EventMobi opens a new era in the event industry

With the rapid growth of smartphone users in the world*, mobile applications have been flourishing over the past few years. The event industry is not to be a laggard in this trend. Today, event planners are increasingly seduced by the idea of integrating mobile technology into the event experience.

EventMobi arrived just at the right time in May 2009 to answer the needs of innovation seekers in the MICE industry. The company launched mobile applications to optimize the accessibility to information related to the event and engage attendees. EventMobi succeeded rapidly to provide solutions to more than 1000 organizations ranging from professional associations to Fortune 500 companies (PRWeb, 2012).

The innovation lies in two products: EventMobi Fusion and GamifyApp platform. EventMobi Fusion is the first mobile application using HTML5 technology on mobile devices. In between the native app and the web app, HTML5 technology enables users to access to the event site in offline mode, after having downloaded the app. It helps event planners to resolve the dilemma of choosing between native app and web app. The former requires to create a different software for each type of device (Android, Blackberry, Apple)while the latter is compatible with any Operating System, but requires continuous internet connection. HTML5 technology guarantees compatibility with any device and solve the issues of Internet connection such as insufficient broadband width or spotty Internet in venues.(Source: EventMobi Blog) The EIBTM rewarded EventMobi with the Technology Watch Award 2012 for the usefulness and inventiveness of its EventMobi Fusion app (PRWEB, 2012).

Besides offering technological solutions, EventMobi innovates and follows the new trend known as ‘gamification’ in the event industry. Have you ever heard of attendees being bored? It is the peeve of event planners, who would love to see delegates engaged in the overall experience. GamifyApp brings a little bit of fun during the event by making games available on delegates’ mobile phone. For instance, they can complete quizzes, solve challenges and collect points at the exhibition stand via QR code, to win a prize. Further functionalities integrate networking, team building and education tools. Delegates can share lectures’ materials, connect on social media via GamifyApp. (ExhibitorOnline, 2012).

Among the plethora of mobile app developers, EventMobi is a pioneer in its field by using HTML5 technology. Its products may appeal to event planners who are facing more and more pressure over controlling costs. Besides the claim of affordability, using EventMobi Fusion application enables to cut costs related to Wi-Fi connection and printed materials. Going mobile can be integrated to a sustainability approach of events with less paper waste. Contrary to printed format, the information can be updated in real-time with very few constraints. Last but not least, the mobile apps can be an additional source of revenue that planners can get from sponsors. Though, it would be interesting to know how mobile applications are appealing to event attendees, and how they are actually used by them.

One can wonder if EventMobi apps will be widely adopted by professionals in the industry? ITB might let us know next year…

*Statistics published in CBS News indicates that the number of smartphone devices , reached 1.038 billion units worldwide in the third quarter 2012 and it is estimated that this figure will double by 2015. (CBS News, 2012)

CBS News (2012) Study: Number of Smartphoe Users Tops 1 Billion. By Sara Dover Published on 17 October 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57534583/study-number-of-smartphone-users-tops-1-billion/

PRWEB (2012) Mobile Event App Platform - EventMobi - Crosses Mass Adoption by Event Planners, Wins Recognition at Technology Watch Awards. 14 November 2012. Retrieved from http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/11/prweb10125304.htm

EventMobi (2012) EventMobi Fusion: The Future of Mobile Event Apps Has Arrived! By Bob Vaez on 24 July 2012 Retrieved from http://www.eventmobi.com/blog/eventmobi-fusion/

ExhibitorOnline (2012) EventMobi Launches GamifyApp for Event Professionals. Retrieved from http://www.exhibitoronline.com/news/enn-display.asp?counter=10589