Concierge

Event management App vs. Concierge

Not every event needs an app. But every guest deserves premium support.

An event management app can bring schedules, maps, sessions, and other resources together. Concierge helps your team send timely updates, respond when plans change, and answer guests directly by text.

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Ruth Acosta

Hi Ali!We’re so excited to spend the next few days with you. Add this phone number to your address book so it’s easy to reach us and reply if you need anything during your stay.– Event team

Thu, Oct 27, 12:12 PM

Could you please add me to the Sustainability session?

Thu, Oct 27, 2:10 PM

Ruth Acosta

Sure! We added you to the Sustainability session. All set!

Thu, Oct 27, 2:14 PM

The right fit

Start with what event guests need first

Use an Event management App When…

Guests need a place to explore rich event content.

Event app icon on a phone home screen

App download or account creation required

Generalized agendas, session search, and schedules

Interactive venue floor plans showing session rooms and event spaces

Detailed speaker and sponsor profiles with session descriptions

Networking, polling, gamification, or attendee engagement

Event resources guests can revisit

Must enable push notifications for quick updates

Configuration of app months ahead of time for testing

Use Concierge When…

Guests need SMS updates and direct support during an event.

Text message thread with the event team

Web app with no download or account creation

Personalized microsite and guest schedule

Password-protected guest directory with custom fields

Scheduled texts to domestic and international guests

Targeted SMS updates for when plans change

Direct texts to event team for help; shared inbox for replies

Custom group creation for VIP tracks to personalize comms

Easy contact imports, number validation, and test sends

Choose Concierge.
No app download required.

Guests receive and reply to Concierge texts without downloading an app or creating an account. Your team gets a dedicated event number and shared inbox for replies.

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Side by side

What job does each tool do best?

Event management app

Concierge

Primary job

Organize event information and resources for guests to browse.

Send updates and support guests directly via texting (SMS, WhatsApp).

Guest access

Through the event’s chosen app or platform; setup varies.

No app download or account necessary. Guests receive and reply to texts directly.

Event information

Detailed agendas, session information, exhibitor content, networking

Key info and links sent by text. Personalized microsites with event schedules available.

Updates

App push notifications; capabilities vary.

Schedule messages in advance or send targeted, real-time updates when details change.

Networking

Attendee profiles, matchmaking, or messaging

Share a password-protected guest directory microsite with customized data

Two-way communication

Depends on the platform and how the event configures it.

Guests text the event number; team replies from a shared inbox.

Personalization & groups

Depends on the platform. May offer personalized agendas.

Message the customized guest groups; manage individual conversations.

Team workflow

Managed within the platform; workflows vary.

Shared inbox, assignments, conversation history, and notes.

Preparation

Depends on the platform and event workflow.

Spreadsheet imports, guest groups, phone number validation, and test sends.

Hands-on support

Depends on the provider and arrangement.

Hands-on setup, team training, and live event support available.

In practice

How Concierge helps in the moments that matter

Guests arrive at the airport

Event app

Holds general arrival info to look up.

Concierge

Customized pickup or driver info sent to the relevant guest upon arrival

“Can I walk to my group dinner?”

Event app

Checking the event map, but may still need help figuring out the route.

Concierge

Guest texts the event number and gets walking directions from the event team.

“What kind of bag can I bring?”

Event app

Digging through the app to find right info.

Concierge

Guest texts the event number and gets a direct reply with bag dimensions.

The welcome dinner moves indoors

Event app

May hold an updated schedule.

Concierge

Text the new location to the dinner group as soon as plans change.

When a guest needs help

Event app

Gives guests FAQs and information to browse.

Concierge

Gives them a direct way to ask a question and get help from your team.

What enterprise event teams, sports marketing agencies, experiential marketing agencies, and event and hospitality agencies say about Concierge.

From scheduled updates to last-minute changes, here’s how teams use Concierge to keep guests informed and supported throughout an event.

When plans change…

“Having Concierge there supporting us throughout the event was incredibly helpful as our schedule kept changing.”

Haley

Event Manager

“Getting the texts during the event is reassurance to our guests that everything is organized… it’s right there on my phone.”

Tom

Event Manager

“We got amazing feedback about the texts. It was super helpful, especially for coordinating departures.”

Kyler

Event Manager

“We received very positive survey feedback about Concierge during our Super Bowl program. Our guests really appreciated the live updates, especially when last minute changes occurred.”

Ashley

Assistant Manager, Events & Hospitality

“We used Concierge to communicate with all guests and hosts at our client’s annual golf tournament. The Concierge team was incredibly responsive and ensured we were prepared as we headed into our event. Guests expressed appreciation for the texting service and the ability to communicate with our team as schedules changed onsite.”

Liz

Senior Manager, Performance & Insights

01 / 05

For targeted communication

“Concierge is so awesome and easy to use for all events. Being able to pre-schedule messages and separate attendees into different lists is a game changer! Guests love the reminders on location, timing, attire, and all other needed info in a quick text message. Will definitely use Concierge as a tool for all events and group trips moving forward!”

Danielle

Sr. Manager, Events & Hospitality

“We used Concierge to text with guests at our big summer meeting. Being able to schedule text messages in advance saved us a ton of time while on site at the event.”

Mark

Event Production Manager

“Concierge was a game changer for us with the quick communication to our attendees about things like updated travel due to weather and for collecting attendee survey responses.”

Carrie A.

Meeting & Events Partner

01 / 03

For responsive event support

“Concierge was a huge success and was such a great way to communicate with our different groups on site… It was incredibly effective and we got great feedback on it.”

Naomi

Event Manager

“Concierge saved us a ton of time communicating the event schedule and logistics and enhanced the event experience for our guests. The Concierge team was on point with support throughout the event so we could stay focused on hosting.”

Max

Event Project Manager

“I had such a great experience using the Concierge platform for our project... We had nothing but stellar reviews and compliments from all of our guests. We also appreciate your help during the hectic event!”

Courtney

Event Manager

“We use Concierge to text with attendees at our incentive trips and offsite events. Concierge helps us communicate beyond what we can do with event apps, and the team is super responsive to our requests. I highly recommend Concierge for any corporate event team.”

Brad H.

Associate Director, Commercial Services

01 / 04

For an elevated guest experience

“Concierge was a 10/10 experience across the board. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again and highly recommend their services to anyone looking for a reliable, high-touch SMS solution.”

Elliot Marach

Producer

“Concierge helped us deliver a truly elevated experience, and it has become a must-have for our team.”

Whitney Lemmon Taylor

Project Manager

“Concierge has truly transformed the way my team executes events. The platform itself is very user-friendly and intuitive which matters tremendously when managing events on site in high-speed environments. Concierge has elevated our event experiences and become an essential part of how we operate as a team.”

Erin McClain

Account Coordinator

01 / 03

How Concierge works

Get your communication ready before guests arrive

1

Prepare your contacts.

Import contacts from a spreadsheet or registration platform, organize guest group lists, and validate cell phone numbers.

2

Plan and test messages.

3

Get your team ready.

4

Send updates and answer guests.

5

Get support during the event.

Guests need answers.
Not another app.

Concierge keeps guests up to date and gives them a direct line to your team when questions come up, all by text.

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FAQ

Yes. Keep your event management app for resources guests may want to browse, such as the agenda or map, and use Concierge for targeted updates and direct guest support by text. Your event app and Concierge serve different communication needs.

No app download or account is required for guests to receive and reply to Concierge texts. Guests only need a valid mobile number to receive texts.

Yes. It can when your event’s main need is direct communication and guest support rather than a broad set of app-based resources. If guests need session search, networking, or exhibitor content, an event app may be a better fit, or the two tools may work well together. For a simpler way to share personalized schedules, itineraries, and FAQs, event microsites are also available with Concierge.

Replies go to a shared Inbox in the platform where the event team can manage guest conversations together, rather than relying on messages sent to one team member’s phone.

Yes. Concierge can send real-time event updates to guests. Message delivery starts within seconds and completes within minutes (depending on factors like group size, network traffic, and cell phone tower coverage quality). It is not a certified emergency-alert system and should not be used as a substitute for one.

Concierge supports international messaging across more than 160 countries. Availability and requirements vary by destination and channel, so confirm the right approach for your guest list during planning.

Event calling and call routing are available by plan. Depending on the plan, your team can call from the event number and route calls to the person on duty.