Introduction to Hybrid and Native Apps
What is the difference between hybrid and native apps? Read about the pros and cons.
Before we get to the event apps, let's take a moment and talk about the impact of technologies on humanity. It is no doubt significant, the more when it comes to mobile technologies, which are shaping our everyday lives. Nowadays you can find apps for literally every activity you could think of. The truth is, that a lot of them will leave you guessing about their utility, but there are also some very useful apps that could really make a difference and help you boost the efficiency of your work. Moreover, all without giving a bigger effort or need for special skills and other equipment, except your own smartphone or computer.
Let's talk about event apps
Organizing a successful event is definitely not an easy task, but with a little help from an event app, it is possible to eliminate some great pain points that event managers experience before, during, and after their events.
Event apps are also an easy way to offer additional value that will boost overall attendee experience and take your event to a whole new level. We can speak about the advantages like the possibilities to make events entertaining, easy access to all important information, data collection, instant event evaluation, or communication in real time, which can be a big help when unexpected situations occur.
So what exactly is it? An event app is a management software designed to work on mobile or desktop devices and its focus is to offer use at events. In a nutshell, event apps are tools that help enhance attendee experience simply by making interactions and communication between organizers and attendees, as well as between attendees themselves, easier.
Not convinced? Here is why it works!
Why do event apps work?
First, let's take a look at the purpose of events. There are a few main reasons why people attend events:
- They want to learn something new (or know more about some specific topic).
- They want to connect with people that have something in common (creating business or community connections).
- They want to be engaged and entertained.
From that, it is clear that having the right topic and good quality content is crucial for the success of an event. However, it is not the only thing that event managers need to cover. They also need to think about the ways how to bring the content to attendees, how to make sure everyone is informed, and how to engage or connect them.
And here is where event apps confidently step in.
Today’s event app developers go way beyond the original idea of offering a platform where attendees have access only to event information. They are more and more focused on the event demands and integrate features that are interactive and engaging, which includes networking tools, chats, Q&As, ticketing, personalized schedules, sponsors sections, etc.
There are a lot of different event app providers on the market that present different features and approaches, all promising to make the most out of your event.
How to not get lost in the world of event apps and find the perfect one for your event? Keep on reading and learn more about the basic types of event apps you can choose from.
Types of event apps
One of the first things you need to decide when choosing an event app (or an app in general), is what kind of event app you are looking for. We can define the basic types of these apps based on the way it has been designed or based on features that are included.
Native, web-based, or hybrid
The first approach is related to app development. We can break down event apps into 3 types, based on this point of view:
- Native
Native apps are designed to work on specific operating systems that devices have (Android, iOS, Windows). The biggest advantages of a native event app are the responsiveness and speed it offers. Native event apps are also able to work offline, which can come in handy when the wi-fi connection at events is not that strong. If you are looking for the best user experience, a native app is the right way to go. The downside of this app type is the higher price you might have to pay for it.
- Web-based (browser-based)
As the name of this type of event app suggests, it is designed for web interface, which means you can access it through any web browser. The costs might be lower in comparison to the other types because it is easier to build and it offers fewer interactive features. Attendees also don't have to download anything, which can be a big advantage. On the other hand, it might lack in delivering the best user experience.
- Hybrid
Hybrid event apps combine features of web-based and native applications. Technically, we could still say that it is a web-based app because it is designed using web developing languages such as HTML, CSS, or Javascript. They are easier to develop than native apps and therefore the price is usually lower. Hybrid apps may implement native elements and act like native apps, but the user experience is still not as consistent as it is with native apps.
If you are interested in learning more about the differences, pros and cons of native and hybrid apps, don’t hesitate to follow the article below.
Specific or all-in-one solution
Based on the number of features and approaches we can speak about two types of event apps:
- Specific purpose
Smaller event apps focus on delivering features that serve one or a few specific purposes, e.g. selling tickets, agenda planning, Q&A support, networking, or gamification.
- Multi-purpose
There are event apps that offer a wide range of features, which makes them a solution that is more complex. They will cover everything from the beginning of the planning process to selling tickets, promoting sponsors, and engaging attendees during or even after the event.
How to choose an event app
Now you have a basic understanding of all the different types of event apps and their characteristics. Let's have a look at the factors that help you decide whether an event app suits your needs or not.
Event apps and virtual events
In light of the current challenging situation that the COVID-19 outbreak brought into the event industry, it is reasonable to at least have a backup for unexpected situations like these. Probably the most simple solution that helps minimize the bad impacts of the quarantine measures, is to go virtual. You can go with event apps that are designed especially for virtual events, or you can use an event app that supports both virtual and in-person events.
Remember that the needs of virtual attendees are not the same as of those who attend an in-person event. Virtual attendees tend to get distracted very easily and therefore it is harder to engage them. It is also more likely that they will join your event on their computers, as it is more comfortable when connecting from home. You might consider an app that covers both mobile and web interfaces to provide the best attendee experience no matter what device will be used.
List of features
The list of features is most probably the first thing you will be looking for when choosing an event app. What are the must-have features of an event app? It depends. The ideal list of features varies based on what goals you want to meet.
Event managers are usually searching for a solution that covers these basic purposes:
- Provide event information (location, agenda, list of speakers, contacts, etc.)
- Tool for instant communication (announcing changes and updates, sending reminders, navigating attendees)
- Increase attendees’ engagement (keep attendees entertained, engage attendees by giving them the possibility to contribute with their questions and opinions)
- Make networking easier for attendees
- Data collection for instant and after-event evaluation
Usability
Based on our research, user-friendliness is one of the three most important aspects event managers are considering when choosing an event app.
An intuitive interface and a visually engaging design are crucial for maximizing the usage of event apps at your event. The more attendees use the app, the more you can profit from it. Eventee mobile app focuses on seamless design and simple usage to enhance the attendees’ experience and the result is significant. Thanks to this approach the install base rises up to around 70%, while the industry standard is around 15-20%.
Price
First of all, you need to define the size of your event. Every event app comes in different price packages. The price depends on the size of your event (usually the number of days or attendees) and on the features you need. The type of event app also affects the end price you will pay for it, as mentioned earlier.
Start a free trial
There is no easier (and also safer) way to decide, if an event app fits your objectives, than starting a free trial. Take advantage of the possibility to see how the app works in practice before you purchase it. Free trials are already a standard, which SaaS products offer their potential customers. Do you like the design? Do you have problems using it? Does it enhance the overall user experience? Is it worth the price? These questions can be clearly answered and all without a single penny rolling out of your wallet.
Free trials can have different limitations, from access lengths (typically from 14 to 30 days) to available features. Eventee is quite unique when it comes to fee trials - there is no limitation, so you can take as much time as you need to try out all the features, including the premium ones.
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