Let’s skip the long introduction and get straight to the point: which apps should you use to be productive at the trade show?
We won’t mention apps provided by event organizers—installing them is a must. These apps usually provide a list of participants, a scheduling feature for meetings, an agenda, updates, and sometimes even a chat. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and not everyone uses them.
In addition to these, you’ll need other tools to help you not only at this particular show but at other expos too.
So, what are they?
Linq
Linq is a simple app for trade shows that allows you to create your digital business card. More and more people are moving away from physical business cards, and this solution might be just right if you want to join them.
There are many benefits to digital cards: no one can lose it, establishing connections is easy, it’s easy to manage, you can automate your outreach, and even create a workflow that helps you send messages automatically.
The company also offers an option to order custom physical products using QR and NFC technologies, making it easy for your contacts to reach you online.
Pros: A variety of features beyond digital business cards, including contact management, outreach automation, integration with other platforms, and even call transcriptions. All you need for networking and closing deals in one app for your mobile. Plus, you get your personal digital business card.
Cons: To unlock all advantages, you may need to order a physical product. Some users report issues with NFC and have mixed feedback on the UX, though most like the product overall. You’ll also need an internet connection to use the tool.
Pricing: $12.49/month billed annually for the app.
iCapture
iCapture is a lead-capturing platform from the creators of one of the largest event tools, Cvent. It’s designed to simplify the work of your representatives at booths, allowing them to scan badges and business cards, automate workflows, send materials, score leads, and transfer data to your CRM.
Pros: The tool comes from event experts, so it’s comprehensive and supports your booth workers throughout the event. It integrates with different CRM systems and has features to streamline interactions with leads during events. No internet connection is required to use the mobile app for badge scanning.
Cons: It’s quite pricey. If you attend only 2-3 trade shows per year, it might be costly. Some users also report limited customization options and inefficient processes.
Pricing: Starting at $8,000 per year.
Captello
https://www.captello.com/event-lead-capture/
Captello is another lead-capturing platform on our list. It enables you to capture leads, prepare messages, automate communication, sync with your CRM and marketing tools, and analyze event outcomes.
Pros: This tool covers the full lead management process, from capturing to analysis. There are no restrictions on the number of users, so all your booth reps can use Captello. The platform also supports 6,000+ integrations, which is impressive, and it has won awards, indicating high user satisfaction.
Cons: Some users mention it’s expensive. If you only attend one or two events annually, consider whether it’s worth it. Additionally, some find it challenging to learn all the features.
Pricing: $500 for a single event license with a one-time purchase.
Leadbeam
Leadbeam lets you leave voice or image notes that go directly into your CRM system. This can save you time by automatically transferring information from business cards or through voice notes—crucial for those working at trade shows
Pros: It’s a simple tool that’s useful for occasions beyond events.
Cons: Unfortunately, the app is not available in all countries.
Pricing: Looks like it’s free.
BizConnect
https://bizconnectus.com/index.html
BizConnect is a straightforward business card scanner, handy at any event. Sometimes simplicity is all you need, especially if you’re a small or medium business without the budget for a lead-capturing platform.
Often, you don’t need another tool that automates responses, scores leads, and analyzes data—you may already have a CRM and marketing automation tool. But a business card scanner is essential at any event.
Pros: Simplicity is key here. You can export and import contacts to Google, Outlook, and Excel, and there are other integration options. You can also create teams within the app to assign tasks and track performance. Contacts can be managed and organized into groups and folders. Users often highlight how easy the app is to use.
Cons: Disadvantages mentioned include high price, slow scanning, and a less user-friendly interface.
Pricing: Around $12 per month, $99 per year for a private user. For enterprises, around $62 per month or $500 per year with an annual subscription.
These are just five software tools to consider using at trade shows. Each will help you be more efficient, capture more contacts, and establish relationships that could turn into future clients.
Of course, when preparing for a trade show, there are many more platforms for different tasks, but we’ll talk about them next time.