It used to be all about your event’s website. Now it’s all about mobile. People all over the world are buying smart devices every single day. If they don’t already own an iPhone or an iPad, they’re thinking about owning one—or both.
Smart devices are popular because people want to access and share info on the go. They want to check the weather, pay their bank statements, be reminded of future activities, and stay in touch with their friends. And they want to do it all from the devices they carry with them wherever they go.
In 2011, more than 50% of Internet traffic was generated from mobile devices. By next year, more people will access the Internet from their smartphones and tablets than from a desktop computer.
People also want the extra convenience a mobile app offers. Apps don’t require you to browse through multiple pages to find relevant info. They can also be updated easily to include new features and services. Best of all, you can access a company’s app without needing a computer. This is especially important considering only 25% of the world’s population has access to a computer.
Mobile apps are also popular because they’re transforming the way we share our experiences. In just 2 years, more than 50 million people downloaded Instagram—and it gains a new user every second. Mobile apps for events are popular for similar reasons. They’re not only changing the kind of experience attendees have at your event, they’re shaping the way attendees share those experiences with others.
App research done by Flurry showed that a combined total of 1.2 billion apps were downloaded during the week of December 25-31 in 2011. In March of this year, Apple announced they had surpassed 25 billion app downloads.
By now, attendees aren’t just searching for your mobile event app--they’re expecting one. The average person has 65 apps installed on their phone! And while they’re on their phones, 64% of that time is spent on apps. Mobile is the most widespread and fastest growing media channel in the world. And it’s the only way to directly reach your attendees while they’re on the go at your event.
Even though more than 80% of meeting professionals have a smartphone, only 9% of planners offer a mobile app to their attendees. Knowing how your event can meet mobile expectations is what will make it a more engaging and rewarding experience. Get started with a free webinar and a free eBook on how to increase mobile adoption at your event.
