According to a study, nearly 85% of event organisers struggle with making the right decisions: whether to use event apps or event websites to enhance their events. Choosing between event website vs event app is really challenging for organisers. Nowadays, events are successful only when they have enough engagement from the audiences, and this depends on choosing the right technology. Event apps are best when it comes to providing real-time updates to attendees with a touch of interactive features. Whereas, event websites serve as a complete platform when it comes to providing small to advanced details of the event and the registration process.
In this blog, we are going to learn the nuances of having event apps and event websites. Additionally, we’ll discuss the unique features and functionalities, along with the pros and cons of each. So get ready to compare the two: event website vs event app.
Event Websites: The Traditional Choice for Event Organisers
When you’re trying to get the word out about an event and keep things organized, a good website for the event is way better than any other tool. It’s like a one-stop online spot made just to give people all the important details they need to know. This information includes details on the event’s agenda, speakers, sponsors, and event registration. However, these websites can take various forms, such as a traditional event site or a more focused personalized event microsite.
What’s an Event Microsite?
Think of an event microsite as a smaller, focused version of a main event website. It’s a self-contained website that is tailored for a single event or a series of events; it offers event-specific information and collects registrations. However, a microsite is often used for event promotion such as conferences, trade shows, or product launches. The best part of having a microsite is that it can be an alternative for your existing social media and email marketing efforts to reach a large number of people.
Let’s explore the key features of event websites:
Event Details
An event website or microsite includes basic information of the event. It includes the full name of the event, its purpose, theme of the event, target audience, date, time, precise location. Plus, a detailed and compelling description that shows the unique features of the event (why everyone should attend it).
Registration and Ticketing
The event website’s features also have a secure and streamlined online registration and ticketing system that allows attendees to easily sign up and proceed with payment processing. Below are some additional features of the event website/microsite:
- Ways to pay using different payment options
- Different ticket prices (like early bird deals, standard prices, or VIP options)
- Options to sign up by yourself or as a group
- Automatic confirmation emails and receipts
Speaker and Sponsor Pages
An event website is never complete without detailed, professional information about event speakers and event sponsors. It always includes their bios, photos, and links to professional achievements
Agenda and Schedule
You will find that the event website always provides you with a strategically organized event program that will feature all the basic or advanced information for your event:
- Detailed day-by-day breakdown of entire event
- Precise time slots for each session
- Session descriptions and learning objectives
- Room or venue assignments
- Speaker names and presentation times
Maps and directions
The event website should give you a schedule that’s easy to read. It should have:
- A list of what’s happening each day
- Exact times for everything
- A description of each session
- Where things are happening
- Who’s speaking and when
- Maps and how to get there
Nobody wants to get lost at an event. That’s why event websites usually have maps and directions to help people find their way around. Additionally, a website’s accessibility details for different mobility needs also help attendees in navigation.
Contact and Support
A contact form or email address for attendees to get in touch with event organisers. This might include dedicated event support email, live chat support option, FAQ section, etc.
Now let’s know about the benefits of having an event website!
Benefits of Event Websites
Event websites offer several benefits, including:
Easy Accessibility: Event websites provide event professionals a single, centralized platform for attendees; here they can have easy access to event information, register, and engage with the event.
Comprehensive Overview: Event ticketing websites offer a comprehensive overview of the event, including all the details attendees need to know.
Cost-Effective: Event websites are a cost-effective way to promote and manage events. It reduces the need for printed materials and saves you from following the manual registration processes.
Measurable ROI: By having your own event websites, you can easily measure ROI generated. Furthermore, an event website allows event organisers to track website traffic, engagement, and conversion rates.
Below are the event website’s pros and cons:
| Pros of Event Websites | Cons of Event Websites |
| Easy to set up and manage | Limited engagement and interactivity |
| Cost-effective | Can be time-consuming to update and maintain |
| Provides a comprehensive overview of the event | Some event websites may not be optimized for mobile devices |
| Offers measurable ROI |
Event Apps: The Modern Way of Connecting With Your Attendees
Event apps are specifically designed mobile applications to enhance the user experience at events such as conferences, festivals, expos, trade shows, and other events. These apps allow event professionals to provide a personalized guide experience to attendees. In addition, event organisers can leverage features such as real-time information, networking opportunities, etc. to make attendees feel part of the event.
In contrast, event apps are completely different from event websites. Personalized event apps are optimized for mobile devices; they even allow attendees to access all the event details and engage with the audience. As well as, attendees can create their own schedules, bookmark sessions and set reminders with the event app.
Features of the Event App include:
Registration & Ticketing
One of the primary features of an event app includes easy event registration and ticketing. Organisers can customize registration forms to match their specific event needs. There are two kinds of registrations: paid and free, the event app can support you in both. Plus, it integrates well with standard payment gateways.
Event Schedule Management
Undoubtedly, in all aspects of events, the event schedule is crucial for a successful event. The event mobile app simplifies scheduling by allowing organisers to create, update, and manage event timelines effortlessly.
Speaker Profiles
There’s one similarity between event websites and event apps, and that’s mobile apps also have the feature of speaker profiles that go beyond basic information. The event app has speaker bios, photos, and details on their sessions. Plus, it makes life easier for organisers since they can send out notifications immediately.
Real-time Updates
These apps make the tasks of event organisers easy with features like push notifications. Also, organisers ensure that attendees stay informed if there’s any last-minute changes made or if there’s any special announcements and exclusive offers announced.
Networking Tools
The mobile event app includes inbuilt features such as in-app messaging, social media integration, and gamification to help attendees connect more effectively. Not only this, the event app solution from Dreamcast lets you experience the AI matchmaking networking opportunities in which you can enable real-time one-to-one interaction with the like-minded attendees by exchanging digital business cards.
Interactive Maps (3D Wayfinder):
When it comes to navigating large event venues, the event app’s 3D wayfinder makes things effortless for both organisers and attendees. It lets attendees find their way to sessions, exhibitor booths, and facilities in an easy way without any hassle.
Gamification:
Unlike event websites, event apps make events fun. They include leaderboards, challenges, and rewards to encourage attendees to participate in activities, visit exhibitor booths, or complete surveys.
Live Polls and Surveys:
Real-time interactivity is too important and that’s why event apps have features like live polls and surveys. Participants who are inactive also become active with such real-time interaction. While actively participating and contributing their insights and opinions.
Push Notifications:
Timely communication is critical. Push notifications are the direct way that creates a communication channel between organisers and attendees. If there’s any important update or announcement, event professionals can easily deliver it via mobile app.
The Benefits of Event Apps
Mobile event apps offer a range of benefits for event organisers, and they are:
Increased Engagement
With mobile event apps, event organisers can encourage attendees to participate in event activities, visit exhibitor booths, and interact with event content. Not only this, but it builds anticipation and boosts engagement in the event.
Improved Attendee Experience
These event planning apps provide attendees with a personalized, user-friendly experience, which results in giving them overall satisfaction with the event.
Enhanced Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsors are key to any event, so keeping them happy is a must for your event success. Mobile event apps give sponsors and exhibitors what they’re looking for. It is possible that they might be looking for targeted ads and a bigger presence.
Valuable data insights
Without proper data insights, you can’t gauge the event’s success. That’s why having a dedicated mobile app can provide event organisers with valuable data on attendee behavior, preferences, and engagement patterns.
However, event apps also have some limitations. For example, they may require significant investment in development, design, and maintenance. Additionally, event apps may not be suitable for all types of events, such as small, informal gatherings or events with limited budgets.
The Event Website vs Event App: Comparative Analysis
If you’re trying to figure out whether to go with an event website or an event app, then know that it’s not as easy as just picking one. Both have good points and can really make or break how well your event goes. These days, events need to be really well thought out. Therefore, here is a table for you to compare and contrast:
| Key Consideration | Event Website | Event App |
| Accessibility | Universal browser access | Requires app download |
| Network Dependency | Fully online | Partial offline capabilities |
| User Engagement | One-way communication | Interactive, two-way engagement |
| Registration | Detailed registration process | Quick, streamlined registration |
| Branding Opportunities | Standard branding | Fully customizable branding |
| Customization | Generic experience | Highly personalized |
| Analytics | Basic website analytics | Detailed user interaction tracking |
| Device Integration | Limited | Full smart device features |
| Last-Minute Updates | Slower, less direct | Instant push notifications |
| Cost | Generally lower cost | Higher development and maintenance |
| User Retention | Lower interaction | 3X higher conversion rates |
| Performance | Depends on internet speed | Optimized for mobile performance |
| Information Depth | Comprehensive, detailed information | Focused real-time updates |
Strategic Insights for Event Professionals
The current event industry scenario demands a smart strategy. Therefore, instead of seeing websites and apps as two different choices, many successful event organisers have started to view them as tools that work well together.
Here’s the Recommended Approach:
- Use the event landing website for initial information and SEO.
- Leverage the mobile app for deep engagement.
- Create seamless transitions between platforms.
- Align technology with event objectives and audience demographics.
The true winner isn’t about replacing one with another, but understanding how these technologies can work together to create seamless and memorable event experiences.
Conclusion
As the blog’s end has come, and we know that till now there’s no absolute winner. It’s tough choosing between event websites vs event apps. Both have their strengths. Websites are best as they are like an event’s home base. It provides attendees with all the needed information. Event apps are where actions happen. It comes with interactive features and makes sure attendees stay updated in real time. But all the things depend on: How big is your event? Who are you trying to reach? What do you want to achieve? If you’re putting on a medium, local gathering, a straightforward website might be all you need. But if you’re organizing a huge conference with tons of attendees, a mobile app can seriously come in handy. Therefore, use both and give the best possible experience to attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are event websites more cost-effective than event apps?
Generally yes. Websites typically have lower development costs and don’t require app store approvals or downloads. However, apps offer more functionality that might justify their higher cost for certain events.
How can an event app enhance the attendee experience?
Event apps provide personalized schedules, real-time notifications, networking features, interactive maps, gamification elements, and offline access all in one convenient place that travels in attendees’ pockets.
Can event apps and websites be used together?
Yes, they complement each other. Websites can handle registration and broad information sharing, while apps deliver personalized experiences, networking, and real-time engagement during the event.
Are event apps better for virtual or hybrid events?
Apps excel for hybrid events by connecting in-person and virtual attendees through the same platform. For purely virtual events, web platforms may be sufficient unless you need advanced engagement features.
How do I choose between an event app and a website for my event?
Consider your budget, audience tech savvy, event duration, networking needs, and content complexity. Short events with simple information may only need event websites, while multi-day conferences with networking benefit from event apps.
