Event apps are a staple at most conferences, but did you know that an event app is an excellent resource for incentive events too? Incentive event organisers have historically used email and paper to support their event. But let’s take a look at how an event app can make a positive difference to incentive events and their attendees:
Maps, Info and FAQ
All of the information related to the event is the first thing to add to an incentive event app.
This will save heaps of emails and attachments in advance of the event. And of course, with an event app, updates can be made in a single place.
For important updates you can send push notifications, prompting attendees to view the update. Check out our blog for inspiration on information to include in your event app
Flights, Hotels and Transfers
I don’t envy incentive event trip planners managing hundreds of flight, transfers and hotel rooms. But the good news the event app can help.
Personalised schedules for each attendee gives them quick access to all the information they need in a format that’s easy to read and navigate.
Attendee Networking
An incentive event app can make the attendees’ experience a whole lot better. This is often down to the convenience of having everything they need for the event in a single place.
However, there is another tool in the event app that can really add value to the trip. Cue attendee networking. Add all your attendees into the event app and invite them to enhance their profile.
They can add a photo, personal and professional information as appropriate. Then they can search for specific attendees or areas of interest and send messages to each other via the event app. This is a great way to build excitement in the lead up to the trip and help attendees get to know each other.
Discussion Groups
You can use this feature to connect attendees who have the same interests. For example you could set up a topic called ‘Free Evening’ and invite attendees to post and co-ordinate plans amongst the group.
Or if there is beautiful countryside near the venue you could set up an ‘Exploring the Area’ group and let attendees use it to co-ordinate jogging or walking excursions.
Gamification
Incentive events are often about having fun and event app games are perfect for engaging attendees in exciting activities.
Your imagination is the limit here as the game can be easily tailored. Contestants simply enter the codes you set to earn points. The leaders gain kudos via the event app leaderboard (which you can also be display on big screens).
Our clients run scavenger hunts, networking games or quiz based games to facilitate learning. Read the blogs on event app gaming for inspiration.
Connectivity
It’s often the case that incentive trip destinations are beautiful yet remote and a long way from any decent 3/4G. Add to that, roaming charges can be astronomical.
In these scenarios we recommend attendees download the app in advance of travelling and that you ensure they have access to Wi-Fi at their hotels.
You may not be able to send them updates via the event app when they are out and about but this would be case whichever tool you use – paper guide, event app or email.
We are seeing an increasing number of event apps built for incentive event trips. If you would like to understand more about how we build one for your event get in touch. We love hearing about all varieties of event and working with planners to come up with creative solutions.
Dee Brannick – CrowdComms, Co-Founder
Working in Event Tech since 2003, Dee has made thousands of events shine by incorporating market leading technology into a diverse range of events. From boardroom meetings to multi-location conferences, Dee is passionate about finding the right solution for her clients. In 2011 she co-founded CrowdComms to maximise the explosion in smart phone usage at events and now works out of the UK office in sunny Dorset.
