The Holy Grail – a Year-round Mobile App!

March 22, 2015

Jay Tokosch

Jay Tokosch is the CEO of Core-Apps, a technology provider and mobile software company for the trade show and events industry.

O.K, O.K., having a year-round mobile app may not be the holy grail to some – but to us app makers it is music to our ears!  Why?  Because, it gets our app out there and then it is being used all year long.  It’s like writing a song and hearing it on the radio! But no, this blog is not all about us, it's about you and why it is important to think of your mobile app being used year round.

First, you work so hard building an audience for your mobile app.  Typically, the event drives the app’s initial download.  

You plan the content for the event, keep it updated, and schedule promotions for the app all the way up to the event. So why stop there? By planning your content to be updated year round you keep your audience engaged.

And this is a great way to communicate with that audience you built. Start by making a content playbook with a year-long calendar – one that does not stop at the event. Pre-event content can be about speakers, who’s attending, goals for this year, what to look forward to at this year’s event. 

Maybe even have a few focuses on certain exhibitors (sponsorship alert!) leading up to the event. Then, after the event is over, add some content about highlights from the event.  Use a survey to gage audience feedback. Talk about leadership’s goals for the upcoming year.  And before you know it – it is time to begin talking about the upcoming event again. 

People always carry their phones with them, so don’t waste an opportunity to use your mobile app as a vehicle to communicate with the audience you built. Make sure you choose a mobile app that is not going to stop working after the event is over. It only takes a little common sense to know that if the front screen of the app is all about content that is happening at the event with pictures, etc. then the app is done when the event is done. 

We find that less than 15 percent of the audience that downloaded the event app deletes it from their phone after the event is over.  Also, keep promoting the app year round.  Don’t take it off you website and emails. 

As a matter of fact, add little notes like “Check out the article on Leaderships goals for next year’s event on our mobile app” and then have the link right there for the app.

If your organization’s goal is to grow your brand, build your audience, and make the audience aware of your initiatives, then there is no better way than mobile.  So, plan just a little more then what you did for the event’s initial content and follow some of these ideas above and you will have the holy grail of a year-long mobile app and add another vehicle to help meet your goals.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact