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Events are indispensable for B2B and B2C industries alike. One only has to take a look at the statistics: 74% of attendees harbour a more positive perception of a business/organization post a successful event, and 96% of customers are more inclined to make a purchase, based on their favourable experiences of event engagement. 

Considering the recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which, according to WHO, holds the potential to evolve into a full-fledged pandemic, event organizers need to stay updated regarding its developments, boost communications, and plan added safety measures for attendees. While the situation seems sombre, it is fruitless to spread unnecessary panic – instead, what we can do is observe requisite safety measures against the spread of the virus during events, seminars, conferences, and so on. Let’s take a look at the precautions that can be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of organizers and attendees alike: 

Keep the Event “Handshake-Free”

As per WHO, one should maintain a minimum distance of 1 metre [3 feet] between themselves and someone who appears to be coughing/sneezing. While this precaution is to prevent viral transmission from a potentially infected person, one needs to observe a similar stance when in the midst of a gathering, especially during events. Keep the event handshake-free, in order to prevent spreading of the virus via physical contact. 

Focus on Thorough Sanitization 

One can reduce the chances of infection by cleaning their hands with an alcohol-based rub/sanitizer or washing them with soap water for a minimum of 2 minutes. While both organizers and attendees should maintain these hygiene routines, event organizers need to: 

• Add hand-sanitization stations for easy access and hands-on prevention of viral transmission.
• Offer disinfectant sprays in high-traffic areas, which would increase the hygiene frequency of high-touch areas, such as doorknobs, furniture surfaces, and escalator rails
  
• Vendors should regularly disinfect their work stations, while also making sure that they wash their hands frequently.
• Event attendees should also be proactive and follow these precautionary measures for their own safety. 

Conduct On-Site Screening and Provide Guidance 

Apart from churning out thorough plans and blueprints before conducting on-site screenings throughout the course of the event, it is important for event organizers to provide guidance at information booths in the form of printed copies of safety measures and verbal guidance/assurances in order to restrain unwarranted panic. These measures should be broadcasted while the organizers are still in the event marketing stage, and are in the process of creating responsible buzz around an event.

Anyone Feeling Unwell Should Skip the Event

As a safety measure for themselves and against the further spreading of the virus, anyone, be it organizers or attendees, feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of the virus, should skip the event. They should also keep a medical-grade mask handy in order to prevent viral transmission. This is encouraged because if an infected person is too close to another person, the latter might end up breathing in cough/sneeze droplets that carry the virus. 

Apart from following the above measures, everyone must observe the following in the midst of the outbreak, as per WHO: 

• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth, as your hands might have been in touch with infected surfaces and inadvertently transfer the virus inside your body. 
• Follow proper respiratory hygiene, especially when you’re among large crowds and gatherings. Cover your nose and mouth with your elbow or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the used tissue/handkerchief immediate to prevent viral transmission. 
• Keep yourself up-to-date regarding the recent developments of the COVID-19, as this will allow you to make informed decisions for protecting yourself and those around you. This way, you can also avail the healthcare services that you need during situations that are stressful/anxiety-inducing. 

Apart from these measures, one can always reschedule and transform their event into a virtual one, when the necessity is dire and circumstances are predominantly unsafe. Stay safe at events by following these precautionary measures and hopefully, we will soon be able to contain and beat the COVID-19. Until then, the magic of events shall always shine through.  

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

The recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has gripped the world in a mire of panic and uncertainty. While it is undeniable that this has disrupted daily life to a certain extent, it is unwise to give in to sheer alarm and obstruct everyday experiences altogether. The same is applicable for events – which are wonderful nexuses for interaction, business, and growth, carrying meaningful learning opportunities at every turn. It is understandable if attendees feel iffy about attending an event with a large gathering at this particular juncture – so what’s the solution?

Event Apps. With the world already on its way to embracing virtual realities, event apps emerge a the go-to solution in times of adversity. With adversity, comes hope – the hope to connect as human beings and forge genuine bonds that lead to extraordinary things, even during dark times. Virtual event technology is the future, allowing organizers to enhance and improve audience experiences, irrespective of geographical barriers and socio-cultural factors. Now, one can organize major conferences, seminars, and exhibitions with the touch of a button!

Why Event Apps Excel in the Virtual Realm

Over the last decade or so, event apps have evolved into a multifaceted tool for event organisers. Why? Event apps used for virtual events:

• Make events more productive by raising the ROI for all the stakeholders involved
• Grant valuable data that provide significant insights
• Allow attendees to filter their interests and navigate what’s relevant to them
• Act as a platform for broadcasting important event-related information
• Last-minutes alterations can be updated seamlessly and in real-time
• Reduce carbon footprint and helps save paper, among other natural resources
• Allow organizers to sell advertising space, which is always a plus for sponsorships

Unmistakably, the ingenuity of event apps is not limited to the pointers above. You can use the app platform to promote the event effectively, with the help of in-app reminders, dedicated mail-outs, social media buzz, and so on. Event apps for virtual events can also be used to provide rewards to attendees in exchange for creating buzz prior to the said event.

Making the Best Out of Trying Times

Once organizers are able to master event app usage in a manner that is fruitful in a holistic manner, they can evoke an aspect of deeper engagement from attendees, garnering greater satisfaction levels. In the light of the Coronavirus outbreak, event organizers should try their optimum best to sustain the magic of events, without aggravating concerns in the minds of the masses. How can they do that? Here are some methods that work:

• Use digital media extensively. Make efficient use of videos, podcasts, live streams, documents, etc to convey important information relevant to the event. You can also broadcast sneak peek snippets of key speakers who will be presiding over the event. Set up virtual sessions, so that attendees can log in at an appointed time, which helps evoke a feeling of community, which is much needed during tough times.
• Highlight sponsors with product showcases. Make use of the event app to send in-app notifications and reminders to attendees, in order to highlight specific sponsors and exhibitors. Highlight the best product innovations from your event and showcase them with the help of the app.
• Live streams are the way to go. Run all of your virtual events through live streams – you can either use Facebook/Instagram LIVE, IGTV, or streaming channels such as Twitch. You can also add in-app questions and pose them to your audience, share your own thoughts, along with that of your speakers, add a poll, etc. These strategies will not only increase event reach but also bolster engagement at t5he same time.
• Run in-app contests for more engagement. You can do this by formulating a contest that is bound to bring in a certain amount of traction.  For instance, you can run a quiz, asking audiences to choose the right answer, on which, they receive a virtual reward of sorts. Activity walls can also be used to bring people together during difficult times.

Meanwhile, stay calm, be safe. Remember to follow verified best practices. WHO link

One-time event apps are considered to be a good option for when it comes to handling a single, stand-alone event. Such apps are typically not made to use for other events and are usually discontinued once the event concludes. However, certain brands have an event portfolio to their credit that includes a number of events around the year. Thus, for the sake of app efficiency, these organizations are considering the option of intuitive multi-event apps.

Having said that, now the prime question is whether or not a brand should go for a multi-event app? Here are certain factors that one must consider in order to decide whether they are in need of a multi-event app:

Increased Number Of Registrations For Events

A number of events measure their success by counting the number of successful registrations completed for the event. When there is an increase in the number of registrations, a multi-event app can be helpful as it gives an opportunity to include upcoming events within the app and link the same to all the internal as well as external registration providers. Thus, if an individual downloads the app for a particular event, they have the opportunity to view the entire event portfolio of your brand. This can serve as an opportunity for cross-selling or word-of-mouth publicity.

An Easier Way For Making Multiple Registrations

When you offer a multi-event app to your attendees, they get the option to register for other events as well as from within the app. The entire process is a seamless one, as attendees can easily view when the registration for other events are open and can access the registration site right from the app. It’s a great way to drive user engagement.

Enhanced Savings On Promotional Expenses

Since your app remains the same and all you need to do is to add more and more events as and when scheduled in the same app, companies are able to acquire a lot more savings in terms of promotional expenses which were required to be incurred if a separate app were to be launched for individual events. Just add the event to the container app and the content can be accessed by people at large who are already using the app.

Centralized and Cohesive Event Communication

With the presence of a number of tools to manage different events, centralizing event communication helps in defining the communication and portfolio strategy for the brand. The brand is saved from promoting different standalone apps for different events. A single app can ensure that the attendees are informed about the upcoming events.

Streamlined and Efficient Event Management

Building and managing one app is easier in comparison to twenty. The overall cost is reduced when working with a multi-event app. As per a recent employee satisfaction survey, employees managing events via event app believe that offering a robust and efficient app interface and mechanics for all events, such as seminars, conferences, and meetings are way better than offering a new app each time a new event crops up.

Thus, multi-event apps factor into event branding for centralizing event communications as well as managing multifarious brands, thus, making it easier for adding and updating the events which are going to take place around the year.

For performance-driven event companies, 2020 is an auspicious year. It not only marks the beginning of a new decade but also acts as a metaphor for 20/20, that is, thorough and top-notch performance. When it comes to catering to the expectations of attendees, event managers need to churn out an interactive as well as an amazing experience that not only impresses the eyes of the beholder but also rhymes a chord with their corporate goals.

During the course of the 2010s, the event industry became accustomed to ever-evolving event technology. As the world around progressively seeped to amalgamate itself with the digital interface, the event-arena too began to incorporate innovative technologies that favoured personalized recommendations. Event App – the new kid in town, paved its way into the market, helping event-companies accomplish their desired goals, by delivering what was the need of the hour.

Now all that has come into existence over the past ten years, not only exists but also keeps on evolving – for good. But being well-prepared helps one to stay at the top of the game and therefore, here’s a guide circling comprehensive annual event trends that will help opportunistic event managers in seizing the moment and growing in the professional event management arena.

Here’s what all event managers can expect out of 2020:

B2B brands shall strive for more interaction with the attendees

The whole purpose of corporate events is to be noticed. Since now the digital platform has established itself with accordance to event management, it’s a dire necessity that corporate events adopt a more unconventional approach, topped by experiential elements. It’s high time that event managers divert their attention from consumer events to B2B events, owing to the latter being more engaging and social.

Exhibitors’ benefit lies in strategically devised floor plans

One can’t overlook the fact that event managers reel in business by driving more and more traffic to sponsoring booths and activations by strategically devising event layouts. The proximity of the exhibition, keynote arena, happy hours, and other factors play a pivotal role in maximizing one’s event experience.

Event sustainability – a shared mission

The prospect of a sustainable event garners attention. For instance, incorporate actions that throw light on the environmental impact of events – tap water instead of plastic bottles, usage of public transport et cetera – initiatives that bind event manager, sponsors, and attendees.

Enterprise-grade Tech Partners

A larger event accounts for a mammoth number of attendees – which in turn means collecting and securing bulk-load of data. Protecting the private data of individuals is nothing short of being a liability, hence, it’s well-recommended that your event-tech partners like IT, security teams, legal, and others, are enterprise-grade – secured data ensures seamless event experience and ensures one’s reputation in the market.

Data-driven personalization is the new vogue

Data-driven solutions derive from machine learning, automation, and recommendation engines, thereby allowing event managers to provide personalized recommendations based on users’ actual behaviour – enabling them to make the most of their time. Events curated out of such technology riddled solutions enhance the experience of the attendees, surpassing satisfactory levels.

2020 – The year of revolution is here, the time is now, and the moment is waiting to be seized. Advancements of the likes of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and 5G, await to take the event companies by surprise.

Event gamification is one strategic move that is capable of making an event more profitable as well as effective by offering a memorable way for brands to engage attendees as well as the sponsors of the event.

You must be thinking what exactly is this term, ‘gamification’?

It may sound like a new term to you, however, all of us have been a part of gamification at least once or multiple times in the past. Let’s recall: you must have been asked to fill out a survey which could potentially lead to a lottery win, or used a credit card which offered rewards points or posted on social media accounts for freebies. All of these instances are nothing but various forms of gamification. It is basically neither an application nor an event technology, but it is a way to motivate audiences to take some kind of action by providing an incentive for completing a task.

Event gamification can be seen in different forms and in every form, it helps in transforming an event into a successful one. It works on the emotions and motivational factors of the attendees of the event.

It is important to boost sponsor engagement using gamification because of several reasons:

• The more engaged the sponsors are, the better the events created for the attendees.
• With more engaged sponsors, the chances of transactional interactions with the sponsors are minimized.
• Since the sponsors quantify the ROI of the event to rate their involvement with the event, gamification is one big tool which is often used for increasing ROI.

Here are some of the ways in which one can drive engagement at events using gamification strategy:

Gamification Of The Booth Check-ins

Gamification is often customized to the goals of the sponsors in order to see what works and what does not work for them. Addition of game elements can be done as a call-to-action for attendees, which in turn, help in drawing visitors to the sponsor’s booth.

Presentations

Gamification can transform regular speaker presentations to something fun and interactive. The presentations can be transformed using polls and other elements of social media integration. The sponsors may offer prizes to the winners and offer something of value to the participants as a gesture. This may spark the first conversation between the sponsors and the attendees.

Gamification Corner For Sponsor Promotion

A separate gamification corner may be created where the attendees may relax during the free time. Setting up of games such as interactive video games, chess, foosball etc. can be organized within the budget. The added benefit here is that there lies ample scope for sponsor promotion by the display of sponsor logos. In case the budget is bigger, AR and VR games may be considered.

Event App

Gamifying event apps with fun, interactive, and simple games can contribute to full-fledged utilization. Leader boards can be created and online event networking games can also be included for the attendees. To increase the interaction with sponsors, some augmented reality games may be integrated into the event app itself. This way, the app elevates from just being a medium for event registration to a platform for interaction between the attendees and sponsors.

The event check-in and registration desk is the first impression your guests have of your event. It needs to be stunning, welcoming and efficient. Time to replace outdated practices across all types of events – conferences, corporate, meet-ups, incentive, family days, exhibitions. Put your best foot forward with onsite event technology.

Long queues? Volunteers fumbling over badges? Flipping through paper guest lists? Missing badges? Last-minute registrations? Clogged up entry points? Annoyed guests? Unaware of the guest count? Still facing such problems? Time to go digital with your event check-in. Think like your guests – your guests are mobile-savvy, loyal to tech brands, incredibly self-reliant, impatient and yearn for instant gratification. Not convinced yet? Here are 7 additional reasons.

Airport Check-in Experience

Your guests are well-travelled, probably checked-in to a flight 24 hours ago. They expect a check-in experience similar to an airport. Your guest should walk to any counter, show identification, show a valid ticket/confirmation (on mobile!) and walk out with their badge. All within seconds.

Shorter Queues  

Our studies show that guests stand in line upwards of 4-6 minutes when no technology is used at event check-ins. This is primarily due to event staff sorting through badges and searching printed guest lists. In today’s fast-paced world, waiting for “minutes” is an eternity for your guests. A smart onsite check-in mobile app can reduce guest wait times by over 1200% to under 30 seconds.

Instant Check-in

With technology, our actions have become instant. Book a cab, shop for a new wardrobe, order food, pay taxes – all just a tap away. So why not your event check-in? Integrate technology to support and empower your guest’s fast-paced behavior. At events powered by our solution, guests scan their unique QR-code and are instantly checked-in. No searching, no sorting, no waiting! Don’t believe us? Check out our video.

Smarter Manpower, Lesser Training

Good event staff is no longer sufficient. With increasing costs, your event volunteers need to get smarter, more efficient and reliable. With the experience of hundreds of events, guest & organiser feedback, our product team has designed an event check-in app that is intuitive, ergonomic, easy-to-setup and simple to use. Our plug and play solution ensures training is completed within 5 minutes. You can trust the check-in app to do the hard work, while your volunteers welcome your guests with a smile!

Bonus Insight: Most events working with us have converted their check-in desks to self-check-in kiosks. Contact us to know more.

Flexible & Adaptable

Invariably, despite days of planning, the unexpected always occurs at every event. In such moments, you expect your staff to react quickly and adapt. Expect the same with your technology. Rigid technologies lead to frustration. Onsite event check-in technology should adapt to guest & logistic requests – last-minute guest updates, additional data to capture, new tracking locations, table changes and more.

Live Analytics & Tracking

Data! Data! Data! It needs to be live, readily available and reliable. ‘Nuf said.

Secure & Reliable

Data privacy is on top of your guest’s mind. Besides ensuring your guest data is up-to-date, organised and synchronised, it needs to be secure! Access to data, export/print should be restricted and administered. Absolutely critical is to ensure guest QR-codes are encoded and can be decoded only by the check-in app. Our solution is powered by an enterprise-grade GDPR compliant platform. We have made data privacy our top priority, which forms the backbone of our solution.

Wrapping up, eliminate event check-in chaos, uninterested volunteers and guest frustrations. Instead generate enthusiasm for your next event with high-end technology. Feel free to contact us.