Bowdoin has experienced a steady rise in the use of mobile apps for events such as Commencement, Homecoming, Inauguration, Orientation, Admissions Open House, and Family Weekend.

Why the increase?

• In 2015 we upgraded to a Bowdoin-branded version of the app hosted by Guidebook making it simpler for event organizers to manage schedules and easier for people to download the app to their smartphones.
• Increased marketing raised awareness and encouraged event attendees to download the app. Digital and Social Media works closely with the the Office of Communications, Orientation interns, Alumni Relations, and the Events Office to create a useful and relevant experience for visitors.

Use of mobile apps is increasing for major campus events. *Homecoming 2015 included inauguration resulting in a higher number of downloads.

Benefits of using a mobile app for large campus events:

• Event information is never out of date. Last minute schedule changes automatically update within the app.
• Attendees can be contacted directly with important announcements. Event organizers can send alerts to people’s phones in the event of cancellations or emergencies.
• Never lose the event schedule (unless you lose your phone!). Attendees have the information they need in the palm of their hand when they need it.
• Attendees can create customized event schedules within the app for a personalized experience.
• It’s green! Going mobile saves money and trees because fewer paper schedules are produced.