Download The Event Flyer & Registration Form: Fill & Download for Free

Creating a mobile app for an event today is easier than ever, but the underlying challenge of getting your attendees to adopt it still remains. Here are some ways to assist with adoption:Create a landing/promotional page for the app - Attendees often want to know what's in it for them as most people do not want "another" app on their device. Having a page or a widget that explains the benefits of the app will help encourage downloads.Use social media to promote the app beforehand - Promote your app frequently via social media and have a call to action that directs attendees to your landing/promotional page.Promote the app in your emails - You're already emailing attendees before the event, so why not mention your app? The call to action should go to either your landing/promotional page or directly to the app stores.Create and distribute printed materials at the event - Create flyers and QR codes to place around the venue. An ideal spot is where attendees are checking into the event.We see median adoption rates of 53% using these methods.Note: I'm a founder at Eventjoy (http://www.eventjoy.com) and we help event organizers go mobile for free.

As Melissa mentioned, you want to ask as many local businesses and individuals as you can. That said, I also recommend prioritizing businesses that are closely aligned with the nature of your event, in this case athletic equipment shops, sports teams, restaurants and so forth. These vendors will be especially interested in reaching the people at your event, and you want to emphasize how event sponsorship is a win-win.Let them know how many people you expect at the event and how you’ll be promoting their logos (on flyers, social media posts, hanging signs at the event etc).For more practical tips on soliciting sponsorships, plus fully customizable templates for sponsorship request letters and registration forms, I suggest downloading this free Sponsorship Kit.

Assuming you are not a frequent flyer...1. If you can carry-on, do it. It makes changing flight a lot easier. Getting luggage re-routed is a pain so avoid checking if you can.Carry-on is a science, by the way, and it takes good luggage and good planning. Don't be a dufus with oversized carry-ons and a million other bags. And don't stuff your coat up there, unless you want me to hand it back to you so I can get my bag in the carry-on bin.2. Download your airlines app, if they have one. However, this doesn't always work, so if you suspect getting significantly delayed or cancelled, go to their Website before calling. EVERYONE is calling and unless you are one of the higher-level frequent flyers you'll struggle getting through.Go to to the app or Website first, however. I fly Delta a lot, and Delta will offer alternatives to you on their Website in the event of serious delays or cancellations.3. As one who is a frequent flyer...I don't call. I go to the lounge first for a drink, and to see if I can talk to an agent there. If not, the Web, if not, then I call. I have just found the Website to be faster.4. Avoiding Chicago is a definite. Also, La Guardia, JFK and Newark. In fact, avoid any airport in the corridor between DC and Boston if you can help it.5. If the day is going to be dodgy, know your options. Agents want to get you to where you are supposed to be, so make their job easier by offering solutions. I once got out of Boston to Columbus Ohio after my flight to connection through Philly was cancelled. I recommended a connection through Charlotte instead and though I arrived home several hours later than scheduled, I still got home. "Hi, I'm cancelled. Any chance you can route me through X to get to Y instead?" helps a lot. It really does.6. Download the Kayak app, a weather app, a flight board app, and use TripIt or a similar service. I subscribe to TripIt who message me about delays, gate changes, etc. Other apps are out there (like Flightcase) and they all seem to be about the same. I like data.7. Finally, be nice. No one at an airline benefits when flights are diverted or cancelled. it sucks for everyone. So be nice to airlines personnel. Nice helps a lot.