ipad

So you have convinced management to get rid of those binders and rent iPads for your next meeting. The sponsorship opportunities are abounding, and the attendees are excited to be using them. But what about the applications? Below are 4 applications that can get you started on selecting an app that’s right for your event.

ChirpE Mobile and Social Media Platform

This web-based mobile application from a2z, Inc. includes the following features:

  • Full conference agenda
  • Personal agenda building
  • Event alerts
  • Exhibitor guide for the trade show
  • Exhibitor floor plan
  • Social Media integration with LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and RSS Feeds.

In addition to iPads, this application can run on computer kiosks. Because this application is web-based, all devices at the conference will simultaneously update.  “For example, you can add an exhibitor to your agenda using ChirpE from your iPad and stop at a kiosk on the show floor and the update will appear simultaneously on all devices,” says Rajiv Jain, CEO of a2z, Inc.

EventKaddy

This native application includes the following features:

  • Full conference agenda
  • Personal agenda building
  • Event alerts
  • Attendee networking tools
  • Interactive exhibitor floor plans and maps
  • Multimedia exhibitor listings
  • Digital brochures

EventKaddy has been used at the following conferences: Western Veterinary Conference; Autodesk; ACMSIGGRAPH; Electronic Security Expo; Exhibition & Convention Executives Forum.

QuickMobile

This web-based application includes the following features:

  • Full conference agenda
  • Personal agenda builder
  • City guide, with Frommer’s integration
  • Search capabilities, within the app, for attendees, speakers, or exhibitors
  • Social Media Integration with Twitter, Facebook, and Pathable

QuickMobile has used the iPad application at the following conference and events: The PhoCusWright Conference; ASHRM Phoenix Conference; GBTA Convention; SAP Sapphire Now Conference; Cruise3Sixty Meeting; Hilton Worldwide Owners Meeting.

Zerista

This web-based application includes the following features:

  • Full conference agenda
  • Personal agenda builder
  • Attendee directory with personal profiles
  • Attendee matching based on experience and interests
  • Social Media integration, including Twitter and Facebook
  • City guide
  • Exhibitor directory
  • Booth locator
  • Floor plans

So when choosing an application, what are some of the factors to consider?

  1. You need to decide whether the application should be web-based or native. There are advantages and disadvantages to each one, but primarily the web-based solution allows for last-minute changes before and during the conference while native applications cannot be changed once the code is on the iPad. With a web-based solution, you will need to take a serious look at your Wi-Fi at the venue and perhaps rent a network array to boost the Wi-Fi bandwidth.
  2. Determine your budget impact. Each of the apps listed above are going to have a different price point to develop the app and support it during your conference. Know all your costs up front and the timeline to develop your custom solution.
  3. Get your attendees, exhibitors, and speakers involved in the decision. Don’t make this decision in a vacuum. Get as many people involved as you can in the demonstration of the app and solicit feedback from all stakeholders on what features are most important to them.

Are you event planning in California? AV Event Solutions has a large selection of 1st and 2nd generation iPads, touch panel kiosks, and Wi-Fi network arrays for your next meeting. Give AV Event Solutions a call today!