Five Ways In-App Q & A Capabilities Can Improve Conferences

July 16, 2016

Questions from the audience can make or break a conference session. They are crucial windows into what attendees are thinking or how they’re reacting to the topic or presenter.

But there are lots of reasons why question-and-answer sessions aren’t as engaging or productive as they could be. An event mobile app with built-in Q & A capabilities can help in a number of ways:

·         Sending questions through the app helps speakers field more questions overall by avoiding the wait that occurs as moderators run microphones over to audience members.

·         Mobile apps with Q & A features let audience members ask questions throughout the presentation when thoughts are fresh in their minds.

·         App features that allow attendees to communicate “behind the scenes” give a voice to those who are shy or who simply don’t want to speak in front of customers or competitors.  

·         Q & A capabilities provide event planners with an archive of questions from the audience. Questions can shine a light on hot topics, thought leaders, or new ideas (for a future session or a blog post).

·         Using a mobile app to send and receive questions lets speakers provide answers even after the session is over, when the presentation runs overtime or the line to meet the presenter is too long.

At the end of the day, a strong Q & A session can deliver valuable data, improve programming, and make conference sessions more engaging and more memorable.

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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.