How a Custom App Transformed TEDxMileHigh’s Event Experience

In the fast-paced world of live events, keeping attendees engaged, informed, and connected can be a challenge. For TEDxMileHigh, a Denver-based nonprofit that brings together thinkers and creators to inspire change, event-day logistics were becoming increasingly complex.  With a reliance on paper materials and traditional communication methods, they needed a smarter, more sustainable way to manage information and enhance attendee experiences. By partnering with Guidebook, they launched a custom event app that not only reduced costs but also transformed how attendees navigated, connected, and engaged at the TEDxMileHigh: Reset event. Here’s how they made it happen...

The Challenge: A Better Way to Connect and Engage

Based in Denver, TEDxMileHigh brings together thinkers, innovators, and creators to elevate inspired citizenship in Colorado. Focused on spreading big ideas and fostering connections, the organization faced several challenges for its TEDxMileHigh: Reset event:

• Reliance on printed materials was costly and unsustainable.
• Difficulty consolidating event information and communicating effectively with attendees.
• Limited tools to foster meaningful connections between attendees, speakers, and partners.
• A need to reduce logistical stress tied to printed materials and post-deadline updates.

The Solution: Build a Sustainable Conference App with Guidebook

The team adopted a Guidebook-powered app to revolutionize their event experience for the Reset conference. The custom-branded app offered an all-in-one solution, allowing the organization to:

• Provide a centralized platform for event details like schedules, speaker bios, and maps.
• Introduce digital tools to spark engagement, such as interactive social feeds and push notifications.
• Minimize reliance on paper by offering digital alternatives for maps, brochures, and signage.

Key Features in the Event App

1. Centralized Information HubThe app consolidated critical event details, providing attendees with easy access to schedules, speaker bios, and an interactive map of the venue. This made navigating the multi-hall Colorado Convention Center seamless for attendees.
2. Interactive Social FeedLeveraging Guidebook’s Interact feature fostered community engagement. This was the most-used feature of the app, enabling attendees to connect with speakers and share insights from the event.
3. Real-Time Communication with Push NotificationsThe team used the app to send updates, schedule changes, and exclusive offers, such as a secret pre-sale link for future events. Attendees stayed informed and engaged throughout the day.

Results: A Smarter, Greener Event

Moving to a custom app delivered outstanding outcomes:

• Saved $7,000 on printing costs by eliminating the need for extensive paper materials.
• Over 1,500 downloads of the app provided an expansive reach for event updates and announcements.
• Garnered over 16,000 app sessions, reflecting strong attendee engagement.
• Received one of the highest Net Promoter Scores, with attendees praising the app’s user-friendly design and helpful features.

→ Read the Full Case Study Here

Why They Chose Guidebook for Their Event App

The organization selected Guidebook for its robust features and commitment to enhancing the attendee experience:

• Ease of Use: The intuitive interface made it simple for organizers to update content and for attendees to navigate the event.
• Sustainability: The app supported their goal of reducing their carbon footprint and costs associated with printed materials.
• Enhanced Engagement: Features like the social feed and push notifications facilitated real-time interaction between attendees, speakers, and partners.
• Seamless Integration: Tools streamlined communication, simplified navigation, and eliminated the stress of print deadlines.

How to Create a Custom Event App for Your Organization

If you’re looking for a mobile solution to engage your audience, build connections, and reduce costs, a custom event app could be your answer. Features like interactive maps, push notifications, and personalized schedules make it easier to enhance the attendee experience while meeting sustainability goals.

Speak with our sales team to learn how Guidebook can transform your next event.