the best trade show apps

Best Trade Shows Apps 2025

Applications tailored to the needs of exhibition participants greatly facilitate navigation and the obtaining of necessary information during the event.

Both visitors and participants will find that app trade show give them a lot of important knowledge and tools. They are also an excellent marketing tool for personalized advertising and notifications, helping exhibition participants to achieve their goals more quickly. Below, we will examine the most relevant trade show apps for everyone involved in trade shows around the world.  

Why Trade Show Apps Are Essential in 2025

Trade shows have always been about connections, but in 2025 the way those connections are built is changing fast. Mobile trade show apps are no longer just a handy extra—they’ve become the backbone of modern events, helping organizers run smoother shows, giving exhibitors smarter ways to capture leads, and making the visitor experience far more engaging.

Changing landscape of trade shows and events

Exhibitions in 2025 are no longer just standard in-person events. Hybrid and entirely virtual forms are already common, which lets organizers reach a global audience and gives participants more freedom. With competition for attention intensifying and visitor expectations rising, event organizers who use app trade show to optimize logistics and enhance the value of the exhibition will come out on top.

How mobile apps improve lead capture and visitor engagement

Mobile apps for exhibitions serve as a central hub for both exhibitors and visitors. Features such as smart QR code scanning, instant lead capture, interactive floor maps, and push notifications make networking smoother and more efficient. Visitors benefit from personalized agendas and real-time updates, while exhibitors can track visitor interactions and engage potential customers more effectively during and after the event.

The role of AI and automation in trade show software

AI and automation are transforming how trade show app work. AI-powered matchmaking connects visitors with the exhibitors that are most relevant to them, while automated reminders and chatbots make it easier to talk to each other. Predictive analytics lets event planners guess how visitors will act, make the best use of their time, and get relevant information. As a result, by 2025, exhibition apps will no longer be just digital assistants—they will become powerful drivers of engagement and return on investment.

Best Trade Show Apps for Exhibitors

Trade shows in 2025 are resurging as crucial B2B events, and mobile apps have become indispensable tools for both exhibitors and attendees. According to industry research, 91% of trade show attendees use a mobile device during events (84% use a dedicated event app), and 62% of exhibitors use lead-retrieval apps for trade shows to capture leads. These apps help attract potential customers, streamline event management, and boost engagement on a global scale. Below, we highlight the best trade show apps (iOS and Android)—with a focus on exhibitor needs—for enhancing B2B trade show success in 2025.

Lead capture and contact management tools

These trade show software (ERP) helps exhibitors scan badges/business cards, capture lead details (even offline), qualify leads, and integrate data into CRMs.

apps for trade shows and events

 

  • fielddrive Leads. This trade show app offers instant and accurate lead capture, live qualification with tagging/rating, and seamless integration with CRMs and marketing automation platforms. It also delivers detailed post-event analytics to help optimize ROI.
  • Cvent LeadCapture. Enables real-time lead qualification via badge or business card scanning, offers performance tracking and reporting, and supports CRM exports.
  • Boomset. A management software with quick badge scanning, lead tagging and rating, powerful real-time analytics, and the ability to export data for CRM follow-up.
  • Eventleaf (Ultimate Plan). Provides flat-rate pricing with no extra app charges. Features include real-time QR scanning, lead rating and notes, unified data integration (registration, retrieval), customizable forms, and easy CRM export. Brilliant trade show app!
  • Zuant. A user-friendly lead capture app that supports badges and business cards, real-time analytics, and removes the need for manual data entry.
  • iCapture. Offers offline capture, with data transcribed by real humans to ensure accuracy. Integrates with major CRMs and marketing automation tools.
  • SalesTratus. Supports badge or business card scans, lead recognition and qualification, attendee traffic sensing, and engagement analytics—ideal for both onsite and hybrid events.

CRM integration and real-time analytics

These trade show mobile apps not only capture leads but also ensure real-time syncing with CRMs and deliver analytics dashboards for post-show insights.

  • fielddrive Leads. Works perfectly with CRMs and marketing automation solutions, and gives you detailed information on the quality of leads and how people interact with your booth.
  • vFairs. Syncs leads that were taken with CRM systems and gives real-time analytics to track how well the show is doing.
  • Boomset. Provides robust analytics and reporting, allowing exhibitors to understand lead engagement instantly.
  • Eventleaf. Integrates lead retrieval within an all-in-one platform, with direct exports and customizable forms to feed structured CRM data.
  • iCapture. Focuses on seamless CRM and marketing automation integration, backed by reliable offline data collection and accurate transcriptions.
  • SalesTratus. Combines data capture with visual engagement analytics, aiding decision-making during and after hybrid events.

Gamification and visitor engagement features

These tools enhance booth interaction through game mechanics, contests, or interactive experiences, helping attract and retain visitor attention.

  • (Emerging & Research-Based) — Vocalize

A cutting-edge system that uses gamified voice competitions to capture leads and drive user engagement in live events. While still in academic/research stages, Vocalize shows strong promise in creating immersive engagement experiences.

  • Platform-Based Gamification Features

Many event platforms—like Whova, Hubilo, Swapcard, or SpotMe—offer built-in gamification (e.g., scavenger hunts, point-scoring, live polling) that drive attendee engagement and booth interaction. While not standalone, these features can be leveraged to enhance exhibitor engagement within broader event ecosystems.  

Top Mobile Apps for Trade Shows Attendees

erp systems for exhibitions

In order to make visitors want to return to the exhibition again and again, organizers should ensure convenient logistics and easy access to the necessary information before the exhibition and during the visit. Trade show software developed for exhibition organizers and exhibition centers can help achieve this. Let’s look at mobile apps for trade show!

Networking and matchmaking apps

These all-in-one trade show mobile apps facilitate networking, content sharing, and attendee engagement while providing exhibitor tools for lead generation and promotion:

  • Whova: An award-winning trade show app known for its networking and attendee engagement features. Whova offers interactive agendas, community boards, lead management, and social media integration to connect attendees with exhibitors. It is the great communication tools! Exhibitors can use Whova’s lead-scanning and analytics functions to capture contact info and gauge interest in real time.
  • Swapcard: A versatile AI-powered apps for trade shows that connects exhibitors and attendees through personalized matchmaking and real-time interactions. Swapcard provides tools for managing booth profiles, capturing leads, and analyzing attendee behavior. It seamlessly integrates with CRM systems for follow-ups. This trade show mobile app user-friendly interface lets attendees schedule meetings and navigate the show floor, benefiting both parties.
  • Brella: An award-winning networking app with AI match-making that transforms how professionals meet at events and asset tracking. Brella trade show mobile app excels at setting up meaningful 1-on-1 meetings for B2B matchmaking, making it ideal for large trade shows. Exhibitors can leverage Brella to find relevant prospects and fill their calendars with qualified meetings. Its sleek interface allows custom agendas, meeting scheduling, and push notifications to keep engagement high.
  • Hubilo: A powerful hybrid event platform and mobile apps for trade shows that enhances exhibition experiences for both exhibitors and attendees. Hubilo supports in-person and virtual components, with advanced lead retrieval (badge scanning), AI-driven matchmaking, live polling, and gamification features. Exhibitors can generate and track leads easily, while attendees enjoy interactive sessions and networking opportunities.

Event schedule and personalized agendas

Exhibitors also benefit from apps that manage the logistics of participating in trade shows – from internal team coordination to travel planning:

  1. ShowGo Mobile: A specialized app for trade show project management and team communication. ShowGo allows event managers to update their sales reps on staffing schedules, task checklists, travel plans, and hotel arrangements in real time. Because data is cloud-hosted, any last-minute changes (like a staffing switch or flight cancellation) are instantly pushed to everyone’s device. This keeps the entire booth team synchronized without endless phone calls or email chains.
  2. ExhibitDay: A web and mobile platform (free with upgrades) built for exhibitors to plan and track trade show participation. It serves as a central hub for organizing your show schedule, booth assets, shipments, budgets, and ROI metrics (like leads collected vs. sales). Team members can collaborate on checklists and timelines, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks. ExhibitDay’s analytics let you record leads, meetings, and impressions per event to calculate ROI and guide strategy.
  3. General Productivity Apps: Exhibitors often leverage mainstream apps for ancillary needs. For instance, When I Work (for staff shift scheduling) and WhatsApp/Slack (for team chats) help coordinate booth personnel availability and instant communication. Project management tools like Asana or Trello can track pre-show to-dos and booth setup tasks, while Expensify helps manage travel expense reports. These aren’t trade show-specific but integrate seamlessly into an exhibitor’s app arsenal to manage event prep and follow-ups.

Navigation and interactive venue maps

For exhibition organizers and exhibition centers, there are a large number of applications available that will make it easier for visitors and participants to communicate and find the information they need, which in turn will increase interest in the events.

Features include highly accurate interactive interior maps, real-time wayfinding, exhibitor search, and the ability to immediately update maps (for example, when booths or layouts change).
Use Cases: Great for big shows where you need to be able to make changes on the go and give clear directions to attendees.
Extra Value: Venue analytics, including how attendees move through the space, help optimize layouts and traffic flow.

Features: EventMobi’s mobile app includes customizable interactive maps, search functionality, pinpoints for sessions, sponsor booths, check-in areas, and seamless wayfinding
Use Cases: Great for B2B exhibitions where attendees need to quickly find exhibitors or sessions, enhancing both navigation and engagement.
Extra Value: Integrated into their broader event app, combining maps with gamification, surveys, analytics, and community features.

Features: Combines interactive floor plans, white-label mobile apps, wayfinding, session links, exhibitor details, push notifications, and engagement analytics
Use Cases: Perfect for organizers looking to manage everything from booth layouts to navigation and in-app engagement—all branded under their own app.
Extra Value: Allows plug-and-play integration with third-party tools and supports booth sales and exhibitor management.

Features: Offers AI-powered indoor mapping combined with “blue dot” wayfinding, geofencing, real-time analytics, and easy map editing via its cloud CMS.
Use Cases: Ideal for premium trade show experiences with accurate positioning, directional guidance, and adaptive maps during live events.
Extra Value: Provides behavioral insights (e.g., popular booths, search trends) and enables dynamic in-app messaging when attendees enter defined areas.

Features: A web-first interactive floor map builder with drag-and-drop layout design, custom icons, layer support, embeddable maps, and attendee-access via browser (no download needed).
Use Cases: Great for organizers needing a fast, flexible tool to build and update venue maps that attendees can access easily across devices.
Extra Value: Supports seat selection linked to ticketing and streamlines logistics by connecting vendors, volunteers, and exhibitor info to the map.

Trade Show App Comparison 2025

collaboration software for events

With so many event apps available, it’s easy to get confused, so below is a comparison of the most popular ones.

Quick overview of popular tradeshow apps (Whova, Cvent, EventMobi, etc.)

Whova

An award-winning all-in-one tradeshow apps offering:

  • Personalized agendas, session management, interactive maps, and document sharing.
  • Engagement tools: push notifications, live polling, surveys, social boards, gamification, and photo contests.
  • Exhibitor features: digital booths, QR scanning, lead capture, appointment scheduling, sponsor visibility, and ROI reporting.
  • Solid analytics and strong customer support.

EventMobi

A highly customizable event and trade show platform with:

  • Interactive maps, agendas, networking, appointment booking, lead capture, gamification, live polls, and surveys.
  • Check-in tools (QR scanning, rapid session tracking), digital signage, CMS, and multisession management.
  • Advanced analytics and strong hybrid event support.

Bizzabo (via Fielddrive review)

Comprehensive event app with:

  • Personalized agendas, smart networking (smart badges), live polls, push notifications.
  • Branding flexibility, strong analytics, and CRM integration.

EventsAir & Fielddrive

  • EventsAir: Branding flexibility, gamification, social walls, real-time notifications, and analytics.
  • fielddrive: Lead retrieval with offline capture, real-time qualification, and reporting.

Features to look for in a mobile app for trade shows

Based on best practices and industry benchmarks:

  • Interactive agenda and customization

Session planning, filters, preferences, reminders, and multi-track scheduling: EventMobi, Whova, and Just Attend.

  • Maps of the venue and directions

Interactive floor layouts make it easier for attendees and exhibitors to find their way around complicated areas: Whova and Just Attend.

  • Networking and finding a match

Whova and Just Attend lets you see attendee profiles, get smart ideas, send messages, and make appointments.

  • Tools for Interactive Engagement

Whova and Just Attend apps let people vote, ask questions, fill out surveys, play games, and compete in prizes.

  • Support for exhibitors and lead capture

Reading QR codes and badges, using digital booths, and linking to CRM EventMobi, Whova, and Just Attend.

  • Check-In and session attendance monitoring

Quick and easy check-in and session monitoring with QR codes in EventMobi and Just Attend.

  • Reporting and analytics

Dashboards that show data in real time, engagement analytics, lead data, and reports after an event: EventMobi, Whova, and Software Advice.

  • Branding and Customization

Tools for customizing the UI, branding, templates, and sponsor exposure: Whova, EventMobi, and Software Advice.

  • Tools for talking to each other

Whova and Just Attend has push alerts, announcements, email integration, and support services.

Trade show apps come in both free and paid editions. You need to think about the benefits of premium versions and how much money you could make from them before you can choose the best one for you.

  • Free/App-included Features

Basic attendee experience: agenda access, schedule browsing, maps, and simple messaging. Common in cases where the app comes standard with event registration platforms.
Pros: It’s free for end users and works for small or casual occasions.
Cons: Not many features for analytics, branding, engagement, and networking.

  • Paid/Enterprise Features

Rich functionalities: interactive engagement, branding, lead capture, custom mapping, robust analytics, CRM integration.
Tools like Whova and EventMobi unlock exhibitor ROI features, gamification, sponsor visibility, advanced networking, and event-specific customizations

Why Invest?

Enhanced ROI: Captured leads, sponsor data, and attendee engagement drive measurable value.
Stronger engagement: Polls, contests, personalized agendas keep users active and informed.
Brand impact: Custom apps reinforce brand identity and elevate professionalism.
Actionable data: Analytics help refine strategies mid-event, improving control and outcomes.

Tradeshow Apps with AI and Smart Features

Some applications for the 2025 exhibitions have gone much further and already include AI and intelligent features. Below you will find such applications grouped by their main functionalities.

Some applications for the 2025 exhibitions have gone much further and already include AI and intelligent features. Below you will find such applications grouped by their main functionalities.

An all-in-one lead capture platform that enriches contacts via AI the moment a badge or card is scanned—automatically filling in job titles, company info, and social profiles. Leads are scored in real time based on engagement metrics, and synced instantly to your CRM for swift, prioritized follow-up.

  • LeadSquared

A lead retrieval app that uses real-time scoring to rank prospects based on their interactions and engagement during the event—helping exhibitors focus on high-value contacts. It also syncs directly with CRMs like Salesforce, Pardot, and HubSpot to streamline post-show follow-up.

This badge-scanning app enriches and qualifies leads instantly using AI, applying pre-set scoring criteria so exhibitors can identify top prospects before the show ends. It eliminates post-event data cleanup and accelerates post-event lead handling.

Specialized chatbot applications for exhibitions are still in the development stage. There is one cross-industry example that can be highlighted for use at exhibitions.

DAGFiNN (Research Prototype)

An intelligent conversational assistant deployed either on a website or as a physical robot at conferences, DAGFiNN answers attendee questions—from session recommendations to logistical support—with natural language processing. Although still academic, it points to future possibilities for human-like chatbots at shows.

MoEngage: a global marketing automation platform that facilitates real-time, multi-channel messaging—including push notifications and in-app campaigns—empowered by AI-driven personalization and user journey orchestration. Applicable to events, it enables exhibitors and organizers to send tailored messages based on attendee behavior.

Cvent (CventIQ). Cvent’s latest AI-powered feature suite, CventIQ, provides real-time insights into attendee engagement—showing presenters when audiences interact with content, and creating personalized “takeaways” for attendees based on what they save or engage with most. These insights can significantly refine event effectiveness and exhibitor ROI tracking.

By 2025, exhibitors are expected to have access to a powerful ecosystem of mobile applications specifically designed for trade shows. Together, these applications cover the entire cycle—pre-event planning, on-site interaction, and post-event follow-up. In addition, mobile applications are no longer just digital agendas; they are becoming artificial intelligence-driven centers of personalization, analytics, and real-time interaction.

As artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and data analytics evolve, apps will enable more meaningful networking, measurable ROI, and immersive experiences by blending physical and digital interactions into a single experience. For exhibitors, choosing the right app means prioritizing reliable lead capture, compatibility with CRM and engagement tools that align with your goals. Organizers should focus on platforms that provide intuitive navigation, robust analytics, and gamification to keep attendees engaged throughout the event.

Ultimately, the best results are achieved when you view your event app as a strategic investment rather than a utility—use it to increase brand awareness, improve customer relationships, and maximize your return on investment in the exhibition.

 

 


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