Whether you’re planning a breakfast awards banquet or a week long conference, the one thing that all attendees will have in common is that they’ll be bringing, and using, their mobile phones. To take advantage of this and facilitate social media engagement for your brand and/or event, check out the tips below to accommodate even the most tech-savvy attendees, sponsors, and event service providers.

1. Wi-fi is a must. Often the first question out of an event attendees mouth is not “where is the bar?”, but rather “what’s the wi-fi password?”. Save yourself the headache by sharing the secret code with guests on bar signage, registration tickets, and even name badges . If you’re planning a large scale conference-style event where it’s likely that attendees and sponsors will be using more bandwidth, make provisions well in advance. Many venues are adapting to demand and offer plenty of coverage in-house, but forgetting to consider the needs of your group can lead to some very disgruntled guests.

2. Set up a charging station. Sometimes used as a sponsor activation, build a recharging lounge complete with plugs, iPhone ports, and even extra chargers. Incorporate some seating and even a bar so guests can rest, network, and relax while their tablets juice back up.

3. Make event content mobile friendly. Publish schedules, event information, maps, presentation materials and more on a mobile website enabling guests to have information at the touch of a button, saving you printing costs on paper schedules and signage that will go to waste. If you’re going to do a mobile site for your event however, make sure it’s user-friendly, attractive, and straightforward.

4. Streamline registration by using a check in app available through many ticketing services including Eventbrite. The app provides a digital ticket to the registrants phone that can then be scanned at registration by an event host’s device. Easy to use, and there’s no worry about forgetting your tickets at home or waiting for hours in line.

5. Swag. Offer branded tablet covers or iPhone cases as a favor that guests will actually use–and take to their social networks to buzz about! Who needs another pair of fake Ray-Bans anyway? iTunes gift cards, branded speakers, and headphones are some other options in the same vein.

6. Apps on apps on apps. From sharing photos through an aggregation app like Bonfyre to allowing guests to pick their playlist through DJ request apps like Playmysong, there are hundreds upon hundreds of apps that you can incorporate to improve the guest experience. A simple search in the iTunes store will upgrade your event as fast as your device can download.

7. Need to communicate with attendees? Services like Betwext and GigaBark aggregate registrant information and allow you to send customized text messages to volunteers, attendees, VIPs, or staff members. Share schedule changes, last minute reminders, and more right to the recipient’s home screen.

These are just some of the many ways to make your next event mobile-friendly. Fire up your app store and explore the thousands of possibilities available to liven up the party and manage attendee needs like a pro.

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