Platform options comparison

Hybrid / virtual platform vs Event app / in person platform

The platform itself is the same and built using the same admin dashboard. The primary difference in feature set is that the hybrid / virtual platform comes with the session video player with engagement interface to allow remote audience to participate in real time with streamed sessions. Hosting for the live streams is also supported for this version of the platform.  

 Live stream engagement interface: Available on the virtual and hybrid platform 

live-stream.png

The in person platform comes at a lower price point due to the support and running costs being lower for an in person platform where data costs related to hosting a stream are removed.

Feature(s)  Hybrid / Virtual Platform (Web based)  In-Person Platform (Web based)
Customisation  Yes Yes
Custom URL Yes Yes
Security Settings Yes Yes
Push Notifications  No, available if you include native submission in your package No, available if you include native submission in your package
In Platform email alerts and notifications  Yes Yes
App store listing with custom app name and branding No, available if you include native submission in your package No, available if you include native submission in your package
Agenda Yes Yes
Session video player with engagement panel Yes No, only included with the hybrid / virtual platform  package
Stream hosting Yes No, only included with the hybrid / virtual platform  package
Personalised schedules Yes Yes
Round table discussion rooms Yes No, only included with the hybrid / virtual platform  package
Zoom breakout integration  Yes Yes
Speaker profiles Yes Yes
Attendee profiles Yes Yes
1-2-1 private chat messaging Yes Yes
1-2-1 private video calls Yes No, only included with the hybrid / virtual platform  package
Company profiles Yes Yes
Sponsor opportunities Yes Yes
Event information Yes Yes
Floor plans Yes Yes
Google maps Yes Yes
Documents Yes Yes
Social media Yes Yes
Activity feed / social wall  Yes Yes
Live polling Yes Yes
Q&A Yes Yes
Session feedback

Yes

Yes
Surveys Yes Yes
Gamification  Yes Yes
Analytics and reporting Yes Yes

 

 

Web vs native comparison

The primary difference between the web based version and native app is how users access the platform. The web based version is accessible via a custom URL whereas the native app is downloaded from the Apple app store or Google Play Store.

A major benefit of the CrowdComms platform is that the interface is identical across the web and native version and there is one admin dashboard to upload and edit content. There is no duplication of work and the user experience is consistent regardless of users preferred method of access. This ensure users who access the platform on desktops pre event are comfortable with the user interface when they download the native app for access onsite at in person events. This is essential for hybrid events to allow your remote audience accessing the desktop version to have the same experience as the in person audience on mobile phones. 

There are subtle differences in terms of the features available. A notable difference is push notifications which is a feature of native apps and therefore not available on the web based version. If you opt to stick with web which many clients do for ease and due to the consistent user experience, you still have the ability to send pop up alerts in platform and email alerts to ensure your attendees are up to speed with the latest information. 

Feature(s) 

Web based platform:

Responsive web based accessible across all devices including mobile, tablets and desktop

Native app:

Same platform accessed via app stores, web based platform is still available alongside the native app

Customisation  Yes Yes
Custom URL Yes No: Only relevant to web platform that is available alongside the native app
Security Settings Yes Yes
Push Notifications  No: Only available with native apps Yes
In Platform email alerts and notifications  Yes Yes
App store listing with custom app name and branding No: Only available with native apps Yes
Agenda Yes Yes
Session video player with engagement panel

Yes with Virtual / Hybrid platform.

No with Event app for in person only event. 

Yes with Virtual / Hybrid platform.

No with Event app for in person only event. 

Stream hosting  Yes with Virtual / Hybrid platform.

No with Event app for in person only event. 

Yes with Virtual / Hybrid platform.

No with Event app for in person only event. 

Video player Yes Yes
Personalised schedules Yes Yes
Round table discussion rooms Yes No: Only available on the web platform
Zoom breakout integration  Yes Yes
Speaker profiles Yes Yes
Attendee profiles Yes Yes
1-2-1 private chat messaging Yes Yes
1-2-1 private video calls Yes No: Only available on the web platform
Company profiles Yes Yes
Sponsor opportunities Yes Yes
Event information Yes Yes
Floor plans Yes Yes
Google maps Yes Yes
Documents Yes Yes
Social media Yes Yes
Activity feed / social wall  Yes Yes
Live polling Yes Yes
Q&A Yes Yes
Session feedback

Yes

Yes
Surveys Yes Yes
Gamification  Yes Yes
Analytics and reporting Yes Yes