Looking for ways to improve engagement and participation at your association's events? Several technology options are
available that will enhance and bring added value to your event. Below are a few options AMR association clients have implemented.
QR Codes
QR codes allow instant and easy access from a smartphone
to a specific website. Do you have a
site that you want event attendees to access? A couple of our clients recently launched online communities used QR codes to encourage participation. A QR code
that linked to the community was developed and printed on the back of the event
name badges. This allowed for easy
scanning from a smartphone and encouraged participation. There are many ways to
utilize QR codes. They can be used to link directly to mobile sites, utilized
for contests, be printed on giveaways and more. This is a fun and virtually free way to enhance engagement.
Mobile Sites
For easy access why not move your event agenda, speaker
information and more to a mobile site? This site can then be accessed by event attendees on their mobile
devices for easy access to information during the event. We implemented this last year for a client,
and found that attendees utilized it and many found it more useful than a
printed program. Eventually, there will
be cost savings as more printed information moves mobile.
Text Message Alerts
There are several low-cost and easy-to-use text message
alert services available. When attendees
register for a conference they can be given the option to “opt-in” for text
message alerts. This allows event staff
to have an easy method to contact all attendees in case of an emergency. At a recent conference, a water main broke
near the event site. Having a text
message alert mechanism would have been
ideal to alert attendees to the incident and give them advice. Additionally, this service will allow staff
to inform attendees regarding venue changes and “not-to-miss” sessions.
Twitterfalls
Twitterfalls are easy to implement. With Internet access, a screen and a hash tag,
a twitterfall can run during or in-between event sessions. This encourages attendees to tweet and allows
them instant access to conversations regarding sessions, service and more. This is an excellent way to encourage
engagement at an event and keep the conversation moving.
Charging Stations
Do you see people searching for outlets at your conferences?
Why not rent a charging station that provides charges for multiple types of
devices? This can be set-up in a common
foyer area and seating can be provided for people that want to stay close to
their devices. There are also options
that provide “secure” charging. This is
a value-add for attendees and makes their online access easier.
Keep in mind that many of these options are low-cost; however, these also present opportunities for sponsorship. Each
provides good visibility for sponsors via the event website, mobile sites,
on-site banners and more.
If your organization has additional methods for utilizing
technology we would be interested in hearing your advice.
