Category: News

Eventsforce Launches a New Mobile App Designed to Drive Event Planning Success

Posted on by Eventsforce

 

LONDON, UK — Eventsforce, powered by Simpleview, has released the Eventsforce mobile app — a scalable event app solution designed to drive event planning success. The new mobile app utilizes an upgraded technology stack to help inspire, engage, and connect event attendees.

Eventsforce, an intuitive, all-in-one solution that can scale to meet your ever-changing event portfolio needs, created the mobile app to engage attendees and drive event success. Whether you’re running simple events, tradeshows, or multi-stream conferences — the new app gives users everything needed to drive attendee participation and build lasting relationships while reducing reliance on the traditional paper program guide.

The app benefits event attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, organizers, and everyone in between by boasting the following key features:

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use
  • Integration with all major AMS/CRM and event management systems
  • Mobile and desktop access
  • Advanced QR code scanning features
  • Capability to boost attendee engagement with gamification and engagement features
  • The ability for attendees to create personalized schedules, connect with other attendees and sponsors, and stay up-to-date

On the event planner’s end, the app can be used for:

  • Engaging sponsors and exhibitors
  • Controlling all aspects of the event, including branding, content, and menus
  • Lead scanning for exhibitors and sponsors
  • Revenue-generation and analytics reporting

“The future of event tech is all about creating personalized and engaging experiences for attendees,” said VP of Growth Andrius Remeikis. “Our newly launched mobile app is designed to help event planners do just that, by providing them with the tools needed to connect with attendees on a deeper level and drive business outcomes.”

Give attendees a mobile event experience they’ll remember, before, during, and after the event, with technology they can rely on.

 

Don’t miss out. Find out more and get in touch!

Industry Survey: The View of the 2023 Planner

Posted on by Eventsforce

We can’t predict the future, but with your participation, we can all get a better idea of the plans and considerations event planners have as we move towards 2023.

Here’s your chance to get your voice heard. Our new survey is targeted at marketing, meeting and event planners and is an opportunity for you to tell us your views and — most importantly — our chance to listen.

Your contribution will be part of a whitepaper which will be shared at the end of the year. And as a thank you for your time, for each response received, we’ll plant a tree via Ecologi, our carbon-offsetting project.

 

Eventsforce and EVENTIT partner to shape the future of the MICE Community

Posted on by Eventsforce

At a time when many industry professionals are planning their event portfolios for the year ahead, and navigating a challenging and unpredictable global event environment, Eventsforce is delighted to announce the continued partnership with EVENTIT — helping them connect, inspire, and educate event professionals across the UK and beyond.

EVENTIT is dedicated to providing event professionals with the opportunity to acquire information, ideas, education, and networking opportunities throughout the year. With a commitment to powering the future of events, Eventsforce is ideally placed to help them achieve this, offering a comprehensive suite of next-generation event management solutions for live, virtual, and hybrid experiences.

Choosing the Right Event-tech Partner

We are delighted that EVENTIT chose to extend and strengthen its partnership with Eventsforce. Having already embraced “Eventsforce Awards” to simplify the management of award evenings, making the submission and judging process simpler and quicker, EVENTIT will now rely on additional Eventsforce solutions to help them meet their organisational and event goals.

“Eventsforce Registration” will allow the streamlining of the registration experience for in-person events. EVENTIT will have access to tailored experiences with personalised agendas, pricing, packages, and branded websites, as well as automation of event communications, improved agenda management, and contactless check-in using “Eventsforce Kiosk.”

EVENTIT will also benefit from Eventsforce’s latest registration and ticketing platform, “Eventsforce Groups & Ticketing”, which will allow them to promote events, sell tickets, and manage all their attendees in one place.

Positive Partnerships Driving the Events Industry Forward

Ian Webb, head of business development for Eventsforce adds, “I am incredibly proud that the partnership with EVENTIT will be continuing in 2022. As the industry continues to recover, we’re delighted to provide EVENTIT with our full range of tools, allowing them to take a flexible approach to their in-person and virtual events as they stand firmly behind the events industry.”

Judith Wilson, Director of EVENTIT said ‘Having worked with Ian and the Eventsforce team over a number of years we are delighted that they have come on board to support our full programme of events over the next 12 months. Eventsforce are continually developing their technology, keeping abreast of the growing demands of their clients but never losing sight of the need to keep things simple and intuitive for the end user and maintaining their amazing customer training and service. They really are an extension of our team!’

Eventsforce Next-Generation Platform Set to Transform Group Bookings for Events

Posted on by Eventsforce

Eventsforce Groups & Ticketing

Denver, Colorado – 29th September 2021 – Eventsforce has launched today a new ticketing and registration platform that is set to revolutionize the whole process of managing groups around events.  Built on Eventsforce’s next generation of event management solutions, the ‘Groups & Ticketing’ system is designed to help organizers sell more tickets and increase revenue from group bookings.  It also offers a unique and innovative group invitation tool that allows group bookers to secure places at events a lot more quickly.

“Groups & Ticketing is an exciting new platform as it is one of the only booking tools that allows people to buy group tickets but invite individual group members to complete their own registration details,” said George Sirius, CEO of Eventsforce.  “This means both organizers and group bookers no longer have to chase people for information before securing bookings for an event.  It speeds up the sales cycle, it’s efficient and gives individuals in the group a lot more flexibility to personalize their own event experiences.”

Group bookers have the choice of providing registration details themselves or use the solution’s unique group invitation tool that allows group members to complete their own registration information. They can also assign group members to sessions (individually or in bulk), amend registrations, track incomplete forms and buy additional ticketed items too.

With group attendees, the platform gives them a lot more choice on how they want to experience an event. They can register their details and choose their own sessions and activities without sharing any personal information with the group.  They can manage their own opt-ins and preferences which helps with data protection compliance like the EU GDPR. The system also makes it easy for them to edit details, make changes to schedules and check-in to events without the constraints of the group.

“The platform has been developed to solve some of the biggest problems organizers typically deal with when managing groups for events like conferences, festivals, workshops and community gatherings. It cuts out a big chunk of admin work and helps them secure money from group bookings a lot more quickly. More importantly, it gives them the tools to manage group experiences just as easily as individual attendees,” continued Sirius.

The new platform also supports organizers that need a fast and modern registration solution for non-group events – whether virtual, in-person or hybrid.  A simple set-up process ensures organizers can launch their events quickly, while a WordPress widget allows them to set up ticketing on multiple websites. The platform also offers a lot of flexibility in creating packages and ticketed items for virtual and in-person attendees – you can change prices, offers and availability in minutes to increase conversions and meet demand.

Organizers can also benefit from improved data management. All registration data is automatically synched with Eventsforce mobile apps, check-in tools and the VCD virtual event platform, making it easier to manage all virtual and in-person attendee data under one roof.  All event data can also be easily connected to existing tech stacks via Zapier, along with hundreds of other popular apps on the platform.

Join our exclusive launch webinar next week and see ‘Eventsforce Groups & Ticketing’ in action – sign up today!

 

New Research Shows 1 in 2 Event Planners Struggling with Volume of Data Collected from Virtual Events

Posted on by Eventsforce

The changing role of event data

London, UK – 16th June 2021 – A new research study has found that running virtual events is making data management a lot more complicated for 50% of event planners – with the majority collecting more data today than ever before.  The results also show that an overwhelming 82% of organizers feel that good data practices are going to be critical in running successful hybrid events.

The research study, titled ‘The Changing Role of Event Data – New Challenges & Opportunities’ was conducted by Eventsforce in May 2021 and is based on the views of 200+ event professionals in the U.S. and the UK, representing corporates, associations, government, educational institutions and event management agencies.

The Impact of Virtual

One of the main objectives of the research study was to investigate what impact virtual events have had in the way organizers deal with their event data.  The issue of volume tops the list with 46% of event planners saying they collect more data from virtual events than in-person events. Other problems include difficulties in getting proper insight as data sits on different systems (40%) – as well as new concerns around securing attendee data (36%).  Another 34% feel they do not have the time or resources to do anything useful with all the data they collect from these events.

When asked how they use the data collected from virtual events – measuring success (74%) and making improvements to future events (73%) were the most popular answers. Nearly two-thirds of respondents (61%) are also using data to create the more detailed post-event reports that sponsors and exhibitors want from virtual events. And 40% are looking at their data to improve their understanding of online attendee behavior and apply those learnings to hybrid events.

The Impact of Hybrid

The research study also looks at current trends in the industry to see what role hybrid will play in the way organizers deal with their data.  The findings show that 75% of organizers are planning on running hybrid events in 2021-2022 – with the majority of those taking place in fall this year.  More interestingly, an overwhelming 82% feel that a good data management strategy is going to become even more important for them with hybrid events.

“Data management was always an issue for event planners.  But it seems with virtual, it is more complicated.  And it is not something that will become any easier with hybrid either,” said George Sirius, CEO of Eventsforce. “Hybrid events combine two different experiences which means organizers are going to end up dealing with a lot more engagement data than they would in a virtual or in-person only setting. And despite many saying they don’t have the resources to focus on data properly – hybrid models will force them to spend a lot more time collating, analyzing and reporting all the data they collect from events.”

New Opportunities and Next Steps

Despite the challenges, the research findings show that data management is high on the priority list for 94% of organizers as they recognize the benefits it can bring to their events. In terms of new opportunities, being able to run more engaging events tops the list at 67% – while another 59% feel it would result in happier attendees, sponsors and exhibitors.   Other benefits include running better hybrid events (50%), improved quality of attendee data (42%) and helping them become more competitive in the current climate (31%).

The findings also show that 73% of event planners are currently taking some important steps to improve their data strategy in 2021-2022.  A majority of 47% will be investing more time in analyzing their data, while another 36% will be cleaning up their data as they have more than they need.  Other concerns that event planners want to address are around data security, analytics and tech stack integrations.  More than 1 in 3 want to make improvements to the way they protect their attendee data – and a similar proportion want to invest in new technology platforms that can help them help them more with analytics.

“One of the biggest challenges organizers are currently dealing with is lack of insight as their data sits on so many different systems.  And hybrid will further complicate that. As well as recognizing the need to dedicate more resources in managing their data – organizers should start thinking a little differently about event technology too.  They can make things easier by using tools that integrate easily with their existing tech stack or look at event management platforms that allow them to manage all their virtual and in-person data in one place.”

“As well as saving time in putting everything together, these platforms can really help planners understand how people are engaging with their events and create the reports their stakeholders need too.  More importantly, they give that big picture overview they need on ALL their events – whether hybrid, virtual or in-person – which will be essential for success and growth,” concluded Sirius.

For a more comprehensive look at the results of ‘The Changing Role of Event Data – New Challenges & Opportunities’ research study, please download the full report.

 

New Research Finds Majority of Events Have Been Cancelled or Postponed

Posted on by Eventsforce

New Eventsforce Research Finds Majority of 2020 Events Have Been Cancelled or Postponed

London, UK – 22nd April 2020 – A new research study investigating the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on the events industry has found that most organisers are postponing their events to autumn/fall this year. The survey also shows that 50% are moving their events online, with the majority opting for smaller-scale events with streamed sessions, virtual attendee engagement and networking.

The research study, titled ‘The Impact of Coronavirus on Meetings & Events’ was conducted by Eventsforce in April 2020 and is based on the views of 550+ event professionals based in the U.S. and the UK, representing corporates, associations, government and educational institutions, PCOs and event management agencies.

The Impact of Coronavirus on Meetings and Events

One of the main objectives of the study was to investigate the proportion of events that have been cancelled or postponed as a result of the outbreak, as well as when events are being rescheduled to. The findings show that 45% of organisers have postponed, 27% have cancelled and another 25% are searching for solutions to move their events online.

Most of the events that have been postponed have been rescheduled to the second half of the year, with 36% in the autumn/fall season and 11% in winter this year. Another 25% have moved their events to 2021, while 23% are still trying to decide.

“The results show that the Coronavirus outbreak has had a shocking impact on our industry with the cancellation of many major events this quarter. More than 50% have also postponed their events to later in the year – while others like Facebook and Microsoft won’t be hosting any large physical events until summer 2021,” said George Sirius, CEO of Eventsforce.

“Although we expect things to improve over time, it is likely we’ll see more organisations follow their lead and postpone their large events for the second half of next year and move their smaller ones online.”

The findings show that deciding whether to cancel, reschedule or go digital is one of the toughest challenges organisers currently face in the job.  Other challenges include difficulties in planning things given the fluidity of the current situation (66%), changing contract terms with suppliers, sponsors and exhibitors (34%), dealing with refunds and cash flow issues (28%) and making sure delegate comms and expectations are managed in the right way (25%). Nearly 30% are also having to deal with job cuts and long-term financial loss.

Productivity is another area that is impacting some event planners – with 17% having difficulties in keeping teams motivated, and another 14% finding remote work a challenge.

The Need for Virtual Events

The research study shows that the current situation has forced many organisations to take the leap into virtual events – 50% of organisers are now moving their events online and another 30% are considering it.

When asked what would stop their organisations from hosting virtual events, 43% said it would be difficult to replicate their events to a virtual model. Other key barriers include uncertainty on whether attendees will come on board and a lack of experience in running online events.  Organisers also voiced concerns that the technology may not work as well as it should, which would have a negative impact on the event itself.

The study also looked at how organisers are making the move to virtual. Only 24% of event planners are moving their entire in-person event experience online – with the majority opting to run a scaled-down version of their existing events (38%). Another 32% are choosing to host their sessions online with some attendee engagement and networking – while 29% are delivering event content through webinars alone.

“The survey results show that most organisers are looking at virtual events as an effective way of continuing support for their stakeholders and wider communities. By using tools like Eventsforce, event planners can easily stream all their content online via live or recorded sessions, while managing things much in the same way they would for their in-person events,” continued Sirius.

When investigating the kind of technology organisers are considering for their virtual events – online meeting software like Zoom topped the list with 75% of respondents.  More than 40% are looking at solutions that would support live streaming sessions, while another 25% are considering video sharing platforms like Vimeo for streaming pre-recorded content.  Only 13% are looking at live streaming sessions through social media tools like Facebook Live.

The Impact on Event Planners

The Eventsforce study also found that almost 70% of organisers now have a lot more time on their hands as a result of the ongoing situation.  Many are focusing on education and personal development (54%), while others are making improvements to their event planning processes (50%) and marketing activities (51%).  Technology is another key area with 37% of organisers taking steps to evaluate their event tech and another 36% making improvements to the way they collect, manage and secure their event data.

For a more comprehensive look at the results of the ‘The Impact of Coronavirus on Meetings & Events’ research study, please see infographic below:

New Eventsforce Research Finds Majority of 2020 Events Have Been Cancelled or Postponed

 

About Eventsforce

Eventsforce provides SaaS event management software that powers thousands of successful events each year. With offices in London (UK) and Denver (US), its customers span 14 different countries and represent some of the leading names in finance, education, government, associations, PCOs and publishing. Its highly customisable software provides a complete end-to-end management solution that addresses every aspect of the event lifecycle: from event planning, marketing and registration, to on-site check-in, mobile apps, abstracts and awards management, real-time analytics and reporting.

For more information about Eventsforce and how it can help with your in-person and online events, please visit: www.eventsforce.com

Media Contact:

Taline Jones, Head of Marketing

Tel: +44 (7) 895623717

Email: taline.jones@eventsforce.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eventsforce Helps Organisers Move Their Events Online

Posted on by Eventsforce

Eventsforce_virtual events

London, UK – 2nd April 2020 – Eventsforce has added new functionality to its suite of enterprise event management tools to support organisations making a move to virtual events. The new offering will allow organisers to deliver their event content and sessions online, as well as help them engage with audiences in the same way they would for their in-person events.

“Our industry is facing an unprecedented time of risk and uncertainty – and yet it’s been remarkable to see how event professionals around the world are coming together, sharing ideas and supporting one another in a remarkable show of unity. Many are also now exploring new ways of engaging with their communities and running their events online. Association members, for example, rely on events for their professional development and moving this education online is one way of addressing their needs,” said George Sirius, CEO of Eventsforce.

“Instead of cancelling or postponing events, we can help organisers move their sessions online so that they can continue to support their stakeholders and wider communities. We’re also making things easier for remote attendees too – with tools that help them connect and learn in new ways.”

Initial findings from a new Eventsforce research study shows that 44% of organisers are currently considering a move to virtual events with more than 1 in 3 looking at hosting scaled-down versions of their existing events.  The integrated system from Eventsforce allows organisers to move their sessions online using popular video-streaming and webcasting tools like Zoom and YouTube Live, while managing all their registrations and delegate payments at the same time.

Virtual attendees can watch streamed sessions on any device and use tools like live Q&As, surveys and polls to ask speakers questions, share feedback and download presentations.  They can also see other attendees and message one another – or use the virtual breakout areas to discuss what was presented and make valuable new connections.

“As well as driving attendance and engagement, moving event content online can present a good opportunity for organisations to create new relationships with their sponsors, as well as potentially increase their income.  Sponsors can now look at these live-streamed sessions as a chance to engage with audiences remotely.  Even afterwards, they can sponsor recorded sessions and get a better return on their investment over time,” continue Sirius.

The Eventsforce system also helps with data management.  Organisers can track attendance of their virtual sessions and manage CPD accreditations a lot more effectively. Real-time insight on key metrics like registrations, attendance and session popularity can help in measuring performance and making more informed decisions. The solution also ensures that organisers can manage all their virtual and in-person event data in one place.

Eventsforce is currently running a research study with event planners investigating the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on meetings and events. The results will be announced in two weeks.

For more information on how Eventsforce can help with your online events, please click here or get in touch for a chat.