During the Higher Education Hub Client Office Hours for Q3, several insightful presentations and discussions took place, focusing on various aspects of engagement, product updates, breakout sessions, and strategies to improve user adoption. This blog post will provide a summary of the key points discussed during the event.
From Numbers to Impact: Maximizing Event Data in Higher Education with Jeremy Houser from Duke University:
Jeremy Houser from Duke University presented on the importance of broadening and deepening engagement in higher education events. He emphasized the need to measure engagement accurately and deliver the data in a digestible format to event directors and planners. Duke University utilizes post-event surveys, debriefs, reports, and real-time data to glean event insights and drive proactive marketing strategies for future events. They also use integrations to demonstrate event growth and attendee engagement.
Upcoming Product Updates with Bella Marino, Product Manager:
Bella Marino, Cvent Product Manager, reviewed upcoming product updates that will enhance the user experience. These updates include audience segmentation, managing session programs, on-arrival team member management, registration predictions, and the ability to build custom reports. More information on these product updates can be found within our Event Marketing and Management Product News.
Breakout Sessions:
Three breakout sessions were held, focusing on Attendee Hub In-Person Events, Attendee Hub Virtual Events, and Open Networking.
- In-Person Events Utilizing Attendee Hub Event App:
- Best practices for event app promotion: Stanford University shared their approach of sending app information in a "Know Before You Go" email and using QR codes on event tables to direct attendees to the app in the iOS and Google Play app stores.
- Leveraging videos for app usage: It was recommended to create short (around 2 minutes) videos to teach attendees how to use the app effectively. Custom Cards linking to the videos could be uploaded into Cvent or hosted on an external site like YouTube as well.
- App information dissemination: The importance of including the app information on the event website and in the Registration Confirmation email was discussed to ensure new registrants have access to the app.
- Engagement tools and features: Stanford University highlighted their use of Discussions and Gamification features in Cvent. They also provided feedback on the QR Code Scavenger Hunt feature, suggesting an enhancement to allow multiple scans. It was recommended to release QR codes gradually during the event to maintain engagement. Duke University mentioned using Polling for some sessions but hadn't found a use for Q&A yet.
- Improving session and location details: An enhancement called Enhanced Custom Pages, allowing planners to add text, images, documents, videos, image galleries, and external links to custom pages, was mentioned. The release date is to be determined, and attendees were encouraged to stay updated through product updates.
- Beta program: The discussion led to mentioning the Beta program, where anyone can inquire about joining a beta of interest. Interested in joining a Beta Program? Reach out to your Cvent Account Team for more information!
- Custom Fonts: Custom Fonts were highlighted as now available to all Cvent users, and it was confirmed that the Attendee Hub Website would support Custom Fonts in the Event App in the future.
- Virtual Events Utilizing Attendee Hub Website or Webinar:
- During the discussion, the University of Southern California (USC) shared their experience using Attendee Hub as their online orientation hub, branded as the Trojan Engagement Center. USC has been using Cvent since 2015 as an event registration product and has expanded its use to meet their changing program needs and constituent expectations. As only around 50% of people attend orientation on-campus, USC recognized the need for a virtual offering to make it more equitable for all parties involved. They utilize various features of Attendee Hub, including Cvent Studio, simulive, livestream (although not as frequently now), and videos on-demand for both in-person and virtual presentations. They also use the Exhibitors list to highlight their student services.
- Open Networking:
- Access Portals/User Training: Regarding access portals/user training, the focus was on best practices for managing accounts with large numbers of users. Duke University shared their approach of pushing reports only to the intended recipients by utilizing access portals and groups. They emphasized the importance of user training and explained that admins sit down with new users to provide guidance on publishing to the access portal, as well as managing old and existing reports to minimize errors.
- Engagement with Attendee Hub and Adoption: Strategies to increase engagement in event apps were discussed, including minimizing the use of paper and encouraging attendees to access the agenda through the app.
The Higher Education Hub Client Office Hours for Q3 provided valuable insights into enhancing engagement, improving user experience, and increasing adoption of Attendee Hub for both in-person and virtual events. The discussions and presentations shared by universities and industry professionals shed light on effective strategies and best practices that can be implemented to maximize the impact of higher education events.
Missed the Higher Education Hub Client Office Hours and still have questions?! Thread them below!