UI/UX Considerations for Event Websites, Part 1: Why Content Creators Should Care
July 24, 2019
Imagine a potential attendee has landed on your homepage for the first time. They’re considering your show and possibly two others. They are immediately distracted by various pop-up ads, complicated hero sliders transitioning way too fast and an endless sea of content. Frustrated, the user gives your event one last chance by surveying the top navigation to check out registration pricing and speaker details — but sadly, these items are hidden beneath three layers of navigation and odd naming conventions.
This is a snapshot of what users may experience when it comes to event websites. We’ve rounded up several best practices and concepts to guidelines to optimize the experience for users when planning for your next event.
Provide clear event details.
Where is your event held? What are the show dates and times? How can an attendee or exhibitor contact the event organizers if they have questions? This one seems pretty obvious, but there are many event websites that overlook this step.
Prioritize your most important content.
We know you have a lot to say to your audience and a limited amount of time to convey it. Try using a rotating navigational menu for your most important messages throughout your show cycle to simplify options. Also consider limiting your navigation to six or eight menu items (or less) with one layer of dropdowns for related content. That way, users can find what they need quicker. There is an emotional satisfaction we experience when we are able to locate exactly what we’re looking for.
Make naming conventions consistent.
Content will forever be king, but without a consistent tone and language, it is without a crown. Consider and re-consider what your navigational items should be called. Make note of these names and do not stray from this formula. If you’re calling it an exhibitor console a year out from the event, it should be called an exhibitor console up through show week. Most users will visit your site multiple times for various reasons, so make it easy to remember where they left off.
Simplify the interface.
There’s no other way to say this:.“Don’t make me think!” Users don’t need to experience every single aspect of the show on your homepage. Break down your top three or four priorities for the show and start building from there. Break up your content dividers with areas like testimonials or a sponsor carousel. A well-thought-out site should provide your users what they are looking for within the first 20 seconds they are on your site.
The events industry is constantly evolving, and competition within this space is more nuanced and intense than ever. Creating relevant and fresh content to increase engagement and drive registration will always be a priority; taking a step back to understand the value and importance of your user’s experience (UX) is the key to a successful and engaging event site. Be on the lookout for part two, coming soon.
Need a high quality, user-friendly, event website for your next event? Learn how Personify can help you develop a website for conferences, expos or commercial events.
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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