If it's one thing we all lack as event planners, it's time! There's just never seems to be enough time.
When I began my career in event planning, I had yet to learn what was involved. I thought it was more of ordering meals, arranging the conference room etc. I quickly discovered that the job was different from that. It's a lot of hours and craziness, but I must admit it was much fun; there are no limits to the job description, and it brings out creativity you never knew you had. Previously, all events were handled manually; however, apps have emerged that make event planning much easier and faster. As an event planner, my world revolves around my smartphone, which allows me to stay organised and on track wherever I go.
Today, I want to share with you my top 10 apps that save time, so here we go:
1. Evite
Cost: Free
Evite allows you to create an event and send invitations via a link. The link is simple to share on any social media platform or messaging app. Guests can register and respond with their attendance status once they click. As the event planner, you can keep track of numbers.
2. Eventbrite
Cost: If you're selling tickets, Eventbrite charges 3.5% +CA$1.29 Service Fee if the event is in Canada) of ticket price sales plus a 2.9% payment processing fee.
I like Eventbrite because it is well-known and used as an alternative to expensive event apps. Eventbrite is a smartphone app that allows guests to buy tickets and register for upcoming events or seminars. You can use the organiser app to create an event and accept payments online or in person using a mobile card reader. Other valuable features include sales tracking and receipt printing.
Cost: Free, they also have personal CA10.99/- and professional plans CA13.99/-
Evernote scannable is an Evernote plugin app that allows you to scan documents and save them to your camera roll or sync them with your Evernote account for sharing across many devices using your camera. It's that easy. As an event planner, you will need to use this app to save the various documents that come your way.
4. Hootsuite
Cost: $49/month, billed for the Pro Plan. Team and enterprise plans cost more depending on the extra features you need.
Managing many social media accounts can take time and effort. This app allows you to manage many accounts, receive notifications, and schedule posts. The app is cross-platform, and you can receive free reports via email. The reports include the number of clicks per day, geographical information of the people clicking and your most popular links.
5. HeyTell
Cost: Free
HeyTell is a cross-platform app that allows you to communicate with your coordination team. All you need to do is invite them to download the app, register, and begin sharing. You can use this as a walkie-talkie during one of your events (how cool is that)! No need to create an account - start the app; it has low data usage, like sending an email.
6. Diobox
Cost: Ranges from $59 per month to $299 per month for a corporate subscription.
Diobox provides access to different features depending on the bundle you choose. For example, the corporate subscription allows you to register an unlimited number of monthly events, track total guests, and enable 15+ team members to use the account to coordinate.
Other services include visual planning for table seating, guest activity tracking, guest history, check-in alerts, and enriching guest profiles.
7. Snapchat
Cost: Free
Snapchat is a name in almost every household. It's an app that allows you to send pictures and videos that only last ten seconds for viewing. You can also share these photos or videos with your Snapchat friends as part of your story for 24 hours.
You can use Snapchat to promote and enhance events by creating an event account, encouraging and allowing guests to follow the event, sharing pictures or videos, and even using the app to develop post-event relationships.
8. Bizzabo
Cost: Custom package pricing
Bizzabo is a one-stop event planning app. You can register an event, set social sharing, sell tickets, accept payment, and manage guest lists as a planner. This app has the added benefit of allowing guests to access event information and participate in activities such as polls.
9. Google Drive
Cost: Free
Like Dropbox, Google Drive is a cloud storage app. You upload your files, share them with team members, track all edits, create forms, and access files from anywhere. Very simple.
10. Slido
Cost: Free to download, various pricing options
It's an interactive app that lets users ask questions, vote in polls, and more from their phones. You then get access to all the analytics.
Although Zoom and Microsoft Teams are the most popular, these apps provide a one-stop shop, saving you time and energy. They also facilitate interactions and communication between organisers and attendees. Apps have come a long way in terms of accessibility to non-tech users. If you want to try any of the paid apps listed above, the majority of them have free trial versions available, which usually last 14 days.
I hope you found this list to be informative and valuable! Until then, happy planning!
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Need help coordinating the perfect event? Give me a call.
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