2015 e d i t i o n

THE
EVENT APP
BIBLE
The New Version of the Popular Guide to Evaluate,
Compare and Understand Event Mobile Apps
 Table of Contents

page 4 Preface - by Corbin Ball

8 Introduction
10 Why Version 3?
13 5 Key Trends in Event Mobile Apps
17 What You will Find In The Event App Bible v3
18 Structure of the Event App Bible v3
21 Strategy
21 Event Apps: Hype or Substance? Where are we now?
26 The Benefits of Mobile Apps
27 Do You Need an Event App?
29 From The Trenches: How Event Planners Select and Use Apps
31 Why Develop an Event Mobile App Selection Strategy? - by Michelle Bruno
32 30 Questions to Answer in a Mobile App Selection Strategy - by Michelle Bruno
35 Selection
35 Purchasing Factors
38 Creating the Perfect Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Mobile App - by Michelle Bruno
46 Event App Solutions: Research Methodology
47 Event App Findings
50 Mobile App and Features Glossary - by Becki Cross and Cathy Key
56 App Provider Tables and Features Overview
73 Post Selection Tactics
73 Earning Adoption - by Liz King
75 Promoting Engagement - by Liz King
76 Considering Usage - by Liz King
77 Solving Wifi Issues - by Liz King
78 Financial Support - by Liz King
78 Data and Analytics - by Michelle Bruno
82 Credits
83 Partners
84 Disclaimer
86 appendix - research
AD
 event app bible

The revolution started just over seven years ago. The iPhone combined with the

PREFACE App Store introduced a new paradigm that all modern smartphones followed.
This model has transformed the telecommunication industry, the software indu-
stry and society in general.

Today, more than 1.3 million apps for both iOS and Android, provide an almost
infinite variety of options to assist us with our everyday lives – there’s an app for
seemingly everything! Our pocket ‘supercomputers’ are hundreds of times more
powerful than our desktop computer 20 years ago. When tethered to the cloud,
smartphones and apps provide some of the strongest forces for technology
change in human history.

The intuitive nature of these devices and apps have made technology accessible
to everyone from toddlers to grandparents. Today, even technology laggards are
using smartphones as they work their way into our everyday leisure, lives and
work processes.

The meeting industry is seeing substantial change from these forces. It is likely
that apps and mobile devices will create more technology change in the next
five years than technology in general has in the past fifteen years. The event
app, used by only 9% of meeting planners in 2011, has become an expected
component of many events, with strong growth expected.

Today, there are hundreds of event apps to choose from providing a wide range
of options. These ‘Swiss Army knives’ streamline events and improve participant
engagement. They reduce paper and have the potential to provide an unpre-

4
 event app bible

PREFACE

cedented level of analytics – a goldmine of data to improve meetings. They can

be used for agenda building, networking, wayfinding, polling, surveying, gaming,
social media posting, group/subgroup announcements, scheduling, CEU tracking,
movement tracking, just to name a few options…and new ideas and capabilities
are appearing daily!

With this explosion of options and choices, how do you as a meeting planner
make the right choices for your event?

This is where the Event App Bible v3 comes in.

This expanded and updated version is by far the most comprehensive and up-to-
date coverage of the topic ever published. In addition to detailed product listin-
gs and expansive survey research, there are sections on best practices, pricing,
selection factors, RFP creation, a feature glossary, case studies, app promotion
and important emerging trends.

It is an honor and a privilege to write the Preface for this very important work.
I wholeheartedly endorse and commend the efforts by Julius Solaris, the Event
Manager Blog team and the other contributors to this book.

Corbin Ball, CMP, CSP, DES

Meetings Technology Analyst
CorbinBall.com

5
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1/
Introduction
 event app bible

“It makes sense, but I am confused.” This is the dominant feeling of those
approaching event apps for the first time. We all get the common sense of not
introduction
having to deal with expensive and unsustainable print guides. We all agree that
sending a reminder moments before a relevant session is starting makes perfect
sense.

Yet almost 60% of the respondents to our survey, the largest research project
ever conducted about the use of event mobile apps in events, have still not
adopted one.

The consensus among those who shared their opinion can be summarised in
these quotes:

“I don’t see this as a useful tool for our events at this time.”
“I need more information on benefits and results.”
‘I’m not familiar with Event Apps, so I do not know how this will
benefit us.”

What is clear from all of the above is the actual lack of clarity. This is why The
Event App Bible has been downloaded more than 25,000 times and the industry
thinks of it as essential reading for anyone wishing to embark on an event app
program.

The event app market has evolved substantially in the past three years. What
were startups are now large companies worth millions. As a result you, the user,
have probably had some experience with apps. We surely know more about
apps, but more is not always better.

The aim of The Event App Bible v3 is to cut through the noise and unnecessary
glamour and give you reliable, fact based information about event apps. We are
also delivering more relevant and up to date comparison tables with new featu-
res, companies and visualizations.

Buckle up, we are about to start.

8
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 event app bible

introduction

When we released version 2 of the report, we felt it was a bit of a gamble. We ran
the risk of being repetitive. Yet while carrying out the analysis we noticed how
Why quickly the marketplace and consumer experience was evolving.
Version
3? The results clearly displayed an ongoing interest in getting more up to date in-
formation about embarking and implementing an event app program. Version 3
deepens and updates our monumental research effort, with a twist.

This edition will not present the same features all over again. We skim those fe-
atures offered by most companies and focus on what’s new and what makes the
difference when selecting the perfect event app.

It also presents a revised and new write up with more up to date tips and cheat
sheets to reflect the current needs of event professionals selecting and using
event apps.

Before starting the project, we set a very ambitious objective to carry out the lar-
gest research ever made on the subject. We created a very detailed questionnai-
re with in-depth questions about how event planners really use apps and what
factors influence their decisions. We noted that most of the research out there
was superficial, asking only simple questions that did not tell a story. It’s easy to
get thousands of replies when you ask three ‘yes or no’ questions.

We were committed to really understanding once and for all the big topics asso-
ciated with event mobile apps, the ones event app providers jealously keep for
themselves and turn into marketing intelligence. We had 3,000 total respondents
of which ‘only’ 2,000 of them completed the survey in full and were qualified .
This has never been done before.

We continued this same detailed research with event app providers and we pre-
sent here a feature and price comparision of over 100 event apps.

Version 3 is our great excuse to publish data that will benefit everyone in the
industry. You, the event professional, who needs and I quote, “more infor-
mation on benefits and results” and also you, the event app provider, who
wants to offer a better service and product that delivers true value.

Is Version 3 worth your time? You bet!

10
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5 Key Trends in Event
Mobile Apps
 event app bible

At EventMB we love trends. Our analysis of the event app ecosystem uncovered 5
key trends:
5 Key
Trends 1/ Point of Entry.
in Event Event apps are becoming a standard component of an event professional’s
toolkit, similar to online registration 10 years ago. Rising mobile and smar-
Mobile tphone adoption in consumer markets make the choice of an event app
Apps very appealing and implementable.

Event professionals use apps as their entry point into the realm of event
tech. Once there they start to ask more. As a result, event app companies
find themselves having to constantly transform and offer more tools.

2/ Blurred Boundaries.
Event apps have evolved into more integrated platforms. We used to think of
an event app as offering basics like the event schedule and floor plans. The
new wave of event apps are integrated event management and engagement
systems. The increase in apps offering native registration capabilities has
been substantial, but still does not reflect the requirements of the market.

When comparing the top five With the top five features offered
demands of event professionals: by suppliers:

Push notifications Push notifications

Feedback Feedback
Attendee match-making Sponsor banners
Registration integrated Exhibitor/Speaker profiles
Registration onsite/check-in Native App Development

There is a definite disconnect between what event professionals are deman-

ding and what the current market offers. Event professionals clearly identify
three areas that have traditionally been split in different apps. They are asking
for all of them to come together, with registration being the most important.

3/ Not Too Fancy.

When looking at the least demanded features of event professionals and
the current market offering, there seems to be more agreement.

While event professionals least Event app suppliers do not offer:

value:

White label Livestreaming

Augmented reality Augmented reality
NFC NFC
RFID RFID
iBeacons iBeacons
13
 event app bible

5 Key Trends in
Event Mobile
Apps

Fancy features such as iBeacons, NFC and RFID, while very interesting for
those who comment on event technology, are still not relevant for most
event professionals. Probably the benefits of these extensions are not clear
and one thing for sure is that event professionals require apps that deliver
key features in a reliable way.

The race to offer more and more features seems to have slowed down.
While some event concepts may benefit from use of these niche technolo-
gy extensions, the core demand for apps revolves around combining basic
tools (i.e. event app + registration) rather than extending existing ones (ie.
RFID powered event app).

4/ Native and Web.

When we think of an app, we think of a native app. A piece of software
specifically designed for iOS, Android, Blackberry or Windows smartphones.
These are the apps that tend to offer more.

A while ago having a phone with 16GB memory seemed a lot. Now, the
improvements in smartphone technology and the flood of new apps have
made 16GB almost irrelevant. All of a sudden downloading ‘yet another
app’ is annoying and unwanted. Making the most of our memory real estate
is also a priority.

Choosing an app that is both native and web enabled (hybrid) seems to be
a growing requirement in the event professional community.

5/ ARS Revival.
Audience Response Systems are getting a second life. There are a growing
number of providers creating apps and platforms specifically made to
share content and interact with the audience. This is not the focus of this
report as we mostly look at apps offering content and networking capabili-
ties.

The number of providers offering live interaction and content sharing fea-
tures is steadily increasing. This is mostly fuelled by an increasing demand
in the market. Top features looked for by planners responding to our survey
are slide and document sharing as well as audience response systems.

As audiences grow tired of the same event concepts repurposed as exciting

experiences, planners are looking at using tools that stimulate interaction
and horizontal conversations. Apps are able to fill that gap nicely.

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3/
What You will Find In
The Event App Bible v3
 event app bible

The objective of the Event App Bible v3 is to help you make a better informed
event app decision.
What You
will Find We received submissions to our questionnaire from hundreds of app providers,

In The we shortlisted the best and organized them in a way that is easy to understand.

Event The aim is to give you a quick reference guide to understand which app does
App Bible what, for what budget and if it is a good fit with your event.

v3 We conducted the largest event mobile app focused research to date to ask
event professionals their views on event apps and which features they rank as
most important. This research will deliver to both event professionals and app
providers insights and feedback about the future roadmap of mobile programs
for events.

Specifically you will discover:

Whether you need an event app and why

We look at the real data behind the hype and examine the benefits of mobile
event apps. We also provide information collected from event professionals who
have successfully used event apps.

What you can expect to get for your budget

Given that event apps vary widely in price, sometimes it is hard to know if you
are getting good value for money. The Event App Bible v3 provides a com-
prehensive listing of currently available apps, organized by price. Within each
price bracket, you can compare each vendor and app by feature.

Price breakdown
You will be able to quickly identify who is offering what and for what price, ba-
sed on a few example event scenarios.

Clear guidance to creating an event app program

Every event is unique and has its own requirements. Here you will find advice
and direction from industry experts in creating a successful implementation
strategy.

The key questions to ask when purchasing an event app

To help you formulate an effective event app strategy, you will find a handy 30
point checklist to assess your requirements, communication plan and objectives.

17
 event app bible

What You will

Find In The Event
App Bible v3

How to create an effective event app RFP

Find out how to create the perfect Request for Proposal with a handy template
for you to use.

You have an app, now what?

The journey of your mobile strategy only begins with selection, to get the most
out of your app you need to make sure people download and use it. In our
section on ‘Post Selection Tactics’ you will find out how to use data driven tactics
to foster adoption and usage of your app.

This guide is divided into three sections:

Structure Strategy
of the We look at how to approach purchasing and using event mobile apps. We di-
Event App scuss establishing the real need for an app, evaluating the pros and cons of
running an app program, a checklist of what to take into consideration and case
Bible v3 studies of successful implementation programs.

Selection
The aim of this section is to help you select the app that best fits your require-
ments and your budget. You will find information about creating the perfect RFP,
learn about the different purchasing factors to consider and be able to compare
features offered in the market according to their price. The most comprehensive
assessment of the app market to date.

Post Selection Tactics

This new section of the Event App Bible is dedicated to tactics you can imple-
ment to increase adoption and usage of your selected mobile app.

18
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4/
Strategy
 event app bible

Event Apps: Hype or Substance?

Where are we now?
strategy
While we wanted to completely remove this section from the Event App Bible v3,
we could not possibly do so looking at the results of our research which shows
that the majority of planners are still not using or understanding the value of an
event app.

Using an app makes a lot of sense in several contexts, but there are still very
mixed signals when it comes to measurement and effectiveness. Event profes-
sionals are in the business of creating memorable experiences. While this may
sound amazingly inspirational to some, it is still a business, that requires busi-
ness decisions. When it comes to investing time and resources into a tool, there
has to be a solid business case.

The fact that 59% of our respondents do not use an event mobile app signals a
lot of uncertainty. The number does not correlate with the massive growth in the
number of event app providers. Alarmingly, almost half of those not using apps
have no intention to use one in the future.

If you compare that figure to similar research we released on social media, whe-
re 83% of the respondents use social media for events, the dilemma is obvious.

If mobile event apps are so powerful for events, why are so many users still un-
sure, or worse scared, of using an app? We will discuss in the following chapters
the reasons why you should or should not use event mobile apps and the major
benefits of using apps at events. Our research also gives unprecedented insights
into why some event professionals succeed and others don’t.

Several event professionals who have used or use apps report a frustrating expe-
rience. Attendees not using or downloading the app are the top reasons event
professionals see their experience as negative. Other areas of dissatisfaction
include the time required to set them up and populate data.

Increasing engagement levels at the event is listed as the top objective when
deciding to use an event app. Yet only 33% of event professionals report 50% or

21
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 event app bible

strategy

more attendees actually using the app. The vast majority of event apps go unu-
sed. Which is a big disappointment, especially when you invested a lot of money!

App usage and engagement goes up when there is a larger investment in event
mobile apps. While it could be easy to jump to conclusions and say that the most
expensive apps are better, in our modest opinion this number tells a different
story. A larger financial investment is indicative to a greater overall commit-
ment to the successful use and integration of the app into the event. If apps
are viewed as a core part of your event program, are integrated into your event
process and have a dedicated budget, your overall program is likely to benefit.

One of the reasons creating uncertainty about the business case for event apps
is the lack of measurement and clear objectives. There is a correlation betwe-
en the clarity of objectives, a clear system of measurement, a solid budget or
resources allocation and good results. This combination is the holy grail of sound
event app programs that deliver results. If you combine that with an event app
company that supports the process with an easy to set up interface, you’ve got a
clear winner.

23
AD
 The State of Event Apps
PRINT-
- me
Research
The largest research on the use of mobile apps for events

2,000 qualified respondents

STATS
59% of Event Planners do not use an
event mobile app.

53% of them are looking to get one in the near future.

FEATURES
The top reason why #eventprofs use event mobile apps is to increase engagement

Top Features Event Professionals want The top five features offered by suppliers:

Push notifications Push notifications

Feedback Feedback
Attendee matchmaking Sponsor banners
Registration integrated Exhibitor/Speaker profiles
Registration onsite/check-in Native App Development
 5 Key Factors Influencing Event Planners
in Using an Event Mobile App

1 2 3 4 5

Price App Provider Web vs Features App Provider

and Cost Location Native Credentials

Frustrations
Attendees not using or downloading the app are the biggest frustrations for Event Planners.

Only 33% of event professionals report 50% or more attendees actually using the app.
 event app bible

strategy

What is so interesting and compelling about event mobile apps is that they
address multiple event objectives (and pain points) simultaneously and provide
The substantial benefits to a number of different stakeholder groups.
Benefits
of Mobile Consider the following requirements for most attendees at a conference, trade
show or meeting:
Apps
Navigation: Conference-goers need some basic tools to navigate and parti-
cipate in the event including maps, exhibitor directories, conference agendas,
itineraries, calendars, floor plans, wayfinders, networking devices, video players
and methods for responding to polls and completing evaluations. Event mobile
apps can provide them with a single platform for accessing these services.

ROI: Most attendees have to justify the time and resources spent during the
event either to themselves or their supervisors. To do so they look for ways
to consume the event via handouts, collateral, contact information, photos or
session notes. Using a broad range of technologies embedded in the event-app
framework (QR code scanners, PDF readers, near field communication chips,
beacon receivers and SMS messaging) users can collect data and information to
justify their investment in the event.

Networking: Connecting during breaks, at the bar, on the trade show stand or
serendipitously in the hallways deepens the relationships between attendees or
between attendees and exhibitors. Matchmaking, calendaring, social media, lead
retrieval and social discovery features in mobile event apps facilitate interaction
and meaningful engagement.

Participation: Many professionals participate in polls, Q & A sessions, Twit-

ter feeds, text walls, broadcast messaging, games, crowdsourcing, and a variety
of collaborative activities. Event mobile apps provide attendees with ways to
express their opinions, offer advice and demonstrate their leadership and exper-
tise.

Of course, an event mobile app provides immense benefits to event organizers as well:

• Meets sustainability objectives by reducing paper and printing

• Offers a potential reduction in operational costs

• Paves the way for access to new customers (social networks, viral communications)

• Increases competitiveness with other events

• Extends existing event assets and platforms such as attendee management, registra-

tion, check-in, ticketing and e-commerce

• Delivers rich event analytics

• Enables productivity gains

• Improves and simplifies information distribution

27
 event app bible

strategy

• Supports more efficient data collection

• Provides revenue streams from sponsors and exhibitors

• Extends the brand of the event and the organization

• Accommodates a younger generation of attendees

• Leverages the fact that most attendees bring their own mobile devices to the event

With second and third generation event mobile apps, attendees and event
planners are not the only groups that benefit. For example sponsors, in addition
to having a broader range of promotional offerings to choose from, can now
receive more information about attendees. The data can be provided to them in
detailed reports that go above and beyond impressions, click-throughs or views.
With mobile apps the success of sponsorships is now highly verifiable.

Event apps can provide exhibitors with exposure to potential customers that may
or may not have the opportunity to visit their stand. They can do so in a variety of
formats (PDFs, MS Word documents, videos, website links). Exhibiting companies
can capture lead information anywhere, schedule meetings and interact with
individuals virtually and face to face. With the introduction of beacon-enabled
apps, exhibitors can now more easily distribute content to attendees based on
proximity.

One of the most recurring issues with technology adoption is that choices are
sometimes influenced by fashion and peer pressure rather than being the result
Do You of thoughtful analysis.
Need an
Event The results of such an approach is usually disappointing. Disappointing results
and low ROI usually spark a vicious cycle of distrust in the real value of techno-
App? logy.

The end result of this vicious cycle poses substantial threats to the future of your
events. Attendees are in fact becoming quite demanding of technology at events.

As we spend more time on social networks, and with our smartphones, we expect
events to cater to our need for technology.

Technology is just a medium to reach and engage our attendees. If the premise
is wrong the results will usually be disappointing.

That said, not all attendees are created equal. Some audiences do not use
technology outside of their personal sphere and are not interested in doing so.

28
 event app bible

strategy

Therefore running a technology program for such audiences would represent an

unsuccessful tactic to begin with.

WEAK ASSUMPTIONS
A competitor is using an app
My colleague told me that apps are cool
I read somewhere that apps are the next big thing

INCORRECT NEED
An app will make my event successful
I will finally sell more tickets by having an app
We will be perceived as high-tech and edgy by having an app

LACK OF MEASUREMENT AND CLEAR OBJECTIVES

Not sure what it will bring but it will be positive
Success means everybody is happy

HIGH HOPES BUT LACK OF SUPPORT

We expect great things from the app
We’re not sure how we will communicate with it but attendees will adopt it; it
will be a big hit.

COGNITIVE DISSONANCE
Low uptake
Negative feedback
Lack of app awareness among the audience

NEGATIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS TECHNOLOGY

Apps are such a waste of time
We spent a lot of money and the ROI was zero
We will never invest in technology again
Better to do things like we always do

29
 event app bible

strategy

Since version one we focused on showcasing the direct experience of event pro-
fessionals like yourself. This section of the Event App Bible presents some case
From The studies of how event professionals have dealt with very common problems that
Trenches: arise when implementing event mobile app programs.
How Adoption
Event
Planners One of the most significant issues event professionals face, as we’ve repeatedly
Select pointed out, is fostering adoption of event mobile apps. Seth Magnuson, Director
for Translated Content Strategies at The Gospel Coalition, client of Attendify,
and Use reinforces how early engagement can be a great tactic to increase adoption:
Apps
Early engagement through the mobile event app helped build buzz for the
event, connect early-birds, and keep everyone updated as the event appro-
ached.

TGCW14’s event app was announced on the group’s website, newsletter,

and via social networking accounts. TGC’s diverse promo campaign led to
quick adoption of the app, with over 1,900 downloads and over 12,000 ses-
sions (individual uses of the app) a full month before the event started!

These are quite impressive numbers that indicate how starting soon and strong
may help in delivering a successful app that attendees want to use.

Usage

Getting attendees to download an app is a great result, but it is not enough. Use
and engagement with the app is equally crucial. Push notifications are the stron-
gest ally of those event professionals looking at improving the usage of their
app. Beacon hotspots that trigger a message when passing a certain location can
also be effective.

Notifications need to be handled with care. Sébastien Parent, Head of Digital at

the Congres et Expositions de Bordeaux, client of Goomeo, shares his best practi-
ce to make notifications worthwhile:

Notifications must be very attractive to the visitor, just saying “hello - come
to see me” is not enough, you have to give a real reason to encourage peo-
ple to visit your stand, such as a discount or goodies.

Each person who downloaded the app for the Vinitech-sifel exhibition held at
the venue used the app 9 times on average.

Giving a good, relevant reason to open the app seems to be a common denomi-
nator of successful app programs.
30
 event app bible

strategy

Maximising Sponsor Engagement

Sponsorship is surely one of the hottest topics in the event app market. Every-
body understands the opportunity but few have managed to fully capitalise on
it. Truth is that selling positioning and real estate on an app is not enough. You
need to be creative in how you work with your sponsors to deliver value.

Margaret McKeon, Vice President of Conference and Events, IASA, client of

TripBuilder Media, outlines how they collaboratively worked with their main
sponsor to deliver a unique sponsorship idea via the app:

We wanted to develop a creative way to make it easy for event attendees

to always know where the sponsor’s CEO was located on the show floor so
that the sponsor could meet as many attendees as possible at the event. To
achieve this goal, we conceived a custom sponsorship feature called “Whe-
re’s Bill”. This fun, interactive feature showcased IASA’s sponsor in a promi-
nent way that would catch users’ attention. When tapping the icon, users
went to an image of the floor plan with a pinpoint showing where “Bill,”
the Sponsor’s CEO was currently located at the conference. Bill was able to
change his located location simply by tapping the version of the floor plan
on his device. Users would then automatically see Bill’s new location as he
moved around the show floor.

This funny and clever way to connect attendees and sponsors signals not only a
smart use of the tool but also good synergy between all the stakeholders invol-
ved; sponsors, planners and app provider.

Using Advanced Features to Deliver Value

As event apps are constantly evolving, they offer more technically advanced
features. While our research has demonstrated uncertainty when it comes to
advanced features such as Beacons, the benefits are intriguing. The savvy event
professional spends time with their event app provider to learn about the possi-
bilities of new tools to create more meaningful experiences.

Rebecca Slater, Group Event Manager of UBM, client of DoubleDutch talks about
the use of iBeacons at eCommerce expo:

iBeacon technology, while still in its infancy, has tremendous potential in

its ability to bring together the online and offline experience. It provides
event organizers with an additional personalized touch-point to have with
attendees, enabling them to continue to connect with their audience as the
event progresses. For eCommerce Expo, an event that is known for being at
the cutting edge of marketing technology, this was a particularly welcome
addition to the app experience.

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The most successful Location-Based Messages, which were delivered in the

eCommerce and Omni-Channel Experience Theatre on both days of the
conference, saw some impressive response-rates. 35% of the attendees that
received a beacon-triggered notification in the theatre took action within
the app.

Audience fit is also a great motivator to select more advanced tools. When
expectations rise, novelty can be a great tool to deliver the event brand and
vision.

The task of selecting an event mobile app is easier with a written mobile app
selection strategy. It outlines the organization’s event objectives, describes how
Why the mobile app fits into a larger event framework, and informs the elements of
Develop any Request For Proposal (RFP). Such a clear plan supports the organization’s de-

an Event cision to contract with a specific provider or change providers as needs dictate.

Mobile A mobile strategy is adaptable. Because technology evolves quickly, a specific

App type of hardware may at some point cease to be the best option for addressing

Selection event objectives. In other words, today’s smartphones and tablets could be
tomorrow’s wearable technologies - wristbands, glasses, wristwatches, contact
Strategy? lenses, clothing, or embedded chips. A documented plan can and should keep
the door open to innovation.

Event mobile apps, conference guides specifically, are information delivery (and
in some new use cases, data collection) platforms, nothing more. They cannot be
effective without context, planning, content, promotion, staff participation, tech-
nical support, processes, and integration. A mobile strategy helps unify everyone
in the organization around mobile.

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30 Questions to Answer in a Mobile

App Selection Strategy
A written strategy is a ‘playbook’ for addressing the myriad questions that will inevitably arise during the
selection process:

What are the organization-specific or event-specific objectives that the event

mobile app should address?

What is the technology profile of intended users (tech savvy, Apple, Android,
Windows, Blackberry, multiple devices)?

Who are the intended app users (organizer, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors)
and what are their specific requirements?

What portions of the event life cycle should the app cover? (pre-, during-,
post-event)

What is the promotional plan for marketing the app to users?

What are the metrics and conditions for the app to be regarded as a success?

What content (exhibitor directory, sponsor assets, advertising) should the app
feature?

Which departments/personnel should be assigned to manage the app pro-

motion, deployment, customer service, data and content?

Who should provide technical assistance and how should it be made avai-
lable to users?

With which other databases and platforms (registration, membership, content

management system, event website, social media) should the app integrate?

What is the budget for the app and execution of the mobile strategy?

How will the app address cellular and wireless issues in the event venue?

What are the messaging and branding guidelines for the app

Will the app be required for multiple events?

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What is the internal process for distributing real-time updates, push notifica-
tions, or text messages?

What are the organization’s data, security and privacy thresholds for an event
mobile app?

What are the legal and copyright issues that need to be addressed in the app?

What other resources (checkpoints, props, instructions, rules) and features

(scanners, social media) need to be in place for a gaming feature?

What is the game strategy to be employed by the app?

Where and how should users charge their devices on site?

On what devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) and platforms (iOS, Android,

Windows, Blackberry) should the app work?

What is the crisis back-up plan in the event of an app failure?

Should the app function without WiFi?

What is the schedule for developing, promoting, and deploying the app?

How does the organization want the data delivered? (i.e. format, dashboards,
real-time reports, exportable files, Excel spreadsheets)

What is the organization’s risk profile regarding app features and technologies?

Does the organization intend to monetize the app data?

How will the organization use the data that is collected by the event mobile app?

Should the app be Beacon compatible?

Should the app be password protected?

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Once you have established the need for an event app and have defined a clear
mobile event app strategy it is time to make an actual decision on which app
Purchasing to choose. This is usually where confusion kicks in. In fact the offerings are so
Factors numerous and diverse that it is almost too much to take in.

After learning about hundreds of event professionals’ experiences with selecting

apps we came to the conclusion that five factors usually influence the decision.

Evaluating the following selection criteria will help to simplify your decision-ma-
king process.

1. Price and Cost

For event professionals using an event app for the first time price is a major fac-
tor influencing the decision. In fact, a good model is to start with a small invest-
ment and then build into larger app programs. We cannot emphasize enough the
difference between the app price and actual cost to your organization. The latter
includes the price of the app plus the time needed to roll the app out.

While price usually drives overall costs, it’s also good practice to look at the time
needed to set up the app and what support is available from the app provider.

This report includes pricing (at least of those apps that disclose such informa-
tion) yet it is still difficult to offer an objective overview of the actual cost to
your company. That cost usually depends on the structure, size and skills of your
team. Looking at price is an excellent start but we encourage you to look at the
full picture before making a decision, that includes delving into the features,
trying the product and carefully evaluating the support you will receive.

Low cost or free apps are usually a good place to start. ‘Freemium’ models, whe-
re you can get started for free and then upgrade later, provide a low-risk way to
get started and a pathway to keep investing if your app program is successful.

2. App Provider Location

The second factor influencing app program decision-making is geographic loca-

tion and the support network of the app provider. This criterion is usually pur-
sued by both those starting out as well as those who invest substantial budget
amounts in app programs.

In fact, in both instances, the availability of the app provider in the country whe-
re your event is held may be key for a successful app program.

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If this is the first time you are going to use an app for your event you would want
the app provider to be readily available in your timezone to contact for trouble-
shooting should anything go wrong.

The same is true if you run a very complex app. The risks associated with orga-
nic app architectures are usually high. Having the provider at hand may help to
ensure that everything goes to plan.

While the country of origin of the app is a good indication of the time zone whe-
re the provider operates, sometimes large app providers feature wider support
programs, custom setup, and dedicated event teams. Therefore, we strongly
suggest you give consideration to geographic location and to refer to individual
app providers to find out more about their support network.

3. Web vs Native

The decision to use a web based or native app is not straightforward. There are
many factors involved and each alternative has different pros and cons for event
planners.

A Native App, which is developed specifically for each operating system (e.g.
iOS, Android) offers many benefits in terms of functionality, user experience, re-
liability and responsiveness. Native apps can offer more sophisticated features
on the whole than web applications. Users must agree to the permissions of the
application to download a native app but this can enable the app to integrate
with the smartphone’s hardware and data such as camera, address book, mi-
crophone and accelerometer (automatic screen rotation).

Native apps allow the use of push-notifications, alerting users when their atten-
tion is required or when new content is available. This gives an opportunity to
regularly engage and bring your audience back to the app.

The downsides of a native app are that space is required on the device to
download, which not all attendees may be willing to do for a one off event and
possible concern about what data the app is extracting from the device about
the user. The user must also download it from the specific store, typically consi-
sting of them searching for the app within the store and downloading it to their
device of choice.

Others things to consider when choosing a mobile app, is that all content should
be dynamic to the application in case of information changes, additions or de-
letions, which is a seamless transition for the user. However if a structural issue
exists, an app update is required, which of courses varies per mobile ecosystem.
For example on Apple, an app update is required to be sent off to Apple to test
and ensure the app follows their guidelines of app development (this takes as
long as it takes for Apple to get round to reviewing your application, there is no
set timeframe). A web app on the other hand, consists of the user navigating to a
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specific web address on their mobile device, which of course can be updated in
real time without any need for user intervention or agreement. However it pro-
ves more difficult when wanting to include some form of persistence to the ap-
plication, typically this is where you want to store the users login, or information
such as favoriting content to be viewed when no data connection is available.

Web based apps operate across multiple platforms, operating systems and
devices rather than being developed natively. Users do not need to download
the app, although some web based apps may offer a shortcut which looks like an
app icon. This potentially removes the issue of users being unwilling to downlo-
ad due to limited storage space on their phone.

The benefits of web apps are fast and easy updates from the event planner and
for the end user, quick availability (particularly important if lead times for your
event are short) and perhaps also cost.

Web apps can however only access a limited amount of native features. It can be
more difficult to build a loyal user base from web apps as you cannot send push
notifications. Also as web apps don’t appear on the app store you may be missing
an opportunity for marketing your event and app.

Web apps are however less of a privacy and security risk as they do not require
permissions on download like a native app but can ask for permissions as requi-
red without requiring an update or re-installation.

There are also benefits of the desktop and mobile experience being streamlined.

Some web apps also allow content to be stored and accessed even when offline.

A Hybrid App (web and native) can potentially offer an almost native expe-
rience but with benefits of speed of development and cost. Offering a seamless
experience to attendees whether they are using their desktop, smartphone or
tablet will be appealing to many Event Planners, however a truly native app will
always be the most responsive and intuitive option.

4. Looking at Features

The fourth factor we’ve highlighted in our research is features.

Features usually are the strongest decision-making factor in the app selection
process. By matching features to pricing most consumers usually have a clear
idea of what they are getting.

It is also important to carefully assess the features offered. In fact, there are
often different levels of complexity found for the same feature. Saying that you

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should check which features are offered is sterile. Looking at how these features
are implemented is a better course of action.

While the feature tables in this guide will help you to quickly assess whether or
not an app has a feature you are looking for, we suggest to further investigate
how this feature is implemented before making your final decision.

We cannot stress enough how more is not necessarily better.

5. Checking App Provider Credentials

Some event and meeting professionals give substantial weight to the credentials
of the app provider. Usually this is one of the most detailed sections of the app
Request For Proposal (RFP).

We believe that checking app providers’ credentials is extremely important. We

invite you to use this report as a starting point to visit app websites, ask for client
references and search social networks for opinions. This is especially true if you
are looking for a highly supported app.

With such a large and competitive market, there is a lot of hype by providers
to emphasize their own credibility. We believe that the technology of the app
should be carefully reviewed in conjunction with the reputation of the company.

In those cases where you are comparing companies and the technology provided
is exactly the same, huge price discrepancies are not justified by reputation alone.

The final decision is a mixture of the above five factors, your team’s skills, time
available, the size of your event, your budget, your mobile program objectives
and last, but by no means least, your gut feeling.

A Request For Proposal (RFP) document summarizes the requirements of the orga-
nization and standardizes the responses required from developers. It is often the
Creating centerpiece of the app selection process. That said using an RFP might not always
the be the recommended first step. With so many providers to choose from some orga-
Perfect nizers may consider narrowing the field initially by sending a Request for Informa-
tion (more brief than an RFP) with some high-level requirements and forwarding a
Request detailed RFP only to the candidates that meet the most important criteria.
for
Proposal When a RFP is the appropriate course of action, there are a number of best
practices that can help organizers develop an effective request for proposal:
(RFP)
• Remain open to new technology and creative ways to address common

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problems.

• Ask benefit-driven questions:

Don’t ask: Do ask:

How can organizers communicate with
Do you have push notifications?
attendees through the app?

What technology do you use to power

Is your offering a native app or a web app?
your technology? Why?

What are the sponsorship opportunities

Do you offer banner ad space?
available in the app?

• Consider an Excel spreadsheet to address specific feature requirements

to make it easier for candidates to complete.

• Limit the number of icons/features to ten or less.

• Understand that for some apps (particularly low-cost, self-service apps),

it takes less time to build the app than it does to complete the RFP.

• Determine ‘must have’ features and ask for those first. It may help to nar-
row the field of qualified candidates down more quickly.

• Consider a 30-minute phone conversation to obtain some initial infor-

mation and clarity about a vendor’s offerings instead of requiring a written
reply to a request for information.

• Use the app at an event, if possible, before selecting it.

• Involve multiple internal departments in the selection process.

• Synchronize the app development cycle with the event cycle.

• Ask for sample reports.

• Ask the vendor to clearly define what is included in the price and what is
considered a customization.

• Ask what other companies the vendor partners with for additional fun-
ctionality - ibeacons, wayfinding, and geolocation, for example - and resear-
ch those companies.

• Determine the responsibilities of each party (organizer and vendor).

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What to Include in an RFP

Date of the RFP

Date the responses are due

Contact information for the individual who will address questions and receive
the completed RFP

Project Scope: It’s helpful to describe the engagement, number of events,

type of solution required, deliverables and other general requirements for re-
spondents.

Event Overview: In addition to the purpose of the event, history, dates, and
the location, developers need to know the number of attendees, exhibitors, and
potential sponsors. Knowing about the venue (particularly whether cellular
service and Internet connectivity are issues) helps providers counsel customers
about native apps vs. mobile apps vs. HTML5 hybrid offerings.

Schedule: Prepare a detailed timeline for receiving the proposal, selecting a

vendor, developing the app, and a go live date.

Event Mobile App Objectives: Organizers should list the outcomes requi-
red of the mobile app (not the features and functionality). For example, these
objectives might include:

• Increase the percentage of evaluations returned

• Increase the number of times that exhibitor/product profiles are viewed
• Increase the amount of revenue from advertising, data resale and virtual booths
• Reduce operational costs
• Increase the social footprint of the event
• Increase the level of engagement between exhibitors and attendees
• Track attendee behaviors and preferences

Statistics from Previous Apps: If available, organizers should provide data

on total number of users, downloads, users on each native platform, users on
each device type; number of banner ad clickthroughs, dashboard visits, exhibi-
tor profile clickthroughs and exhibitor bookmarks; number of appointments set
with exhibitors, sessions and events added to schedule, and speaker bios viewed;
number of social posts and updates; and any other relevant business intelligence
available.

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Features: While a focus on event objectives provides app developers with

more latitude for suggesting solutions, organizers may still have a preference for
some basic features and functionality of the app they seek. Using a spreadsheet
to list specific features can be very helpful for respondents.

Budget: Paid mobile apps are available at nearly any price level from under
$1,000 to $100,000 and more. Providing the developer with a budget range sim-
plifies the purchasing process and clarifies the responses.

Revenue: Buyers should detail the importance of revenue streams and request
a list of advertising, sponsorship, data resale, and virtual booth revenue opportu-
nities available from the developer.

Proposal Requirements: Purchasers should list what the actual proposal

should contain. Some possibilities include company description, experience with
similar event types, database integration experience (compatibility with various
member management systems), login expertise (single sign on, social sign on, for
example), references, app business model (flat fee, fee per user, revenue share,
etc.), pricing (including costs for customization or technical and promotional
support).

Data and Analytics: More apps are providing very robust and sophisticated
data collection, analysis and reporting capabilities. Organizers should request
a list of metrics that the app currently tracks or provide a list of the metrics that
they require.

Security Requirements: With event mobile apps able to process so much

more information at a time when data security has become a huge issue in all
areas of business, organizers should ask app vendors to detail the measures
taken to secure user information and data on the device, data in transit, and data
in the cloud.

The field of event app developers grows larger by the day. From free, self-service
to high-priced custom apps, the range of options is immense. Developing a se-
lection process from a documented strategy and a detailed, yet flexible RFP can
greatly increase the event organizer’s chances of selecting the most appropriate
mobile solution available.

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RFP Template
Overview

Date:

Scope of Work:
(Describe the purpose, length of engagement, number of events, type of solution required, deliverables and other introductory
information for respondents.)

Contact Information

Event Name (no acronyms):

Event Host Organization:

Event Organizer (if different from Host Organization):

Contact for RFP:

Job Title:

Mailing Address Line 1:

Mailing Address Line 2:

City:

State/Province:

Zip/Postal Code:

Country:

Phone:

Fax:

Mobile Phone:

E-mail Address:

Web Address:

Preferred Method of Communication:

◻ Telephone
◻ Email
◻ Letter
◻ Fax
◻ Other:

Contact Information Comments:

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Event Profile - Repeat for additional contacts as necessary

Event Objectives:

Event Start Date:

Event End Date:

(Supply event schedule if multiple-event contract)

Event Venue:

Event Organizer:

Market Segment: ◻ Association (International) ◻ Fraternal

◻ Association (National) ◻ Government
◻ Corporate ◻ Military
◻ Educational ◻ Religious
◻ Independent ◻ Other

Event Type: ◻ Meeting

◻ Conference
◻ User Group
◻ Other

Event Frequency:

Event History

First Time Using an Event-Mobile App:

◻ Yes
◻ No [If no, provide reports of past usage in attachments]

Number of Exhibiting Companies Expected:

Number of Sponsors Expected:

Number of Attendees Expected:

Number of Conference Sessions:

Attendee Mobile Profile:

(Include information regarding percentage of international attendees, mix of user mobile platforms,
such as iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows, heavy or light mobile users, tech savvy vs. novice, etc.)

Event-Mobile App Objectives:

(List specific pain points or event goals that the app should meet. For example, “Increase the percentage of conference session
evaluations returned.”)

Event Profile Comments:

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Requirements

Budget:

App Should Include:

(List specific features required in as much detail as possible)

# Feature
1 e.g., Exhibitor directory searchable by exhibitor name, booth number and product category

Other Specific Requirements:

(Describe any particular requirements for app that have not been previously addressed, such as app must integrate with registra-
tion, attendee membership, online floor plan, navigation platform or beacon infrastructure, reporting and data-security requiremen-
ts, etc.)

Attachments:

The following documents are attached to this RFP (e.g., mobile usage reports from previous years):
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________

Requirements Comments:

Proposal Specifications

Questions:
(e.g., Direct all questions and requests for additional information regarding this RFP to the contact person designated in Contact
Information section).

Decision Making Process:

Final Decision Maker (Name & Role): _____________________________

There will be a preliminary cut with a second review of finalists: Yes No

Timeline:
• RFP Published Date:
• RFP Distribution Date:
• Proposal Due Date and Time:
• Preliminary Cut Date:
• Proposal Presentation Dates (if required):
• Proposal Presentation Location (if required): <<City>>, <<State/Province>>, <<Country>>
• Decision Date:
• Start Date of App Development
• Approximate Date of Live Event App: <<MM/YY>> or <<MM/DD/YYYY>>

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Decision Notification Method (choose all that apply):

Telephone Call
Email
Letter
Fax

Key Decision Factors:

Selection is based on the following criteria, rated by how they will play a role in proposal evaluation (1 is
critical, 3 is important, and 5 minimally important):

Decision Factor Rating

e.g., Ability of vendor to provide high level of service

Proposal Specifications Comments:

Proposal Content

Instructions for Responding:

(Include specific instructions for proposal format, features list, acceptance of late submissions, responsible party for all costs, to
whom the proposal should be addressed, references, experience with similar event types, pricing, timing, deliverables, sample
contract, service requirements, methodology, training, support, vendor technology infrastructure, project management team, use of
third parties, submission of apps to Apple and Android marketplaces for approval, disaster recovery plans, etc.)

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We invited event app providers to complete a comprehensive survey regarding

features, pricing and the primary uses of their app. The opportunity to participa-
Event App te in the survey was broadcast on Event Manager Blog and social media. We also
Solutions: emailed all the companies who were featured in the Event App Bible v2.

Research We focused our research on companies who provide event guides and event
Methodology networking apps and excluded apps where this was not their core function. We
also excluded generalized mobile app providers who did not have a specialized
expertise in meeting and events.

Our goal was to gather a listing of the available event apps and the features that
are available across different price ranges. From our previous research for the
Event App Bible v2 we knew that there are some standard features that almost
every event app includes. These features are:

• Event agenda/schedule
• Personalized scheduling
• Floor plan
• Maps
• Speaker profiles
• Social networking
• Attendee profiles

Since these features are found in almost every event app, even at the lowest pri-
ce points, we did not include them in this year’s survey. For the most part you can
assume that these features are included and refer back to the Event App Bible v2
or the app provider directly if you need more details.

We reviewed all the survey responses for accuracy by checking against the com-
pany website and reviewing all their answers for consistency. In many cases we
followed up with questions and clarifications to ensure that every company was
accurately represented. We only used information that was directly provided by
the supplier.

Only those companies who submitted a survey response appear in this report.
Once all the data was validated we were left with 104 company submissions,
which is a 21% increase in submissions from last year. 48% of the submissions
were from new companies who were not featured in the Event App Bible v2.

We asked each company to indicate the features they offer at different price
points (free, less than $1000, $1000-$5000, and greater than $5000). We also gave
the option not to disclose price. Once all the data was submitted we divided the
company information into feature tables based on price bracket.

We also asked each company to indicate their minimum price for events of diffe-
rent types and sizes. The scenarios we presented were:

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Small: A single event with 100 attendees

Medium: A single conference with 400 attendees and 100 exhibitors
Large: A trade show with 5,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors

Some companies found these questions difficult to answer because they do not
charge on a per attendee basis. For example, some companies charge on the
basis of features. In those cases we asked them to give us the lowest price point
for an event of that size.

Pricing: What can you expect to pay for your event app?

Event App We asked the event app suppliers to provide us with their pricing for small, me-
Findings dium and large sized events. Around a third of the suppliers chose not to disclose
their price.

There is a broad spectrum of pricing for apps, ranging from free to $20,000+ de-
pending on the size and requirements of your event. The tables below show the
percentage of apps that fall into each pricing category for small, medium and
large sized events.

About 10% of the suppliers provide a free version of their app for small events
(with 100 active users) and there are a small handful of free services available
even for very large events. Note that these free services often only include the
most basic version of the app and you will likely find yourself paying for access
to additional features or data.

Not surprisingly, the larger your event the more you can expect to pay.

For small events with 100 active users:

Free: 10%
SMALL

Under $1000: 15%

$1k - $5k: 36%
$5k +: 3%
ND: 36%

For medium sized events with 400 attendees and 100 exhibitors:
MEDIUM

Free: 3%
Under $1000: 9%
$1k - $5k: 40%
$5k +: 11%
ND: 37%

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For large events, with 5,000 attendees and 500 exhibitors:

Free: 3%

LARGE
Under $1000: 5%
$1k - $5k: 25%
$5k +: 21%
ND: 46%

What You Get for Your Money

For every price band we looked to see what features you would expect to find.
There is huge variation in the feature/price combination of the apps and if you
do your research you can find almost every feature for the price you want to pay.
We have provided the feature tables to make it easy for you to do this kind of
research.

When you are shopping for an app it can be useful to know which features are
standard and which provide added value. We reviewed the results to assess how
common each feature was across different price points.

If a feature could be found in 75% or more of the apps we describe that as ‘stan-
dard’. If it can only be found in 25% or less of apps we describe it as ‘rare’.

Event Management Features

Event Management features such as push notifications, feedback and event and
exhibitor profiles show the least variation across price points.

The top features planners are looking for in this category are push notifications
(68%) and feedback (62%). Both of these features are standard in all but the free
apps.

The event management feature that differentiates the more expensive event
apps is lead retrieval. While you can find this feature at lower price ranges, it is
by no means a standard feature.

Networking Features

Networking features are one of the areas where there are a lot of differences
between companies. Private, in-app chat or messaging is the most common of
all the networking features and can be found in most apps costing upwards of
$1,000.

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The top networking features planners are looking for are attendee matchma-
king, appointment scheduling and social media sign-in. None of these features
are standard at any price range, although they become more common the higher
the price of the app.

Note that overall event planners don’t seem to be interested in gamification

(only 16%) which is perhaps surprising given the hype it gets. 69% of apps in the
$5,000+ price range provide this feature even though it doesn’t seem to be highly
desirable.

Content Features

These are features that allow attendees to interact with the content of the event.
As with networking, there is quite a lot of variation in what companies provide.

Top features looked for by planners are slide/document sharing and audience
response systems. These features are standard in apps over $1,000.

App Tech Specs and Support

One of the top features planners are looking for is that the app will work offline.
Organizers care more about the app working and being accessible during the
event, even without internet, than they do about how the app is delivered. The
good news is that an offline mode is standard across all price ranges.

Most suppliers provide a native version of the app as standard, even at the
lowest price range. Planners prefer apps that are both native and web (hybrid)
which is common in apps costing $1,000 or more.

24/7 support, which is often high on the planner’s priority list, is standard only in
higher priced apps of $5,000 or more.

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24/7 SUPPORT
Round the clock support is available for the app from the vendor.
Mobile
App and ANDROID
Features Mobile operating system developed by Google. Apps are available via the Goo-
Glossary gle Play store.

(alphabetical
order) APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING
The app enables appointment scheduling with exhibitors or other attendees.

ATTENDEE NETWORKING
Attendees can use the app to find other people with shared interests and contact
them directly via the app.

ATTENDEE PROFILES
Attendees can create customized profiles and consult the profiles of other atten-
dees to maximize networking time and opportunities.

AUDIENCE RESPONSE
Used during live events, the audience can interact via the app to provide fee-
dback in real time. This feature may be used for attendees to place votes, re-
spond to polls, answer questions, etc. Results can be shown live.

AUGMENTED REALITY
Computer generated content such as video, sound or imagery superimposed on
our real world surroundings to give a sense of illusion or virtual reality. Via an
app and our smartphone we can access this hidden content through a marker.

BRANDING/CUSTOMIZATION
The app can be branded with the event logo, graphics, and colors. Different the-
mes, icons, tabs and layouts may also be available.

CONTENT CAPTURE/SHARE
Attendees can take pictures or video at the event and easily share with other
attendees and/or their social networks via the app. Content sharing can boost
app usage.

CMS
CMS stands for Content Management System. This allows for data and changes
to the app content to be made directly by the event team without going to the
supplier.

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CRM
CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. CRM is used to record inte-
ractions and engagement with customers. Some apps integrate with CRM software.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
These are fully customized applications, completely redesigned graphically and/
or functionally for a specific use or client (e.g. for a venue or multiple-events).

EVENT AGENDA/SCHEDULE
Enables attendees to check the event schedule and the sessions currently taking
place or about to start.

EXHIBITOR PROFILES
Trade show exhibitor profiles are featured to help participants determine in
advance which booths to visit.

FEEDBACK
Attendee feedback can be collected via the app.

FLOOR PLAN
Attendees can access a floor plan of the event venue. This may also include a
detailed layout of the exhibitor booths at trade show or expo.

GAMIFICATION
An interactive game component, such as trivia, scavenger hunts, quizzes, leader-
boards and built-in rewards for participation.

HTML5
The language of content on the internet which allows you to create responsive
web applications and support mobiles, tablets and desktop access across mul-
tiple platforms and browsers. The user can switch seamlessly between desktop,
mobile and tablet without having to install a different app on each.
HTML5 can allow content to be stored and accessed even when offline. Updates
are much quicker and easier than for a native app, which is particularly impor-
tant if the user is updating via their 3G rather than WiFi.
Unlike a native app a HTML5 app can ask for permissions as required to access
data or hardware, without requiring an update or reinstallation.

HYBRID APPS (Native and Web)

Hybrid apps fall between native and web apps and are built using cross compa-
tible web technologies such as HTML5, CSS or JavaScript, which offer a better,
almost native experience, whilst potentially offering a faster development time
and lower cost. For a better user experience and to enable the app to access
the wider functionality of the device some native code is used. A hybrid app will
however be a little slower than a truly native web app.
52
 event app bible

selection

iBEACONS INTEGRATION
iBeacons allow you to send push notifications to an attendee based on their
location. The iBeacon is a transmitter that works through low energy bluetooth
technology via proximity sensing. Every iPhone and iPad can be turned into an
iBeacon, and Beacon signals can be received by both iOS and Android devices.

iOS
The mobile operating system for Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad.

LEAD RETRIEVAL
Contact data collected from an individual via the app. For example exhibitors
can collect the details of those that would like to receive further information
following the event.

LIVESTREAMING
For large events or in cases where you have app users who can’t be at the live
event, live streaming allows you to share live video of the presentations or per-
formances.

MAPS
Attendees can access maps of the local area and points of interest.

MATCHMAKING
Attendees can use the app to find other people with shared interests and contact
them directly via the app.

MULTI-EVENT
The management process for the app is designed in such a way as to make it
easy for organizers to create content for multiple events, without duplication of
effort.

MULTI-LANGUAGE
The app is available in more than one language.

NATIVE
An app developed for use on a particular platform e.g. iOS or Android, or device
e.g. tablet or smartphone. The user downloads the app to their device via the
relevant app store.
More functionality can be built into native apps, for example the app can have
permission to integrate with the users address book, microphone, camera and
so forth and can often operate without a WiFi connection. Native apps generally
run faster than web based applications as they are designed specifically for that
operating platform.

53
 event app bible

selection

NFC INTEGRATION
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a form of wireless communication. NFC wor-
ks on a very short range, of about 4 to 20 cm. A NFC tag inserted into a name-tag
or wrist band can be used by attendees to collect key information. For example,
an attendee could use their tag to collect contact information, exhibitor brochu-
res or record their session attendance. When integrated with an event app, this
information can then be collated and organized within the app.

NOTE TAKING
The ability to take notes within the app which can be accessed by the user.

OFFLINE MODE
The ability to work offline, without the need for an internet connection.

ONSITE REGISTRATION WITH PHONE/QR CODE

The attendee has an electronic version of their ticket within the app, which they
can use to check in at the event.

OS
Operating System such as Android and iOS.

PERSONALIZED SCHEDULING/REMINDERS
Attendees can create a personalized schedule by saving sessions and appoint-
ments for quick reference during the event. The app may also send them remin-
ders of the activities that they have selected.

PERSONAL MESSAGE/PRIVATE CHAT/IN-APP CHAT

Attendees are able to connect directly to other attendees, speakers and exhibi-
tors and have one-on-one text based conversations.

PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
Organizers can send or ‘push’ customized alerts, messages and reminders direct-
ly to the app on the user’s smartphone.

REAL TIME ANALYTICS

The app offers the organizer statistics and insights in relation to the event. This
may include app downloads, usage, survey feedback, session attendance, ratings
and poll results.

REGISTRATION WITHIN APP

Attendees are able to register for the event via the app itself.

54
 event app bible

selection

REGISTRATION/CHECK IN ONSITE
Via the app users can register or check-in onsite via an e-ticketing system.

RFID INTEGRATION
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication. A
RFID tag inserted into a name-tag or wrist band can be used by attendees to
collect key information. For example, an attendee could use their tag to collect
contact information, exhibitor brochures or record their session attendance.
When integrated with an event app, this information can then be collated and
organized within the app.

SESSION RATINGS
Attendees are able to rate sessions and speakers in the app, providing valuable
feedback to the organizer.

SLIDE-SHARING/DOCUMENT SHARING AND NOTE-TAKING

Attendees can access the speaker’s slides/documents on the app and follow
along with the presentation, taking notes and bookmarking content in real-time.

SOCIAL NETWORKS SIGN-IN

Attendees are able to use their social network account to sign-in to the app,
rather than creating a new profile. Once the app is linked to their social network
attendees may be able to view who else they know that is coming to the event.
They can also use the social sign-in to share event news via their Twitter, Linke-
dIn, Facebook and other social media accounts.

SOCIAL WALL
A feed from social media, pulling data from one or more social networks using a
hashtag, keywords or Twitter handle. Comments and content posted from within
the app will often also be included.

SMARTPHONE
A mobile phone with an advanced operating system, such as Android or iOS and
access to the world wide web and apps.

SPEAKER PROFILES
The attendees are able to view detailed information, such as biographies and
photographs, of the speakers or performers who are participating in the event.

SPONSOR BANNERS
Areas within the app specifically designed to feature and profile sponsors.

55
 event app bible

selection

WEB APPS
Web apps run via a browser to operate across multiple platforms, operating
systems and devices rather than being developed natively. Web based apps need
a WiFi connection to work fully, although some content can be downloaded and
stored locally.
Web apps are less of a privacy and security risk as they do not require permis-
sions like a native app and updates are faster. Web apps remove the problem of
a users device being too full to download an app.
Web apps are written in HTML5, Javascript, CSS or other languages.

WHITE LABEL
An app produced by one company but packaged and offered under the branding
of another company.

WINDOWS
The Operating System from Microsoft.

56
Event App Solutions:
Provider Tables and Features overview
 Topi

Yapp
Confui

GeoGo

Whova
TapWalk
Pathable
ConfCast

SquadUP
Eventfuel
Eventgrid
BusyEvent

Eventbase
- me

Grenadine
Guidebook

Superevent
HelloCrowd
CONNEXME
CLICK-

Presdo Match
DigitalTickets
PUSH Notifications
FREE
FEEDBACK Feature offered

SPONSOR BANNERS Feature not offered

lead retrieval

EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES

MULTI-EVENT

58
MATCHMAKING

PM / IN-APP CHAT

GAMIFICATION

APPT. SCHEDULING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

LIVESTREAM

session ratings

SOCIAL WALL

CONTENT SHARE
CONTENT FEAtURES

note taking

AUDIENCE RESPONSE

NATIVE

WEB

WEB & NATIVE

24/7 SUPPORT

OFFLINE MODE

WHITE LABEL
SUPPORT FEATURES
APP TECH SPECS AND

multi-language

AUGMENTED REALITY

NFC

RFID

iBEACONS

CRM
FEATURES
INTEGRATION

Registration Integrated
event app bible

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
 event app bible

<$1k CONTENT FEAtURES

APP TECH SPECS AND INTEGRATION
SUPPORT FEATURES FEATURES
Feature offered

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
Feature not offered

Registration Integrated
EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES
PUSH Notifications

AUGMENTED REALITY
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
SPONSOR BANNERS

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

APPT. SCHEDULING

multi-language
PM / IN-APP CHAT

session ratings

CONTENT SHARE
lead retrieval

MATCHMAKING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

OFFLINE MODE
GAMIFICATION

24/7 SUPPORT
WEB & NATIVE
note taking
MULTI-EVENT

WHITE LABEL
SOCIAL WALL
LIVESTREAM
FEEDBACK

iBEACONS
NATIVE

RFID

CRM
WEB

NFC
Airbeem
AnyEvent App
Attendify
Bizzabo
BusyConf
BusyEvent
Carrot
ConferenceBeat
Confrenz
CONNEXME
Conventica
DigitalTickets
erMOBILE
Event Apptitude
EventApp360
Eventfuel
Eventgrid
EventMobi
eventuosity
GenieConnect

GruupMeet
Guidebook
HelloCrowd
Krónos
Lumi Show
Meethub
Mobilessence
My Events (Poken)
QuickMobile
Speecheo
Superevent
Twebcast
twoppy
Whova
Yamovi
Yapp
Yoxxie
Zerista

59
 event app bible

$1k-$5k CONTENT FEAtURES

APP TECH SPECS AND
SUPPORT FEATURES
INTEGRATION
FEATURES
Feature offered

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
Feature not offered

Registration Integrated
EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES
PUSH Notifications

AUGMENTED REALITY
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
SPONSOR BANNERS

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

APPT. SCHEDULING

multi-language
PM / IN-APP CHAT

session ratings

CONTENT SHARE
lead retrieval

MATCHMAKING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

OFFLINE MODE
GAMIFICATION

24/7 SUPPORT
WEB & NATIVE
note taking
MULTI-EVENT

WHITE LABEL
SOCIAL WALL
LIVESTREAM
FEEDBACK

iBEACONS
NATIVE

RFID

CRM
WEB

NFC
Airbeem
AnyEvent App
AppBurst
Attendify
Bizzabo
BusyConf
BusyEvent
Carrot
Companion
Confer
ConferenceBeat
Conference Compass

Confrenz
Confui
CONNEXME
Conventica
CrowdCompass

Crystal Interactive
erMOBILE
Event Apptitude
event360
EventApp360
Eventbuizz
EventEdge
Eventfuel
Eventgrid
EventKloud
EventMobi
Eventpedia
Eventsential
Eventtia
eventuosity
GenieConnect
GoGoAgenda
Goomeo
GruupMeet
Guidebook
HelloCrowd
ITM Mobile

60
 event app bible

$1k-$5k
(continued)
Feature offered
Feature not offered
APP TECH SPECS AND INTEGRATION
CONTENT FEAtURES
SUPPORT FEATURES FEATURES

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
Registration Integrated
EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES
PUSH Notifications

AUGMENTED REALITY
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
SPONSOR BANNERS

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

APPT. SCHEDULING

multi-language
PM / IN-APP CHAT

session ratings

CONTENT SHARE
lead retrieval

MATCHMAKING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

OFFLINE MODE
GAMIFICATION

24/7 SUPPORT
WEB & NATIVE
note taking
MULTI-EVENT

WHITE LABEL
SOCIAL WALL
LIVESTREAM
FEEDBACK

iBEACONS
NATIVE

RFID

CRM
WEB

NFC
JUJAMA
Konferenza
Krónos
Lumi Show
Magency
MeetApp
mEvents
Mobile App Factory

Mobile Event App

Mobilessence
My Events (Poken)
MyEventApps
myQaa
Noodle Live
Omnipress
Pathable
QuickMobile
ShowGizmo

Superevent
TapWalk
The Live Group
Topi
TripBuilder
Twebcast
twoppy
WebsterEvent
Yamovi
Yoxxie
Zerista

61
 event app bible

>$5k
Feature offered
APP TECH SPECS AND INTEGRATION
Feature not offered CONTENT FEAtURES
SUPPORT FEATURES FEATURES

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
Registration Integrated
EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES
PUSH Notifications

AUGMENTED REALITY
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
SPONSOR BANNERS

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

APPT. SCHEDULING

multi-language
PM / IN-APP CHAT

session ratings

CONTENT SHARE
lead retrieval

MATCHMAKING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

OFFLINE MODE
GAMIFICATION

24/7 SUPPORT
WEB & NATIVE
note taking
MULTI-EVENT

WHITE LABEL
SOCIAL WALL
LIVESTREAM
FEEDBACK

iBEACONS
NATIVE

RFID

CRM
WEB

NFC
Airbeem
AppBurst
Attend
BusyConf
BusyEvent
Carrot
Companion
Conference Compass

Confrenz
Conventica
Crystal Interactive

Dazzmobile
erMOBILE
event360
Eventbase
Eventbuizz

EventEdge
Eventfuel
Eventgrid
EventKloud
EventMobi
Eventpedia
Eventsential
GenieConnect
GruupMeet
Guidebook
JUJAMA
Konferenza
Krónos
Lumi Show
Magency
Meeting Play
mEvents
Mobile Event App

Mobilessence

62
 Yapp

Zerist
Yoxxie
myQaa

Yamovi
twoppy
Pathable

Twebcast
TapCrowd
rappidApp
Omnipress

TripBuilder
Superevent
ShowGizmo
Noodle Live

QuickMobile
MyEventApps

The Live Group

My Events (Poken)
PUSH Notifications
>$5k
FEEDBACK

Feature offered
SPONSOR BANNERS

Feature not offered

lead retrieval
(continued)

EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES

MULTI-EVENT

63
MATCHMAKING

PM / IN-APP CHAT

GAMIFICATION

APPT. SCHEDULING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

LIVESTREAM

session ratings

SOCIAL WALL

CONTENT SHARE
CONTENT FEAtURES

note taking

AUDIENCE RESPONSE

NATIVE

WEB

WEB & NATIVE

24/7 SUPPORT

OFFLINE MODE
SUPPORT FEATURES

WHITE LABEL
APP TECH SPECS AND

multi-language

AUGMENTED REALITY

NFC

RFID

iBEACONS

CRM
FEATURES
INTEGRATION

Registration Integrated
event app bible

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
 event app bible

Price Not
Disclosed
Feature offered
Feature not offered
APP TECH SPECS AND INTEGRATION
CONTENT FEAtURES
SUPPORT FEATURES FEATURES

REGISTRATION ONSITE/CHECK IN
Registration Integrated
EXH / SPEAKER PROFILES
PUSH Notifications

AUGMENTED REALITY
AUDIENCE RESPONSE
SPONSOR BANNERS

SLIDE & DOC SHARE

APPT. SCHEDULING

multi-language
PM / IN-APP CHAT

session ratings

CONTENT SHARE
lead retrieval

MATCHMAKING

SOCIAL SIGN-IN

OFFLINE MODE
GAMIFICATION

24/7 SUPPORT
WEB & NATIVE
note taking
MULTI-EVENT

WHITE LABEL
SOCIAL WALL
LIVESTREAM
FEEDBACK

iBEACONS
NATIVE

RFID

CRM
WEB

NFC
Airbeem
Aloompa
Attend
built.io
ChirpE
Conventica
Converve
Delegia Mobile
DigitalTickets
DoubleDutch
eMobilise
Engage
etouches
Event Connect
Event Showcase
EventEdge
eventScribe
FollowMe by Core-apps
GeoGo

GoGoAgenda

GruupMeet
InvitePeople
ITM Mobile
Konvurj
Lionexpo
Meethub
Mobile Event App

Mobilessence
myQaa
PowerVote
registraid.com
SpotMe
Whova

64
App Provider Locations
 event app bible

americas
App Name Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 Location 5 Location 6 Location 7 Location 8
Aloompa Nashville, TN, - - - - - - -
USA

AnyEvent App Warren, NJ, USA - - - - - - -

AppBurst Lake Worth, FL, - - - - - - -

USA

Attend New York, NY, - - - - -

USA

Attendify San Francisco, - - - - - - -

CA, USA

Bizzabo New York, NY, - - - - - -

USA

built.io Conference San Francisco, - - - - - - -

App CA, USA

BusyConf Louisville, CO, - - - - - - -

USA

BusyEvent Mobile St. Louis, MO, Las Vegas, NV, Boston, MA, USA San Francisco, - - - -
USA USA CA, USA

ChirpE Columbia, MD, - - - - - - -

USA

ConferenceBeat Bloomfield Hills, - - - - - - -

MI, USA

CONNEXME San Francisco, - - - - - -

CA, USA

Converve Hamburg, Ger- Sarasota, FL, USA - - - - - -

many

CrowdCompass by Portland, Oregon Tysons Corner, Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, USA Santa Barbara, Austin, TX, USA Fredericton,
Cvent USA VA, USA USA CA, USA NB, Canada

Dazzmobile Boston, MA, USA - - - - - - -

Corporation

Delegia Mobile Los Angeles, CA, - - - - - -

USA

DoubleDutch San Francisco, Portland, OR, - - -

CA, USA USA

Engage Frederick, MD, Vernon Hills, IL, Twinsburg, OH, Fenton, MO, USA Boston, MA, Las Vegas, NV, Chicago, IL, Washington,
USA USA USA USA USA USA DC, USA

erMOBILE Baltimore, MD, - - - - - - -

USA

etouches Norwalk, CT, USA - - - -

Event Apptitude Golden, CO, USA - - - - - - -

Event Connect New York, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Chicago, IL. USA Boston, MA, USA Sao Paulo, Dallas, TX, USA
USA USA Brazil

Event Showcase O’Fallon, MO, - - -

USA

Eventbase Pre- Vancouver, BC, - - - - - -

mium & Eventbase Canada
Free

EventEdge Austin, TX, USA Orlando, FL, USA - - - - - -

Eventgrid Dunelle, NJ, USA - - - - - - -

EventKloud Washington DC, - - - - - - -

USA

EventMobi Toronto, ON, Grand Rapids, - - - - -

Canada MI, USA

Eventpedia Mclean, VA, USA Charleston, SC, Rockville, MD, - - - - -

USA USA

eventScribe Forest Hill, MD, - - - - - - -

USA

Eventsential Alexandria, VA, Tucson, AZ, USA - - - - - -

USA

66
 event app bible

americas
Eventtia Medellin, Co- - - - - - -
lumbia

eventuosity Philadelphia, PA, Sykesville, MD, - - - - - -

USA USA

FollowMe by Arnold, MD, USA Las Vegas, NV, San Francisco, - - - - -

Core-apps USA CA, USA

GenieConnect by Dallas, TX, USA Philadelphia, PA, Draper, UT, USA Wilton, CT, USA Waltham, MA,
Lanyon USA USA

GeoGo Cambridge, MA, - - - - - - -

USA

Grenadine Event Montreal, QC, - - - - - - -

Guide Canada

GruupMeet Dallas, TX, USA - - - - - -

Guidebook San Francisco, Palo Alto, CA, Raleigh, NC, USA - - -

CA, USA USA

ITM Mobile - great Apple Valley, CA, Tallahassee, FL, - - - -

apps, great results USA USA

JUJAMA Scranton, PA, USA - - - - - - -

Konvurj Chantilly, VA, USA - - - - - - -

Krónos Buenos Aires,

Argentina

Lumi Show Minneapolis, New York, NY, Walnut Creek, Sau Paulo, Brazil -
MN,USA USA CA, USA

MeetApp Chicago, IL, USA - - - - - -

Meeting Play Frederick, MD, - - - - - - -

USA

mEvents Santa Clara, CA, - - - - - -

USA

Mobile Applica- Toronto, ON, - - - -

tion Factory Canada

Mobilessence App San Diego, CA, Woodside, CA, - - - - -

Platform USA USA

My Events (Poken) New York, NY, Palo Alto, CA, Mexico City, Bogota, Columbia
USA USA Mexico

MyEventApps Ottawa, ON, Hartford, CT, USA Chicago, Illinois, - - - - -

Canada USA

Omnipress Madison, WI, USA - - - - - -

Pathable Seattle, WA, USA Los Angeles, CA, - - - - - -

USA

PowerVote Mee- Mexico, Mexico São Paulo, Brazil -

ting App

Presdo Match Mountain View, - - - - - - -

CA, USA

QuickMobile Vancouver, BC, - - - - - -

Canada

rappidApp Atlanta, GA, USA - - - - - - -

SpotMe Chicago, IL, USA - - - - -

TapCrowd Sao Paulo, Brazil San Francisco, - - - -

CA, USA

TapWalk Boston, MA, USA - - - - - - -

Topi New York, NY, - - - - - -

USA

TripBuilder Media Westport, CT, USA - - - - - - -

Inc.

Twebcast San Francisco, - - - - - -

CA, USA

Whova San Diego, CA, - - - - - - -

USA

Yapp New York, NY, - - - - - - -

USA

Yoxxie Dallas, TX, USA - - - - - - -

Zerista Hub and Denver, Colorado - - - - - -

Zerista Leads USA

67
 event app bible

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

App Name Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 Location 5

Attend London - UK - -

Bizzabo Herzliya, Israel - - -

ConfCast London, UK - -

Confer Oxford, UK - - - -

Conference Delft, The Netherlands - - - -

Compass

Confrenz Pozna, Poland - - - -

CONNEXME Paris, France - - -

Conventica Gdynia, Poland - - - -

Converve Hamburg, Germany - - -

CrowdCompass by London, UK
Cvent

Crystal Interactive London, UK - - - -

Delegate Select Ltd Pinner, UK - - - -

Delegia Mobile Stockholm, Sweden - - -

DoubleDutch London, UK Amsterdam, Holland

etouches Reading, England, UK -

Event Connect London, UK

Event Showcase Karlruhe, Germany

event360 London, UK - - - -

EventApp360 Walldorf, Germany - - - -

Eventbase Pre- London, UK - - -

mium & Eventbase
Free

Eventbuizz Copenhagen V, Denmark - - - -

Eventfuel Lisbon, Portugal Lausanne, Switzerland - -

EventMobi Berlin, Germany - -

Eventtia Paris, France - - -

GenieConnect by London, UK
Lanyon

GoGoAgenda Surrey, UK - - - -

Goomeo Paris, France Limoges, France London, UK - -

Guidebook London, UK

HelloCrowd Dublin, Ireland Johannesburg, South - - -

Africa

InvitePeople Stockholm, Sweden - - - -

ITM Mobile - great Stockholm, Sweden -

apps, great results

Konferenza Nobosibirsk, Russia - - - -

Lionexpo Praha, Czech Republic Bratislava, Slovakia - -

Lumi Show Brussels, Belgium Nuremberg, Germany London, UK Amsterdam, Nether- Pretoria, South Africa
lands

68
 event app bible

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA

Magency Event Paris, France - -

Platform

MeetApp Chicago, US, IL Stockholm, Sweden - - -

Meethub Leicester, UK Lisbon, Portugal London, UK - -

Mobile Application Geneva, Switzerland Berlin, Germany -

Factory

Mobile Event App Erfurt, Germany Munich, Germany - - -

Mobilessence App Budapest, Hungary - -

Platform

My Events (Poken) London, UK Paris, France Lausanne, Switzerland Johannesburg, South

Africa

myQaa Vanves, France Barcelona, Spain - - -

Noodle Live London, UK - - - -

PowerVote Mee- Paris, France London, UK Düsseldorf, Germany Madrid, Spain

ting App

QuickMobile London, UK - - -

registraid.com Heemstede, The Netherlands - - - -

Speecheo Paris, France - - - -

SpotMe Lausanne, Switzerland - -

Superevent Amsterdam, The Netherlands Vienna, Austria - - -

TapCrowd Ghent, Belgium Istanbul, Turkey -

The Live Group Kingston upon Thames, UK - - - -

Event App

Topi London, UK - - -

Twebcast Stockholm, Sweden - - -

twoppy Amsterdam area, The Nether- - - - -

lands

WebsterEvent Moscow, Russia - - - -

Yamovi Barcelona, Spain - - - -

Zerista Hub and London, UK - - -

Zerista Leads

69
 event app bible

ASIA & OCEANIA

App Name Location 1 Location 2 Location 3 Location 4 Location 5

Attend Sydney, Australia - -

Bizzabo Herzliya, Israel - - -

Carrot Bangalore, India - - - -

ConfCast Brisbane, Australia Tokyo, Japan - -

Confui Melbourne, Victoria, - - - -

Australia

CrowdCompass by Gurgaon, India

Cvent

DigitalTickets Melbourne, Australia Sydney, Australia (Sales) Brisbane, Australia (Sales) Adelaide, Australia (Sales) -

DoubleDutch Hong Kong

eMobilise Sydney, Australia Melbourne, Australia Brisbane, Australia Adelaide, Australia Perth, Australia

etouches Sydney, Australia Dubai, United Arab -

Emirates

Event Connect Tokyo, Japan Shanghai, China

Event Showcase Kowloon, Hong Kong Guangzhou, China Queensland, Australia

Eventfuel Melbourne, Australia - -

GenieConnect by Singapore, Singapore Shanghai, China Hong Kong, China

Lanyon

Guidebook Seoul, South Korea

ITM Mobile - great Bangkok, Thailand -

apps, great results

Lumi Show Sydney, Australia Hong Kong

Magency Event Tokyo, Japan - -

Platform

mEvents Pune, India - - -

Mobile Application Singapore, Singapore -

Factory

My Events (Poken) Dubai, UAE Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

PowerVote Meeting Singapore, Singapore

App

ShowGizmo Wellington, New Zealand - - - -

SpotMe Singapore - -

70
Price Brackets

Small 100 attendees

Medium 400 attendees 100 exhibitors
Large 5000 attendees 500 exhibitors

Minimum reported price for small, medium and large events

 event app bible

App Name SMALL MEDIUM LARGE App Name SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

Airbeem N/A N/A N/A GeoGo N/A N/A N/A

Aloompa N/A N/A N/A GoGoAgenda $3577 $3577 $3577

AnyEvent App $98 $98 $98 Goomeo $3000 $5000 $10000

AppBurst $3000 $5000 $8000 Grenadine Event Guide N/A N/A N/A

Attend $5800 $9800 $16000 GruupMeet $500 $900 $9900

Attendify $999 $999 $999 Guidebook $0 $500 $500

Bizzabo $999 $999 N/A HelloCrowd $0 $600 $1800

built.io Conference App N/A N/A N/A InvitePeople N/A N/A N/A

BusyConf $2400 $4800 $19200 ITM Mobile - great apps, great results $2500 $3000 $15000

BusyEvent Mobile $1000 $1000 $5000 Lionexpo N/A $1100.00 $1100.00

Carrot $600 $950 $950 JUJAMA N/A N/A N/A

ChirpE N/A N/A N/A Konferenza $1000 $3000 $20000

Companion $1,000 $3000 $5000 Konvurj N/A N/A N/A

Confer $1800 $1800 $1800 Krónos $1000 $1500 $3000

ConfCast $0 $0 $0 Lumi Show $750 $750 N/A

ConferenceBeat $1750 $1750 $1750 Magency Event Platform $1800 $6400 N/A

Conference Compass $2800 $5700 $10200 Meethub N/A N/A N/A

Confrenz $1500 $2000 $2500 Meeting Play $5100 $5400 $7500

Confui $2500 $3000 $6000 MeetApp $5000 $5000 $5000

CONNEXME $499 $2,000 N/A mEvents $1,250 $1,250 $7,500

Conventica $550 $2800 $2800 Mobile Application Factory N/A N/A N/A

Converve N/A N/A N/A Mobilessence App Platform $3,000 $6,000 N/A

CrowdCompass by Cvent $3500 $5000 $12000 Mobile Event App N/A N/A N/A

Crystal Interactive NA NA NA MyEventApps $2900 $4900 $4900

Dazzmobile Corporation N/A N/A N/A My Events (Poken) $0 $2300 $4500

Delegate Select Ltd N/A N/A N/A myQaa $1100 $2275 $2275

Delegia Mobile N/A N/A N/A Noodle Live $2000 $4000 N/A

DigitalTickets n/a n/a n/a Omnipress $4,000 $4,000 $5,000

DoubleDutch n/a n/a n/a Pathable $0 $4500 N/A

eMobilise N/A N/A N/A PowerVote Meeting App N/A N/A N/A

Engage N/A N/A N/A Presdo Match N/A N/A N/A

erMOBILE $1500 $2000 $10000 QuickMobile $500 $7000 $7000

etouches N/A N/A N/A rappidApp $7,000 $7,000 $7,000

event360 $4500 $4500 $4500 registraid.com N/A N/A N/A

EventApp360 N/A N/A N/A ShowGizmo $1,000 $1,000 $1,000

Eventbase Premium & Eventbase Free N/A N/A N/A Speecheo $249 $2599 $9999

Event Apptitude $1200 $1200 $1200 SpotMe N/A N/A N/A

Eventbuizz N/A N/A N/A SquadUP $0 $0 $0

Event Connect N/A N/A N/A Superevent $650 N/A N/A

EventEdge N/A N/A N/A TapCrowd $5000 $5000 $5000

Eventfuel $490 $1790 N/A TapWalk $0 $5000.00 $10,000

Eventgrid N/A N/A N/A The Live Group Event App $3000 $5300 $14000

EventKloud $4000 $8600 $16300 Topi $0 $1250 $1250

EventMobi $999 $1498 $1498 TripBuilder Media Inc. $4000 $4000 $4000

Eventpedia $3000 $3000 $7500 Twebcast $1500 $3000 $10000

eventScribe N/A N/A N/A twoppy $170 $400 $685

Eventsential $2500 $2500 $2500 WebsterEvent $2000 $3000 $3500

Event Showcase N/A N/A N/A Whova $0 N/A N/A

Eventtia N/A N/A N/A Yapp $0 $0 $0

eventuosity $550 $2400 $5000 Yamovi $900 $2000 $3500

FollowMe by Core-apps N/A N/A N/A Yoxxie $2500 $5500 N/A

GenieConnect by Lanyon $4500 $6000 $7500 Zerista Hub and Zerista Leads N/A N/A N/A

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Post Selection Tactics
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Once you’ve selected and developed the right app for your event, you will want
to anticipate some of the most common challenges that come with a successful
launch. A truly great app is only as good as the people who use and support it so
having a clear adoption and engagement strategy is critical.

You’ll also want to attack WiFi issues and ensure that you are able to support
your app financially via sponsorships. Addressing these difficulties in your early
planning stages will save you many headaches, and will ensure that your atten-
dees are equipped for a successful app engagement.

When you’ve developed an app that mirrors your brand’s identity and goals, you
want to set up your attendees to be able to take full advantage. However, not
Earning every attendee is app-ready so you’ve got to consider your strategy for earning

Adoption that adoption. Yes - you must earn your adoption rates by providing all the sup-
port your attendees need. A big key to adoption success is to identify the chal-
lenges you face with your attendees beforehand so that you can set up strategies
for meeting these demands.

Let’s take a quick look at who your attendees are and why they would not
download your app. Of course, your attendees love your event, but that doesn’t
always mean they will download your app. Planning for worst case scenarios is
in the ethos of what we do as planners, so we approach our adoption strategy
in the same manner. We want to limit the amount of attendees that fall through
the cracks and do not download or engage with your event app.

There are four major categories of attendees when it comes to technology adop-
tion. Each type of attendee comes into your event with various perspectives and
experiences so it’s important you identify these categories and support each one.

TechnoPhobe
Regardless of how tech-savvy your audience is, you will always have some who
are simply not tech-able. Some attendees are downright afraid of technology; in
other cases, they do not have a smartphone capable of downloading your app.
Or, perhaps they simply don’t know how to use their phone.

Traumatized
Some attendees will be reluctant to download your app because of bad past
experiences with other conference or meeting apps. Perhaps the app com-
promised their privacy or just did not offer enough value for them to consider
downloading it again. You will often find that early adopters and influencers fall
into this category because they often adopt technology before all the kinks are
worked out. You need to keep in mind that some attendees have been traumati-
zed by technology long before your conference or event came around.

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Overly Active
Another challenge you may face with your incredibly active participants is that
they may have a higher bar for what qualifies as downloadable. Their phones are
likely tapped out for space and they may not be willing to download yet another
app.

In the Dark
Whether they are too busy prior to the event to read their emails or lost in their
own minds, you’ll always have a set of attendees who just don’t know that your
app exists.

Tactics to Support Your Event Attendees in Using Your Event App

When you are putting together your strategy, take time to consider each of these
categories individually. What are their needs and how can you build a plan that
will support each attendee uniquely? Here are a few adoption ideas for each of
these four categories.

Technophobe
The truth is, you can’t please everybody. Sometimes, you will have people in your
audience who simply are not open to using your app. Here are a few things you
should keep in mind for the technophobes in your audience.
• Provide some form of paper solution. I’m not recommending that you
print 2,000 programs for your 2.000 attendees, but you may need to have
100 set aside for those who simply will not get on board with the applica-
tion. Many conferences and brands are choosing to charge people for paper
versions. Whatever you decide to do in that regard, having some form of
paper is always important.
• Provide on-site support. Plan to have people at your registration desk
who can help people download the app and answer questions.

Traumatized
The early days of mobile applications have been like the wild, wild West. Event
planners were doing their best to create applications that engaged, and compa-
nies were doing what they could to support them, but there needed to be a lear-
ning curve. Unfortunately, during this time, attendees didn’t always get the best
experience. Sometimes, I would download an app for a conference and find that
I was one of only a handful of people using it. Other times, I downloaded the app
for the first time only to find that it was a complete duplication of information I
could access with more ease in paper version.
• Supporting this attendee group is all about showing value. Make sure
you list the benefits of the app in pre-event emails. And go the extra step by
showing activity feeds prior to the event so the attendees know there will
be activity in the app.
• One great way to involve your traumatized attendees is to make them a
part of the marketing. If you can get them involved in idea sharing or gene-
rating downloads, they are more likely to be involved in the app themselves.

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Overly Active
The good news about this audience is that they love technology. So, if you can
prove that there is value in your app and you have considered privacy concerns,
you should be able to win this group over very quickly. Here are a few tips to get
you off the ground.
• Analyze your audience and look for the biggest influencers. These would
be the people who have the largest following on social media, have been
the most engaged with your brand in past events, and have an influence
within your audience. Send them a dedicated email or give them each a
phone call and explain the value you are bringing through the app. Ask
them to be an investor for the brand by helping to get people involved and
create conversations. Making these people feel rewarded, and giving them
an opportunity to air any concerns, will help them feel more comfortable
downloading the app. It is also very important to engage these influencers
for your engagement strategy.
• Consider ways to extend the life of your app. Many attendees will not
want to download a native app for just a day or two, but may be willing to
download if they can use it for a longer period of time.

In the Dark
This is by far the easiest attendee problem to solve. If your attendees are in the
dark, the onus is completely on you. All too many conferences make the assump-
tion that their attendees will guess that they have an app and download it. You
must make sure from beginning to end that your app is well communicated to
attendees. Here are a few ways to make that happen:
• Announce the app in a dedicated email blast to all attendees a few we-
eks before the event. Ensure that this email includes links to download in a
very obvious button format, information for people who do not understand
what the app will provide or how to download it, and a very clear explana-
tion of the value you are providing through the app.
• Links to your app should be available in the signatures of all of your staff
members. This way, as they communicate with speakers, sponsors, attende-
es and other partners, the link will always be visible.

Once your attendees have downloaded the app, it’s critical that they use the app.
And, it’s important that you think about getting your attendees to engage with
Promoting the app during all three stages of your event - before, during and after. A great
Engagement app experience will engage your attendees throughout the process so your app
strategy will need to encompass the following categories:

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Before the Event
• Promote your speakers, sponsors and other partners via your social
media channels. Rather than just marketing the speaker themselves, share
recent articles they’ve written or quote them from past events. Use all of
this content to direct attendees to more information about your sessions,
speakers and sponsors in the app.
• Make sure that all staff members have a link to download the app in
their email signatures.
• Create a tab on your website for information on downloading the app. Be
sure to direct people to this page on the website in every pre-event email.
• If your app uses any kind of leaderboard, run a contest prior to the event.
Give praises to the most engaged inside the app in the lead up to the event
and and refresh the leaderboard when the event starts.

During the Event

• Assign representatives from your staff to manage the app. Make sure that
they are engaged in the app, connecting with influencers, answering que-
stions and troubleshooting any challenges. Also, make sure that the atten-
dees have an easy place to go to for questions about the app. This could be
near your registration desk or another popular place, but you should have a
set area to direct people to for support.
• Ensure that you have signage around the event with information on WiFi
connection and how to download the app.
• Ask all of your speakers to reference the app and highlight surveys,
notetaking capabilities, opportunities to check in on presentations or other
features of the app.
• Reward engaged attendees with prizes or verbal thanks.

After the Event

• Keep your attendees engaged in the app after the event by sharing pictu-
res, posting recaps of sessions or starting reflection dialogs.
• Set expectations for engagement after the event. Many apps tend to be
popular for a week or two, but they do not last year round. If you are lo-
oking to create a year-round community on your app, make sure you have a
content strategy to support that year round goal.

One place where many event planners struggle is onsite. We spend hours deve-
loping a great app and encouraging our attendees to download it, but it’s all for
Considering naught if the right environment is not available on site. So - what do you need to
Usage consider in addition to app functionality to guarantee a great experience?
• WiFi - event planners need to have a basic knowledge of WiFi and con-
nectivity issues to be successful, but working with trusted partners will help
you ensure that you will take care of all the little issues. Here are a few
questions you should ask your venue and vendors (and yourself!):
○○ What do you anticipate will be needed for your attendees? (Will they be strea-
ming videos, operating in multiple rooms, checking emails? How many other
devices will attendees have on them?

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○○ How much bandwidth is available? How much bandwidth does your app need
to run successfully? Will you need to increase your bandwidth for the day?
○○ What is guaranteed?
○○ What does your venue provide?
○○ What do your vendors provide?
• Signage - Does your venue allow you space to share critical information
for the app like download and WiFi connection info?
• Support - Who is going to provide onsite support for attendees?

WiFi is such an important topic for event planners using apps at their events so
we’re going to spend a bit more time on this topic. While you have plenty of que-
Solving stions to ask above, here are some other ideas to make sure you have a secure

Wifi network for your event. If your venue is not able to provide you with reliable,
high-speed access, here are a few ideas you can implement to make sure you get
Issues the best connectivity possible.
• Know your speeds. First of all, run a speed test and make sure you know the
actual capabilities of the venue. Sometimes you’ll find that what is promised is
not actually being delivered. It’s your responsibility to know this and communi-
cate with the venue to get the coverage you need. Using a site like speedtest.net
makes this process very easy. You also need to know your audience. How many
devices will they have? What kind of connectivity do they need? If you don’t know
the answers to these questions, you can’t possibly ensure you have enough ban-
dwidth so knowing your audience is as important as knowing your venue.
• Use dedicated lines strategically. Most venues will allow you to run har-
dwired internet lines throughout your event. While this can be costly, it can
really help your attendees get more reliable access to the wireless internet.
Identify areas where you’ll be using the internet to stream videos or run heavy
internet-based programs and ensure that you have a hardwire for each of
them. This will greatly reduce the stress on your wireless system and provide
a better experience for the attendees.
• Set up your own network. When necessary, set up your own wireless
network. There are several companies around the world that rent hotspots for
the day. Again, you’ll need to know how much coverage you need, but these
companies will work with you to estimate bandwidth pulls and ensure that
you have strong signals throughout your event. I prefer having an alternate
system as a back up, even if the internet is projected to be reliable.
• Limit your attendee’s need for bandwidth. Of course, we’re here talking
about using technology at your events, but if you have severe concerns about
the WiFi situation at your event, consider ways you can limit your attendee’s
reliance on the connection. For example, supporting your event with iBeacons
or bluetooth hotspots can supplement their access to technology without
having to rely solely on WiFi. Thinking outside of the box will help you reach
your connectivity goals.

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Event Bandwidth Estimator

This handy calculator from the Convention Industry Council may be helpful in
estimating the bandwidth required for your event.

A final important factor to consider is how you will financially support the app.
Here are a few tips on ways to make or save money using your app.
Financial
Support • Eliminate paper waste and printing cost by having duplicate information
inside the app. If you can move your agenda, speaker bios and other printed
information into the app, you can save a large amount of money on printing
costs.
• Design your app so that you have prominent spaces for sponsors to put
their logos.
• Because your app already has your attendees on their smartphones,
sponsors are now able to link them directly to their website, white papers
or other information. Be certain that you share this value with your sponsors
and charge accordingly. No longer do you have to worry about an attendee
typing in a brand-name once they are home, they can click and engage with
the brand in a matter of seconds.
• Incentivize your sponsors to engage with your attendees in the app by
giving away prizes, connecting with attendees via the app or doing other
things to make a connection while the event is happening

The Emerging Trend of In-App Data and Analytics Capabilities

Data and Event organizers, specifically those that produce business-to-business meetings,
Analytics conferences and trade shows, are becoming more interested in using data to
effectively plan, execute and monetize their events. By looking at event data
points as assets rather than byproducts, some organizations have begun to
develop strategies for collecting, analyzing and acting upon the information that
attendees (primarily) generate before, during and after an event.

While event registration platforms and event websites can provide intelligence
on attendee preferences and demographics, event mobile apps have the singu-
lar distinction of being able to collect a broad range of behavioral data. As such,
some are emerging as the centerpiece of an event-data and analytics movement,
which requires buyers to ask more detailed questions about the topic and the
data-capture capabilities of specific apps.

How is Data Generated?

Event mobile app data collected varies between apps but can potentially be
generated by any action the user takes within the app, such as clicks, likes, check

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ins, shares, downloads, views, responses, messages sent, favorites, posts, votes,
rankings, form completions, game play, agenda items scheduled, or photos
taken. In other words, as attendees (the identities can be ascertained through
login protocols) engage with the event and record their behaviors in the app,
they help to create a multidimensional profile of themselves that can be used by
event planners and owners to achieve some specific event goals.

What types of data are produced?

Event mobile app metrics are categorized in different ways. Technical measures
of app activity, such as the number and timing of app downloads, number of acti-
ve users, number of activations by device (smartphone vs. tablet) and platform
(iOS, Android, BlackBerry, Windows), total in-app actions, average number of
actions per user, usage patterns, total page views, or total time spent in the app
provide organizers with visibility into whether the app is being appropriately and
effectively utilized on a macro-level.

Behavioral metrics provide information on how individual users are engaging,

reacting or influencing the event on a micro-level. Data may include sessions at-
tended, virtual booths visited, speaker bios viewed, exhibits checked into, spon-
sor activities logged, exhibitors tagged as favorites, documents viewed or shared,
exhibitor meetings scheduled, tags used, presentation tracks followed, questions
asked, evaluations completed, comments made on message boards, poll que-
stions answered or profile data provided.

Another category of metrics is more analytical in nature. Most app developers

with a focus on data can provide at-a-glance data—tabulations, overviews and
encapsulations—that provides organizers with more immediate insight. Such
measures might include top exhibitors, speakers and sponsors; top exhibitor bo-
oths (physical and virtual) visited, most highly rated sessions; most downloaded
slides, whitepapers and collateral; top search terms, trending topics and hashta-
gs or most influential buyers, media, employees and customers.

What are the Opportunities?

Perhaps the most compelling considerations for event organizers looking to

leverage the data collection and analytics capabilities of event mobile apps are
the opportunities they represent:

• Addressing specific organizational pain points

• Monetizing data (selling reports to exhibitors and sponsors)
• Providing ROI metrics and proof points to exhibitors and sponsors
• Making programming changes
• Supporting dynamic floor plan/booth sales strategies
• Addressing exhibitor and sponsor complaints
• Meeting event objectives
• Streamlining event processes

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• Identifying event strengths and weaknesses

• Developing a culture of data-based decision-making
• Adapting marketing strategies
• Uncovering new attendee and exhibitor segments
• Discovering new attendee interest areas
• Making real-time programming changes
• Determining the impact of incentives

What Should Organizers Ask Vendors About Data?

1. How is data delivered? (form factor and data format)

2. How does the app monetize data?
3. Does the app deliver data about individual attendees?
4. What are the metrics tracked by the app?
5. How does the app or vendor help to interpret the data?
6. How is data (personal information and event data) secured at the device
level, in transit and in the cloud?

While most organizations are at the very beginning of understanding the poten-
tial and the challenge of event mobile app data, learning how data collection
and analysis works, building a strategy around data collection that maps to the
event objectives, and evaluating vendors based on the depth and breadth of
their data program are the first steps toward selecting the best event mobile app
for the job.

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credits
 event app bible

This guide could have not been possible without the help of an incredible team
of people.
Credits
I would like to thank:

Carmen Boscolo - for her inexhaustible support throughout

Corbin Ball - for the invaluable Preface to this book

Becki Cross, MD of Events Northern Ltd and Deputy Editor of EventManager-

Blog.com - for coordinating the book production

Raquel Roura - for keeping everything and everyone on schedule

Cathy Key of OnlineRegistrationReview.com - for leading on all of the resear-

ch and validation and for data and interpretation of the findings

Michelle Bruno of brunogroup.com - for writing the following sections: Why

Develop a Mobile App Selection Strategy?, 30 Questions to Answer in a Mobile
App Selection Strategy, Creating the Perfect Request for Proposal (RFP) for a
Mobile App and The Emerging Trend of In-App Data and Analytics Capabilities.

Liz King of lizkingevents.com - for writing the Post Selection Tactics section
(other than The Emerging Trend of In-App Data and Analytics Capabilities)

Dr Mark Lochrie, Research Associate and Creative Technologist at UCLan - for

guidance on the technicalities of web vs native apps

Anne Thornley-Brown of Executive Oasis - for coordinating the research on

the LinkedIn Group

Beatrice Tagliaferri - for cover and ebook design

All those who participated in our questionnaires including app providers, Event
Planning and Event Management LinkedIn group members and event tech
experts.

Our Sponsors - for making the ebook happen.

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 event app bible

Partners

84
 Disclaimer

This report is based on a research carried out between January

and February 2015.

We asked all providers to supply us with their own data for bet-
ter accuracy. Those companies whom we contacted but did not
reply to our public and private calls for submission were not in-
cluded. You can get in touch with contact at eventmanagerblog
dot com if you require further information.

While we try to represent companies to the best of our abilities

we strongly suggest you visit the company website or contact
the company directly for a more accurate representation of
the services offered. We expressly disclaim any liability by rea-
son of inaccurate source materials.

If you are a provider and would like to communicate misre-

presentation of your features or report inaccurate data in this
report, you can do so by emailing julius at eventmanagerblog
dot com.

We cannot guarantee immediate amendments or state when

an updated version of the report will be disclosed.

While this report has been sponsored by event mobile app pro-
viders the analysis is completely unbiased. Only testimonials
from clients appearing in the ‘From The Trenches: How Event
Planners Select and Use Apps’ section have been requested to
and provided by the sponsors.

If you wish to sponsor our future publications, or receive spon-

sorship opportunity notifications, get in touch with carmen at
eventmanagerblog dot com.

Publication release date: 24 March 2015

8/
Appendix- Research
 event app bible

appendix - research

1. How many events do you plan each year?

31.94%
16+
29.20%
1 to 5

17.05%
6 to 10

11.58%
None

10.23%
11 to 15

2. What types of events do you plan?

61.52% Conferences

52.79% Corporate

34.96% Other

28.29% Trade Shows

23.63% Festivals

22.71% Product Launches

20.05% Conventions

17.51% Incentives

14.96% Experiential

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3. What percentage of your event portfolio do you use event mobile apps for?

58.21%
None 18.92%
1% to 10% 8.35%
11% to 30%

5.47%
31% to 50%

5.47%
76% or more

3.58%
51% to 75%

using apps

4. What percentage of attendees used the app?

20.51%
Less than 15% 18.34%
36% to 50% 18.22%
16% to 35% 18.22%
51% to 75%

10.57%
I have no idea

8.28%
More than 85%

5.86%
76% to 85%
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5. How much did you spend? - Actual cost of the app -

25.13% Free

21.78% Less than $1,000

20.36% More than $5,000

19.33% $2,500 - $5,000

13.40% $1,000 - $2,500

6. What are your main reasons for using an event app?

75.72% Attendee engagement

52.23% Reduce paper/replace brochure

49.61% Attendee networking

43.31% Collecting feedback

33.33% Exhibitor value-add

25.07% Research attendee behaviour/engagement

16.80% Extra revenue stream

15.49% Lead retrieval

11.55% Other

9.97% Our competitors are using apps

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7. Did it meet your objectives?

46.36% 43.25%
Partially Yes 5.84%
I had/have no objectives

4.55%
No
8. What were your frustrations in terms of the app(s)?

44.01% Attendees not engaging with the app

41.93% Attendees not downloading the app

34.77% Connectivity issues (eg. wifi not working)

28.52% Populating the app with data

21.61% Time to produce the app

19.27% Limited analytics

16.80% Speakers not engaged with the app

16.41% Didn’t offer the functionality we wanted

15.23% Money invested and ROI generated

13.54% Didn’t generate revenue

12.11% Understanding the app

8.98% Other

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FEATURES
9. Which EVENT MANAGEMENT features are most important to you in event apps?

67.62%
Group / individual alerts and notifications
(Push notifications)

62.27% Event feedback

36.81% Exhibitor/Speaker profiles

31.20% Multi-event

31.07% Sponsor banners

20.63% Lead Retrieval

10. Which NETWORKING features are most important to you in event apps?

60.31% Attendee matchmaking and networking

50.00% Appointment scheduling

48.17% Social Media sign in

35.90% Private messaging / in-app chat

16.97% Gamification

11. Which CONTENT related features are most important to you in event apps?

54.83% Audience response system/polling

50.00% Content sharing (picture uploading, video uploading)

45.82% Slide-sharing and document sharing

45.69% Session rating

42.82% Social media wall or stream

29.50% Note-taking

26.37% Live-streaming

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12. Which APP SPECS/SUPPORT features are most important to you in event apps?

51.31% Works offline

46.21% 24/7 support

39.95% Web Enabled and Native

26.50% Web Enabled

26.37% Multi-language

16.06% Native

11.62% White label

6.01% Augmented reality

13. Which INTEGRATION features are most important to you in event apps?

60.57% Onsite registration and check-in

57.57% Integration with registration sy-

stem and/or registration in-app

38.12% CRM Integration

15.54% RFID integration

12.66% iBeacons integration

10.31% NFC integration

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FEATURES
14. What are the main reasons preventing you from adopting a mobile app at your event?

40.50% Cost/budget

24.86% Doesn’t fit the audience

22.44% Lack of staff commitment/time

19.18% Poor information

18.06%
Other

Lack of client buy in

15.18%
Lack of management buy in
14.34%
Apps don’t offer the feature(s) I am
12.85% looking for

11.64% Short lead times

10.24% Lack of ROI

15. Is having event mobile apps a priority for you/your client/event/organisation?

47.07% 45.16%
No
Considering 7.82%
Yes

16. What are the timescales for implementing an app program?

61.83% 24.60%
No timescale Within 6 months 13.58%
Within 12 months
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THE EVENT APP BIBLE - VERSION 3 // ALL RIGHTS RESERVED EVENT MANAGER BLOG 2015