Tech Talk and the Meetings Industry

Over the last several years, one of the biggest changes in the meetings industry has been the integration of digital marketing and communication between associations and their meeting attendees.

January 4, 2019

The computer in their pocket has changed the way professionals “do” meetings and their expectations of planners.

Today, attendees expect information to be delivered online rather than via a collection of papers. Registration happens online, and so should the post-registration process, including while onsite at meetings and conferences.

Mobile Apps

Don’t leave Android users out in the cold. Make information accessible to all attendees through a mobile experience that will work on any device. According to a survey by Guidebook, 91 percent of planners saw a positive ROI from mobile event app usage. Eighty-eight percent said this experience had a positive impact on their event’s satisfaction ratings. Consider incorporating mobile notifications and reminders when new information is added to your app.

Keep it Simple

Create a virtual meeting space. Allow your users to find everything in one place by aggregating information. Give your attendees a single online location they can access with one login and password. This can include event agendas, session descriptions, speaker lists and bios, pre- and post-event surveys, live-streaming of photos from the events, and member profiles for pre- and post-conference networking. If you’re holding your destination meeting in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, consider adding a social feed from the Visit AL Beaches Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page to showcase the attractions and dining options available to your attendees.

Phones turned personal computers are at attendees’ fingertips 24/7. Embrace mobile technology and give your attendees the fast, efficient and convenient information they expect in today’s meetings industry.