So you’ve decided that an event app will benefit your next event. But what’s the best approach to managing content? Do you DIY or ask your event app provider to do all the heavy lifting? DIY Via a CMS
The first thing to do is take a good look at the content management system (CMS) for the event app you are considering. It will most likely be a series of web based forms and most of the forms should be intuitive enough to complete without instructions.
That said, a good CMS will include short video tutorials and a help section or tips.
Essentially if your event app comes with a good CMS, uploading and managing content in your event app should be a breeze.
When to Outsource
The only exception to this is if your event generates huge volumes of data. Unless every piece of event technology you are using is fully integrated (which it rarely is) there is no avoiding a significant amount of work.
In this scenario I would recommend handing it over to the event app experts.
The amount you pay will be a bargain compared with using your limited time to take it on yourself. Just be careful you understand what’s included when you sign up for this service.
For example if your event app agenda changes significantly after it has been loaded into the event app you may find you incur extra charges for it to be built in again from the ground up.
Questions
If you are leaning towards DIY for managing content the next thing to consider is the support. Most event app providers will offer some level of support but how customer serviced focused are they?
Do they track their performance? Many service based organisations track their NPS – Net Promoter Score. This is achieved by surveying customers on how likely they would be to recommend the service provider which results in a score. The higher the NPS score the better.
NPS is a good indicator of service but in its absence, or in addition, there are other questions you can ask. How does the support work? Is there a team of people you can contact and are they located in your time zone? Can you contact them by phone if you prefer or is it online only? If your event is on over the weekend and you need help will somebody take your call?
All good questions, but how do you find objective answers?
Other Event App Clients
Probably the best thing to do is to find out from other event planners (who have used the event app) how they found it. You can read case studies and watch vlogs as a starting point.
You can also ask your sales rep to put you in touch with a couple of other organisations with events similar to yours. That way you’ll hear about the experience straight from the horse’s mouth and you can ask specific questions.
If your event app provider runs educational webinars or face-to-face workshops, go along. You can’t beat discussions with other planners and you’ll come away with insights and answers to questions you didn’t even know you had.
Felix Stroud-Allen – CrowdComms, Co-Founder
