EventCombo is a ticketing system that allows hosts to bundle event tickets with other things attendees may want to purchase, such as meals from nearby restaurants, parking, merchandise, and more. Merchants use the system to create and manage the deals they want to offer, and the system matches those deals with relevant events. Organizers receive a portion of the money generated by the sale of those items. Events that use the system are also listed on the EventCombo website and promoted through social media. The system launched June 6 and additional updates are planned for the next month.
Meetoo, the real-time polling and messaging app from Lumi, released several updates in late May. Moderators can now disable the creation of participant profiles so audience members can use the app anonymously. The profile settings can be changed instantly so hosts can quickly adapt to changes in the mood or circumstance. Additional updates allow hosts to customize the app by adding instructions, speaker biographies, agendas, logos, photographs, and more.
The new Event Assistant App from Events.com is intended to streamline the check-in process for hosts and attendees. In addition to a manual search by name, organizers can look up participants using voice recognition or by scanning a QR code; a quick “swipe right” then checks that person in to the event. Data refreshes in real-time and syncs across all devices to prevent duplicate check-ins. The app can also function in offline mode. Events.com launched the app in May. For now it’s only available for Android devices.
On June 9, DoubleDutch updated its Live Engagement Platform, which debuted in May as a system of applications that allow hosts to manage attendee participation, share sponsor and exhibitor communications, and analyze data. The new updates make it easy for hosts to manage dozens of events in one place, and to duplicate content from past events to save time. For attendees, the system can provide recommendations about sessions to attend and people to meet to personalize their event experience. It can also be used to streamline the scheduling of meetings with other attendees. The system tracks attendee behavior across the event so hosts can use that data to provide personalized follow-up.
Planners can use Spingo’s new Event Master platform to manage a variety of aspects of their events. The system can handle ticketing, scheduling, interactive venue maps, exhibitor services, volunteer management, and analytics regarding customer acquisition and marketing. It can also be used to coordinate details for V.I.P.s, such as airport pick-ups, flight information, and expenses. Event Master also allows hosts to create a custom event app that attendees can use to purchase tickets, view schedules, and interact with other guests. The system debuted in February.
In January, EventsXD relaunched with a new business model that makes its multi-event app system free. The app can include digital floor plans, color-coded agendas, attendee communications, speaker information, surveys, social media integration, and digital materials. For additional fees, organizers can add premium features such as a sponsor showcase, push notifications, log-in codes, and more. EventsXD also has a new website feature that allows attendees to find and interact with events through their browser as well as the mobile app. Ticketing will be added to the system soon.
Jitjatjo is an app to facilitate on-demand temporary staffing for venues, caterers, events, and more. When a user requests staffing, the app handles the entire process from hiring through payroll. Requests can be made as late as an hour before a scheduled shift, for examples to replace people who have called in sick or simply don’t show up. The app analyzes requests and selects talent based on their experience, location, skills, availability, history, and ratings. Users can also request specific attire, include details regarding an assignment, and send messages in the app without having to share their contact information. Jitjatjo launched October 18. Currently, the service is only available in New York, but the company is making plans to expand to other cities.
Guesto is a new app that launched in October that allows planners to check in guests and print name tags using an iPad and small label printer. Planners can create custom badges with their event’s logo, and import events and guest lists from Eventbrite or a simple spreadsheet. Guests can be identified for check-in either by searching for their name or by scanning a barcode or QR code.
Swoogo is a comprehensive planning system to manage an event’s website, registration, and marketing. Users choose a theme and drag-and-drop content widgets to create the event website. The system’s setup wizard can be used to create the registration form, designate registrant types, and add sessions. Pricing is based on how many people have access to create and edit events, ranging from $500 for one “full user,” to $2,000 for eight. All plans can be used for an unlimited number of events and registrations.
In mid-September, SpotHero launched a new service to help planners provide parking for their guests. SpotHero for Events allows guests to find and reserve parking in advance through a mobile app and website. The system operates in real time to reflect street closures and construction. Planners can embed the custom parking landing page on their event’s website and in emails and other communication materials so guests can reserve a spot with one click. The system is currently available in 15 cities across the United States, including Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.
