Apple Revises Controversial Guidelines for Event and Exhibition Apps
January 4, 2018
Apple has published updated App Store guidelines, adding specific arrangement for exhibition and event mobile applications.
Apple uses the App Store Guidelines to work with app developers, to ensure that the programs offered through the company's App Store are in line with user experience standards.
In June, Apple announced iOS 11 and introduced changes to its App Review Guidelines. Among the changes was a section that had the event industry concerned:
Section 4.2.6: Apps created from a commercialized template or app generation service will be rejected.
This change was interpreted by many as a threat or even a potential death knell for branded third-party event mobile apps – and for event branding.
Kai Hattendorf, managing director/CEO of UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, explained the issue.
"Let’s take Apple as an example: supposing we asked them to imagine offering apps for their own Apple events, doing so through an organizer called ‘Pears’,” said Hattendorf.
He continued, “According to the previous policy, they would be required to operate through a container app called ‘Pears’, which would include all Apple events.”
Organizations and companies throughout the industry reached out to Apple with their concerns – and the tech giant listened. The updated policy specifically calls out apps for exhibitions, stating that event apps can also be built on a template base or “white label” app base.
"The update marks the first time ever that Apple is citing our industry in its rules, which shows the growing awareness of the power of face to face events," Hattendorf said.
He added, “We are delighted with this news. We know from UFI research that the majority of exhibition organizers use 'white label apps' as the base for their mobile show applications, and - like many others - had reached out to Apple to share the concerns of our industry.”
The revised rule 4.2.6 now states that "... Another acceptable option for template providers is to create a single binary to host all client content in an aggregated or “picker” model, for example as ... an event app with separate entries for each client event.
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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