Why event platforms are hard to manage
Carolyn Bradfield , CEO of Cloud Conventions , shares seven reasons why some event platforms are so tricky to manage
A dding a digital component to your live event or staging a fully virtual experience shouldn ’ t be so hard . If you ’ ve found that it takes too much skill or requires too much setup , it may be time to look for other options .
Here are some warning signs that your event platform is too hard to manage :
1 . The average person can ’ t manage it without help Most organisations don ’ t have technology experts on staff to manage an event platform , nor the budget to keep engaging the platform company before , during , and after the event . Event platforms should be easy enough for the average staff member to set it up or run it without needing constant help or having to write code .
2 . Limited customisation options A platform ’ s aesthetics matter and the last thing attendees want to see are characters dressed in business suits standing around in a fake lobby . They want to see creative use of graphics , colours , and branding that pulls them into the experience . Watch out for platforms that make you use their templates or make it difficult to add your own custom look and feel .
3 . It ’ s hard to get the answers you need All platform companies should offer online help , easy access to training materials , or a live person to help you . If you don ’ t have those options , getting questions answered and help to manage the platform becomes frustrating and inconvenient .
4 . The provider must do it for you If the answer you get when you need something is : “ send us the request and our team will get the work done for you ,” or your sponsors need to send their graphics and documents to someone else rather than add them themselves , you ’ ve lost control over the technology . This leads to delays , important time wasted , and a poor experience if you can ’ t manage basic platform functions yourself .
5 . Not enough automation Key business processes should be automated so you can “ set it up and forget it .” Look for automated built-in apps to add attendees or integration with other registration / identity management systems . Agenda pages or content directories should pull in posts as the system adds them . Registering for a session should automate confirmations and reminder emails .
6 . Data is inaccessible What attendees do inside of a platform determines how to communicate with them by reminding them to login , attend a session , or which individuals are the best sales leads . The platform owner and the sponsors should be able to access and download accurate reports in real time .
7 . Managing sessions is too restrictive If your platform forces you to use and learn their video solution , you are missing out on your already existing licences and familiar technology . Managing sessions should be fully automated so the attendee can sign up , get the session added to their calendar and be reminded to attend .
40 Issue 2 2023 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk