Event Apps (2026): 10 Mobile Apps for Conferences Compared

Printed programmes go out of date the moment a session moves. An event app keeps everyone on the same page: the latest agenda, room changes, speaker bios, push notifications and, at bigger events, a way to find and meet the right people.

The ten event apps below cover networking-led platforms, all-in-one event suites, a browser-based app and a campus app for universities. They're listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from each provider's own website, read this week. If you're planning a smaller internal event, my guide to organising a lunch and learn may be all you need.

Event apps at a glance

I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website or App Store listing, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the page says the tool, a plan or a version of the tool is free. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the page I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start, so check before you sign up.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Brella	Event app with matchmaking	Meetings and networking at conferences	Not stated
Eventact	Progressive web event app	An app with no download needed	Not stated
Eventee	Event app with gamification	Quick set-up for in-person or hybrid events	Not stated
EventMobi	Event management platform with apps	Check-in, badges and an app together	Not stated
Grip	AI event networking platform	AI matchmaking for large trade shows	Not stated
Guidebook	Campus and event app platform	University campus and orientation apps	Not stated
InEvent	Event management software	In-person events with NFC entry	Not stated
SpotMe	Enterprise event platform	Enterprise roadshows and field events	Not stated
Swapcard	Event platform with a mobile app	A branded mobile app with AI agents	Not stated
Whova	Event app and management suite	Badges, check-in and surveys in one place	Not stated

Ten event apps to consider

Brella

Best for: Networking-heavy conferences that want an event app built around meaningful meetings, with AI built in and matchmaking for attendees.

Eventact

Best for: Conference teams who want an event app that runs as a progressive web app and connects to registration, agenda and abstracts.

Eventee

Best for: Smaller organisers who want a user-friendly event app they can set up in moments, with gamification and a white-label option.

EventMobi

Best for: Associations that want event apps alongside check-in, badge printing, exhibitor lead capture and appointment booking.

Grip

Best for: Large trade shows that want AI-powered matchmaking, pre-scheduled meetings and lead retrieval for exhibitors in the event app.

Guidebook

Best for: Universities that want one campus and event app for orientation, student events and building a sense of belonging.

InEvent

Best for: Corporate teams who want a mobile app with badge printing, registration and NFC entry for in-person events.

SpotMe

Best for: Enterprise marketing teams running conferences, roadshows and field events who want attendee and mobile experience management.

Swapcard

Best for: Organisers who want a branded event mobile app with AI recommendations, matchmaking and an interactive floor plan.

Whova

Best for: Associations and schools that want an award-winning event app plus badges, check-in, surveys and certificates.

Match the event app to the kind of event

• Networking-led conferences: an app built around meetings, such as Brella.
• Trade shows with exhibitors: AI matchmaking and lead retrieval, such as Grip.
• No app download wanted: a progressive web app such as Eventact.
• University orientation and campus life: Guidebook.
• Enterprise roadshows: SpotMe.
• A quick set-up for a smaller event: Eventee.

The App Store rule behind branded event apps

Many organisers want their own branded app in the App Store. Apple Developer's App Review Guidelines, section 4.2.6, say apps created from a commercialised template or app generation service will be rejected unless they're submitted directly by the provider of the app's content.

Apple also points template providers to another option: one app that hosts all client content, which attendees open with an event code. That's why many event apps ask attendees to download one shared app. Before you pay extra for a branded app, ask the provider how it handles this rule and how long publishing takes.

Questions to ask before you choose an event app

1. How do attendees get in: a download, a web link or an event code?
2. Does it connect to the registration tool you already use?
3. Can attendees book meetings with each other, and can exhibitors scan leads?
4. How do you send updates when a session moves or a room changes?
5. What reports will you get after the event on sessions, meetings and engagement?

Getting attendees to open the app

The best event app fails if nobody opens it. Send the link with the confirmation email, mention it in every pre-event message and put a QR code on badges, signs and the first slide of every session.

Give people a reason to open it early: the full agenda, a chance to book meetings or a short poll. Attendees who use the app before the event are far more likely to keep using it on the day.

Signs your event needs a fuller app

• Attendees ask where sessions are. You need maps and live updates.
• Exhibitors want leads. Look for lead retrieval.
• People want to meet each other. Choose matchmaking and meeting booking.
• You can't tell which sessions worked. You need engagement reports.

Do you make an event app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on choosing an event app

Start with your attendees, not the feature list. If they're there to network, pick an app built around meetings. If they mainly need the agenda and updates, a simpler app or a web app will do the job with less friction.

A memorable event also needs strong branding before and after the day. My guide to staying memorable through the event lifecycle covers that side.

Frequently asked questions

What is an event app?

It's a mobile or web app that gives attendees the agenda, speaker details, maps, updates and networking tools for a specific event.

Do I need a custom branded event app?

Not always. Many providers publish one shared app that attendees open with an event code, which avoids App Store rules on template apps.

What's the difference between an event app and event management software?

The app is what attendees use on their phones. Event management software is what organisers use to run registration, check-in and logistics, and some suites include both.

Can event apps work without a download?

Yes. Some run as progressive web apps in the browser, so attendees open a link instead of installing anything.

How do I get attendees to download the event app?

Promote it in every email, put QR codes on badges and signs, and give people a reason to open it before the event starts.

Are event apps worth it for small events?

For small events, a simple app or a shared web page may be enough. Bigger events with networking and exhibitors get more from a full event app.