The Future of Event Apps: Building Real Communities, Not Just Audiences

For decades, events have been about moments: the big stage, the keynote speaker, the applause. But I believe the future of events isn’t just about what happens on stage. It’s about what happens between people.

And that’s where community comes in.

If there’s one shift we all need to understand in the events world, it’s this: community is not built from the stage down it’s built from the ground up. It’s not about a speaker talking to an audience; it’s about peers connecting with each other. And as event technology evolves, the apps we use to power these experiences need to evolve too.

What Makes a Community Work?

When most people think of community, they picture a charismatic speaker or a brand leading the charge. But real communities, the ones that actually last, are defined by peer-to-peer interaction. They’re spaces where people talk, collaborate, share ideas, and build relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

That’s why platforms like Discord, Slack, Reddit, and Facebook Groups are so powerful. They’re not built around one central voice, they're built around conversation. They allow people to connect directly with one another, forming networks that feel organic and alive.

And that’s the energy we need to bring into our events. If we want what we build to have a lasting impact, our events can’t just be broadcast moments; they need to become community hubs.

What Event Apps Can Learn from Discord and Slack

Here’s the hard truth: most event apps are still stuck in the past. They’re designed for one-time use: a schedule here, a speaker list there, maybe a push notification or two and then they fade into digital dust once the event ends.

But what if they didn’t have to?

Imagine an event app that doesn’t disappear when the lights go down. Instead, it becomes a space where attendees continue the conversation long after the closing keynote. A space with real-time chat, voice channels, and threaded discussions tools that mirror the best features of platforms like Discord or Slack.

Some of the most vibrant communities today thrive because they offer multi-modal communication. Whether it’s text chat, audio-only spaces, or spontaneous group conversations, they create environments where people feel connected. For event apps, integrating these capabilities isn’t just a nice-to-have, it's a game-changer.

Don’t Be Intimidated by Tech Experiment With It

I get it, technology can feel intimidating. Virtual platforms evolve quickly. Hybrid formats add layers of complexity. And trying something new always carries a risk of failure.

But here’s what I’ve learned: innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe, it comes from experimentation.

The best advice I can give event professionals is simple: “Fail fast and fail small.”
Test new ideas in low-stakes environments. Run mini-experiments to see what resonates. Try integrating a chat feature or piloting an audio discussion room. Each small step teaches you something new and those lessons compound quickly.

Innovation isn’t about getting it right the first time. It’s about building momentum through constant iteration.

Hybrid Events Demand New Kinds of Connection

The rise of hybrid events where in-person and virtual audiences share the same experience adds even more complexity to community building. It’s not enough to simply stream the stage online. We need to think about how those two audiences interact with each other.

Some of the best hybrid events I’ve seen make both groups visible. They use screens to show virtual participants to in-person attendees. They design interactive elements that bridge the physical and digital. These seemingly small design choices matter because they reinforce the idea that everyone is part of the same community, no matter where they are.

The Future Belongs to the Bold

We’re standing at the edge of something entirely new in the events industry. The old rules of one-way communication, one-time tools, one-off moments no longer apply. The future belongs to those who are willing to experiment, adapt, and reimagine what events can be.

And at the heart of that future is community.

The most successful events won’t just deliver content they’ll spark conversations. They won’t just bring people together for a few hours, they'll build ecosystems that thrive long after the closing remarks.

That’s the future I’m excited about and it’s one we all have the power to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How are event apps changing with new technology?

Event apps are moving from simple tools to dynamic platforms. They now include chat, voice, live polls, and networking spaces. AI, AR, and data analytics are also improving personalization and helping organizers understand attendee behavior in real time.

Q2. Why is community building essential in modern events?

Community building turns one-time events into ongoing experiences. It helps attendees connect, share ideas, and stay engaged long after the event ends. Strong communities boost loyalty, increase repeat attendance, and create more meaningful event outcomes.

Q3. What are some must-have features in a modern event app?

Today’s event apps should include real-time chat, networking tools, voice or video spaces, push notifications, polls, live Q&A, personalized recommendations, and integration with social media or calendar apps to offer a seamless attendee experience.

Q4. What challenges do organizers face when adopting event technology?

Common challenges include steep learning curves, cost, technical issues, low adoption by attendees, and choosing the right features. Training teams, testing early, and gathering user feedback can help overcome these barriers and ensure smooth adoption.

Q5. What role does AI play in the future of event apps?

AI makes event apps smarter and more personalized. It can suggest sessions, connect people with similar interests, automate communication, and analyze engagement data. This helps organizers improve the experience and attendees get more value from events.

Q6. How can event apps improve networking opportunities?

Event apps can match attendees based on interests, enable private chats, host virtual meetups, and provide group discussion spaces. These tools make it easier to meet relevant people and continue conversations beyond the event.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.