Tag: iPhone
ABCey’s #TechTuesday: Make Event Planning Easier with Tech Tools!
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. Today’s #TechTuesday features the 10 tech tools to make event planning easier!
1. Loopd
Loopd is a system that uses Bluetooth beacons placed around an event venue and chips guests wear around their neck to enable location-tracking for planners and guests. It keeps track of which exhibit booths and sessions attendees visit and also helps with networking! With one tap, guests are able to share contact information, so forget about shuffling around to pull out your phone! Additionally, guests can receive marketing materials and fliers from all the booths they visited via the Loopd app!
2. Hootsuite
Nowadays, every event planner turns to social media to promote their event, and we don’t blame them! It reaches large audiences and is extremely easy to use! The only downside is how many social media platforms are out there. With Hootsuite, you can manage all your social media platforms in one space, so you can close all your tabs!
3. Estimote
Ever wish the TV in front of you showed you exactly what you wanted to see? Estimote, with the help of Bluetooth beacons, can personalize content displayed on digital screens for guests! These beacons communicate with the smartphone in your pocket to show information based on your interests and buying habits. Now all your guests will have a custom experience and event planners won’t need to be concerned with irrelevant content!
4. Eventbrite Organizer
Lines are a huge deterrent, especially check-in lines! Eventbrite Organizer helps cut the lines by allowing the user to scan tickets directly from their phone! Also, you are able to check real-time ticket sales and can even become a mobile box office!
5. SelfieSpott
Instead of creating elaborate backdrops with only a small space for your event logo, event planners can design a graphic overlay with their event logo and some information on the back, if desired. SelfieSpott allows guests to receive their photos instantly and ready for social media by simply texting a number! Also, with their permission, planners can have access to the numbers for a follow-up!
6. Social Tables
Creating to-scale diagrams has never been easier, so put down those toothpicks and cut-out tables and pull out your computer! With the Social Tables software, you can adjust the placement of tables and also create a seating chart for your guests. You are able to customize every aspect of it to your liking, whether it be color, size, or label! It’ll make event planning easier by far!
7. Facial Recognition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3A9_XDirW4
Looking to amaze your guests and reduce check-in lines? Zenus has constructed a kiosk that will scan and display a guest’s badge upon their approach. If you prefer a less bulky option, their facial recognition software pairs with any device that possesses a camera, like an iPad! Check-in will be quick and your guests no longer have to waste precious time waiting to be checked in!
8. Slack
If you find yourself switching between iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and other channels just to reach all your event staff, we recommend you try Slack! It’s a workplace messaging system that can help you keep all your communications in one channel. Also, you can create groups within the chat to help you keep organized!
9. Speecheo
Ditch the pen and paper! Speecheo allows all your guests to take notes while simultaneously providing feedback to the speaker! Planners and speakers can see the most popular part of the presentation, and the audience can create bookmarks and record audio to later share on social media.
10. Dropbox
Forget lugging around huge binders full of documents! Dropbox keeps all your necessary documents in one secure place. Access can also be shared among all your event staff to avoid losing printed copies and to be a little eco-friendly!
How will you make event planning easier?
We know that event planning can be extremely difficult and demanding. These tech tools are meant to help every planner be a little more organized and to make event planning easier! Are there any tech tools you use? Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Top 5 Photo Editing Apps For Your Next Event
ABCey’s top photo editing apps are a must at your next event. It’s always important to create images that communicate the best event experience to your viewers. Read on to see which photo editing apps we use to bring our event photos to life!
1. VSCO CAM
VSCO CAM (free with in-app purchase) is an all in one editing app that allows users to take, edit, and share photos to other social media sites. The app is equip with editing tools and various filters that will bring pizazz to your next event!
2. Snapseed
Snapseed (free) was created by Google and it is accessible for android and IOS. This app allows users to optimize photos with just a single touch. Users can also apply filters and overlays that will look amazing on all social media sites!
3. Afterlight
Afterlight ($0.99) offers numerous types of filters and frames that users can choose from to add some color to their next event! This app is also available for IOS and android.
4. Hyperlapse
Hyperlapse (free) was created by Instagram and it allows users to condense a series of photos at hyper speed! You can choose between a few different speeds. For example, you can condense a 30 second video into just 5 seconds making it a great way to capture more at your event!
5. Befunky
Befunky (free with in-app purchase) is compatible with Google Drive Photos, making it easy for users to transform their photos into something more! This app allows you to insert custom overlays like filters or text to add essence to your photos.
We are loving these photo editing apps as they make all of our event pics pop! Add some liveliness to your next event through these apps and showcase the best event experience!
Do you use any of these photo editing apps? Let us know your fave on Facebook or Twitter!
ABCey Events Startup Monday: Shyp
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that features some of the best and brightest companies in the Bay Area. They are often companies that we have our eye on, or have worked with in the past & would like to share with friends and followers of ABCey Events! Today’s Startup Monday highlights Shyp, a shipping app that makes sending packages less of a hassle!
Shyp
Don’t have enough time in the day to ship items? This app saves time and lets you focus on the more pressing things on your to do list! Using the app, customers set up a location (home or work) for Shyp to pick up the item. After pick up, Shyp will pack (if you haven’t already) and ship your item for you while also providing a tracking number!
Who Can Shyp?
Shyp is available for individuals, businesses and enterprises and can do everything from printing labels to getting the box and tape necessary to ship! Another great feature is their pricing. Individuals and small to medium size businesses do not have to pay monthly fees!
The app is currently available to those in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York City and Chicago.
We love that this is on less thing to worry about and we can focus on other important tasks!
Interested in Shyp? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey Events Tech Tuesday: Olloclip
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. In today’s #TechTuesday, we feature Olloclip the iPhone photography gadget that will step up your Instagram game!
The Olloclip 4-in-1 Lens
This extremely versatile cell phone lens is tiny and simple to use! Users can quickly change between the four lenses to get four amazing shots!
Features
The four lenses enable iPhone users to take professional and artistic photos and videos. There are four types of lenses: fisheye, wide angle, macro 10x and macro 15x! The lenses can be used on both the front and rear facing cameras so you can take awesome selfies as well! The images also come out crystal clear.
We are always looking for innovative ways to take photos of our events and these lenses enable us to do it quickly and creatively!
ABCey’s #TechTuesday Valentine’s Edition
#TechTuesday highlights the best and brightest ideas in the tech world. In today’s #TechTuesday, we present Valentine’s Day tech to help you make today perfect!
Forgot to get a present? Spending tonight with your single girlfriends? These apps and gifts are great for any situation on Valentine’s Day!
Forgot to Get Flowers?
Try: Farmgirl Flowers
A V-Day classic, Farmgirl Flowers still have flowers available today! Have flowers delivered to your house or to an office!
Love Dinner and a Movie?
Try: MoviePass
Watch all the Oscar-nominated movies by purchasing a MoviePass membership and see multiple movies a month for a flat fee!
Spending the Night in With Friends?
Try: Dominos App
Don’t want to leave the house? Make ordering part of the fun as Dominos allows you to order pizza via iPhone/Android, Twitter, Apple TV, Google Home, or Amazon Echo. We love that there are so many ways to order your favorite pizza!
Gift that Comes Every Month
Try – BirchBox
The Fitbit for dogs, Fitbark tracks a dog’s activity and sleep. The app lets users see their dog’s data and is all compatible with their own FitBit, HealthKit, or Jawbone. The Fitbark attaches to their collar and is waterproof!
What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
ABCey’s Startup Monday: Simple Habit
About Simple Habit
Features
Users enter the app and see a wheel of “On the go” activities to select from. We love that if you are stressing about a big event or simply commuting into work there are options for you! There is also an explore portion of the app with many other meditation options to choose from. You can select from meditations, podcast as well as teachers. The app also tracks your progress – adding up the amount of minutes you have spent on the app and how many days you have kept up your habit!
Price
Subscriptions for Simple Habit cost $11.99/month, $99/year + A free 30 day trial and a $299 lifetime option.
We love that this app allows even the busiest of people the opportunity to meditate. We can’t wait to try this before our next big event!
Interested in Simple Habit? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
Startup Monday: Winnie Helps Parents and Kids Explore
Startup Monday is ABCey’s weekly post that features some of the best and brightest companies in the Bay Area. They are often companies that we have our eye on, or have worked with in the past & would like to share with friends and followers of ABCey Events! Today’s Startup Monday highlights Winnie, a great app for parents to use to find places to go for them and their kids!
Nominated for “Hot New Startup” at this years upcoming TechCrunch Crunchies Awards, Winnie is helping parents across the US, as being a parent can be a lot of work. Finding places for you and your kids to go can be an added difficulty. With the help of Winnie, parents can make weekend plans a lot easier!
Features of Winnie
Find Child Oriented Activities
Winnie allows parents to find the nearest changing table or best place for nursing. It also addresses those looking to go out to eat with kids. Users can select filters such as: places with highchairs, kids eat free, and kids menus to make choosing a restaurant easy.
Stories are Reviews for Parents by Parents
No need to scroll through reviews for relevant information. The stories portion of the app gives parents the opportunity to review places they have been while addressing the needs of parents. You can also post pictures of kids having a great time while putting cute stickers over their faces for privacy!
Planning a Weekend Getaway with the Kids Made Easier
Traveling with kids can be a huge source of stress. The app lets users jump to other locations, making finding things to do on your vacation a lot easier. Parents can avoid worrying and focus on enjoying exploring a new place with their kids!
Click here to download the Winnie app.
Will you be using Winnie? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter!
Create a Customized Snapchat Filter for Your Event
As Snapchat continues to be a dominant avenue for social media, it is a great tool to use for event promotion. As you may know, Snapchat has an awesome feature that allows you to create your own snapchat filter for an event, On-Demand Geofilter. This allows anyone at the location of your event to use the filter during a designated time frame. At ABCey, we like to keep you up to date on all the latest social marketing tactics. So, here is a simple step by step on how to create your own filter!
** Note: to create an On-Demand Geofilter you must have a Snapchat account.
Create a Customized Snapchat Filter for Your Event
Step 1: Go to Canva.com
Once at the website, create a design using custom dimensions 1080px x 1920px.
After setting the dimensions, start designing! Keep in mind you want to leave room for people’s faces – so try to stick to customizing the top, bottom, and frame of the space.
Step 2: Download Your Finished Product
After you finish designing your cool new filter, click the download button and download the file as a PNG.
Step 3: Download GIMP
Download the computer application GIMP.
Step 4: Open Your Filter in GIMP
First, open your new filter by going to File → Open → Select Filter PNG. After, go to Select → By Color and click the white portion of your filter. Proceed by going to Colors → Color to Alpha. Finally, go to File → Overwrite nameofyourfilter.png.
Step 5: Go to Snapchat
Login to Snapchat.com and follow the steps on their website to upload your filter, select the location and time you want your filter to be active.
Happy Snapping!
Do you plan on using a custom Snapchat filter for your events? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook or Twitter!
Bandsintown: the #1 rated concert app for iOS and Android
One of the most beloved forms of entertainment is live music. Did you know concerts can be enjoyed throughout your city everyday? ABCey Events loves to stay in the know on all the upcoming concerts, events, and happenings here in the Bay Area, and this is concert app is great for that! Bandsintown is also user friendly on both iOS and Android! This awesome app makes concert searching a breeze by allowing you to track your favorite artists and receive alerts when they are in town!
Features of the concert app, Bandsintown
Scan Your Music Library
Make finding your favorite bands in town an easy process!
RSVP to Your Concert Event
Bandsintown lets you to keep track of the shows you have RSVP’d to. Wheather you are just interested or actually attending, this app keeps you in the know of events coming up! Once you’ve RSVP’d, your calendar will sync with Bandsintown so you never miss a show! Don’t forget to share your concert details with your friends on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Get Your Tickets
Once you browse Bandsintown to find the upcoming tour dates of your favorite artists, you can easily purchase tickets through hundreds of ticket sites like Ticketmaster, LiveNation, and Eventbrite. Additionally, they offer in app purchases to make it extremely easy to get your reservations on time! If there is any issue with ticket sales, there is a Feedback button to report any ticketing mistakes. Bandsintown works with Desk.com so you get fast and helpful service for any “concert going needs”.
With living in such a passionate age for live music, this concert app works hard to connect us to the artists we love! Do you love Bandsintown as much as we do? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook and Twitter.
7 Tech Gadgets for Event Professionals
Welcome to the digital age! Yes, robots taking over can be scary, but technology can also be used for good. With so many gizmos and tools on the market, we want to keep you in with some of the top must-haves for event tech. ABCey Events has compiled a list of 7 great tech gadgets and apps for all event professionals to help make your job just a little bit easier!
7 Tech Gadgets and Apps for Events
1. Measuring Tools: Camera measuring app
Whether you want to know the measurements at a site visit, or see if the venue will fit a certain event prop, knowing exactly how much room you have is important. Instead of struggling with a regular measuring tape, turn your iPhone into a measuring tool with the EasyMeasure app! This app uses your camera to measure your distance from an object and dimensions of an image. Simply point your camera, click, and get very accurate measurements!
2. HD Livestream Broadcaster
It sucks when guests can’t make it your event, but they can still be part of the event action with livestream broadcasting! Event tech gadgets, like Livestream’s Broadcaster Pro, allow you to broadcast your event live in HD! You can easily attach this to any HDMI camera or your smartphone’s Livestream app. Then, click play and you’ll be recording live! Help guests who couldn’t make it, get your event noticed, and let people see how tech savvy you are!
3. Lightwave: Biometric sensor-equipped wristbands
Did you ever want to know how your guests are feeling? Now you can with Lightwave wristbands! These sensor wristbands pick up on a person’s body temperature, movement, and other biometric data. You can then use this data to adjust your event in real time. Change everything from the lighting brightness to music tempo and mic volume to create the perfect balance!
4. Digital Portable Scanner
If you’re an event professional on the go, it’s hard to keep track of documents, floor plans, proposals, and more! And, now that we live in the digital age, having hard copies of papers is almost pointless. To help fix this problem, try a digital portable scanner! With this magic wand, you can take physical copies of important docs and scan them to make digital copies. This way you won’t ever lose a contract, bank statement, or receipt ever again!
5. Crowd Mic App
It’s great to hear from your audience, but walking around to each person in a crowd with a microphone can be a hassle. Crowd Mic’s app lets any event guest’s smartphone become a microphone. Tap to request to speak, and the presenter can accept it, mute you, and let everyone speak with the open mic mode. Also, this app lets you have live polls and text, so you can directly connect with your attendees. Don’t make your staff run around and engage your guests with this fun event tech!
6. Google Chrome Work Devices
Make your virtual meetings a breeze with Google Chrome Devices! Google has devices and packages that can include everything from speakers, a remote control, a mechanical pan and tilt HD camera, tech support, and the physical Chromebox system/core processor. In addition, the box is equipped with Google app software which makes it easy to share docs, spreadsheets, Google invitations and more! Next time you have a virtual conference call, use this event gadget to help your video conference run smoothly!
7. Portable Projector
As an event prof, you have to be prepared for the worst, like your projector breaking down! Instead of having a massive projector, get a small portable projector. These are great for both meeting presentations and displaying videos or images at your parties! For a great all purpose projector, check out the Epson PowerLite Multimedia Projector. Not only does it project high quality data, videos, and photos, but it also connects directly and wirelessly to phones, computers, tablets, and USB memory drives. Give attendees a great presentation with a remote or a mouse control, and easily carry this 3.7 pound projector in your bag!
Do you plan on using any of these event gadgets for your events? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook or Twitter!