The Challenges of Traditional Lead Retrieval
Before the advent of mobile-based lead retrieval apps, exhibitors relied on physical badge scanners and rented devices. While these tools were effective in some ways, they often posed several challenges:
High rental costs: Exhibitors often had to rent devices from event organizers, sometimes at steep prices, only to use them for a limited amount of time.
Data delays: Traditional systems could have delays in syncing or exporting lead data, making it harder to follow up quickly after the event.
Limited integration: Many older systems did not integrate well with other event management tools, making it difficult to keep attendee, exhibitor, and lead data organized in one place.
Inflexibility: Customizing lead capture forms or adding additional fields to meet the exhibitor's needs could be complicated or impossible.
With the rise of mobile technology and advanced lead retrieval apps, these issues have been greatly reduced. Let's explore the current solutions that help exhibitors collect and manage leads more effectively.
1. Eventleaf - Lead Retrieval Included in All-in-One Platform
Eventleaf is a comprehensive event management platform that includes a powerful lead retrieval app as part of its Ultimate plan. One of the standout features of Eventleaf is its flat pricing model, meaning there are no additional charges for the app, regardless of how many exhibitors or booth staff are using it. This makes it a cost-effective solution for exhibitors, especially when managing large teams.
Key Features:
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Real-time lead capture: Quickly scan QR codes using smartphones or tablets to capture attendee information instantly.
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Lead rating & notes: Rate leads based on engagement or priority, and add personalized notes to ensure your follow-up is tailored and timely.
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Seamless data integration: Attendee registration, exhibitor registration, and lead retrieval are all integrated into the same platform, so no data exports are needed.
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Lead export: Easily export all captured leads into CSV or Excel files for integration with your CRM system.
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Customizable lead forms: Collect specific information that matters to you, such as product interests or budget ranges.
Advantages:
Flat pricing model with no additional charges for lead retrieval
Seamless integration with other event management tools
Customizable lead forms for tailored data collection
Limitations:
Only available as part of the Eventleaf platform
May have a learning curve for new users unfamiliar with event management software.
Pricing:
Included in the Eventleaf Ultimate plan; contact Eventleaf for detailed pricing.
2. Boomset
Boomset is a well-known platform for managing large-scale events and offers a highly functional lead retrieval app. It is popular for its ease of use and robust reporting features, which help exhibitors optimize their follow-up strategy.
Key Features:
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Fast badge scanning: Use smartphones or tablets to scan badges quickly, eliminating delays
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Lead tagging: Organize and categorize leads with tags based on specific interests or needs
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Lead rating: Rate the quality of leads in real-time to prioritize follow-up
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Analytics and reporting: Review detailed data on lead engagement to refine your sales approach
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Export functionality: Export lead data easily into CRM or marketing tools for quick follow-up
Advantages:
User-friendly interface with strong data integration
Customizable lead tagging and rating system
Real-time analytics for better lead prioritization
Limitations:
Pricing may be higher compared to other standalone lead retrieval apps
Limited offline functionality in certain environments
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on event size and requirements; contact Boomset for details
3. Cvent Lead Retrieval
Cvent offers a comprehensive event management solution, and its lead retrieval app integrates seamlessly with its event platform. This app is great for exhibitors who are already using Cvent for event registration and other management tasks, as it helps keep everything connected in one system.
Key Features:
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Instant lead capture: Use your mobile device to scan attendee badges and collect data quickly.
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Lead segmentation: Organize leads by categories such as product interest or demographics.
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Lead rating and notes: Rate and add notes to each lead for easy follow-up later.
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Analytics dashboard: Track lead activity and engagement in real-time.
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CRM integration: Sync all captured lead data with your CRM for seamless post-event engagement.
Advantages:
Seamless integration with Cvent's event management platform.
Robust lead segmentation and tracking tools.
Comprehensive analytics for exhibitors to evaluate performance.
Limitations:
Best suited for exhibitors already using Cvent's ecosystem.
Pricing may be higher compared to standalone lead retrieval solutions.
Pricing:
Custom pricing based on event and feature requirements; contact Cvent for more details.
4. LeadCapture by Experient
Key Features:
QR code scanning for fast lead capture
Customizable lead capture forms
Lead rating and prioritization
Real-time lead reporting and export
Advantages:
Easy to use and intuitive interface
Customizable to meet exhibitor needs
Detailed analytics for lead evaluation
Limitations:
Requires Experient's system for full functionality
Higher cost for smaller exhibitors
Pricing:
Contact Experient for custom pricing
5. Zkipster
Key Features:
Barcode and QR code scanning.
Customizable lead capture forms.
Real-time lead segmentation and rating.
Reporting and analytics.
Advantages:
Simple and effective for smaller events.
Quick setup and easy to use.
Limitations:
Fewer advanced features compared to competitors.
Pricing:
Subscription-based; contact Zkipster for details.
6. Scanbot SDK
Key Features:
Custom scanning solutions.
Real-time lead tracking.
Data extraction and integration.
Advantages:
Highly customizable for tech-savvy users.
Limitations:
Requires development resources.
Pricing:
Based on implementation; contact Scanbot SDK.
7. Event Farm
Key Features:
Lead scanning and engagement tracking.
Lead rating and notes.
CRM integration.
Advantages:
Combines lead retrieval with engagement tracking.
Limitations:
Best for exhibitors focused on attendee engagement.
Pricing:
Custom pricing; contact Event Farm.
Final Thoughts
The transition from traditional lead retrieval methods to mobile-based apps has significantly enhanced the lead capture process for exhibitors. Today's apps provide faster, more accurate data collection, with the added benefits of integration, customization, and real-time reporting. Choosing the right app can help ensure you capture high-quality leads, streamline your post-event engagement, and ultimately maximize your ROI.