Everything you need to know about event app development

Have you ever been to a conference where the program is a confusing maze of sessions and the venue map looks like a puzzle you can't solve?

Yeah, we've all been there.

Those days are over with the rise of growing advanced technology and digitalization, particularly through application development services.

Event apps are changing the way attendees experience events, offering a one-stop shop for everything from schedules and speaker bios to interactive features and networking tools.

What is an Event Booking App?

In simple words, an event app is a mobile application that is designed specifically for a particular event. Just like the regular mobile applications you have on your phone, it can be downloaded and used on smartphones or tablets.

However, what distinguishes an event app from a regular app is instead of the usual social media or games, an event app is packed with features to help you navigate and get the most out of the event that you are attending.

Evolution of Event Apps: How It All Started

Back in the old days, when you visited a conference, you used to get bulky booklets with all the necessary information about the speaker and where everything was happening.

Fast forward to the present day, thanks to technology, smartphones, and apps, everything is digital now.

Even with event apps, at first, when they just started developing those, they were pretty basic. They were all about providing users with a schedule and maybe a rudimentary map.

But as time went on, these apps have changed a lot; they got more fancy. From getting real-time updates, user surveys, and the option to chat with other users at the event, event apps have got a major upgrade.

However, with the rise of mobile technology and the increasing demand for a more engaging event experience, event apps began to evolve. Software development services played a vital part in this evolution, creating apps that incorporated features like:

On the other hand, in 2017, things picked up better when Apple said that event apps had to be more unique and fun. This made developers get more innovative and creative, adding cool features and functionalities. To make it even better, lately, the event apps are using fancy high-end technologies such as augmented reality to make the user experience more immersive.

Event Booking App Market: Booming with Growth and Innovation

Saying that the event booking app market is experiencing a surge in popularity wouldn't be an exaggeration. Currently, the market is driven by the increasing demand for streamlined and engaging events.

For a better understanding, here's a breakdown of its current state and exciting future:

Market Size and Growth :
Trends and Innovations :

Types of Event Apps: Tailored to Every Occasion and Need

There is no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to event apps. They are developed to cater to different event types, functionalities, and user groups.

Let's dig a little deeper into the different ways event apps can be bifurcated into:

By Event Type

By Functionality:

By User Type :

By understanding these different sections, you can choose an event app that perfectly aligns with your specific event's requirements and target audience.

Must-Have Features of Event App: Keeping Everyone Engaged

A well-built event booking app ideally caters to both attendees and organizers, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for everyone.

Here's a breakdown of the essential features of event app in each group:

For Attendees:

Organizers:

Key Considerations for Event Booking App Development

Developing a successful event app takes careful planning and strategic decisions.

Here are a few note-worthy crucial aspects to consider before diving into the creation process:

Analyze the App Market and Industry Trends :

Decide on a Tech Stack :

Take Care of UI/UX Design :

Data Safety :

Testing & Testing:

From Concept to Reality: The Event Booking App Development Journey

Event app development is certainly an exciting process. However, it requires meticulous, well-thought-out planning and execution, especially when following a Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) approach that incorporates software development best practices.

Below is a sample roadmap to guide you through the essential stages:

1. Market Research & Competitor Analysis:

Before jumping into this, you first have to understand the entire landscape. So here's what you need to do:

2. User Experience (UX) Design:

A user-friendly and intuitive interface is important for your app's success. And here's how to achieve it:

3. App Development:

Now it's time to bring your app to life. Here are some key decisions:

4. Testing and Deployment:

Ensure your app is polished and bug-free before launch:

The above-mentioned is the standard software development best practices and approach for an resourceful event booking application.

How Much Does it Cost to Create an Event Booking App Development?

The cost of event booking app development depends on several factors. From features and functionalities to software development company, there are a ton of parameters to consider. Nonetheless, here's a breakdown to give you a general idea:

Range : Costs typically fall somewhere between$25,000 and $50,000.

Factors Affecting Event App Development Cost : Keeping Costs in Check:

Revenue Generation Model From an Event Booking App

When it comes to the revenue generation model, there are various strategies to monetize the event management application effectively. Here's a breakdown of revenue streams that you can consider:

Freemium Model

Paid Model :

Featured Listings :

Service Fee :

Advertising :

Sponsorships :

Data Monetization :

In-App Purchases :

The Benefits of Using an Event Booking App

Using an event booking app offers several benefits, including:

Reduced Administration :

Infinite Customization for Any Event:

Quick Implementation:

The Relation between Event Apps and Event Management Software

No doubt event booking apps are a powerful tool for enhancing the attendee experience, but they are just one piece of the puzzle. Many event organizers also utilize event management software.

Now what does it do?

Well, this software offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline the entire event lifecycle, from initial planning and budgeting to post-event analysis.

Event management software can seamlessly integrate with event booking apps, creating a centralized platform for managing all aspects of your event. Here's how this integration benefits both organizers and attendees:

Quick Implementation:

By leveraging both event apps and event management software, you can create a more efficient, engaging, and data-driven event experience for everyone involved.

Case Studies

A Big 4 Company Amplified Virtual Event Engagement Using SpotMe's Interactive Platform

Challenge: The task was to intrigue and retain the interest of attendees through a user-friendly platform fostering engagement and interaction.

Solution: Driving active engagement and fostering interactions

Crafting a polished interface for a top-tier user experience

Result:

Streamlining the London Screenwriters’ Festival: A Digital Transformation Journey

Challenge: With over 800 attendees and 150 industry experts, the London Screenwriters’ Festival faced various issues.

Solution: In 2015, the festival turned to Yapp, seeking an affordable and agile app

Result:

Conclusion

Saying the world of event management app development is full of potential would be no exaggeration. By completely understanding the market landscape, essential features, and the development process, you can create a valuable tool that enhances your guests' event experience. Exploring emerging technologies, prioritize user feedback to keep your app at the forefront of the industry.