Mobile Web vs. Apps: Five Reasons Web Wins

August 4, 2012

As an event professional, you probably have a few tips and tricks to surviving a large amount of travel. My trick is to not leave home without my iPhone and iPad.

Basically, they’re the electronic Swiss army knife that can provide immediate information or entertain me while on a flight or in the taxi. There are plenty of hi-tech options to improve your traveling experience, but the question is – what’s better, Websites formatted for mobile devices or apps?

Here is my opinion on these simple and portable technologies:

Mobile sites are best for quick updates on information that changes on a regular basis such as the status of a flight, the London tube schedule, scores of my teams’ games that I can’t attend in real time or when empties will be returned.

Here are my top five mobile Web sites:

  1. Marriott - Easy for finding somewhere to stay for my last minute business trip.
  2.  
  3.  
  4. Restaurant Row - Great for finding somewhere to eat when you’re out of town. It also lets you leave a review.
  5.  
  6.  
  7. Answers-   I love being right and can look up great information while on the go. The mobile version lets Smartphone users input quick questions and read the answers.
  1. Twitter - I actually like this version better than the app, it runs smoother in real time.
  1. London Tube - Their live travel feed lets me know if there’s anything I should be avoiding.

Apps, on the other hand, are best for holding content that I want to review often and contain unique functionality such as a game or GPS feature.

My top five iPhone and iPad apps are:

  1. Facebook - I really don’t need to explain why.
  1. MLB – Did the Cardinals beat the Cubs again?
  1. USA TODAY -My solution to not cluttering the airplane seat bin.
  1. MotionX -GPS on your phone, no more rental car charges!
  1. Netflix -In case my kids are with me and need to catch an episode of SpongeBob.

Mobile Web is the clear winner.

Why?

1. Immediacy – Mobile Web is instantly available. Users don’t have to download anything.

2. Compatibility – Mobile Web is compatible across devices. All smart phones can take advantage of the site, not just Android or iPhone users.  What if an exhibitor needs to check their empty return notification or freight status on the go? They’ll be able to easily see that on our Expresso mobile Web site on any device soon.

3. Find-ability – Mobile sites can be found easier. Users of online engines will see mobile optimized sites in their search results first.

4. Upgrade-ability – Mobile sites can be updated instantly. It doesn’t require multiple updates and downloads by users.

5. Share-ability – Mobile sites can be shared easily between users by simply sharing a link.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact
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