Top 11 Features of an Event Planning App

Posted on April 6, 2025

Planning events has come a long way. We’ve moved from doing everything by hand to using innovative digital tools that make things much more manageable. These days, an event planning app is a must-have, not just for those organizing the event but also for those attending. They help care for everything from the early planning stages to what happens after the event.

This blog post will walk you through 11 key features that make a great event planning app. Whether you’re putting together a tiny meetup or a big conference, these tools can help you organize an event that runs smoothly and keeps people engaged.

Benefits of an Event-Planning App for Event Organizers

If you’re planning an event, an event planning app helps you keep everything in one place so you’re not bouncing between emails, spreadsheets, and sticky notes. Here’s how it helps:

• All-in-one platform: Manage your budget, schedule, guest list, registrations, sponsors, vendors, and more, all from a single app.
• Less stress, fewer mistakes: Having everything in one spot helps your team stay on the same page and reduces the chances of miscommunication or errors.
• Built-in collaboration tools: Share files, assign tasks, and keep communication organized within the app, with no need for endless email threads.
• Save time with automation: Automate repetitive tasks like sending reminders, processing payments, and managing registrations. Focus more on big-picture planning and creativity.
• Lower costs: Skip the printed materials and traditional ads, promote your event digitally, and save money.
• More intelligent decisions with accurate data: Get insights from analytics on how many people registered, which sessions were the most popular, and how attendees interacted with sponsors, and use this info to plan better events in the future.

Benefits of Event Planning Apps for Event Attendees 

Event planning apps also make things easier and more enjoyable for attendees:

• Easy access to event details: Attendees can check schedules, speaker bios, venue maps, and other helpful info on their phones.
• Personalized experience: Let attendees build their schedules and get content suggestions based on their interests.
• Better networking: In-app messaging and intelligent matchmaking help attendees connect with the right people before, during, and after the event.
• Stay in the loop: Real-time updates and push notifications ensure attendees don’t miss any changes or announcements.
• Interactive features: Keep people engaged with live polls, Q&A, surveys, and even games during the event.

Comparison Table: Benefits of Event Planning Apps for Organizers & Attendees

The Top 11 Must-Have Features of Event Planning Apps

Having the right event planning app can make all the difference in running a smooth, well-organized event. Let’s look at eleven key features that show how helpful these tools can be for event organizers and attendees.

1. Agenda & Schedule Management: 

A clear and easy-to-follow schedule is one of the most essential parts of any successful event. With the agenda management feature, organizers can:

• Set up the full event schedule, including times, speakers, and session topics
• Handle events with multiple tracks or sessions happening at the same time
• Make changes in real-time and send updates to everyone instantly
• Highlight key sessions to drive more interest and boost attendance
• Sync schedules with attendees’ calendars

For event organizers:

It helps you stay organized, manage your time better, and coordinate easily with speakers, vendors, and partners. You can keep everyone in the loop and reduce last-minute confusion. Plus, promoting big-name sessions on your schedule can help bring in more attendees.

For attendees:

It means knowing exactly where to be and when. Users can create a personalized schedule by saving sessions they’re interested in and receiving reminders so they don’t miss a thing. Any last-minute changes are shared through instant notifications, keeping users updated and engaged.

• Want an easier way to manage meetings at your event? Check out this scheduled meetings tool. It lets you request, confirm, and track all your meeting requests in one place.

2. Registration Management: 

Registration is often the first interaction someone has with your event. When it’s easy, people are more likely to attend. The registration feature in an event planning app makes the whole process fast and smooth.

Organizers can:

• Create online registration forms that collect key info like names, emails, and preferences
• Offer different ticket types and price options
• Accept payments directly through the app
• Share promo codes and group registration options
• Send automatic confirmation emails and reminders

For event organizers:

It saves a lot of time and cuts down on manual work. You can track sign-ups as they happen, see what’s working in your marketing, and avoid paperwork. It also reduces the need for printed materials and on-site staff.

For attendees:

It’s quick, easy, and can be done from any device. They get a digital ticket immediately and access to important event info, like speaker bios and the full schedule: no waiting, no printing, no stress.

• Want to make a great first impression with your event sign-ups? Take a look at this event registration software; it helps you connect with guests from the start and gives them an easy, smooth sign-up experience that reflects the quality of your event.

3. Ticketing & Payment Processing: 

If your event includes ticket sales, an event planning app can make the process smoother for you and your attendees.

For event organizers:

This feature lets you sell tickets directly through your event app—no need for third-party platforms. You can offer different types of tickets, like general admission, VIP, or early bird discounts, and easily manage pricing, promo codes, and group deals.

It also helps you:

• Accept secure payments using popular methods like cards, PayPal, or mobile wallets
• Track ticket sales and income in real time
• Send instant email confirmations and receipts
• Cut costs by reducing the need for extra tools or printed tickets

For attendees:

Buying a ticket is quick and convenient. They can pay however they prefer, get their digital ticket immediately, and store it on their phone—no paper needed. Some apps even let them share or transfer tickets with friends quickly.

• Looking for an easier way to manage event tickets? Check out this event ticket management tool and see why corporate teams trust InEvent to keep ticketing simple, organized, and hassle-free.

4. Attendee Check-In & Badge Management: 

First impressions matter; check-in is one of the attendees’ first experiences at your event. Event apps make this part fast and stress-free.

For event organizers:

You can offer contactless check-in using QR codes or barcodes, cutting down long lines. Self-service check-in options and on-the-spot badge printing help everything run faster. Digital badges are also a great option; they reduce printing costs and support sustainability goals.

Other benefits include:

• Real-time tracking of who’s checked in and which sessions they attend
• Better crowd control and event security
• Personalized badge designs for a more professional look

For attendees:

Check-in is as easy as scanning a code on their phone. No waiting around or fumbling with printed tickets. For events that track session attendance, attendees can also scan into sessions and get access to relevant materials later.

• Need a reliable way to print badges at your event? Look at this badge printing software. It helps you manage check-ins, collect attendee info, and print the proper badges quickly and accurately, all in one place.

5. Networking & Attendee Connections: 

Networking is a big reason many people attend events. Event planning apps make it easier for attendees to connect with others who share similar interests or work in the same field.

For event organizers:

Offering strong networking features helps attendees get more out of your event. You can also create sponsored networking lounges or VIP meetups, adding value for partners and sponsors. Plus, you can see attendees’ connections, which helps plan future events.

For attendees:

They can:

• Create a profile that highlights their interests and job role
• Use smart suggestions to find people they might want to meet
• Chat directly through the app
• Book one-on-one meetings in advance
• Exchange virtual business cards on the spot

This makes connecting more straightforward, personal, and valuable before, during, and even after the event.

• Want to bring your virtual event to life? Check out this Virtual Lobby. It gives attendees one-click access to breakout rooms, 1:1 meetings, and speed networking, all in one easy-to-use space.

6. Live Polls, Q&A, and Surveys: 

When people feel involved, they enjoy events more. That’s why many event-planning apps now include features like live polls, Q&A, and surveys.

For event organizers:

You can ask your audience questions during a session and show the results instantly. This keeps the session interactive and lets you quickly read your attendees’ thoughts. Letting people ask questions through the app also helps speakers give better answers and makes the session more useful.

After the event, sending a short survey is a great way to find out what worked, what didn’t, and what could be better next time.

For attendees:

They get to share their opinions and ask questions without raising their hand. Being able to vote in polls or give feedback makes them feel like part of the event. Some apps even let people participate anonymously, which encourages more honest responses.

• Looking to make your event broadcasts more interactive and engaging? Check out this Live Studio. It lets you run live polls, Q&A, and surveys while turning your streams into branded experiences that boost connection and drive results.

7. Gamification & Rewards: 

Adding game-like features to your event can make it more exciting and help people stay engaged. Event apps now let you include things like point systems, badges, and leaderboards to turn everyday activities into fun challenges.

For event organizers:

You can encourage attendees to visit booths, attend more sessions, or join in challenges by giving them points or rewards. This boosts participation and gives you valuable data on what people are most interested in.

For attendees:

Games like trivia, scavenger hunts, or photo challenges add fun to the event. Seeing their name on a leaderboard or winning a prize gives them something to look forward to and a reason to keep engaging.

• Want to make your event more fun and interactive? Check out this gamification software. You can add it to your mobile event app to create challenges, boost engagement, and give attendees an experience they’ll enjoy.

8. Push Notifications & Real-Time Alerts: 

Push notifications are a simple way to ensure attendees stay updated with everything happening. Event apps let you send quick messages directly to people’s phones, so no one misses out.

For event organizers:

You can use notifications to send:

• Last-minute schedule changes
• Session reminders
• Special offers from sponsors
• Important event announcements

You can also schedule messages ahead of time or send them to specific groups, like VIPs or first-time attendees.

For attendees:

They get reminders for sessions they plan to attend and real-time updates if anything changes. These alerts help them stay organized and maximize their time at the event. Plus, if there are special deals or exclusive offers, they’ll hear about them right away.

9. Speaker Profiles & Session Info: 

A good event app gives attendees all the info they need about speakers and sessions, helping them feel more prepared and excited about the event.

For event organizers:

You can create detailed speaker profiles that include:

• Photos
• Bios
• Job titles or company names
• Links to social media or websites

Session pages often include the topic, speaker names, time, and room location. You can also upload presentation slides and handouts so attendees can follow along or review them later.

This makes your event feel more professional and gives attendees a better idea of what to expect. Highlighting popular speakers or hot topics can also attract more people to your event.

For attendees:

They can:

• Learn more about each speaker ahead of time
• Bookmark the sessions they’re interested in
• Build a custom schedule that fits their goals
• Get reminders and access any session materials inside the app

This makes the event easier to navigate and more rewarding to attend.

• Need an easier way to manage your speakers and sessions? Check out this speaker management tool. It helps you stay on top of content and gives attendees a better way to connect with your speakers.

10. Venue Maps & Event Info: 

Big venues can be overwhelming. Event apps solve that problem with interactive maps and helpful information so attendees don’t feel lost or confused.

For event organizers:

Providing maps and logistical info means fewer questions and a smoother experience. You can highlight:

• Session rooms
• Sponsor and exhibitor booths
• Food courts and restrooms
• Parking spots, shuttle pick-up areas, and accessibility routes

This helps you run a better-organized event and boosts the visibility of key partners like sponsors and exhibitors.

For attendees:

They can:

• Use the map to find rooms, booths, and essentials quickly
• Get directions to where they need to be
• See where sponsors and exhibitors are located
• Plan how to get to the venue, where to park, and what to expect inside

Having everything they need in one place takes the stress out of event day.

• Want to help attendees find their way around your event with ease? Take a look at this interactive map creator. It makes planning, organizing, and navigating in-person, virtual, or hybrid events simple with clear, easy-to-use maps.

11. Sponsor & Exhibitor Sections: 

Sponsors and exhibitors play a massive role in many events. A strong event app makes it easy for attendees to connect with them and for sponsors to get actual value.

For event organizers:

You can offer your partners more visibility through:

• Company profiles
• Booth listings on the event map
• Sponsored content, banners, and push notifications
• Lead capture tools and meeting scheduling options

These features help drive foot traffic, spark honest conversations, and provide data your partners can use to measure success.

For sponsors and exhibitors:

They benefit from:

• More exposure to the right audience
• Easy ways to collect contact info and follow up
• In-app messaging and meeting scheduling
• Insights on booth visits and attendee engagement

It’s a win-win: attendees get helpful content, and partners see more investment returns.

• Looking to get more leads and visibility from your event? Explore this Sponsor Event Engagement Tool to Maximize Lead Capture & Visibility

Ready to Make Event Planning Easier?

Managing events doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools in one place, planning and running a successful event becomes much more doable and enjoyable.

From building your agenda to checking in attendees, collecting payments, sending real-time updates, and helping people connect and interact, InEvent brings all 11 must-have features into one powerful event-planning app:

• Agenda & Schedule Management
• Registration Management
• Ticketing & Payment Processing
• Attendee Check-In & Badge Management
• Networking & Attendee Connections
• Live Polling, Q&A, and Surveys
• Gamification & Engagement Rewards
• Push Notifications & Real-Time Alerts
• Speaker Profiles & Session Details
• Venue Maps & Logistical Information
• Sponsor & Exhibitor Integration

Whether planning a small gathering or a large conference, InEvent gives you the tools to make every part of the event run smoothly from start to finish.

Looking for an all-in-one event planning app that works? Try InEvent today and see how easy it is to bring your event to life.

Read More:

• What Is an Online Ticketing System? Top Features Explained
• How Onsite Badge Printing Works and Its Benefits for Events
• Top 7 Event-Planning Software Tools for Any Organization