What to Look For in a Mobile App Solution Provider
September 20, 2015
There are likely hundreds of conference directory mobile apps on the market.
While making apples-to-apples comparisons of these products should include a close examination of the price ranges, feature sets, and value propositions, there is another element to consider heavily during the purchasing process: the provider.
Responsiveness
When there are lots of choices (in any industry), products sometimes start to look the same and buyers look for ways to narrow down the field. Excellent customer service, immediate and helpful responses (not just automatically generated emails), and a genuinely positive customer experience—even during the “getting to know you” stage—should be taken into consideration.
Platform approach
Another way to put mobile technology into perspective is to look at whether the product is a standalone application or part of a larger ecosystem of related applications. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both categories, mobile apps that are part of a platform communicate, synchronize, and update more easily than standalone apps that integrate (through APIs) with other non-related apps.
Single Point of Contact
Implementing a mobile app for the first time can be a big step for some trade show organizers. Having a single individual on the supplier side to manage the project from end to end can help make the process smoother for event producers. It can also help ensure that the app is ready for deployment and an appropriate reflection of the event brand.
Advanced technology
Mobile conference-directory apps are constantly evolving. Although making sure that an app developer is using the most advanced approaches for pushing messages, caching data, wayfinding, geolocation, and other functions requires research, it should be a strong consideration when choosing a solution provider.
Proven deployment process
Part of the deployment process involves introducing the app to attendees and exhibitors and providing them with instructions on how to download and use it. Developers with an organized process, support materials, and a pre-developed marketing campaign can greatly enhance app adoption and relieve organizers of the burden of creating marketing materials.
Operating systems
While most conference-directory app developers can accommodate multiple smart-device operating systems—iOS, Android, Windows, BlackBerry (government attendees still use it)—it’s a question worth asking. And the question should be how the developer does the accommodation (native app or mobile web) and whether those methods are suitable for your audience and venue.
Stability
As with any product purchase, it’s important to consider the stability of the company. With so many solution providers in the field, a long history in the event industry, a strong portfolio of clients, and an established reputation for quality products and service can be deciding factors.
Partner Voices
HERE, hosting responsible meetings and caring for our communities are top priorities. Through its 'Focused on What Matters: Embracing Humanity and Protecting the Planet' philosophy, MGM Resorts commits to creating a more sustainable future, while striving to make an impact in the lives of employees, guests, and the communities in which it operates.
Water Stewardship Efforts
MGM Resorts understands the importance of using water efficiently, especially in the desert destination of Las Vegas. Conserving water has always been part of the mission, but MGM Resorts has expanded its ambition into water stewardship.
In 2022, MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle signed the CEO Water Mandate—a UN Global Compact initiative mobilizing business leaders to advance water stewardship. MGM Resorts International was the first gaming company to take this important step.
MGM Resorts replaced 200,000 square feet of real grass with drought-tolerant landscaping in Las Vegas.
MGM Resorts pledges to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 33% by 2025 and by 35% by 2030.
From 2007-2021, use of more than 5.6 billion gallons of water was avoided because of conservation efforts.
Caring for One Another
MGM Resorts’ Food Donations Program collects and preserves unserved food from conventions held at MGM Resorts properties, then safely donates to food insecure people in the community. Since the program’s launch in 2016, more than 3.7 million meals toward a 2025 goal of 5 million meals have been donated into the community. Donations include:
Unserved perishable prepared foods from events
Perishable unprepared food from MGM Resorts’ kitchens
Nonperishable food items from minibars and warehouses
The collaboration with Southern Nevada’s primary food bank, Three Square, has developed the infrastructure needed to safely collect, transport, and store food from MGM Resorts properties in Las Vegas, reducing food waste while serving the community.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts understands its responsibility to contribute to the social and economic progress of the communities in which it operates. HERE, we embrace humanity.
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