable one is our increasing reliance on mobile devices. Studies indicate that people now spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on their phones, constituting one-third of their waking time—a 30% increase from 2019 levels.
The ubiquitous presence of phones in our daily lives suggests that extending this connection to events is a logical step. Embracing this shift allows attendees to access event content easily, as having a device at hand has become ingrained in our behaviour. The prevalence of mobile interactions is evident in various aspects of daily life, from ordering food and catching up on news to managing medical information. Mobile devices seem to be surpassing websites as the primary means of interaction, making it sensible to leverage this trend for events.
The decision to invest in an Event App is not solely based on increased device engagement; it must align with the specific needs of your event. It’s crucial to consider the reasons, benefits, and the value that a digital extension can bring to the overall event experience, as well as the key performance indicators and metrics for the event.
For those undecided, here are some compelling reasons our clients are leaning toward adopting Event Apps:
365 Marketing & Communications: Events now extend beyond a single moment. A well-planned event app can be live well in advance, enabling the promotion of materials, exclusive content, and communications before, during, and after the event. It serves as an extension of your overall marketing plan.
Personalised: Enhancing the delegate journey through personalisation is vital for event success. Event Apps offer customisation options for agenda items, ticket purchases, workshop selections, and personalised notifications for specific attendee groups.
Interactive: As we return to in-person events, maintaining interactivity is crucial. Event Apps facilitate live Q&A, polls, social walls, and networking features, ensuring diverse interaction opportunities for all attendees.
Convenient: Consolidating all event resources within an app benefits both organisers and attendees, eliminating the need for cumbersome brochures and bags. The accessibility of the app in advance enhances preparedness, allowing attendees to plan their schedules efficiently.
Real-Time Content: Last-minute changes to agendas, room locations, or speaker absences can be addressed in real-time through the Event App, ensuring attendees receive up-to-date information.
Networking: Networking tools within the Event App facilitate interaction before, during, and after the event, fostering relationship building among attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers.
Reportable: Robust analytics provided by Event Apps offer valuable insights for sponsors and exhibitors to gauge their return on investment. Organisers can track attendee journeys, engagement metrics, and gather feedback for future improvement.
Sustainability: Transitioning to an app allows your event to go completely paperless, reducing emissions and waste. The carbon footprint associated with printed brochures alone can be significant, making the move to digital an environmentally friendly choice.
In conclusion, while the prospect of implementing apps may seem daunting for smaller events, we believe that the future of physical events is undoubtedly digital.
Hippo offer Event Project Management and Global Venue Finding services. Contact us today on 01372 460 100 or events@hippoevents.co.uk to see how we can assist.