You’ve invested in a powerful mobile app to support your event. Now it’s time to make sure attendees actually use it.
With just seven days before your event begins, there is still plenty of time to drive downloads, boost engagement, and ensure your attendees arrive informed and ready. A2Z Events offers mobile event app technology that helps event professionals like you elevate the attendee experience, but it only works if people have it in hand. That’s why having a strong pre-event promotion plan matters.
Whether you’re a seasoned show organizer or managing your first large-scale conference, this step-by-step strategy will help you increase adoption and set the stage for a more connected, interactive event.
Why App Adoption Matters
The mobile app is not just a digital brochure. It is the command center for your event.
With features like personalized agendas, floor maps, session recommendations, push notifications, and networking tools, A2Z Events’ mobile app solution simplifies navigation and strengthens engagement. But those benefits only come to life if attendees actively use the technology you provide.
The good news is that app downloads often spike in the final days before an event. That is your window of opportunity.
Let’s take advantage of it.
The 7-Day Pre-Event Plan for App Adoption
Each day builds momentum, reinforces value, and makes it easier for attendees to say yes to downloading the app.
Day 7: Launch Your Countdown With a Dedicated Email
Send a short, focused email that introduces the app as the must-have tool for navigating the event.
What to include:
- Direct download links (Apple App Store and Google Play)
- A clear list of top features, like personalized schedules, a floor map, and session check-in
- A reminder that it is free and only takes a minute to install
Bonus tip: Add urgency with a subject line such as, “7 Days Out: Download the Official Event App Today” or “Don’t Miss a Beat. Get the Event App Now.”
Need more tips on app email content? Check out Mobile Event App Best Practices.
Day 6: Update Your Website and Registration Pages
Your event website is one of your highest-traffic touchpoints. Put the app front and center.
What to do:
- Add a homepage banner or pop-up about the app
- Include app info in registration confirmations and FAQs
- Post a short “how-to” video for downloading and using the app
Why it works: Attendees are checking travel and logistics this week. Position the app as a key planning tool.
Day 5: Promote Across Social Channels
Now is the time to bring the message to social media. Keep it visual, frequent, and easy to share.
Suggested posts:
- “Top 3 reasons to download the event app”
- A short screen recording showing the interactive map or agenda tool
- A quote from a speaker encouraging users to add their session via the app
Tag your exhibitors, partners, and speakers. Encourage them to share app-related posts as well. If your exhibitors are using lead retrieval or interactive booth tools powered by A2Z Events, this becomes even more valuable.
Day 4: Push Notification to Early Downloaders
If your mobile app supports pre-event push notifications, use that feature today.
Push notification idea:
“Thanks for downloading! Customize your schedule and be the first to see new sessions and exhibitors.”
This message rewards early adopters and encourages app exploration. It also reminds anyone who has not downloaded the app that they are missing out.
Day 3: Add a Final Reminder to Speaker and Exhibitor Comms
Remind your speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors to promote the app through their own communication channels.
Include:
- Download links and branded graphics
- Talking points for encouraging attendees to use the app
- Instructions for updating their profiles or enabling lead scanning, if applicable
Why it matters: These groups are trusted voices. When they recommend the app, attendees are more likely to listen. This last round of communication helps ensure they are using the tools you’ve provided and encourages attendees to engage with the event through the mobile app.
Day 2: Send a “Know Before You Go” Email
This email often has the highest open rate of any event communication. Make the mobile app a headline item.
Include:
- A short checklist for arrival and check-in
- Download links to the app
- Quick highlights such as “View the floor plan,” “Chat with other attendees,” or “Build your personal agenda”
Pro tip: If your mobile app integrates with badge pickup, check-in, or access control, this email is the right place to explain how it works.
Day 1: Use On-Site Signage and Push Messaging
Arrival day is your final opportunity to drive adoption and reinforce value.
On-site strategies:
- Display QR code signage near registration and help desks
- Add download instructions to printed programs, lanyards, or digital signage
- Feature the app in your welcome announcements or slide decks
In-app push idea for those already using the app:
“Welcome to [Event Name]! Use the app to check in to sessions and connect with other attendees.”
Late adopters will notice others using the app and may be prompted to download it on the spot.
Bonus Tips to Maximize Engagement
Once attendees download the app, keep them engaged with features that drive repeat use.
1. Use Push Notifications Strategically
Send timely, relevant push messages that offer clear value such as session updates, surprise giveaways, or networking invites.
Limit notifications to one to three per day to avoid overwhelming users.
2. Spotlight App-Only Perks
Give attendees a reason to open the app often.
Examples:
- “First 100 app users get a free coffee voucher!”
- “Enter today’s prize drawing through the app!”
- “Exclusive speaker content available in the mobile app only!”
3. Keep the App Active After the Event
Depending on your configuration, the A2Z Events mobile app can remain live after your event. Organizers often use this time to share session recordings, collect feedback, or keep exhibitor resources available. This extended access helps reinforce long-term value and supports future event promotion.
It builds long-term value and makes your next event’s promotion even easier.
Final Thoughts
Getting attendees to adopt your mobile event app is not about one email or one sign. It is about a coordinated, multi-channel push that builds awareness and makes the app feel essential to the experience.
This 7-day plan gives event organizers a clear, actionable strategy to follow. When paired with the right mobile app provider, such as A2Z Events, you can deliver a better event experience for everyone involved.
Push. Promote. Repeat. It is the best way to help your mobile event app succeed.
