In the event industry, online registration, online payment or even travel and hotel bookings are already a must.
Many participants expect that the organiser will set up an online platform for applications.

The replacement of paper-based procedures by online processes is, however, just the start of a major transformation.
For event organisers it is important to come to grips with the topic of on-line opportunities. Analogous with the supply chain of logistics, participants at an event must receive comprehensive care and guidance. This begins with on-line registration and payment. The participant receives his own personal account and from then on is able to make use of further services.
Trends regarding the interests of participants can quickly be ascertained via an on-line survey or a meeting-matching platform, which enables the participants to arrange appointments with certain exhibitors or other exponents at an event during the pre-event stage.
Our current experience with customers shows that the demand for such platforms is increasing. This is certainly to do with the fact that meetings are becoming shorter and visitors have less time. More than ever, visitors now need to be better prepared if they are to gain maximum benefit from an event.
If a participant has made bookings for relevant sessions or made appointments with possible partners, in advance, then he already has his personal agenda and is ready for the event.
Networking can also be supported in a useful way at the event if this agenda can be loaded onto a PDA device, such as Spotme, for example. These devices are checked-in personally by each participant. In addition to his previously organised agenda, the participant’s individual profile is also available to others. An important function is that he now also has access to the profile of all the other participants. A radar function means that the desired discussion partner can quickly be found so that a seamless transfer of all information ascertained up to the event can be accessed individually.
In addition, participants can remain on a virtual platform and exchange information independently of the event. The resultant virtual community can be organised and developed over the coming years.
Extensive systems and applications are already offering us new services that were unimaginable a short time ago, such as applications from the so-called social software area. Meetings, conferences and exhibitions all fulfill the basic purpose of getting to know people, exchanging information and looking after and extending networks.

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