The days of printed programmes and scribbled whiteboard changes are moving aside. Interactive apps are offering a smoother approach for attendees, organisers, and exhibitors. Yet some remain unsure – perhaps due to budget concerns, setup worries, or the belief that their audience won’t adapt.

Why Event Apps Are Worth It

  1. Real-Time Updates & Communication
    Schedules can shift, speakers can be delayed, and exhibitors can rearrange their plans. An app delivers instant notifications, giving everyone live details without relying on old printouts.

  2. Interactive Floor Plans & Navigation
    Large venues, multiple halls, and endless stands can be confusing. Digital maps and wayfinding features help visitors pinpoint sessions, stands, and networking spots with minimal fuss. Exhibitors benefit when footfall is guided rather than random.

  3. Networking & Engagement Tools
    Direct messaging, meeting bookings, live polls, and group discussions – all in one place. Visitors connect more easily, and organisers see stronger participation. An event feels more vibrant when people can engage on the go.

  4. Sustainability & Cost Savings
    An app trims printing costs and cuts waste. Massive brochures often end up in bins, so swapping them for a digital alternative has a positive knock-on effect for budgets and eco credentials.

  5. Useful Data & Stats
    Organisers can see what sessions drew in the crowds, which exhibitors were busier, and how people navigated the venue. Those insights provide a clear view of what worked well and what might need tweaking next time.

A Personal Anecdote

In a previous role as Head of Digital at Arc Network, I introduced an app for a 100,000-square-meter event – one of the biggest in the UK – with a fairly traditional audience in the agricultural sector. The aim wasn’t to replace everything but to complement the overall experience. An interactive floor plan let visitors navigate the huge space more quickly. Most people still had the familiar printed guide, but the app reduced confusion and made real-time updates much simpler. We used Grip as our platform, and it turned out to be a smart move for everyone involved. We also ran this rollout to other events among the portfolio, and saw a great (and growing) adoption rate, specifically, and maybe slightly obviously the technical events.

Common Objections

❌ “Our audience won’t use it.”
If the app is straightforward and valuable – offering real-time scheduling and easy networking – people usually give it a try.

❌ “It’s too pricey.”
Printing costs can be huge, and digital sponsorship or branding features can offset the app’s expense. Exhibitors often appreciate the extra exposure too.

❌ “It’s too hard to set up.”
Many modern platforms offer templates, guidance, and integration with registration systems. The process can be smoother than expected.

Where Event Apps Go From Here

Visitor expectations keep moving forward. Exhibitors want more leads, organisers want better insights, and attendees appreciate tools that let them make the most of a packed schedule. An event app ticks those boxes. Anyone still on the fence risks being left behind by competitors who are already running with app-driven engagement.

Thinking of giving it a try? Feel free to reach out. We can help pick the right platform, streamline the rollout, and ensure the app boosts your event from day one.