Everything is mobile now. Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets are everywhere. And if, for some reason, your event is not mobile yet, maybe this will pique your interest:

• According to the PEW Internet & American Life Project 83% of US adults have a cell phone of some kind, and 42% of those are smartphones. This is expected to double in the next 3 years with the majority of all users being on smartphones as the suppliers dwindle their offerings of basic calling-only devices.
• Deloitte published a study in 2011 forecasting that more than 50% of computing devices sold globally would not be PCs. With PC sales estimated to reach almost 400 million units, the Deloitte estimate for the combined sales of smartphones, tablets and non-PC net books is well over 400 million.

With this in mind, many expo and conference attendees will shift their preference toward using mobile apps over printed show guides, so they can simply carry their plan in the palm of their hand.  Some of the top reasons we provide mobile solutions are:

1. To put your show guide in the hands of attendees before, during, and after the show
2. To provide current/accurate/real time data to attendees so changes can be made on the fly and information is current
3. To make things easy for show managers who want to do the work once, and publish the content on their website and mobile app without additional effort
4. To ensure that your exhibitors’ information won’t get lost or thrown away
5. To help you make money via sponsorships and premium listings

So what is holding you back from developing and implementing a mobile strategy for your event? Here are a few obstacles you may be facing, as others have before you. See the ideas that could help overcome them.

BUDGET:  If you do not have a budget to build a mobile app for your event you might want to research the cost first, then find a sponsor to cover the expense and build in some profit.

TIME:  Maybe you do not have time to build or maintain a separate mobile website or app. Try looking for mobile solutions that integrate well with your existing exposition and conference management data to reduce duplication of effort.

EXPERIENCE:  If you have never built a mobile solution, the idea may be overwhelming to you. Look for mobile developers with experience in the event industry to help guide you.

INDUSTRY:  We have heard many people say that their attendees are not “tech savvy” enough to use a smartphone or mobile device.  But at the rate smartphone and tablet usage is growing, NOW is the time to get your feet wet, introduce technology to your audience, and embrace it … before your competition does.

MARKETING: You will have to do this. Having an app does not ensure its adoption or usage. If marketing a mobile solution is your concern, come back next week and get our “Top 12 Ways To Promote Your Mobile App” by PDF and you will be off and running.

If you have a mobile app for your event, what was your top reason for building one?  If you do not yet have one, what is holding you back?