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SCM Event App by Polario
How can digital tools such as Polario replace and optimise traditional communication channels? ‘The aim is to reach all participants at our events. Of course, it is sometimes challenging, as not all participants are as tech-savvy or willing to install an app for an event on their smartphone,’ says Malte Oberländer, Event Manager at the School for Communication and Management (SCM).
SCM is a leading institution in the field of continuing education for communication professionals. It offers a comprehensive portfolio of seminars, conferences and specialised events that meet the needs of modern communication experts. With formats such as the INKOMETA Days, the Internal Communication Conference (IK) and the INSP!RE conferences, SCM creates platforms for the exchange of knowledge, inspiration and networking opportunities.
SCM has therefore introduced the Polario Event App to give its events a digital dimension. The SCM Event App serves as a central point of contact for participants, facilitates organisation and enables fast and targeted communication. In this interview, Malte Oberländer shares his experiences and provides insights into the challenges, successes and future plans of the digital transformation at SCM.
Introduction of the SCM Event App
Hi Malte, thank you for taking the time to talk about your experience with the Polario Event App!
What was the main reason for introducing Polario at SCM?
Malte Oberländer: ‘We introduced the SCM Event App from Polario to provide participants with all the information they need quickly and easily. Especially at our INKOMETA Days, but also at the IK conference and the INSP!RE conferences, the SCM Event App enables efficient communication and a better event experience. At the same time, however, we realised that the acceptance of the technology among participants varies, especially among those who are less tech-savvy. We are trying to address this challenge through ease of use and targeted communication.’
The SCM Event App functions
Which functions of the SCM Event App are particularly appreciated?
Malte Oberländer: ‘It’s very practical that the event programme can be displayed in the app. Push notifications are another highlight, as they allow us to inform participants about last-minute changes and thus ensure that everything runs smoothly. We also plan to introduce surveys during the events to further increase interaction.’
How important is data protection in the SCM Event App?
Malte Oberländer: ‘Data protection is our top priority. That’s why, for example, we only introduced the networking function on the condition that participants can actively opt in. In addition, all data processed in the SCM Event App is encrypted, and no information is passed on without express consent. This ensures that all data protection standards are met.’
Changes and successes thanks to the SCM Event App
What measurable successes have been achieved since the introduction of the SCM Event App?
Malte Oberländer: ‘We have found that information reaches participants faster and more efficiently. This allows us to communicate short-term actions and changes much better, which increases the success of our events. At the same time, Polario’s SCM Event App has enabled us to significantly reduce paper consumption, which makes an important contribution to our sustainability goals.’
Did Polario’s SCM Event App help to increase participant engagement?
Malte Oberländer: ‘Yes, definitely. The option to create personalised agendas was very well received. Although we didn’t have a direct networking function before, we are planning to add this for future events in order to further promote engagement. This includes features such as participant lists, which make it easier for users to network and engage in targeted exchanges with other participants.’
Polario already offers a wide range of networking and engagement features such as social feeds, matchmaking and surveys that make it much easier for attendees to interact with organisers. These features can be seamlessly integrated into events, creating a dynamic and connected event experience. We would also like to know more:
How does the SCM Event App help to make your events more sustainable?
Malte Oberländer: ‘The app has enabled us to significantly reduce paper consumption, as programmes and information are now provided digitally. This is an important step in our sustainability strategy.’
Has the introduction of the SCM Event App led to a better cost-benefit ratio?
Malte Oberländer: ‘We currently use the SCM Event App primarily for communication. However, we see potential for using it for sponsorship and ticketing, which could generate additional revenue.’
Vision and further development of the SCM Event App
What further developments of the SCM Event App do you envisage?
Malte Oberländer: ‘In the long term, we want to develop the SCM Event App further so that it not only provides information but also creates an interactive experience for participants. The focus here is on features such as live streaming and personalised content.’
Cooperation with plazz AG as app provider
How did the onboarding process with plazz AG go?
Malte Oberländer: ‘plazz AG has provided us with intensive support right from the start. We received training and could always rely on rapid support whenever we had questions. This cooperation was an important factor in the successful implementation.’
What challenges did you face when implementing the SCM Event App?
Malte Oberländer: ‘There were hardly any direct technical challenges. The customer support team at plazz AG was always quick to respond when we had questions and provided us with excellent support. Some of the desired features are still missing, but they are already working on them.’
How does the SCM Event App integrate into your existing systems?
Malte Oberländer: ‘So far, we have not created any interfaces between the SCM Event App and our IT infrastructure. However, we plan to connect CRM or ticketing systems in the future in order to further optimise processes.’
To the SCM Event App:
Find out how SCM uses the Polario Event App to efficiently organise and digitally communicate event series!
Thank you, Malte, for these comprehensive insights into your work with the Polario Event App. With the Polario Event App, we have worked with SCM to modernise traditional event formats and make them more sustainable. Thanks to the combination of technical innovation and organisational efficiency, the app not only simplifies workflows, but also enriches the experience of the participants. SCM relies on our digital solutions to make events fit for the future and further define the standards of event communication. We look forward to continuing to accompany SCM on this journey.
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