What I Learned in 2024

2024 has been a remarkable year! This year, I had the opportunity to join the Results at Hand team and have been challenged with learning the intricacies of event management and all that comes with it. Assisting clients in planning, coordinating, and executing events for large audiences was no small feat, considering the many details involved in ensuring a successful event. From attending conferences and events to working on providing top-tier management systems for clients, I have learned so much throughout 2024.  Here are some key insights and lessons I’ve gained along the way!

In-Person Events

As we move further from the disruptions of the COVID pandemic, more organizations are transitioning back to fully in-person events. In recent years, many conferences adopted hybrid or fully virtual formats out of necessity. However, in-person events offer unique opportunities for attendees to engage deeply, build meaningful connections, and immerse themselves in the full experience of a conference—benefits that are often challenging to replicate in virtual settings.

That said, organizing a successful in-person event can be complex. From coordinating schedules and managing logistics to sharing materials and ensuring smooth communication, event planning demands significant effort and attention to detail. Tools that streamline these processes are essential to making these events successful and enjoyable for both organizers and attendees.

A well-designed mobile event app can simplify event management by providing a central hub for schedules, attendee lists, maps, education resources, and more—helping organizations maximize the value of their in-person gatherings. By addressing these logistical challenges, planners can focus on creating engaging, impactful experiences that attendees will remember long after the event concludes.

Event Check-In

One of the biggest concerns for event managers is often the check-in process. Long lines and delays at check-in can create stress for organizers and frustration for attendees, cutting into valuable event time. To address these challenges, onsite badge printing offers a streamlined solution. This process allows attendees to check in quickly and print their name badges on the spot, eliminating the need for pre-printing, ordering, or re-printing badges.

For organizers, this reduces the workload and minimizes errors, while attendees enjoy a smoother, faster check-in experience. By simplifying this critical touchpoint, both event managers and participants can focus on what truly matters—engaging with the event itself.

Simplicity is Key

Simplicity is essential for a successful event. Attendees want to focus on learning and networking, not sorting through misplaced handouts, maps, or unclear schedules. Disorganization can lead to frustration, missed sessions, and a diminished experience.

By going paperless, event managers can eliminate these hassles. Digital tools, like a mobile event app, provide attendees with easy access to maps, agendas, and session materials in one place. This ensures smooth navigation, reduces stress, and creates a more professional, enjoyable event for everyone involved.

Networking Goes Miles

As we all know, networking is huge in the world of events. From generating leads to securing the sale and closing the deal, it all stems back to networking and the opportunities it provides. This year, Results at Hand learned that when attendees are busy at an event trying to make as many connections as possible, it can be hard to keep track of everyone you talk to and collect contact information plus take notes. There isn’t necessarily time to type codes or search names on an app directory. To keep the process simple and fast so you can enjoy networking, scan leads into a lead retrieval app to download later.  

But Networking Doesn’t Always Have to be Serious

For many new attendees, networking can feel intimidating or overwhelming. Breaking the ice and connecting with others in a room full of strangers isn’t always easy. That’s where incorporating fun, game-like elements into your event’s networking sessions can make a big difference. Activities like team Olympics, amazing race-style challenges, or famous pairs games not only encourage participation but also create a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

These games help attendees focus on shared goals and interactions rather than the pressure of traditional networking. They can also serve as natural conversation starters, making it easier for newcomers to connect and build relationships. Exhibitors, too, benefit from increased engagement and can even use tools like QR code scans for effortless lead retrieval—keeping things simple and effective.

Adding a touch of fun to networking sessions doesn’t just boost engagement—it helps everyone feel more at ease and leaves a lasting positive impression.

Looking back, 2024 was a year of learning and growth. Even as someone new to the world of events and associations, it’s easy to see the incredible effort event managers put into creating meaningful experiences. At Results at Hand, we listened closely to the challenges they faced and worked hard to develop tools that truly make a difference. As we head into 2025, I’m excited to see how these solutions help events run more smoothly and make life a little easier for the people behind the scenes.