14 Technology
March 2017
Making a difference with technology
Event technology is evolving at such a rate that keeping on top of the curve and trends can prove challenging . David Chalmers , marketing director of events solutions and software provider Cvent in Europe , gives some pointers on how it can make a difference to associations
Managing membership – save time and complexity One of the challenges many associations face is how to manage membership , the different levels , pricing and then offer the right experiences when members come to events and conferences . Many Associations are still managing this process by having two separate databases . It will be little surprise the dots do not always join up , inaccuracies occur and complexity sets in . Save time and become more efficient in 2017 by integrating all the information into one platform rather than operating in two silos .
Association event programme Many associations invest a lot of time and thought to providing a full and varied programme of events for their members , whether these are thought leadership forums , training events or conferences . Yet , getting the word out cannot be left to chance or even to emails . Recent research shows emails are read 10 % of the time , whereas push notifications on mobile apps are read 85 %. By putting all your events on a mobile app , members can get visibility of the programme , keep abreast of any updates and , crucially , are more likely to register and attend .
Enhancing members ’ experience - holograms The use of 3D holographic technology has the potential to transform an association ’ s event either by amplifying an experience , creating something unforgettable or , equally , on a practical level by creating a holographic image in the form of a person or object and reaching members who aren ’ t able to attend but can still feel a
Cvent ’ s event management platform is used by hundreds of associations around the world . Key benefi ts offered are :
• Fully integrated membership management database
• Member data drives delegate registration and pricing
• Integrated mobile apps to engage attendees all year round
• Integrated online and mobile surveys for member feedback part of the experience .
Interactive presentation apps Interactive presentation apps such as Glisser or live video sharing via Snapchat or Periscope are becoming far more popular and means that speaker and presentation content can be broadcast to a much broader audience ; again this is particularly useful if members are not able to attend .
Mobile apps for networking With many members coming along to network , it makes sense to use a mobile app at any event . A great benefit of the app is the association can publish the attendee list so that people can directly get in touch and arrange to meet up , rather than leave it to chance .
Crucially , most attendees will not delete the mobile app after the event . In an era where associations may feel the pressure to retain membership , the App will prove to be a highly effective way to keep in touch and truly engage with their members throughout 2017 .