Boston 2026 App - Fail

So Boston2026 has just released ts event app.

Be warned, you will have to create an account to use it.

Be doubly warned as you are encouraged to create a profile - but there appears to be no obvious way to search for people.

Be triply warned that much of the data presented is incomplete; e.g., many participating organizations are not shown in the list of organizations; there does not appear to be a list of dealers and their planned schedule of show attendance.

Perhaps these issues are temporary. Perhaps they are intentional. Regardless, they do not reflect well on the show.

The events are listed on the website.

The App sounds as if it was a rushed afterthought given its late release. Given the demographic of the hobby, you have to wonder how many will use it or even download it. It would be cool to be able to register for meetings, make meal reservations, get directions and sightseeing information, access currency exchange rates, check the weather forecast and order an Uber through the one show app but that is not going to happen if they can't even populate the dealers. Hopefully it didn't cost too much.

Try the agenda section. I just used it to note events on certain days to set up a schedule for easy review & as access on a daily basis. Granted it does have some significant drawbacks & shortcomings, BUT it can be useful. I guess if a 'dumbed-downed app for my IL is okay for me, but others just need all the bells & whistles, then disappointment will give rise. (After the Show just delete the APP)

RevCollector - events are listed without any content; e.g., title or Presenter. Location, time and sponsoring org are ticklers to get the user to click on the event to get to the meat. Just not necessary and a waste of the user's time. Poor UI design.

Some are and some are not. Web design is not my thing; I leave those opinions to others who know a lot more then I do about them. I was able to find the various meetings that I am interested in.

I would expect them to release while not complete to allow parallel user feedback and add details but I have no idea.

Boston 2026 hired a most interesting outside contractor for the app is my understanding.

The app is news to me as a boothholder and I can't find it on the show website, via Google or on Android's Play Store.

Maybe a third-party AI app by the event venue?

Steve

Hi Steve - I got an e-mail from Boston 2026 announcing the app. I'll forward the e-mail to you.

Thanks for that.

Have asked the show organizers if this is an official show app or 3rd party and if it can be modified.

Steve

Just received this from Boston 2026, will now download it & give it a try.

April 6, 2026
For Immediate Release 
 
Boston 2026 App Now Available
 
With just 46 days before the opening of Boston 2026 World Expo, show officials are proud to announce that its much-anticipated app is up and running.
 
The Boston 2026 leadership team discussed the possible development of a readily accessible mobile app early in the show's planning, ultimately leading to the selection of Cvent as the show's all-on-one tech developer, handling web setup, show registration and the app.
 
After several weeks of consultation, data input and testing, the Android and Mac compatible app went live on Friday, April 3.  Collectors who had already registered online as attending were the first to be notified of the app's availability through an email.  When prompted to download the app, their prior contact info and personalized selection of events were automatically transferred when set up. 
 
It is preferred that visitors first register as attending using the show's home page web link, which will offer the app automatically at the end of the process.  However, anyone can download the app itself by visiting the Google Play or Apple App Store and search for "Cvent Events," download it and then select or enter "Boston 2026" at the prompt.  This link will also get you there.
 
The feature-rich app's home page offers three main sections: Organizations (dealers, auction houses, postal administrations and major societies holding booths on Society Row), Agenda (the main events listing), and the Floor Plan.  These continue to be updated as needed.  Icons on the lower task bar link to them as well.
 
The task bar's lower right circle, which may show the user's photo if customized, accesses one's profile and personally selected daily schedule of events, all easily added to or changed.  Profile settings give users to option make their details accessible to other attendees to foster collaboration with those of similar interests.
 
Exploring the app first-hand is the best way to see the usefulness and power that this interactive free pocket catalog possesses.
 
Boston 2026 World Expo takes place May 23-30, 2026, at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.  Full show details may be found at Boston2026.org and on Facebook, X and Instagram.  Sign up to be added to the Boston 2026 email list and receive updates when available.


Thomas M. Fortunato
Boston 2026 Public Relations Chair
U.S. East Commissioner
Tom.Fortunato@Boston2026.org

By all means, give it a try. And while you're trying it - remember the great app that was provided for the NY2016 show.

I have received word from two sources that ALL participating organizations will be added to the app. It's the right thing to do.

Given the limitations, perhaps they should have just stuck with a well-designed, functional mobile website. Something that loads quickly, renders well on a smartphone. Most event apps are a waste of time.

Is a print show catalog not being produced?