October 18, 2024
When was the last time you evaluated your event management software?
What worked flawlessly a year ago might already feel outdated or, worse, could be holding you back.
I've seen firsthand how new tools are transforming event planning and attendee management.
Here are 5 clear signs it’s time to review and potentially upgrade your event management software—plus a bonus sign you might not expect.
If your events have grown in size or complexity, but your software hasn’t kept up, it’s time for an upgrade. Software that worked for small events might not handle larger audiences, more sessions, or complex workflows efficiently.
If you're finding it harder to manage registrations, process payments, or handle multiple sessions, your software might be limiting your event's potential.
The fix: Look for event software that scales with your needs. It should handle an increase in attendees without creating bottlenecks, and add features that make managing larger events easier—not harder.
Are you or your team juggling different platforms for registration, email marketing, audience engagement, ticketing, and CRM?
If so, you're not just creating extra work—you’re also increasing the chances of errors and dealing with disconnected data. This is a clear sign that your event tech stack needs a refresh.
Managing multiple platforms means more training for each tool and dealing with multiple licenses. Worse, you’re spending too much time on integration, testing, and data audits to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s an exhausting cycle, isn’t it?
For example, if your ticketing platform doesn’t sync with your event app, attendees might receive inconsistent information or miss important updates, leading to confusion and a poor attendee experience.
The fix: Consolidate your tools into an all-in-one event management solution. Even if you have specific needs that the platform doesn’t support, look for software that offers integrations. Better yet, many top event tech companies can build custom solutions to meet your unique requirements.
Are your attendees zoning out during your event?
Do they seem less engaged or distracted?
Could your event app be part of the problem?
Good content isn’t enough anymore. Event software needs to offer interactive features and a smooth user experience to keep people engaged.
Being mobile is critical for today’s audience. In 2024, attendees expect interactive tools like live polls, Q&A, and easy networking—all from their phones. If your event app is clunky or lacks these features, your audience will lose interest.
They want more than just an invite—they’re looking for real-time communication and interactivity.
The fix: Upgrade to event management software that prioritizes user experience. Choose an interactive event app vendor that delivers the features attendees expect.
Data is the backbone of event success—whether you’re tracking ticket sales, analyzing attendee feedback, or measuring engagement. Without key insights, you’re missing out on data that could drastically improve your event strategy and help you make real-time adjustments.
Events, unlike many other marketing channels, offer one of the last true sources of first-party data. This data is essential for understanding attendee behavior and optimizing future events. Ask yourself these questions:
If your software can’t provide these answers, it’s time to switch NOW.
The fix: A lack of data metrics and robust dashboards should be a dealbreaker. Look for software with easy-to-read dashboards that track the metrics that matter most, helping you evaluate success and spot areas for improvement with ease.
System crashes, app glitches, slow-loading pages, streaming lags, integration problems, poor support, and missing documentation—sound familiar?
You have no time for such delays, and troubleshooting these issues over and over is wasting your time.
I don’t need to explain further—you already know it’s time to switch. You deserve better
The fix : Look for software with reliable customer support and one that is regularly updated to prevent bugs and ensure smooth operations.
In today’s world, event apps aren’t optional anymore—they’re a necessity. Event apps help improve the attendee experience and simplify event management. If you’re not using one, or if your current software doesn’t integrate an app, you’re missing out.
Event apps offer real-time updates, session schedules, networking features, and instant feedback mechanisms—all in one place. For your team? It’s an invaluable tool for communicating with attendees, pushing live updates, and managing the event on the go.
Pro Tip: If your software doesn’t support or offer a mobile event app, it’s time to upgrade. You’ll get better engagement, real-time data, and smoother event management.
Your event management software should work for you—not the other way around.
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it’s time to review your setup. From scalability to attendee engagement, your software should help you succeed—not hold you back.
Take the time to assess your needs and find a solution that grows with you, integrates seamlessly, and engages your audience in all the right ways. And if you’re not already using an event app? It’s time to make that upgrade too.