There’s no question that technology has made meeting and event planning quicker, easier, and more successful than ever before. However, exploring and comparing the hundreds of apps and mobile-friendly websites out there can be time-consuming and even a little frustrating. That’s why we’ve put together this handy overview of some of the most popular and effective meeting and event planning technology tools trending this year.
meetingpages.com — meetingpages.com’s mobile-friendly website is one of the most comprehensive meeting and event planning resource online today. Some of the most valuable features include:
• Free powerful search by location, group size, accommodations, meeting space needs, and even event type
• Extensive database of meeting and event suppliers, venues, accommodations, activities, and attractions in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, and Iowa
• Easy-to-use eRFP tool that streamlines the supplier selection process
• Fresh, original content every month with tips and advice from leading industry experts
Marriott’s Meeting Services App-Catering to event planners, the app offers meeting planning pros the ability to:
• Request room temperature changes, VIP essentials, office equipment like a white board or projector, snacks, and more
• Manage your bill, review charges, and ask billing questions
• Access mobile check-in before arrival and receive room-ready notifications
• Skip check-in and go straight to your room and with keyless technology, unlock the door with an iPhone or Apple Watch
Hilton’s Explore app — This app connects guests with authentic, desirable experiences and recommendations from Hilton Team members local to their host cities:
• Suggestions for local restaurants, nightlife, shopping, attractions, and activities along with photos, tips, and ratings
• Recommendations curated for a variety of audiences, from families to frequent business travelers
• Guests can pre-select their hotel rooms before check-in, opt for digital key access to their room and complete the check-in process, all from their mobile phone
• Guests at participating hotels can use their mobile device to control their TV, lighting, and room temperature
The World of Hyatt app — This app improves a guest’s stay by offering convenient services via mobile devices:
• Check-in before arrival, utilize keyless mobile entry, and check out at departure
• Request items to your room, such as towels or toothpaste
• Stream entertainment to your in-room TV using Google Chromecast
• Download hotel bills after your stay
Whova — The all-in-one event management system allows planners access to all event information even without WiFi or data services. Features include:
• Real-time push notifications to keep planners informed with instant updates even during an event
• Attendees can personalize their schedule, set reminders, participate in sessions with live polling in real time, share event photos, interact with each other in the bulletin board, find someone to share a cab, or find lost items
• Networking functionality allows guests to browse attendee profiles and send private in-app messages to set a time to meet
• Planners can easily set up both event web sites and the app, which allows for auto syncing whenever there is a change
• Planners can promote their event, sell tickets online, generate name badges, check-in attendees with one click, highlight sponsors, and help exhibitors generate more leads
Attendify — This popular app enables both planners and attendees to enhance the meeting and event experience:
• Attendees can share updates and ideas with messages, post event photos, and get featured on the activity stream
• Planners can get instant event feedback from attendees with real-time polling
• Direct messaging connects attendees, while notification center users see likes, comments, and push notifications
• The app can be customized with the easy-to-use Drag and Drop feature that allows planners to include agendas, tracks, speaker bios, maps, sponsor lists, and more
