Open Forum

Wow a Ph.D in Animal Biotech! Very impressive!

How long have you been using Cvent? What Cvent products do you currently use?

I’ve been using Cvent for nearly 14 years, and during this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide range of its products—including Event Management, Surveys, eMarketing, Abstract Management, Appointments, Passkey, and the Attendee Hub. Since I support multiple event planners across different industries, I’ve become well-versed in using these tools to create smooth, engaging, and efficient event experiences. 

What I appreciate most about Cvent is how user-friendly it is—not just for planners, but also for attendees. From registration to on-site check-in to post-event engagement, each product works seamlessly to enhance the attendee journey and make the entire event experience more intuitive and enjoyable.

What Cvent Certifications do you currently hold?

I've worked to get my Cvent Advanced Event Management & Cvent Event Management certifications.

Event professionals are often challenged by their leadership teams to prove a return on investment. Do you have advice on navigating this question, or are there specific proof points you pull from to tell your ROI story?

Yes, proving ROI is one of the most common challenges in the event industry, but with the right data, it becomes much easier to tell a compelling story. I always encourage planners to set clear goals at the start—whether it's lead generation, brand exposure, attendee engagement, or revenue. Then, I leverage Cvent’s robust reporting tools to track metrics like registration trends, attendee behavior, session participation, and post-event feedback. These numbers speak volumes when presented to leadership. I also focus on qualitative feedback—like testimonials and engagement anecdotes—which often highlight the value of an event beyond just numbers. My advice is to align event goals with business objectives early and use Cvent’s data to show not just what happened, but why it mattered.

With 14+ years of experience, what are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in event management technology?

One of the biggest shifts has been the transition to mobile-first experiences—attendees now expect everything at their fingertips, from digital agendas to on-site check-ins. Tools like Cvent’s OnArrival app have become indispensable, even for small-scale events, making check-in and badge printing seamless. More recently, the emergence of AI is beginning to transform how we plan, personalize, and analyze events. The integration of these technologies has not only streamlined operations but also elevated the attendee experience to a whole new level.

Could you share a recent project you worked on that you’re particularly proud of?

One recent project I’m particularly proud of is the Africa's Eden Travel Show – Africa Edition, Livingstone 2025. It brought together a wide range of attendees from across Africa and was a great example of how well-coordinated event technology and strategic planning can create a truly impactful experience. Cvent’s Appointments feature played a key role in facilitating meaningful connections and making the event more productive for all participants.

What an amazing event! Seeing that kind of location and wildlife is such a neat opportunity. It's great to hear that Cvent and appointments helped to make it happen.

For those who are just starting with Cvent, what advice would you share with them?

My advice is to be patient and take the time to explore all the Cvent tools. Understanding how these tools integrate with each other will greatly streamline your event planning and enhance the attendee experience. Don’t hesitate to use the Cvent Community Open Forum to get assistance and share experiences with other users. 
  

What is your favorite Cvent feature and why?

My favorite Cvent feature is the Attendee Hub. It provides an all-in-one platform for attendees to engage with the event, access schedules, network with others, and view important event updates. The convenience it offers to both planners and attendees, along with its seamless integration with other Cvent tools, makes it an invaluable resource for enhancing the event experience. It truly brings everything together in a user-friendly interface. 

We're hugely grateful to Amarnath for his time and contributions to the Community. We're looking forward to seeing what you accomplish in 2025! As a token of appreciation, Amarnath will receive a Cvent care package. 

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