In today’s technology-run world, it's hard to imagine a day without our mobile devices. From checking emails to managing daily tasks, we rely on our phones and tablets for almost everything. But did you know that they can also transform the way we experience events? 

With this growing dependence on technology, event marketers are now embracing the use of mobile devices to enhance engagement and create a more interactive experience for attendees. Not only do they provide attendees with convenience and accessibility, but they also have the power to encourage audience participation. Let’s explore the various ways in which mobile devices can revamp your events and ultimately lead to greater success.

Engage guests from the palm of their hand

Most individuals have their smartphones on them at all times, and this is no different in the event space. It’s not uncommon to see event guests paying more attention to their phones than the announcements being made. Think about it - how many times have you attended an event and found yourself scrolling through your phone? 

This is where incorporating mobile apps into an event can be highly valuable. With a mobile app, all the necessary information is easily accessible in one place, eliminating the need for constant device-switching or flipping through physical materials. Instead of having to rely on laptops, attendees can simply pull out their phones and stay plugged into the event. 

Plus, text or push notifications allow organizers to share updates and reminders directly to attendees' phones. This not only keeps them informed but can also re-engage them if they get distracted. 

Many mobile apps made for events have a plethora of features, including:

• In-app ticket purchasing 
• Interactive event schedule
• Personalized itinerary with reminders
• Virtual event map
• Personalized recommendations
• Real-time push notifications for updates
• Gamification (challenges, polls, trivia, leaderboards)
• Networking feature 
• Social media integration 
• Virtual swag bag with exclusive deals from event sponsors
• Shared photo gallery
• Feedback system

This list is not exhaustive at all. There are endless ways that you can enhance your guests’ experience with mobile apps. However, it’s best to choose one application and stick with it. You don’t want to be managing multiple apps and neither do your guests! 

Simplify participation

Mobile devices have revolutionized the way guests participate in events. Let’s dive into some of the most useful features that help streamline the event planning process and make things a whole lot more pleasant for your guests.

Checking in with mobile apps

With the use of mobile apps and technology, checking in to an event can be a hassle-free process. Guests can simply download the app, register, and receive their digital ticket for entry. Make sure that your pre-event communication provides effective instructions and reminders for guests so they can check in with ease.

There will always be folks who don’t make use of the early check-in process, and that’s okay! Have some staff trained and available to help those who aren’t as proactive or tech-savvy. Giving mobile check-in as an option will still eliminate long lines and paper tickets, making the check-in process much quicker and more efficient. 

Accessing schedules and event maps with mobile apps

By having their schedules readily available on their phones, guests can easily plan out their day and navigate through the event without any confusion. Some apps can even save certain events to a favorites list, which is helpful for larger events with multiple activities and sessions taking place simultaneously. It can also be an easy conversation starter between attendees: “What do you have on your favorites?” 

Additionally, most event attendees will be unfamiliar with your venue. Google Maps is usually unhelpful in this realm, as you’ll be dealing with conference rooms or halls. With event maps on their phones, guests won’t be fumbling around. 

Participation through mobile apps

Mobile events allow guests to actively participate in various activities through their phones. Whether it's a live poll or an interactive game, guests can engage with the content of the event in real time using their mobile devices. This enhances their overall experience and encourages active participation.

For those events that incorporate fundraising activities like silent auctions, there are apps that facilitate the bidding process, too. Grant access to people who are not physically present so they can bid on items, and let in-person guests bid with a single tap! 

Connecting and networking through mobile apps

Chat and networking features allow guests to foster a sense of community and meaningful connections beyond just attending the event. You can even encourage folks to connect before the event. Some applications ask attendees about interests to connect like-minded individuals. 

Events that leverage mobile applications have made it incredibly convenient for event marketers and attendees alike. They take a huge mental load off of guests’ plates, which not only enhances the overall experience for attendees but also adds value to the event itself. 

Appeal to both in-person and virtual attendees

Let’s face it – events haven’t been the same since COVID. Hybrid and virtual events are here to stay, and that’s not a bad thing! We now have the technology to allow for more attendees. In the old days, if people couldn’t be present for it, they just completely missed out. Now, they can still be a part of the event virtually! 

One of the biggest advantages of using mobile devices for events is the ability to turn any event into a hybrid one. Mobile devices make it possible for virtual attendees to feel like they are actually present at the event, making events more accessible and inclusive for all participants.

Make reporting easier

One of the key features that sets mobile apps apart from traditional methods of event management is their built-in reporting capabilities. Organizers can access valuable insights from their events, making the post-event analysis process much more efficient. These reporting features provide event hosts with a gold mine of information that no manual process can do, including identifying successes and areas of improvement. This allows them to make informed decisions when planning future events and tailor the experience to better meet the needs of their attendees.

Some examples of data points that event hosts may want to track include:

• Attendance numbers
• Participation rates for certain activities or workshops
• Fundraising dollars raised from mobile devices
• Feedback ratings provided by attendees

This data also enables organizers to connect with attendees more personally after the event. Event hosts can follow up with personalized emails or targeted advertisements that cater to the interests of each attendee. This not only helps to foster a stronger relationship with attendees but also increases the likelihood of them attending future events.

It’s safe to say that mobile devices have become an essential tool for both event organizers and guests. With the convenience of having everything at our fingertips, we can enhance our event experience in ways we never could before and help guests get the most out of the event. Next time you host an event, remember that things don’t have to be complicated, disconnected, or so manual – we have the technology!

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