Did you know, around 86% of event planners expected to have an app at their event in 2016? With the event app playing a key role in many events, we take a look into our crystal ball to find out what 2017 has in store for event apps.
Full Integration
In the past, event apps were marketed as an excellent replacement for paper and an economical option for event planners. While both benefits are still valid, we’ve seen a shift towards a more sophisticated approach to event app use.
Event planners are now looking for full event app integration. This means the event app fulfils a wide variety of event roles, from marketing to attendee engagement.
Marketing your event app in the run up to the big day will help boost attendee engagement and social media interest. Tease details on twitter, along with the link to your event app, to persuade your delegates to download and browse.
During the event, event apps can be integrated into speakers’ sessions or as a networking aid. Gamification is a fun way to boost event app activity. For example a scavenger hunt and can act as an excellent ice-breaker.
Q&A and live polling sessions can be used to create a conversation between speaker and audience, allowing for a more immersive experience for delegates.
In 2017 the event app should no longer be an afterthought; the future of event apps is total integration. Your event and event app will flow together seamlessly and your event’s presence on your app will be just as important as the event itself.
Tailoring Your Event App
The future of event apps truly lies in individuality and brand focus: your event is unique, so why isn’t your event app?
2017 promises great progress in beautiful designs and seamless animation. Event planners can ensure total satisfaction for their client with an impressive event app.
Here at CrowdComms, Advanced Designer was a new feature for us in 2016 and we’re thrilled at the prospect of its development in 2017. Described as, “a game changer for event apps”, we’re already seeing these stunning results happening for our clients.
This new feature means planners can truly stretch the boundaries of what is possible in terms of event app aesthetics. Let your designer’s imagination run riot and create an extraordinary event app to match the flair and creativity of your event. 2017 is the year of the beautifully unique event app!
The future of event apps is in total synchronicity between app and event. Advanced Designer allows you to do just this by tying your event app seamlessly into the fabric of your event brand.
UX (User Experience) is Key
Early event apps didn’t focus much on user experience; they were seen more as a cost-saving substitute for paper. Thus, the importance of UX was overlooked.
As event apps become a bigger part of the overall event experience, we’re seeing user interface and design come on in leaps and bounds. Attendees will value an intuitive and aesthetically appealing event app over any inefficient app. Design, look and feel are critical for a superior user experience, so in 2017 we expect to see this trend continue.
In the coming months, watch for UX to become a bigger buzzword. More organisers will focus on a seamless user experience including fast and simple download, beautiful design, intuitive layouts and plenty of opportunities for attendee involvement.
UX is vital to the future of event apps, our focus is now more on the experience of the user and how event apps develop in the coming years will depend on what is most beneficial for our attendees.
In 2011, Pete co-founded CrowdComms from his garage in Sydney. With over two decades’ experience in event tech in the UK and Australia, Pete’s been involved with thousands of events, large and small. He gets a buzz improving events using the latest technology, and exciting customers with innovative solutions and great technical support.
