If you attend conferences, festivals, trade shows or any other kind of event, you’ve probably noticed that the organizers are encouraging you to download an event app. But why should you take the trouble, particularly if you’re used to the printed programs and handouts? We talked to real event-goers like you to find out.

1. You could get a cheaper ticket.

According to the Center for Sustainable Tourism, the average conference attendee can take home ten pounds of paper. When you download the event app, you’re telling event organizers that they can phase out paper printing… and that adds up to a LOT of savings. It’s not unusual for an event to reduce costs by 90% by moving to mobile. Event organizers looking to compete will pass that savings on to you, whether by reducing your ticket price, improving the quality of the location or attractions, or making the event bigger and better overall.

2. You'll be more productive.

You get much more than just a mobile version of the agenda when you download the event app. Your smartphone and tablet are within reach anyway, and the app gives you plenty of ways to organize, plan and enjoy your time at the event. We talked with attendees just like you about the reasons they’re adopting a fully mobile event experience.

Easy-to navigate agendas and maps

Your event app allows you to easily browse agendas and maps, even if there are multiple schedule tracks and campuses. Gets a productivity boost at events from the ability to quickly navigate all schedules -- no matter how complex! Clicking into a schedule item gives you all the relevant details, links and travel info. Your event app download will make you more aware of everything that’s happening.

Personal schedules and to-do lists

One of the most used features on an event app is your schedule. The ability to create your own schedule from available sessions and workshops will make your event experience productive. Rather than guessing what sessions are about and not knowing where meeting rooms are located, schedules give organizers an opportunity to let attendees know all about the event details.

3. You're saving the world.

Events are traditionally wasteful. But event planners are working to become more green, and reducing printing is the easiest way to be more eco-friendly. Downloading the event app and deciding NOT to pick up any printed materials is the best way to support these efforts. Say no to paper printing!

4. You're missing out if you DON'T download the event app.

Your event organizers are moving to mobile for more than just reducing paper waste and cost.

Your app is more accurate

The folks running your event can update the app in real-time, which means those printed programs are out-of-date. Interactive elements within the app let you find associated maps, downloads and links. That’s something a printed agenda just can’t do. And organizers are counting on plenty of event app downloads so those with the app can spread the word.

You'll get important announcements

Room change? Special offer? Surprise guest? If you download the event app, you’ll get push notifications about the most crucial information. (Don’t worry, your conference organizers are limited to a few per day, so it won’t become overwhelming.)

Fun app-only features

If your event has a scavenger hunt game, a shared photo set or a photo contest, you’ll only be able to play along if you download the app.

5. You might have some misconceptions about the way it works.

We took a look at thousands of feedback comments left by people who downloaded the Guidebook event app, and we’re here to clear up any points of confusion.

You don't need cell service or internet to use it

Wifi at events can be a real downer. But your app works offline. That’s right–it works natively on your phone or tablet, whether the connection works or not. Pro tip: Download the event app before you get to the venue. That way, you won’t need to rely on the connectivity on-site. And if you’re traveling internationally, you’ll avoid roaming charges.

You don't have to pay anything

Your event app download is completely free, and there are no in-app ads or charges. And hey, if you win a contest or get a push notification about a special deal, you might even find yourself in the black!

6. You'll network differently.

Are you here to network? Download the event app to check in, find out who else is there, and exchange contact cards with the people you meet.

7. They're doing it for you.

The number one reason Guidebook event planners say they want to promote event app downloads? Attendee satisfaction. This is all for you!