A lot of research goes into selecting the right mobile app for your event. Making a decision might feel overwhelming, so let's start with the basics. There are two types of apps. Native apps and web-based apps. And the major difference between them can either make or break your event.

The major difference: A web-based app relies on an Internet connection to work. A native app works anytime, anywhere—no Wi-Fi required. This infographic helps you compare the pros and cons to both types.

Unlike most Android and iOS developers, CrowdCompass builds both types. But our main focus is on native. Why? Conference and trade show locations are notorious for having limited, spotty, or no Internet connection. If you choose to offer only a web-based app, the entire success of your event depends on the venue's Wi-Fi service. That’s a big leap of faith for a planner to take.

The bottom line: we want your event to succeed, so we concentrate on developing and delivering cutting-edge native apps for events, conferences, and tradeshows that work 24/7.

All that time, money, and energy you put into your event shouldn’t go to waste. If you don’t go with a native app, you run the risk of losing it all, including an important connection with your attendees. Your attendees can’t see their schedules. Your speakers end up presenting to small crowds. Tumbleweeds roll by exhibitors’ booths. Sponsors don’t stick around. Going native ensures none of your worst-case scenarios become a reality.

Your attendees are also more familiar with using native apps. Not only are they more responsive, native apps are more capable. Extra features like push notifications, photos, and location-based services bring more value to your event and provide attendees with a more rewarding experience. A native app is always ready to take your event one step further. A web-based app doesn’t offer these features.

And while a native app is more complex to design and deploy, we make it easy. You’re in control of the content 100% of the time. Events tend to have a lot of last-minute modifications. A native app makes this less stressful. Any changes you make in the content management system will be updated instantly within the app.

What about web-based HTML5 apps? HTML5 apps have made improvements in the last few years, but they’re still based on Internet standards, which are historically slow to evolve. A lot of innovative developments are happening quickly with Android and iOS because both Google and Apple build on native platforms and can forge ahead without having to wait for international standards. If you want to follow the top leaders in the mobile industry, go native.

While HTML5 might be a good solution for certain apps, native apps are still the best solution for business events, conferences, and tradeshows since they don't depend on the Internet to function properly.

So, do we need to say it again? Go native! To learn more about mobile apps, check out these helpful resources.