7 Apps Event Marketers Need to Optimize Their Event ROI

Since the explosion of the digital age, apps have been at the forefront of innovation. It’s crazy to think about how many there are and how widely they differ from each other. For example, need an app to count steps? You’ve got it. Need one to order food? Say no more.

Now, moving over to the world of events, there are many apps designed to help marketers improve the attendee experience. What’s more, the benefits are clear - doing so can increase ROI significantly.

Defining an event app

An event app, or what’s more commonly known as a conference app, is a tool a host can use to improve the success of an event. Conference apps offer many different features to help businesses reach certain goals, such as enhancing engagement rates, improving process efficiency, and more. They can be utilized before the event, after the event, and during it.

Our top 7 event marketing app recommendations

Here are our top apps for marketers to gain the return on investment they deserve. Keep in mind that some can work in harmony to achieve the results you want, so, it’s best to look through all to see how they can be used together effectively.

1. Hubspot

To get started, we have an app that specializes in all things marketing. Hubspot can link to virtual event platforms, which helps in a number of ways, including managing registrations, syncing with other CRM programs, and embedding events into marketing workflows.

Once the event is over, Hubspot can assist in the process of lead generation. This is achieved by transferring information collected from the virtual event hosting platform to Hubspot, which then can be processed.

Another handy feature that Hubspot offers is the ability to provide tailored messages post-event. This is thanks to collecting data on the event attendance status of the participants.

There’s a free version of Hubspot to get you started. However, to unlock some of the advanced features, you’ll need to purchase the relevant pricing plan.

2. Marketo

Next on the list is Marketo. This marketing automation software helps marketers interact with both prospects and customers. It’s great at syncing with other apps and virtual hosting platforms to transfer important information and execute crucial actions.

Registrations to an event can be recorded on Marketo and then processed to the virtual event platform to generate magic links. As a result, Marketo has the power to send out invitation emails efficiently. This way, the events are likely to see a higher number of attendees with automation doing all the heavy lifting.

To understand how much this app will cost, you’ll need to speak to the Marketo sales team to receive a tailored price.

3. Kahoot!

Kahoot is a highly used app when looking to leave an impression. The app is a great way to turn a hybrid and virtual event into an engaging one. It provides the audience with different interactive games and presentations within the event.

Using the app during workshops, breaks, and training can change the overall event experience. Plus, the games help to reinforce all the information discussed during the event, benefitting everyone involved.

A free trial is available to determine if Kahoot is worth using. Once this is over, you’ll have to sign up for one of their packages. However, to make things easier, they have packages specifically designed for one-time events to cover everything needed.

4. Twitter

Unless you’re a marketer from another planet, you’ve heard of Twitter. The social media giant is a brilliant way for businesses to connect with existing and new customers.

Event information can be posted to keep everyone up-to-date, raise awareness, and get people excited about the upcoming event.

When Twitter is connected to a virtual event host platform, things get interesting. Twitter feeds can appear during parts of the event to increase attendee interaction. This includes during the event reception, sessions, stages, expo booths, and more.

Marketers can promote the business’s Twitter page during the event to enhance both customer engagement and presence on social media.

The app is free to use, so it should be a no-brainer when it comes to using conference apps to enhance an event.

5. Slido

One of the biggest aims of marketers during an event is to get attendees engaged. Slido can make this happen. The app helps create live polls, quizzes, and even Q&As to make an event highly interactive.

Not only does the app assist in engagement, but it’s also great for collecting feedback that can be used post-event. This can be used to ensure any pain points are removed or new features added to improve the overall experience.

Slido offers a free version if keeping costs down is important, although some features are only available in their paid plans.

6. Mailchimp

This list wouldn’t be complete without taking into consideration email marketing. Mailchimp is an excellent app that allows businesses to effectivity communicate with their audience through emails.

Virtual event platforms can be connected with Mailchimp to transfer email data collected during an event. This information can then be used to create mailing lists to reach ROI goals when the event has finished.

There are plans available from Mailchimp that offer a different amount of features, from a free version to a premium option.

7. Active Campaign

Automation is a word that has seen an increase in popularity, no matter the industry. Active Campaign provides a way for marketers to automate long-winded processes when it comes to end-to-end customer experiences.

When connected to hosting platforms, information can be sent directly from the event software to the Active Campaign app. Following this, the data can be processed to the relevant marketing tools. This way, time can be saved by not needing to manually update records.

A good example of this app in action is using it to develop before and after event workflows with different communication channels, such as calls, emails, and texts. By doing so, the overall customer experience can be strengthened.

If this app sounds like it could be a good fit, a free trial is available to test the waters. However, once this is over, you’ll need to purchase one of the plans to continue using the software.

Wrapping up

As you can see, there are various apps that can increase marketing efforts to enhance the ROI of an event. From email marketing to interactive games, many of these apps can be used in conjunction to help you reach your event goals.

Not only will marketers have a higher chance to reach the target set, but attendees will also greatly benefit. Therefore, incorporating apps into virtual and hybrid events is a win for all involved.