event profs – techsytalk

Five Reasons why Sponsors should care about an Event App by @GENIECONNECT

Monday, 03 March 2014 by Michael Douglas

If you’ve invested in an event app, the quickest way to demonstrate a return on that investment is to use it to drive sponsorship revenues. Here are five arguments you can make to sponsors.

1. It’s extremely popular with attendees

The more complex the agenda, the more people use an event app: at Expos, around 30-50% of people will download the app: at conferences, app uptake is between 60-80%. At corporate events, where delegates may be instructed to download the app, usage is typically 90-100%.

2. A list attendees are most likely to be using it

The attendees whose attention exhibitors are most anxious to attract are the ones using the app.

Planners who want to maximize the value they get from an event;
Social attendees who tend to be natural networkers and are invariably agents of influence;
Event regulars for whom events figure prominently in the buying decision process; and
Serious buyers who have money to spend and an urgent requirement to meet.

Clearly, sponsors need to use the app to get their brand and message in front of these people.

3. The app is what delegates use to help them decide what to do

Delegates use the app at breakfast or on their way to the venue; during sessions or breaks; or when navigating through the venue. Sponsors should take advantage of the app’s ability to deliver access to these delegates when they are actively planning their next move.

4. It’s most frequently used to access exhibitor information

Users access the app, on average, between 10 and 15 times per day! And more than two thirds of enquiries concern exhibitor information. An app banner makes it easy for delegates to find sponsors.

5. It’s at the heart of an attendees engagement with an event

Delegates use exhibitor and session info for research and the customized agenda to plan their time. They use interactive floor plans for information and directions; and scheduling capabilities to set up the meetings. The app should be the centerpiece of sponsors’ engagement with attendees.

In conclusion, app banner space is real estate every bit as valuable as physical space on the exhibition floor and is a huge opportunity for sponsors to: create multiple touch-points with the most important attendees; engage with them when they are most likely to be planning their next appointments and; increase the value of their participation at the event.

To find out more about how an event app can drive sponsorship revenues, sign up for our webinar.

#eventapp #eventROI #eventsponsorship #eventtech event profs events ROI

Published in Event Technology

8 Comments

What’s in my Event Planner Emergency Kit | @jessicalarotta

Tuesday, 25 February 2014 by Jessica La-Rotta

Part of being an event planner it’s not only important to be organized and detailed but to also be prepared for the worse at any given moment. Part of the worse possible scenarios is not only the big stuff such as losing power, weather problems or even catering mishaps. What about mishaps with your centerpiece or setup/event or your guests or staff feeling ill, getting a stain or having a wardrobe malfunction. I’m sure many of us have experience one of these!

Many things can go wrong but you can eliminate much of the stress and frustration by preparing ahead. As I prepare for my clients event whether corporate or social a big part of my preparation is making sure I have everything I need in my Emergency Kits. Yes Kits! I keep 2 different types of kits one which will save my event details and one which will save my client, myself or my staff!!

The fist step to creating an emergency kit is finding a carrying solution for your items, this can be a large Tupperware or hard shelled suitcase. As well you might want to even think about having a hip back to store small needed items you can carry at all times. Now it’s time to go shopping for all the items you need but now you’re wondering what do I buy? When preparing your shopping list start thinking through some of the many mishaps that can happen. You might want to consider: What can happen to my decor or event setup? What might your client/guests need in case of an emergency or what have they forgotten?

Here are some suggestions of things my client may need that we continue to add as different scenarios happen:

Small first aid kit
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and mouth wash
Mints or gum
Hand sanitizer
Contact solution
Tissues
Tide Sticks or Clorox bleach pen
Lint Roller
Charger with different charging tips
Safety Pins, double sided tape
Hair Goods: hairspray, bobby pins, hair ties, brush or comb
Mirror
Makeup
Travel sewing kit
Static cling spray or dryer sheets
Bites: granola bars and water
Feminine hygiene products
Sunscreen
Spray deodorant
Baby wipes
Unscented bug spray (for outdoor events)
Nail clipper
Scissors
Baby powder
Dr. Schols foot pads
Hand lotion or body spray
Pills for ill guests: Advil, tylenol, tums, immodium
ear plugs
Nail polish remover/cotton balls

As you prepare for the big event day, it is always important to have everything you need to get your day going. Items such as your timeline, floorplan, agenda and clients agenda readily available as well as multiple copies for any and all parties involved. Now it’s time to prepare your second emergency “working” kit. Keep in mind that your emergency working kit can change due to project or client needs but these are typically the core items I need to keep my sanity.

Some items to include are:

Screwdriver, pliers, wire cutters
Scissors
Blades or pocket knife
Different types of tape: scotch, electrical, masking, gaffers tape and double sided tape
Paper clips, binder clips
Power strip, extension cords, converters
Twist ties, fishing line, zip ties
Sharpies in all colors
Measuring tape
Adhesive hooks and tape
Floral tape
Windex
Paper Towels
Flash drive
Flash light
Velcro
Batteries