Surkus is an app to help brands, planners, and venues find the right people to attend their events, whether for product launches, brand activations, or red carpet parties. The concept is known as “crowdcasting,” and Surkus chief creative officer Jin Yu says the hope is to make the app the “Uber of curating your exact crowd.” Event hosts use the system to indicate the number and type of guests they are looking for based on interests, demographics, or social media reach. Those interested in attending events create a profile by linking their Facebook account. The system analyzes that person’s likes, friends, interactions, and hashtags and sends them notifications of upcoming events based on that data. Guests are paid a fee to attend, ranging from $5 for Playboy's recent high-profile Super Bowl party to more than $100 for less popular events. The app’s geofencing system automatically checks guests in and out of the event, which allows organizers to see if they stayed the minimum amount to receive payment. In addition to requiring guests to remain on site for a set time, hosts can also require mentions on social media, for example using a hashtag or posting a specific image. Surkus pays the guests via PayPal within 30 minutes of the completion of the event, and then a final bill is sent to the event host. After the event, Surkus sends the organizer a report with pictures of those who attended, their average time on site, and their combined social media reach. Surkus is available for iOS and Android.
SummitSync is a new iOS and Android app focused on networking. Users log in with their LinkedIn account, select the conferences they will attend, and then anonymously swipe right (interested) or left (not interested) when profiles of other attendees appear. When a mutual connection is made, the two users can message each other in the app to schedule a meeting. Planners can configure the app to ensure that only registered attendees can use the system. They can also sell ads in the app and keep the revenue. SummitSync integrates with email, calendar tools, and customer relationship management systems. In the next few months, an update will allow organizers to add event agendas and floor plans to the app.
Gjests (pronounced “yasts”) is the Norwegian word for guest. The Web and mobile app launched in beta in July and will be available to everyone in March. Organizers use the Web platform to create their events by adding information such as the event name, location, time, capacity, information for a confirmation email to guests, and whether it is public or private. Hosts also upload their guest list, either manually or by linking an existing list, and then the system sends out invitations. At the event, organizers can use the Gjest mobile app to add guests, scan barcodes to check guests in, and receive notifications when the event is at capacity or when specific guests arrive (for example a V.I.P.). By March, planners will be able to create their events in the app, and the system will also add ticket sales management and the ability to be used in offline mode. Gjests is available for iOS and Android.
Konvene is an iOS and Android app for managing, promoting, and finding events. Hosts create their events in the app, adding information such as description, location, whether it is public or private, and tags such as "meeting" or "birthday party." If the event requires a ticket, the app can manage payments and check-in. Guests can use the app to find events, view the guest list, chat with other attendees, post pictures, or provide a post-event rating of their experience.
In 2010, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Lynda & Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavilion opened with a masquerade gala for 1,000 guests. Art from the Resnick's collection came to life by way of projections under the dinner tent.
In October, the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong celebrated its 50th anniversary with an 800-guest bash. A 3-D projection on the building's façade told the story of the hotel's history, starting with its 1963 opening and detailing its development as a global luxury brand.
