Show management software providers have developed a range of technologies that make it easier than ever for organizers to simplify their operations. Here’s a roundup of some of the current offerings.

a2z (www.a2zinc.net)

The product: a2zFloorPlan

How it works: Use the system to create an auditable, real-time, printable floor plan with graphical reports; secure admin access to specific events and tasks for each staff member; assign booths, merge, split, resize and move booths in real time; sell booth space and send automatic confirmation and reminder e-mails; and minimize data loss by desktop hard drive failure with secure, routine backups of data. Various add-on modules are also available.

The product: a2zShowEZ

How it works: Use the software for online, on-site and offline booth sales with online payments; financial tracking and auditing; to create a real-time, printable floor plan with graphical reports; to gain secure admin access to specific events and tasks for each staff member; integration with CRM and CAD systems; as a central event management system to plan, publish and measure all events; a reporting engine with canned and custom reports; WYSIWYG content and marketing template management; and to automatically compile a printed show directory.

The product: a2zShow

How it works: Designed for organizations with larger shows or more complex needs, this software can be used for financial tracking and auditing; to create a real-time, printable floor plan with graphical reports; integration with in-house accounting, AMS, CRM, CAD and legacy systems; as a central event management system to plan, publish and measure all events; a reporting engine with canned and custom reports; WYSIWYG content and marketing template management.

Additional highlights: For exhibitors, it provides a “Why Exhibit” justification report; online booth space reservation and sales and booth setup; self-serve tools; matchmaking, networking, automatic lead generation and appointment scheduling; real-time access to summary statements, orders, invoices and payments; and online payment options. For attendees, it includes a “Why Attend” justification report; an interactive exhibitor list; online request forms to contact exhibitors; personalized floor plan; listing of programs, session descriptions, schedules and venues; and a personalized itinerary.

The product: ChirpE

How it works: Use it to automatically port event Web site content and a searchable exhibit floor plan to any mobile device as well as to a Facebook application to expand the accessibility of an event Web site, improve attendee engagement, help with attendance acquisition and generate additional revenue through banner ads and sponsorships.

Applied Computer Technology (www.expocad.com)

The product: EXPOCAD Desktop

How it works: This flexible, rich client app runs on a server to manage show operations without an Internet connection. Use it to manipulate the show floor, sort booths using color and texture by size, availability,categories, competitors, status and other variables; book space in real time on-site; track exhibitors, products and categories; and use reporting and financial tools (such as contracts, inbound revenue tracking; cash flow tracking; and sponsorship and ad tracking).

The product: EXPOCAD OnDemand/Web

How it works: This Web-version of EXPOCAD resides on Windows Web server and is accessible from any Web browser. It’s fully integrated with EXPOCAD with push-button data transfer to the Internet. Use it to let exhibitors log in and post marketing materials and access online payments and booth selection while you maintain control of features and options. Extra modules can be added to accept credit card payments or create exhibitor contracts.

Additional highlights: Attendees can use the MY EXPO tool to place 3-D push pins as visual cues for return visits. All spaces contain specific contact information along with product and service descriptions.

The product: EXPOCAD Mobile

How it works: Use this interactive floor plan, which works with EXPOCAD Desktop or EXPOCAD OnDemand, to provide support for smartphones. The product includes one event license and offers company name and booth number fly-out as well as a sponsorship start-up splash screen.

Ungerboeck Systems International (www.ungerboeck.com)

The product: Ungerboeck

How it works: This sales and business management solution can handle the tasks of three separate software products, depending on the modules added. Use it with or without a floorplan to view the most accurate and up-to-date information for an event via a single source; update all data in real time; automatically distribute info to different departments and eliminate the need for data entry duplication; let teams proactively see what’s coming and prepare accordingly; and view comprehensive statistical and financial analysis after the execution of events with actionable information for strategic decisions concerning strengths and areas for improvement.

Additional highlights: Use electronic file folders to provide a central area for storing all written communication and documentation about events; create event diaries, a central area for notes and activities to get your team on the same page with verbal communications, meetings and outstanding tasks for events; access event copying and templates for recurring events; and create resource requirements for events or functions within an event for internal or external use.

More to know: An additional floor planning module lets you import floor plans from general services contractors and use them to build a booth database; use tools to resize and reconfigure booths; publish an exhibitor list online; and manage exhibitor payment schedules — all while selling is under way. Additional modules are also available for CRM, mass e-mail marketing, financial management, conference management, registration, sponsorships sales and more. A software as a service (SaaS) solution based on the same product is also available.