How to take the most of your event app
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This case study gives us a few learnings and tips to improve the management of apps in events:
1. Communication in advance about the event app is key. USH sent an e-mail three weeks before the event with instructions on how to download the app and its benefits. In the following two days, 50% of the total number of app users downloaded it.
Sending a dedicated e-mail about the app it is better to appeal people to download it. People tend to span limited details so if the app instructions share email space with other information about the event the message may get lost.
2. The two other peaks in downloads were the day before the event and the same day. This is usually the standard pattern, although it is advisable to use the app earlier as it is a great way to inform about last minute updates.
3. Why didn´t they reach a higher adoption rate? It may be the lack of signage or specific communication onsite. Therefore, besides sending e-mails you should also plan to communicate the app during the event – for example, include it on the conference program, on the room signage or have signs in the coffee break areas.
4. Use push notifications for a smoother event. Throughout the 3 days, the organizers often sent reminders via the event app. In this way, they helped participants not to miss anything that was going on (it was a huge congress, with almost 4,500 participants) and be on time for the sessions.
5. Speakers and presenters are your allies. At USH, all speakers were well briefed and encouraged participants to submit questions with the event app. Furthermore, a short video explaining how to use the app was played several times. As a result, the number of questions soared – over 300 – which made it a truly interactive session!
