Fall is around the corner and once again, everyone is getting ready for the biggest computing events of the year.

I often wondered what people hate about these mega conferences.  Is it getting your badge scanned unwillingly, only to be followed with phone calls and emails from these vendors?

My case is different, as I have an “Analyst” badge, and salesmen usually run under the covers.

So what do you hate about large tradeshows?

Maybe it’s the food?  After all, how do you feed 35,000 people?

How about entering a contest to win an iPhone or iPad?  Otherwise, it’s the usual pens, stress balls, and other useless swag.

The good folks at GenieMobile provide an interesting insight into the mind of visitors.

Below is their report.   For me, getting lost is never a problem, but that’s because I have a good sense of direction.  Especially when trying to find the restroom!  I’ve also been going to the Moscone Center for years now, so I am familiar with their navigation.

Pushy salesman, getting lost and trashy swag are top pet peeves for event attendees

GenieMobile provide an insight into visitor psyche

Pushy sales reps (57%) getting lost (30%) and tacky freebies (22%) are the elements that event visitors dislike the most about shows and exhibitions, according to recent survey findings conducted by GenieMobile, the company bringing the mobile revolution to the events sector. The survey also found that while the most important component for 44% of attendees at business events is interesting exhibitors, nearly a quarter (21%) of those visitors don’t even get to see those exhibitors. With the recession biting deep and every penny spent on events having to work harder, strategic event organizing will be vital to business success now and in the future. For the events industry to grow, and footfall at shows to increase, it must be in touch with what visitors really want, such as clearer information on who is exhibiting (52%), and a personalized event experience to take full advantage of networking opportunities (32%).

Further research brings to light the scope and demand for new technology. There is substantial support for show-related Smartphone apps at events with two thirds (65%) of Smartphone owners saying they would use it to help plan their visit and connect with people if the facility was available. Significantly, half of people without a Smartphone, would use it for that if they had one.

Helping to optimize the event experience for exhibitors, is EventGenie, a multi-platform mobile app for events. Provided by event organizers – usually free of charge for visitors – it enables them to access event information to tailor and enhance their event experience. Event goers can view personalized information, such as live event schedules, exhibitor profiles, dynamic and interactive 3D floorplans and many other services in real-time on their Smartphone. The multi-platform app provides organizers with a new and ongoing engagement channel to their audience, and affords them valuable visitor intelligence and revenue opportunities.

Giles Welch, Managing Director, GenieMobile said, “New tech solutions will revolutionize how events are envisioned, implemented and evaluated. Smartphone use in particular can solve many of the issues highlighted in the survey. New ways of connecting with exhibitors could allay the biggest drawback of the tradeshow – the pushy sales rep. Delivering content to the phone, from organizers and exhibitors, would eliminate the complaints while bringing the exhibition experience into the 21st century, in a way that’s set to benefit visitors and exhibitors alike.”

The GenieMobile research was undertaken in June 2011 and aims to educate event professionals and help them to recognize opportunities for improving costs, visitor experience, quality and service levels, and innovation. To view the full report, please visit http://www.geniemobile.com/event-survey-results-2011/ and enter your details.

About GenieMobile

GenieMobile is a leading provider of best-of-breed mobile apps for events, audience engagement and publishing. Uniquely, GenieMobile customers are given the tools to design, build, publish and manage their own mobile apps to all mobile handsets using the simple GenieBuilder platform. GenieMobile works with some of the largest events and publishing companies in the world and is known for the quality of user experience, and the strength of the pioneering technology. To find out more, please visit: www.geniemobile.com