Session Abstract

Each event organizer faces the dilemma of what is the best way to manage large customers and sponsor/exhibitor sales: where to track that information, how to compare customer behavior from year to year, how to identify and track sponsors and exhibitors that are not yet on board... There are two ways to approach this: customizing generic CRM tools or opting for CRM solutions specifically designed for the event industry. This session will highlight the challenges and benefits associated with each option, helping event organizers navigate this crucial aspect of event management technology. Generic CRM tools, while boasting a broad range of capabilities, often present difficulties in customization to meet the unique demands of event management. These challenges can lead to inefficiencies and a misalignment with the specific needs of the event industry. The session will explore these potential hurdles, offering insights into the complexities and trade-offs involved in adapting these versatile yet general tools to the event industry's nuanced requirements. In contrast, custom CRM solutions tailored for event managers offer a more streamlined approach. Although they might possess fewer features compared to their generic counterparts, the session will emphasize how these custom solutions are designed to improve and enhance core event management functions, such as ticket sales and managing sponsorships or exhibitors. The session aims to equip event professionals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about CRM solutions that not only meet their current needs but also enhance their overall event management strategy, ultimately leading to more successful and manageable events.

Adis Jugo

Creator, lead architect, and mastermind at run.events. An Information Technology professional with 30 years of professional experience, Event Tech specialist, Event Organizer, and Public Speaker with over 400 public speaking sessions in the past 25 years. A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure, and a Microsoft Regional Director. Spiritus movens at CollabSummit and CloudSummit. Firmly believes in leading by example and motivation. Lives beside the oldest vineyard in the Rhine valley. Prefers collecting stories to collecting possessions. Can make his wife and kids laugh anytime.