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
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 |