Event apps are supposed to increase engagement, boost networking, and sell more tickets.
But for most organisers, they’re doing the exact opposite.
Behind the shiny app store buttons lies a set of brutal truths that your tech vendor probably doesn’t want you to know. But the good news? There’s a no-download, SEO-friendly, fully trackable fix that flips the script.
Here’s what’s really happening—and how switching to a Progressive Event App© (PEA) like Presso could save your next event.
💣 Truth #1: Your App is Invisible to Google
If it lives in the App Store, it’s basically in witness protection.
Native apps are black holes for SEO. Your session titles, speaker bios, agenda—all that juicy content? Google can’t see it. Which means...
- Fewer organic search hits.
- Less traffic.
- Fewer ticket sales from new audiences.
Presso’s Progressive Event App© changes that. It’s web-based, fully indexable, and ranks on Google like a dream. Your event becomes a lead magnet—not a lost cause.
🚨 TAKEAWAY: If SEO matters to your event (spoiler: it should), ditch the app store.
🧊 Truth #2: Adoption Rates Are Embarrassingly Low
Industry average? 60%—and that’s with constant nagging.
That means 40% of your attendees never download the app.
Which also means:
- No live updates.
- No polls or push notifications.
- No networking.
They’re in the room... but totally disconnected.
Presso’s PEA? Near-100% adoption.
No downloads. No logins. Just a QR code or a link, and they’re in.
🔥 TAKEAWAY: If even 1 in 3 attendees skip your app, you’ve already lost. Fix adoption first.
🕳️ Truth #3: You’re Overpaying for Underperformance
Let’s be real: native event apps are bloated, overbuilt, and overpriced. Between development, support, and app store bureaucracy, you’re burning budget on a tool half your attendees don’t use.
And then you’re still printing paper schedules “just in case.”
Presso charges £1 per attendee. Flat.
No feature gates. No platform juggling. Just a powerful, browser-based app that works for everyone.
💸 TAKEAWAY: You don’t need a bloated app to run a world-class event. Just one link.
💬 Truth #4: Networking Fails When the App Does
Attendees want to network. It’s their #1 reason for showing up.
But if the platform is locked behind a download + sign-up + profile builder, they won’t bother. Especially not for a 2-day event.
Presso makes networking instant.
One-tap access. Pre-filled profiles. Real-time messaging with everyone on-site.
📱 TAKEAWAY: Networking only works if everyone’s on the platform. Eliminate the barriers.
📉 Truth #5: You’re Losing Leads You Don’t Even Know About
When your app content is hidden from Google, your sessions and speakers don’t appear in search. That means...
- No rich snippets in Google’s Event carousel.
- No organic reach beyond your email list.
- No long-tail discovery.
In a post-COVID market with tighter budgets and shrinking margins, you can’t afford to be invisible.
Presso turns every session page into a searchable asset. It’s a website and an app, combined.
🧠 TAKEAWAY: Discoverability isn’t optional anymore. It’s your most affordable growth channel.
✅ The Fix: Progressive Event Apps (PEA©)
Presso’s Progressive Event App isn’t a traditional app. It’s a browser-based, no-download, fully indexable experience that gives every attendee full access from the moment they scan the code.
💥 99% adoption
🔍 Boosted SEO
💬 Seamless networking
🤑 Flat 1% Ticket Fee (Modern Tech Means Fewer Costs and Those Savings Are passed Onto You)
🌱 Built-in sustainability