What Attendees Want in a Mobile App
August 18, 2013
When your show management team is looking for a mobile app one of the first questions they should ask is “What will the attendees use the app for?”
Every year, a2z Inc. published mobile apps for numerous leading trade shows, enabling us to gain significant insight into how audiences use apps before and during the event.
In comparing data for mobile apps deployed this year for ten events of varying sizes, we found, not unexpectedly, that the No. 1 accessed feature in the mobile app was the Exhibitor List. The Session List and Session Details tied in the second place for the most accessed features. This in itself does not come as much of a surprise, however; what is interesting is that the Exhibitor Search and Session Search were not near the top of the list. This indicates that users are browsing the Exhibitor and Session Lists, rather than performing targeted searches. The third most used feature was a tie between the View Expo Plan and Exhibitor Profile pages.
The data also indicates that users are using the apps to build their personalized agendas on their smartphones to use at the event venue.
The popularity of exhibitor screens means that show management should encourage exhibitors to ensure that their profile information is complete and persuasive in order to engage attendees who look their listing up. In the same vein, session descriptions should be inviting and compelling.
Other features in the top ten included the Floor Plan and the Buzz List features.
Our research included various industry segments and an interesting trend for the healthcare industry was that the Session Information was the most popular feature among attendees. This makes sense for this segment since high quality educational sessions draw attendees to these events. In comparison, the technology events resulted in higher traffic on the Exhibitor List since these events have strong expo components.
Therefore, based on our analysis, we conclude that while screens for venue information and social media streams provide some value to users, they should not be the focus of the app features. When designing and promoting the app, event organizers should put maximum focus on the Exhibitor List and Session List.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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