The latest hot topic in the IT industry is the Cloud. Put simply, the Cloud is the delivery of shared resources, software and information over the Internet. It is a relatively new model, but provides users with a cost effective way to deploy software solutions and manage IT platforms.
The Cloud has many benefits to different industries, particularly the management of events. Some benefits include:
Cost: Cost can be greatly reduced since capital expenditure is converted to operational expenditure, lowering the barriers to entry.
Local Independence: Users can access systems using a web browser, regardless of their location or device they are using.
Peak Load Capacity: Using software on the cloud means that companies can manage peaks in demand with ease.
Reliability: Reliability is improved making it a safer option with regards to disaster recovery.
Maintenance: Is easier on cloud computing since the software is not installed on the user’s computer; meaning that support and upgrades are managed and taken on by the provider themselves.
Event managers are able to take advantage of cloud computing and use it to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of their events.
Event management companies can use the Cloud as a management solution; it offers the opportunity to manage event teams and service delegate and booker requests, from any location at any time. Additionally, event promotions, bookings, cancellations and updated can also be undertaken using the Internet as the key delivery vehicle.
Companies offering event management services utilise event software to help organise and manage. The software includes features such as:
- Website integration
- Online registration&Online payment processing
- Invitation management
- Email marketing
- Resource management
- Integrated reporting and analysis
- Event surveys
Using event management software on the Cloud will take care of high volumes of outbound transactions such as emails and newsletters, and inbound transactions including event bookings and cancellations. This will save time and money, whilst providing a smoother experience.
It enables you to be in real time control of all the events activities such as, giving event managers an accurate view of the active event,assessing what stage event marketing campaigns are at and obtaining feedback received on your on-going events programme. Third party partners such as speakers or sponsors can also be granted easy access, should they need it.
If you are new to organising events, then it is usually best to hire a company offering event management services. They can take care of the entire event planning process, including the software used, to ensure your event runs smoothly.