Event Tech of the Week: @initlive

Event Tech of the Week: @initlive

Today, we’re talking about InitLive

Company/Tool Name: InitLive
Website: http://www.initlive.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/initlive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InitLive

What is the “problem” that your tool seeks to solve?

Today, email and printed spreadsheets are amongst the top tools managers are using to organize their volunteers and staff. This is not only a waste of paper, but time consuming and frustrating. Research shows that on the day of an event, up to 30% of volunteers do not show up for their shifts. This leaves planners scrambling to find replacements. Also, communication on site is limited due to budgeting (e.g. Walkie-talkies) and other factors (e.g. distance).

InitLive takes a mobile-first approach to managing events and the most mobile of resources – the team on the ground. Our solution shares all key event information via mobile devices, including schedules and contact details, eliminating the need for paper.
InitLive is the only company that equips managers with both a real-time communication system and a comprehensive scheduling service.

Our patented cloud-based system includes:
1) A web service permitting the manager to create their own roles and skills, set up one-day/one-venue or multi-day/multi-venue schedules and easily connect with volunteers/staff and track sign-up progress. The web service also allows volunteers to sign up for an event and select their roles and shifts.
2) A free native app for iOS and Android devices that provides volunteer check-in, and facilitates day-of communications and last minute schedule updates for both managers, staff and volunteers.
On the day of the event, managers can quickly find out when volunteers don’t show up for their shift, effortlessly find the appropriate information to contact a volunteer in a specific role and immediately see problems as they occur for timely issue resolution.
Volunteers and staff automatically receive personal reminders to know where they should be and when. The team can also can quickly access their upcoming shift and role details and instantly report issues without having to leave their post.

What is the best audience for this tool? Corporate events? Social? Other? Large? Small?

We can handle any size event, anywhere there is cell phone service and/or wifi. The more spread-out the event the more valuable it is. For example, events such as Race Weekends use hundreds of volunteers that are spread out over the course of a city. Being able to communicate with the right people at the right time is of immense value, especially if a problems occurs.

What does your tool help event planners do better?

Aside from reducing planning time and eliminating paper copies, our tool keeps planners more organized. It allows them to communicate with volunteers in real-time and make on the fly schedule changes during the event. This provides a safer environment for event volunteers and participants, making for an overall greater experience for everyone.

How is your tool different from/better than the competition?

One differentiating feature in our product is in the real time communication system in our app. We allow volunteers and planners to contact each other from anywhere on site by various different means. Also, our smart-scheduling system allows planners to see problems and quickly make changes right from their smartphone. No other tool has the real-time and mobile communication and schedule changing ability. We have plans to use some of the latest technology to add in features that will make our product even better (think beacons and wearables).

What is the single coolest feature of your product?

Filtered group broadcasts (which is covered by our patent). This feature allows planners to send messages based on check in status, roles and locations (see attachment). Event planners are able to contact the people currently in a role (or at a location), without having to remember who they are.

Anything else we need to know?

We have done some successful beta trials internationally, and are still taking beta trial applications. Our launch date is in November 2014 and we are always open to feedback and suggestions for new features. Please visit http://www.initlive.com/#!contact/c1l1m and let us know your ideas! 🙂

This weekly series spotlights a new tech tool that is designed to help make planning events much more seamless. Whether it’s using event software to track every detail from start to finish or mobile apps that deliver content to attendees’ fingertips, these technologies allow planners to divert their stress to more critical issues like deciding which napkin color looks best.