Four things you need to run GREAT events

Everyone knows the age-old adage ‘cash is king’. But in today’s world, it’s not only cash that’s a key asset – it’s data, too. Cash remains king in the events and exhibitions sector – but data is queen. As a business that helps event organisers worldwide run successful events, we should know. It’s our job to know. As we recently covered in an article about event networking apps , data underpins the bringing together of event attendees and exhibitors in numerous ways via Fusion Visit , our own event networking app. But Fusion has another tool in its data-based toolkit: its partnership with Apteco , a software business focused on converting data into actionable insights. With 35 years of experience, Apteco’s data-based product portfolio is exceptional. However, to access it, you need to go through an Apteco partner, which we are (and have been since 2009). So, if you’re thinking of working with us and wondering how we can provide an extra layer of value via our work with Apteco, here are five things to consider. 1. A personal approach When it comes to all things data, Apteco makes Fusion better. For example, its core product, Apteco FastStats, allows you to segment data, run advanced queries based on any metric, and integrate third-party data, such as that from social media. From a personalisation perspective, you can use FastStats to gain insight into attendee likes based on their profile and then email them seminar recommendations accordingly. Or, if you want to target CEOs who attended your event, you can use FastStats to establish what interests them and send tailored communication likely to resonate with them. 2. Split three ways With Apteco FastStats’ data segmentation, you can segment your data in many ways. You could segment by the basics, such as the total number of registrations they’ve received or the breakdown of an audience split by postcode or job level. However, segmentation could also be done by something more niche, such as drive time, where you can profile attendees by the distance they travel to reach an event venue. By combining Apteco FastStats with Fusion, there are no limits to what can be analysed. 3. Data agnostic With Apteco FastStats via Fusion, the data source doesn't matter - you can pull data from anywhere. For example, if you want to analyse social media interactions ahead of events, Apteco FastStats can shed light on who's engaged with your profile, whether it's likes, comments, or clicks. This feature provides insight into your attendees' pre-event journeys, helping you establish what they like so you can send them relevant messages. 4. Fair share With Apteco Orbit, a data insights platform, you can create reports and send dashboards to anyone. The feature allows you to create personalised dashboards with the metrics and segments you want to see via an easy-to-navigate interface. Imagine it's 3 pm on a Friday, and your boss has requested niche statistics. This job would have taken hours in the past, but with Apteco Orbit, you can create the reports in seconds and share the dashboard with them. 5. Show reports Events and exhibitions - even established ones - are continually evolving. With that in mind, you can use Apteco FastStats to establish what’s working well and what needs improvement - all in real time. Remember the post-show lull, when you missed the buzz and excitement of an event and had to deal with hours and hours of post-event analysis? Well, now you can deal with it as the show progresses based on data you can access every minute. Access event and exhibition experts via just one number: ours. From one-off seminars to large-scale exhibitions across multiple continents, our software and hardware solutions enable you to plan, market and deliver world-class events more simply than ever before. Contact us for more information.

Wasn’t life simpler when the success of your event mainly – if not only – hinged on the physical attendance of those you worked hard to attract? What happened before or after the event mattered less; you just needed to get them there. Of course, this has changed. An event’s success is no longer solely measured during the hours of the event. These days, organisers must ensure that the impact of their event and the attendee experience is maximised during the event and in the weeks before and after . Thanks to event networking apps like Fusion Visit, our very own app , there are many ways organisers can add value to and enhance the event experience. With that in mind, here are the first five of our top 10 benefits of using networking apps to transform audience engagement. 1. Take a military approach Historically, when attending events, visitors would need a plan of attack that would make even the hardest of military leaders wince. It was hard work – and stressful. In the end, attendees would leave feeling they hadn't made the most of their visit. With Fusion Visit , this can be avoided, as everything can be planned well in advance. From deciding on speakers to booking meetings, attendees can do most of the legwork before the big day so that all they need to do is simply turn up on the day. 2. Make a hit list It’s not just speaker sessions and meetings that your attendees will want to lock in before the event itself. Major events and exhibitions are like festivals — there's always something happening. Whether attendees want to test drive new products or plan where they’ll be eating, event apps allow visitors to use their time wisely and ensure they never miss a beat. Fusion Visit, for example, allows visitors to like the exhibitors they want to see, automatically creating a favourites list that can be easily accessed at any point. 3. Zone in With our networking app, attendees can make a list of the exhibitors they want to see, plan their visits, and zone in on every exhibitor, getting detailed information on each one. While our app includes basic features, like exhibitors' locations in the building, it also has features visitors can use to arrange meetings with exhibitors, rate them, and access their social media channels. 4. Next question Attendees too shy to ask speakers their burning questions in front of a packed seminar room can submit questions via Fusion Visit . Additionally, our app allows speakers to filter the questions, choosing ones they want to answer or those they think all attendees will find interesting. This app feature helps visitors and speakers add value to the event experience, as it encourages engagement. 5. Networking made simple While we touched on the ability to book meetings earlier, this feature deserves its own section. After all, meeting people face-to-face may be the primary reason many people attend events. With Fusion Visit, visitors can book meetings with exhibitors and fellow attendees by searching for their badge type. Like any calendar system, users can invite people to meet at a specific time and place. Additionally, they can use the Notes section to make an introduction. The invitee can either accept, decline, or propose a new time. Look out for PART 2, where we'll reveal the other five benefits of using event networking apps. Need help with event management? From one-off seminars to large-scale exhibitions across multiple continents, our software and hardware solutions enable you to plan, market and deliver world-class events more simply than ever. Contact us for more information.