Think about it – when someone wants to know the time or check the weather, they usually pull out their smartphone, even if they’re wearing a watch. The same goes for events. Attendees are more likely to use event apps on their phones instead of flipping through a paper program.
In today’s fast-paced world, associations search for fresh ways to excite their members and provide extra value. They’ve got a secret weapon: Event apps for associations. These apps, tailor-made for associations, can revolutionize how events are organized, run, and promoted. In this article, we’ll delve into how you can make the most of event apps to increase engagement at your association’s events.
Why Event Apps for Associations?
This is one question that rings in the minds of everyone in this field. So, before delving into the strategies for maximizing engagement with event apps, it’s crucial to understand why they are so valuable for associations.
Information Central: These apps serve as a focal point for all event-related information. They offer easy access to schedules, speaker bios, venue maps, and more. This, in turn, ensures that your members are always in the know, which is vital for event engagement.
Real-time Updates: Event apps often allow you to provide real-time updates and notifications, thereby keeping attendees informed about any last-minute changes or important announcements.
Enhanced Networking: Remember to include networking features that enable attendees to connect with each other. This will foster valuable relationships and make your events more engaging.
Data and Analytics: With the event apps, one is provided with invaluable data and analytics on attendee behavior, preferences, and engagement levels. This information goes a long way in improving future events.
Feedback and Attendance Insights: A personalized mobile app for your event enables you to gather real-time data on attendee satisfaction, session assessments, and overall event impact through features like surveys and feedback systems. This data empowers you, the organizers, to make informed decisions for future events, enhancing content and engagement strategies based on authentic insights and ensuring ongoing event improvement.
Strategies to Maximize Your Association Engagement With Event Apps
One should incorporate several strategies to maximize their impact on your association’s engagement. These strategies include;
Prioritize User-Friendly Design
Your event app must be user-friendly and easy to use. Ensure members can easily navigate the app to find the necessary information. Incorporate features such as a clear menu, a search function, and an interactive schedule, which will enhance the user experience and engagement.
Personalization is Key
Customization features in event apps will allow attendees to create a personalized schedule and choose the sessions and activities that interest them the most. This personal touch makes attendees feel valued and engaged.
Promote Networking
Encourage attendees to use the networking features of the event app. You can even organize ice-breaking activities or discussion forums within the app to facilitate networking.
Push Notifications
Utilize push notifications judiciously to keep attendees informed about important updates or upcoming sessions. However, remember to avoid overwhelming them with constant notifications, which can have the opposite effect.
Gamify Your Events
Most associations often miss out on the entertainment touch of their event apps. You shouldn’t. Employ gamification, which is a powerful tool that’ll increase engagement. Incorporate gamified elements into your events, such as scavenger hunts, quizzes, or challenges that attendees can participate in through the app.
Feedback Mechanism
A feedback mechanism is among the most essential strategy components. Do not fail to include a feedback mechanism within the app. This allows attendees to rate sessions, provide comments, and offer suggestions. This not only helps in improving engagement in future conferences and events but also makes future designs of event apps for associations more user-friendly as users share usability feedback.
Content Sharing
Provide a platform and encourage attendees to share their experiences directly from the app on social media. Create a designated event hashtag and encourage attendees to use it when posting about the event. This extends the reach of your event and creates a sense of community among attendees.
Training and Support
Offer training sessions or resources on how to use the event app effectively. Many attendees may not be tech-savvy, so providing guidance can significantly improve their experience.
Data Utilization
Utilize the data and analytics provided by the event app to gain insights into attendee behavior. Use this information to make data-driven decisions for future events, tailoring them to what your members truly want.
Conclusion
In conclusion, event apps for associations can be a game-changer in increasing engagement. By focusing on the aforementioned strategies, you can create an environment where your members feel more engaged and connected. Remember, the key to success is not just having an app but using it strategically to enhance the overall event experience. Your association’s future events are poised to be more engaging, informative, and valuable with the right event app in place.