13/10/2024
How many times have you regretted not doing something earlier?
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Planning an event with sponsors and exhibitors? Awesome! But if you haven’t gotten your ICT solutions in place yet, you might be on a one-way ride to chaos-town. Here’s a friendly reminder of the tech side you should’ve handled yesterday (well, actually three months ago, but let’s not split hairs).
1. Online Registration System: The Backbone of Sanity
If you’re still asking people to register by emailing a PDF form or, worse, scribbling their name on paper, it’s time to take a techie leap. Three months ago, you should’ve had an online registration system up and running. Think of it as your event’s digital bouncer—easy, user-friendly, and ready to collect all that attendee info in one neat package. Bonus points if you have automated email confirmations to save your inbox from collapsing. Also ensure your participants pay what they are supposed to pay
2. Event Mobile App: Your Pocket-Sized Event Guide
Let’s face it, nobody wants to flip through a chunky program book anymore. Or wants to network the old fashioned way. Three months ago, you should’ve been designing an event app, packed with maps, schedules, speaker bios, and maybe a sponsor shoutout or two. Make sure it’s intuitive and provides real-time updates for all those last-minute agenda changes (because something always changes).
3. Payment Integration: Making Money Move Smoothly
If you’re relying on sponsorship and exhibitor fees, then smooth payment systems are your new best friend. Three months ago was the time to lock down secure online payment processing. Make it easy for sponsors to pay, whether through credit cards, mobile money, or whatever else keeps the cash flowing. And don’t forget to confirm it’s secure because nobody likes surprises—especially not that kind.
4. Onsite Registration: Bye-Bye Paper, Hello QR Codes
Gone are the days of physical tickets. You should’ve set up digital ticketing three months ago, with scannable QR codes or mobile tickets that make check-in a breeze. On event day, all you need are a few devices to scan attendees in, and boom—you’re up and running like a well-oiled tech machine.
5. Sponsor & Exhibitor Booking Portal: Their Command Center
Three months ago, you should’ve had an online portal ready for sponsors and exhibitors to manage their participation. This would allow them to upload logos, confirm booth details, make payments, and even get their hands on marketing materials. It’s all about making it easier for them to get involved—and making you look like a genius organizer.
6. Event Communication Tools: Keep Everyone in the Loop
What’s the plan when the keynote speaker is running late or the breakout session has been moved? Three months ago, you should’ve set up SMS or push notification systems within your event app, ready to send updates directly to attendees. Real-time communication is your secret weapon to managing chaos and keeping people happy, even when things go off-script. And remember the Mobile app is a handy tool for the same.
7. Networking Platforms: Making Connections Simple
Your event is about more than just content; it’s about networking! Three months ago was the time to set up a virtual networking platform within your app or online. This allows attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors to connect, schedule meetings, or even chat before they arrive. Trust me, people love making connections that feel easy.
8. Data Analytics & Reporting: Know Your Numbers
Once all these systems are in place, how do you know what’s working and what’s, well, not? Three months ago, you should’ve made sure all your platforms were integrated with some solid data analytics. From tracking registrations to app usage and sponsor ROI, numbers don’t lie, and they’ll help you adjust on the fly—or impress sponsors with those amazing engagement stats.
In Conclusion…
ICT isn’t just a “nice-to-have” for your event—it’s a must-have. So, if you haven’t sorted out these tech solutions, it’s time to hit the ground running (or typing). Your sponsors and exhibitors will appreciate the smooth experience, and your attendees will thank you for saving them from endless paper forms and registration lines.
Three months late? Better late than never! Time to tech-up your event planning game.