3 must-have apps for meeting planners
3 must-have apps for meeting planners
BY LAURIE DOVE|TIPS FOR PLANNERS|
When it comes to tools that aid the planning process, there are apps and then there are apps. We’ve tested three apps that get the job done, without requiring a Ph.D. to make them work.
Attendify
WHAT IS IT? Attendify is a simple and easy-to-use app that helps planners make mobile event apps. These customized event apps include branded, personalized content and features.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Attendify can be set up so that event attendees can view event schedules and lists of speakers or exhibitor maps. The app also incorporates social media and provides real-time analytics. This means you can adjust communication to boost sponsor promotion and attendee engagement.
WHAT IT COSTS: A one event use of Attendify costs $1,000. A one-year subscription for unlimited events costs $2,000.
Slack
WHAT IS IT? Slack is a team-messaging tool that lets planners group conversations into channels, including private channels for conversations and files that aren’t meant for everyone to see.
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you’re looking for a way to make group communication more efficient, Slack is it. We especially like its searchable conversation archives. This is a much better system for finding previous conversations than scanning email threads. Slack can be paired with social media and Google Drive, too.
WHAT IT COSTS: Small teams can use Slack for free. Other prices vary, but for larger groups, the cost is billed monthly from about $8 to $30.
Planning Pod
WHAT IS IT? Planning Pod is an online event management software that includes almost 50 planning tools.
WHY WE LIKE IT: With Planning Pod, you can manage the whole of your event from attendees to schedules. View customizable dashboards for quick progress updates, track deadlines and tasks, share files or create detailed reports—it’s all possible with the comprehensive tools in Planning Pod.
WHAT IT COSTS: Pricing varies, but a Planning Pod subscription to manage up to five events at the same time will cost $20 a month.