What is the Online Itinerary Planner? What is the LITE Planner?

Modified on Thu, 11 Jun at 3:15 PM

Online Desktop Itinerary Planner

Each EventPilot project includes a desktop version of the event program that is optimized for large screens. It includes the same powerful Scientific Search Engine as the native apps. Navigation matches the native app so users seamlessly transition between the the desktop version and the mobile apps. The planner and the native apps include full 2-way sync including notes and bookmarks in addition to scheduled sessions.

What is the LITE Planner?

The LITE Planner is a simplified version of the planner without login that can be launched publicly as soon as data is available, typically for marketing purposes and early program publishing. You are in control of the content displayed in this special version of the planner as it is set up as a separate project in the App Builder. For example, if you wish to omit speaker details or abstracts, you could do so by removing the import source entirely, or by excluding some fields in the import source mapping. This provides more flexibility in the main project for you to work on content that will be released later.

Utilizing a LITE version of your event planner presents several key benefits:

  • Marketing Momentum: Launching a LITE version early creates excitement and engagement, serving as a preliminary marketing tool to capture interest.
  • Audience Engagement: It offers a sneak peek to your audience, building anticipation with essential features and information while the main project is still under development.
  • Risk Mitigation: Early publishing of a LITE planner significantly reduces the risk of accidental exposure of incomplete features or sensitive information.
  • Development Flexibility: Separating the LITE version from the full project allows for ongoing development and testing without compromising the user experience or revealing unfinished parts of the main project.
  • Kiosk Mode: Onsite, display the LITE version on devices in kiosk mode to allow attendees, who have not yet downloaded the app, to access a quick-reference the public program information, maps, etc.

FAQ

What is the difference between the Online Itinerary Planner and the event app?

The Online Itinerary Planner is the desktop browser version of the event program, optimized for larger screens. The event app is the mobile experience for iOS and Android devices. Both are designed to use the same event content, so attendees can move between desktop planning and mobile onsite use.

When attendees are logged in, the planner and native apps can sync personal event activity such as notes, bookmarks, and scheduled sessions.

Do attendees need to log in to use the Online Itinerary Planner?

This depends on your desired setup and matches the app setup: 

  • Option 1 - Open Access to Program
    Most associations set up their itinerary planner so attendees can  browse public program content without logging in. Login is needed for personal features such as saving bookmarks, creating a personal schedule, taking notes, and syncing those items with the mobile app. Login is also generally needed to watch on demand recordings, complete surveys, or download certificates. 
  • Option 2 - Locked
    Both the app and the planner could be set up so users must be registered for your event in order to access the program. When trying to open the link to the planner, users are presented with a login prompt. In this case, we recommend providing a LITE version of the planner as a marketing tool. 

What can attendees do in the Online Itinerary Planner?

Attendees can search and browse the event program, review session details, view speakers and other available event information, bookmark items, take notes, and build a personal schedule when login is enabled.

Does the Online Itinerary Planner sync with the mobile app?

Yes. When an attendee is logged in, the Planner and mobile app can sync personal schedules, bookmarks, and notes. This lets attendees plan on a desktop computer and then access the same saved information in the app.

What is the difference between the full Planner and the LITE Planner?

The full Planner is the complete desktop version of the event program and can support login, personal itinerary features, notes, bookmarks, and syncing with the mobile app.

The LITE Planner is a simplified public version without login. It is typically used to publish selected program information early, before the full event app or full planner experience is ready.

When should I use a LITE Planner?

Use a LITE Planner when you want to share a basic public program before the full event app is ready. It is useful for early marketing, public program previews, reducing the risk of showing unfinished content, and onsite kiosk displays.

Can I control which content appears in the LITE Planner?

Yes. The LITE Planner is set up as a separate project in the Conference App Builder, so you can control which content is included. For example, you can omit speaker details or abstracts by removing an import source or excluding specific fields in the import source mapping.

Can attendees create a personal schedule in the LITE Planner?

No. The LITE Planner does not include login, so attendees cannot save a personal schedule, bookmarks, or notes there. Use the full Planner and event app when attendees need personal itinerary features and syncing.

Can the LITE Planner be used onsite in kiosk mode?

Yes. The LITE Planner can be displayed onsite in kiosk mode so attendees can quickly access public program information, maps, and other selected event content, even if they have not downloaded the app.

I need to launch a basic conference program much earlier than the event app, how could I do that?

For early event program display, you can purchase a LITE planner version of your project.

What are the browser requirements for the Desktop Itinerary Planner?

The Desktop Itinerary Planner is designed for the current and last version of Chrome or Safari. If the Planner does not display correctly, update your browser and refresh the page.

How do I add the Itinerary Planner to my conference website? 

Access the Conference App Builder (CMS) and navigate to Distribution > Attendee Links. Copy the Desktop Planner Link and add the link on your website. Learn more about options to integrate the planner into your website in this article.