New to CrowdCompass? Not to worry, this document will guide you through everything necessary to self-publish a custom-branded app. It will also direct you to some helpful pages in the CrowdCompass Knowledge Center and help you avoid some common missteps that a lot of planners make. Almost all of the prep work you’ll do from here on out will be through the EventCenter, so log in and start building!

Your Guide to a Successful Self-Published App

The App Map

Apply for Developer Accounts 2

Build the App Framework 3

Add App Graphics 4

Create Your Event 5

Add Event Graphics 6

Choose Your Privacy Settings 7

Import or Add Content 8

Submit App for Approval 9

Plan for Resubmissions 10

FOLLOW THIS TRAIL

2The App Map

In order to publish apps in the App Store and Play Store, you must apply for both Apple and Google Developer accounts. Since this process can take up to 4 weeks, you’ll want to do this first. If your organization already has developer accounts, you can skip this step.

Apply for Developer Accounts

Why is this necessary? To protect themselves and their customers, Apple and Google want to ensure you’re the real deal. Everyone that wants to publish on their stores must sign up first.

Where do I do this? Sign up for an iOS Developer account on the Apple Developer site. You will need an Apple ID to begin the process. Sign up for a Google Developer account in the Play Console. You’ll need a Google account to begin the process.

What if I need more help? Check out these instructions on acquiring an iOS Developer account and Google Play Developer account.

#1 Set Up Your Dev Accounts

Developer accounts are not free. Apple charges an annual $99 fee. Google charges a one-time $25 fee.

Payment is made directly to Apple and Google, since they manage your accounts, not Cvent.

REQUIRED

Pro-tipNot sure if your organization already has Apple and Google Developer accounts? Start by checking with your IT Department or any other technical colleagues who may be in the know before you apply.

PitfallEach organization can only have one Apple Developer account and one Google Developer account. Don’t waste precious time applying if your organization already has them - Your applications will be denied.

BACK

3The App Map

Every CrowdCompass app is made up of two parts: the app itself, which represents your overall organization, and multiple events, which represent the specific conferences, tradeshows, or other events you plan on hosting. First you’ll build the app.

Enter Store Settings

Why is this necessary? Your attendees will need to download your app from the App Store, Google Play, or both. Store settings make it easier for attendees to search for and find your mobile masterpiece.

Where do I find these settings? Log in to the EventCenter and click Edit App. Under Configurations on the left, click General Settings.

What if I need more help? Check out this article for more info on general settings.

#2 Build the Framework

These fields must be filled out before Apple and Google will approve your app:

• Event Directory Short Name

• App Store Name (iOS and Google)

• App Display Name

• App Store Description

• App Store Keywords

REQUIRED

Pro-tipMake sure keywords are specific to your organization and event. Search the App Store with the terms you are interested in and see what pops up. If you get a lot of results, you may want to further refine your keywords.

PitfallThe App Display Name should be 12 characters or less, including spaces. Any longer and the name will be cut off on your attendees’ devices.

BACK

4The App Map

Add Graphics

Why is this necessary? Your app is an extension of your organization. If you want to entice people into downloading it, you need to ensure it is both appealing and reflective of your brand.

Where do I find these settings? Log in to the EventCenter and click Edit App. On the left, click App Design to edit your Icons, Store Graphics, and Colors.

What if I need more help? For a list of the required app graphics and their recommended dimensions, download the App-Level Checklist. See this page for further instructions on designing your app.

Failure to add these design elements will result in Apple or Google rejecting your app:

• App Icons

• App Store Graphics

• App Colors

REQUIRED

Pro-tipDesign your app-level graphics to match your organization’s branding. That way the event itself can have its own personality and style.

PitfallThe App Store and Google Play require slightly different icon sizes. Make sure to use the same icon image for both to ensure brand consistency across both stores.

BACK

5The App Map

Within your app there can be multiple events, each with their own unique style and branding. After building the event framework, you’ll populate it with all of your content.

Build the Framework

Why is this necessary? Just like the app, your event needs a name and description. This will assist your attendees in selecting the right one. Though instead of searching a mobile marketplace, they’ll find it through the custom-built app you’ve already prepared for them.

Where do I find this? Log in to the EventCenter and click New Event.

What if I need more help? Read about creating and previewing a new event in the Knowledge Center.

#3 Create Your Event

Failure to fill out these fields will result in Apple or Google rejecting your app:

• Event Name

• Short Name

• Description

• Start and End Dates

• Event Time Zone

• Location Information

REQUIRED

Pro-tipUsed CrowdCompass before? You can use the dropdown menu at the top of the New Event page to copy the details, design elements, and settings from past events. This saves you the hassle of starting from scratch.

PitfallDon’t see the New Event button? It’s possible you’ve reached your limit. Contact your Project Coordinator to see what’s going on.

BACK

6The App Map

Add Graphics

Why is this necessary? The graphics, colors, and designs you pick will play a substantial role in the look and feel of your event.

Where do I find this? Once you’ve created your event, click Design from the side navigation menu.

What if I need more help? For a list of required event graphics and their recommended dimensions, download the Event-Level Checklist. See this page for further instructions on designing your event.

Failure to add these design elements will result in Apple or Google rejecting your app:

• Event Icons

• Splash Screens

• Banners (at least one)

• Theme and Icon Pack

• Custom Colors

REQUIRED

Pro-tipUse the Custom Colors section to select RGB or Hex values that match your event’s branding.

PitfallTo ensure that logos, sponsors, or other important elements don’t get cut off when a tablet rotates, give yourself a buffer of 290 pixels on both the left and right side of your tablet splash screens.

BACK

7The App Map

Select Security Settings

Why is this necessary? Some events could benefit from a little extra security, and some absolutely necessitate it. You can choose to protect your event with a password or make it invite-only.

Where do I find this? From the side navigation menu, click Event Settings. Then, under Event Settings on the left, click Privacy.

What if I need more help? Review the page on event settings in the Knowledge Center.

Make sure you’ve discussed the following options with all internal stakeholders:

• Keeping the Event Open

• Making the Event Invite Only

• Adding a Password

• Hiding the Event

REQUIRED

Pro-tipWhen your event has an event password set, be sure to send your attendee invitations through the EventCenter. The password will be included automatically.

PitfallYour event’s privacy settings should not be changed once your event is published. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of security your event has before you give it your final approval.

BACK

#4 Choose Your Privacy Settings

8The App Map

Import or Add Content

Why is this necessary? Your app is only as useful as the content that you add to it. It can open up a new way for attendees to experience your event, but it needs to have the right resources to be a success.

Where do I find this? From the side navigation meu, click Content. Each content area has its own section.

What if I need more help? Check out the Knowledge Center to learn how to import, rename, and restrict access to content.

#5 Upload Content

REQUIRED

Pro-tipMake session locations and exhibitor booths interactive. Use the mapped locations feature to link content directly to a floor plan.

PitfallAvoid duplicating data. If you’re using Cvent, use the integration to pull over attendees, sessions, and speakers into the EventCenter directly from registration. Contact your Project Coordinator for assistance.

BACK

80% or more of content should be uploaded prior to submitting your app. Common misses include:

• Sessions

• Speakers

• Organizations

• Maps

• Geo Locations

9The App Map

Pro-tipTo ensure your app goes live on time, submit to stores two weeks prior to your ideal app launch date. Apple and Google’s turnaround time varies depending on the current volume of app submissions.

PitfallAvoid placeholder text. Apple and Google may reject apps for using “lorem ipsum” or “blah blah blah.”

Before submitting your app, ask the following questions:

1. Are my app’s general settings finalized?

2. Have I uploaded the required graphics for both the app and the event?

3. Do I understand how my privacy settings will impact the attendee experience?

4. Is at least 80% of my content uploaded to the event?

5. Is there content behind every navigation icon?

Perform a Final Review

You’re almost ready to send your app out into the mobile marketplace, there’s just a couple of things you should check first. Remember, Cvent does not have the final say on what does and does not get approved. But we do know what both Apple and Google look for when they’re deciding who makes the cut. Taking a few minutes to address the questions on the right helps ensure that your app reaches the masses as soon as possible.

Once you’ve determined the app is ready, inform your Project Coordinator that you are ready to move forward. Our team will take care of the rest! Both stores usually take around fourteen days to review and approve or reject your app.

If your organization’s technical team would like to handle the app submission instead, review this article for instructions on how to upload the relevant certificates and build the necessary files directly in the EventCenter.

#6 Submit for Approval

REQUIRED

BACK

10The App Map

The following are common reasons for resubmission:

• Changes to your app-level branding, including anything behind the Edit App button.

• To take advantage of new app updates and feature releases.

Plan for Resubmissions

After an app has been submitted, it’s not uncommon for planners to continue to make changes and updates. Changes to your event’s content, such as adding a new speaker or moving the location of a session, can be made without the need for a resubmission. But larger changes, outlined in the list on the right, will require the App Store and Google Play to review your app again.

Since CrowdCompass is continually improving our apps and releasing new features, plan for our team to resubmit at least once per quarter to ensure your app stays up-to-date.

#7 After Submission

PRO-TIP

BACK

Pro-tipNow that your app is submitted, ensure it is worked into every facet of your marketing plan. From the app invitation to social media, don’t miss an opportunity to promote your hard work.

PitfallOur apps are native, but pushing updates and alerts requires a connection. Make absolutely sure your venue has Wi-Fi that can handle the size of your audience.

11The App Map

Event DesignThough you can change these without needing to resubmit, it is not recommended.

Event Icons

Splash Screens

Banners (at least one)

Theme and Icon Pack

Custom Colors

Previewed your event

Add-OnsIf you plan to use any of the below features, it is best to enable them before you submit.

Surveys

Game

SocialWall

Integration

App Store InfoOnce you submit, updates will require a resubmission to both stores.

App Store Name (iOS and Google)

App Display Name (12 characters or fewer)

App Store Description (at least 3 sentences)

App Store Keywords

Appendix Submission Checklist

BACK

App DesignOnce you submit, updates will require a resubmission to both stores.

App Icons

App Store Graphics

App Colors

Event SettingsThough you can change these without needing to resubmit, it is not recommended.

Event Settings

Privacy Settings

Attendee Account Settings

Attendee Profile Settings

Social Sharing Type

Content80% of your content must be added prior to submission. What to include varies for each event, but below are the most commonly used types of content.

Sessions

Speakers

Exhibitors

Maps

Sponsors

Social Media

Content loaded behind each navigation icon

Use the checklist below to keep track of your progress as you prepare for submission.

Pro-tipFinalize your attendee login experience before publishing. This will be determined by the Privacy Settings and Attendee Account Settings selected in the Privacy section of the EventCenter.