Learn the difference between native and non-native Salesforce event management apps (and how it affects your event!).

Salesforce Event Management: Why Native Matters

There are a plethora of Salesforce event management applications at your organization’s disposal. And although these apps have varying prices, feature sets, and target audiences, each is designed with a simple purpose: to help your organization plan the best event possible!

As you’re sifting through potential apps and diligently researching which event management features you need the most, you may inadvertently breeze over a concept that can (and should) seriously impact your decision—we’re talking about what it means to be a “native” Salesforce app. 

If you’ve found yourself scratching your head at what the term “native application” means or how it applies to your event management, you’ve come to the right post. Here, we’ll break down three questions you might have about Salesforce native apps:

  1. What is a native Salesforce app?
  2. What are the benefits of working with a native Salesforce app?
  3. Are there advantages for native apps specific to event management?

Once you know why being native matters, you’ll be able to make a better informed decision regarding your own event management needs.

What is a native Salesforce app?

1. What is a native Salesforce app?

Before we get ahead of ourselves, we should break down a thorough definition of what makes an app native to Salesforce:

A native Salesforce app was built on top of Salesforce, runs entirely within the Saleforce infrastructure, and functions as an extension of your Salesforce CRM.

What does that mean? Let’s look at it piece by piece:

A native Salesforce event management app is built into your CRM system for guaranteed compatibility.

  • A native app was built on top of Salesforce. These applications were created using the existing Salesforce platform, meaning they’ll look and function similarly to the rest of your CRM.
  • A native app runs entirely within Salesforce. You’ll never have to transfer data between systems or interact with third party platforms.
  • A native app functions as an extension of Salesforce. Since the application exists exclusively in Salesforce, as long as your Salesforce is working, your app will be too.

You can view a native app as an interconnected part of your Salesforce system rather than a separate platform with its own infrastructure, security, and data storage.

It’s important to keep in mind that just because an app was built for Salesforce, it isn’t necessarily a native app. In fact, most apps available on the Salesforce AppExchange are non-native.

So, what are the key drawbacks to using non-native apps?

A non-native Salesforce application must be manually integrated with your CRM.

  • Non-native apps were not built within Salesforce and don’t run entirely within Salesforce. These apps require third-party integration to work with your CRM.
  • If you use a non-native app, its data will be stored outside Salesforce. To access both sets of data concurrently, you’ll need to transfer the data from one platform to the other.
  • Non-native apps have their own security parameters and servers. They typically require additional third-party setup to connect to your database.

Along with being Salesforce native, make sure your event management app has all the features you need to plan successful events. Learn what features to look out for by reading this helpful article!

The takeaway: Native apps are an extension of your Salesforce CRM and work hand-in-hand with Salesforce, giving you a more intuitive event management experience.

What are the benefits of working with a native Salesforce app?

2. What are the benefits of working with a native Salesforce app?

Native applications come with a host of benefits for Salesforce users. Let’s walk through a sampling:

  • A complete data set, no data transfer required. Since your event management app and Salesforce data both exist within the same platform, you won’t have to transfer information back and forth to get a complete view of your data. Everything you need is all together, all the time.
  • Consistent availability and performance. Salesforce is an inherently stable infrastructure, so if your app is built on Salesforce, you shouldn’t have to deal with interruptions or downtime. A third-party app, on the other hand, might be built on any infrastructure, and there’s no way to guarantee reliability.
  • Familiar security standards. A native app operates under the same data security and sharing standards as Salesforce, so you don’t have to worry about safety. A third-party app comes with its own security protocol, so you’ll need to thoroughly evaluate it before trusting it with access to your data.

Non-native apps require custom integrations, and many organizations need to look to a developer or consultant to help them through that process. Those services come at a cost, and it typically takes a significant amount of time to get completely set up, oriented, and successfully operating with their new system.

With a native app, you’ll never have to worry about time-consuming integration, incomplete data, or third-party servers; you’ll be able to access everything you need without ever leaving your Salesforce system.

The takeaway: Salesforce native apps give you the most complete view of your data with less work on your end.

Are there advantages for native apps specific to event management?

3. Are there advantages for native apps specific to event management?

So far, we’ve outlined the general benefits of working with a native Salesforce app as opposed to a non-native integrated app.

While being Salesforce native is important for all types of apps, it’s especially vital for event management apps.

Why is that the case? Simply put, your Salesforce data is the crux of your event-planning strategy. Without a guaranteed complete set of data at all times, you won’t be able to use your guests’ information to inform your tactics.

Let’s explore a few ways you can use your Salesforce data to plan a better event:

  • Planning a strategic guest list and sending targeted RSVPs to specific subsets of constituents.
  • Tailoring communications to fit guests’ preferences (and then sending those messages using Salesforce).
  • Managing ticketing options and prices based on income levels and giving histories.
  • Keeping track of constituent engagements in order to funnel specific constituents toward certain objectives.

With your Salesforce data and event management data accessible in a centralized location, you’ll be able to cohesively manage both sets in a holistic way.

The takeaway: Having complete, up-to-date information is crucial for planning and executing strategic events. With a native app, you’re ensured access to everything you need within Salesforce.


If planning successful events is one of your organization’s most important tasks, you shouldn’t take your search for the perfect Salesforce event management app lightly.

To get the best results from your event management application, search for a platform that’s native to Salesforce and can guarantee high performance, utmost reliability, and a comprehensive look at your guest and event data.

For more Salesforce event management resources, check out these amazing additional resources:

  • The Essential Guide to Salesforce Event Management. Before you can find the right app, you need to know the basics of planning events in Salesforce. This guide breaks everything down for you to make your event management process easier!
  • 7 Steps to Planning Successful Salesforce Events. Once you’ve got your native app, learn how to use it to make the most of your upcoming event. This list of best practices and strategies will help you engage guests and improve your events.
  • Double the Donation’s List of Cvent Competitors. There are a number of amazing Salesforce event management apps available, so why limit yourself? Double the Donation will walk you through the pros and cons of the best Salesforce event management apps on the market.

Learn why a Salesforce native app is integral to your event management.

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