Background
When ISSPD planned its Congress in Boston, USA, the organising team needed to support a highly engaged, academically focused audience across a programme of 225+ sessions.
Like many international societies hosting events in the US, the event came with growing complexity around delegate travel, data management, and onsite logistics.
At the same time, ISSPD wanted to modernise the attendee journey, reduce operational friction, and ensure the Congress ran smoothly for both onsite and remote participants.
As discovery progressed, what started as an event-app conversation expanded into a broader opportunity: streamline the entire event workflow by consolidating key event technologies and improving data reliability.
Event Goals
ISSPD set out to deliver a delegate-first Congress that felt seamless and professional, while keeping full operational control behind the scenes.
- Launch a high-quality mobile app for a content-heavy programme
- Streamline event operations and simplify data handling between systems
- Improve data reliability and reduce manual intervention
- Preserve hybrid flexibility for delegates affected by visa restrictions
- Enhance onsite flow with fast check-in and clear wayfinding
- Increase sponsor value without adding operational overhead
Challenges
The Congress team faced several pressure points:
- App-first requirement, but wider complexity - the app was only one part of the challenge, with broader risks around fragmented systems and duplicated admin.
- Travel and visa disruption - some delegates could not attend in person at short notice, requiring a robust virtual fallback.
- Constrained check-in footprint - workshops began early Sunday, but venue constraints limited traditional registration-desk options.
- Complex onsite navigation - mini-poster locations and live schedule changes demanded clear, responsive signage.
- Last-minute programme changes - gala location updates needed immediate communication to avoid confusion.
- Sponsor revenue pressure - sponsor outcomes had to improve without adding extra tools or suppliers.
Solution
CrowdComms delivered a flexible platform approach that unified event workflows while still allowing ISSPD to retain best-in-breed tools where needed.
After initial app planning, the solution expanded into registration, onsite services, and lead scanning to reduce supplier sprawl, centralise attendee data, and improve operational confidence.
Despite constraints in the previous registration setup, the CrowdComms team worked closely with organisers to ensure reliable data import and smooth onsite check-in.
When a conventional desk model was not feasible, kiosks were deployed in the hotel lobby so delegates could check in and collect badges on arrival, reducing morning queue pressure.
Kiosks also doubled as digital signage to support navigation and real-time updates, while creating additional sponsor visibility opportunities that helped support programme funding.
Outcome
The result was a smoother delegate experience, stronger delivery confidence for organisers, and more measurable sponsor value across the Congress lifecycle.