THE FORUM GROUP – Sydney Event Management Company

Smart phones (iPhone, Blackberry) have become platforms for the meetings and events industry.

Wireless broadband and advanced web browsers mean that delegates can now access multitudes of information at their fingertips.

Web developers have created numerous applications dedicated to the events industry with the following capabilities;

• Display real time schedules and maps (www.motivas.com)
• Browse through speakers bio’s (www.visiontree.com)
• Download digital coupons/brochures/notes (www.eventkaddy.com)
• View online agenda’s (www.quickmobile.com)
• Integrate with social media platforms (www.zerista.com)
• Exchange contact details (iPhone app – ‘bump’)
• Navigate yourself through an exhibition hall (www.core-apps.com)
• Liaise directly with hotel concierge via your phone (www.runtriz.com)
• Poll the audience or send questions to the speaker (www.polleverywhere.com)

So why else should you embrace mobile applications?

• It eliminates paper! More and more clients are listing sustainability as an important component of their events. By integrating the use of mobile applications, you are keeping the event green.
• It has massive sponsorship opportunities – sponsors will appreciate the large exposure
• Improved customer experience – It’s interactive and in real time! Mobile apps create convenience without having to shuffle through papers and conference booklets.

What we are seeing is a significant force that could potentially change the entire events industry. Will you be moving your company toward the adoption of mobile applications for events?

Leave us a comment with your thoughts below.

You’ve got to check out this great new technology – Twicketer. It’s  the newest way of mobile ticketing for events.  It’s an easy way of getting your customers or delegates into your event. No more paper tickets.  A simple link is sent to the smartphone that delivers an event ticket that is verified and validated right on the phone upon entry. This great technology can be used for businesses, corporates, non-profits and anyone who is basically looking to distribute mobile tickets, coupons or vouchers. Send out a link to your event through Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, etc. and users can get a mobile ticket seconds later.

So how does it work? There are 5 easy steps:

1. Create an event on Twicketer.com
2. Distribute the URL via social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace.
3. Delegates are taken to a webpage with information about your event and instruction on how to buy with PayPal or credit card
4. Delegates receive a link to accept your ticket on their phone
5. Staff at the event checks the phone the same way as checking an ID card.

During and after the event, you can check your account online to see how many tickets have been sold and validated.

The only minor hitch is that the mobile ticket receivers will all need to have web enabled mobile devices….yes there are some who still have the older version phones and have not got their phones connected to web however it’s probably the minority and I wouldn’t worry too much about it – you won’t be excluding anyone because in the meantime, there is a back-up where twicketer emails your guests the ticket.

This looks like such a great new feature to add to your next event. For more information on how to set-up this great new tool of Mobile ticketing for events check out www.twicketer.com