Three Critical Questions to Ask a Prospective Mobile App Vendor
February 16, 2014
Most of the time, event mobile apps are selected well after the event management software is in place. Mobile apps are relatively new to trade shows and conferences and implementing the core operations software normally takes priority. This basic chronology can cause integration headaches for event organizers unless they ask some important questions of the mobile app vendor.
Can the data from registration and the event management software be integrated with the mobile platform? To avoid having to re-enter existing registrant, exhibitor and schedule data into the mobile database, the mobile platform provider must have a strategy for transferring the data.
How will the data be transferred from existing platforms to the mobile platform? Being able to transfer data from one or more databases to another without losing data or decreasing the functionality of the app can be a challenge for some mobile providers. There are two ways to effect the transfer:
MANUAL TRANSFER: data is exported from one or more primary platforms (event management, registration) onto an Excel spreadsheet, for example, and uploaded to the mobile platform. This is a time-consuming extra step that busy planners prefer to avoid and the data in the mobile app is only as up to date as the number of times the information is manually uploaded.
AUTOMATIC TRANSFER: data is “called” from the primary platforms to the mobile platform over the Internet enabling the mobile platform to synchronize immediately with any new data (a new registrant, for example) or a schedule change. This eliminates the need for manual uploads and ensures that updates on the mobile app occur in real time.
Who will manage the data transfer? Very few stand-alone mobile apps have “plug-and-play” compatibility with the existing event management and registration systems. Because of that, event planners have to establish which of the three entities—event organizer, event management software provider, or mobile app vendor—will take the responsibility and bear the costs of data transfer.
There is another option. The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) found themselves in the position of having to scramble when the mobile app they selected for their 2013 annual conference would have required registration, exhibitor and conference data to be manually transferred (Excel spreadsheet style) from the event management platform to the mobile platform rather than simply “called” over the Internet unless additional measures and costs for integration were incurred.
NADA solved the problem by using a mobile extension of a2z’s event management software—the ChirpE mobile app—rather than stay with a third-party mobile provider. While this is an optimal solution, not every management platform has a robust mobile app extension and some organizers simply prefer to use stand-alone mobile apps. Although NADA was lucky to have the option, other organizers could find themselves in a bind or having to incur additional costs if they don’t have an integration strategy worked out in advance. By asking the three critical questions about data transfer, planners can take full advantage of the event management platforms they have in place and have a variety of options for mobile apps as well
Partner Voices
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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