Getting attendees to download and use your event app can be difficult. Try the following tips, from French app developer MyQaa:
1) Use the App to Generate Hype
An event app doesn’t need to be something only used at the event itself. By implementing things such as places to visit in the area, polling that will affect the event itself, and running contests through the app can get those planning to attend onto the app itself, engaging with you, and providing additional data that you can use to plan future events.
2) Have Your App Allow Users to Affect Their Experience in Real Time
Musicians have been using audience input to guide their shows in real time for hundreds of years. An audience that is loud suggests they are enjoying the experience, while an audience that is quiet often indicates that the musicians need to step-up the game and interact more with the audience.
You can put that same theory in place for your event, and use it as a method to get people using your app. Polling is a great way to achieve this. By putting out a poll through the app, perhaps used to unlock a special segment of the event, can get great audience involvement as they will feel that they’re having a marked influence in how the event proceeds.
3) Reward Engagement
Event apps can be used to reward a persons engagement. One way to do this is through unlocks. By using a point system, awarding points for things like posting on social networks or putting in feedback through the app, in exchange for a VIP experience can boost use of the app while providing even further engagement as well as boost marketing for the event at minimal expense.
4) Ask your Event Stakeholders to Promote the App
All your event stakeholders are your allies. Speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, presenters, staff—they all can help you to promote your event app, if you ask them. So tell them about the app, show them ways to encourage the event participants to use it and ask them to integrate it in their activities or sessions.
It is also important to send frequent updates, so your event attendees will keep checking the event app often.
