Event planning apps are a dime a dozen. It seems like every day there's a new one on the market with slightly different features than the last. But which ones should you use?
In this article, we're going to help you cut through the noise to help you ask the right questions to find the right solutions to build the right event management tools for you.
Before we dive into them, what is an event planning app?
An event planning app is a software application that helps you with project management of your events. It includes features like a event registration and ticketing, task list control, budget management, floor plans as well as managing guests either online or in-person.
Event planning apps help to save you time and can boost ROI from your events.
How have event planning apps changed since the pandemic?
The pandemic has resulted in a change in how we operate face-to-face events which has led to an increase in digital or virtual events. Planning apps have adapted by including more features to help with features including elements like webinar capabilities, chatbots and virtual event planning tools.
Why should you use event planning apps?
There are a few reasons why you might want to use an event planning app.
First, they can help you save time. If you're using a paper-based system, it can be easy to lose track of who's coming to your event and when or trying to piece together a complex speaker schedule. Event planning apps can help you keep track of this information in one place.
Second, they can help you save money. Many event planning apps offer features like budget management and expense tracking. This can help you stay on top of your event budget and avoid overspending.
Third, they can help you increase attendance. Event planning apps often include features like online registration and does it allow me to sell tickets or create offer codes on the fly? This can make it easier for potential attendees to sign up for your event but more importantly, you can log-in on the go and keep track of who's coming and how many event attendees have registered.
Fourth, they can help you improve the quality of your event. Event planning apps often include features like floor plans and seating charts. This can help you make sure your event space is set up in the most efficient way possible and that your guests are seated where they'll be most comfortable if you're hosting an awards gala. This helps you when managing guests and offering upgrades to your VIP's!
Finally, they can also help you improve your exhibitors ROI. By tracking exhibitor performance in real-time, you can ensure your event is delivering on exhibitor or sponsor goals and you can increase positive rebook at your online event or in-person exhibition by having real conversations with valuable data to support you.
What to look for in an event planning app
You've probably already spent hours searching the web, reading blogs and checking credentials about the potential app you're going to use to help you manage events, but the first part as an event planner, is to.... plan!
If you've planned an event before, you should already know what you're looking for in terms of the technology against your requirements, but what about those questions that sometimes slip by the wayside? The ones that will matter when you're up against it the day before your event and you just need to speak to someone to help sort things out.
The questions you should be asking yourself when choosing the right planning apps for your next event are:
- How will the application save me time?
- Is there a mobile app version? Can I access it anywhere?
- What does the app include that will help me improve my event's ROI?
- What features of this app are most important to me and my team members?
- When assigning tasks to team members or exhibitors, can I check on their progress?
- How easy is this app to use and how quickly can I get started?
- What kind of customer service and support does this app offer?
- Does this app have good reviews from other event planners?
If you get a positive response or answer to all of these questions, then you're one step closer to choosing the perfect event planning app for your next event!
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