The COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted daily life and made large gatherings risky. Rather than cancel events entirely, organizers can preserve connection and learning by shifting to virtual formats. Event apps enable this transition, letting conferences, seminars, and exhibitions proceed with minimal friction and without geographic limits.
Why event apps work for virtual events:
– Improve event productivity and raise ROI for stakeholders
– Provide valuable data and insights
– Let attendees filter interests and find relevant sessions
– Broadcast important event information in one place
– Push real-time updates for last-minute changes
– Reduce carbon footprint by cutting paper and other resources
– Create new sponsorship revenue through in-app advertising
Beyond these benefits, event apps are powerful promotional tools. Use in-app reminders, targeted mailings, and social sharing to build buzz, and offer rewards for attendees who help promote the event.
Making the best of difficult times
To sustain engagement and attendee satisfaction during crises, organizers should use event apps strategically:
– Use digital media extensively. Share videos, podcasts, live streams, and documents. Release speaker sneak peeks and schedule virtual sessions so attendees can join at set times, fostering a sense of community.
– Highlight sponsors with product showcases. Send in-app notifications and reminders to draw attention to exhibitors and innovations.
– Prioritize live streams. Deliver sessions via platforms like Facebook/Instagram Live, IGTV, or Twitch. Integrate in-app Q&A, polling, and speaker interaction to increase reach and engagement.
– Run in-app contests. Quizzes, challenges, and activity walls encourage participation and create virtual rewards that boost interaction and retention.
Stay calm and be safe—event technology can help keep people connected until normal gatherings resume.
