Planning Salesforce events is simple with the right event management app.

Salesforce Event Planning: 7 Key Steps for Success

For Salesforce users, your database is likely the hub of most of your daily activities. Between tracking data, running reports, and managing communications, it often seems like your Salesforce system can do it all.

But did you know that Salesforce can also be used to plan successful, engaging events? 

It’s true! With the right software and a little bit of strategy, you can plan awe-inspiring events without ever leaving your Salesforce CRM. From galas to walkathons, meetings to training sessions, you can plan any type of event with ease.

How do you do it? You just have to follow these simple steps!

  1. Start with the right Salesforce event management app
  2. Segment your Salesforce data
  3. Set custom pricing levels for your Salesforce event
  4. Build an event microsite
  5. Manage event logistics using your Salesforce app
  6. Register your attendees online or at the door
  7. Compile event reports (and get ready for the next event!)

Let’s take our event management strategy one step at a time. When we’re done, you’ll be left with all the know-how you need to host your most successful event yet.

Step 1: Plan your Salesforce event using a native app.

1. Start with the Right Salesforce Event Management App

Before you can jump into event-planning, you’ll need to find an event management solution to help you keep track of all the moving pieces of your event.

Why This Step Matters

In order to streamline your event management experience (and limit potential pitfalls), you should find an event management app that works with your Salesforce CRM platform.

The benefit of working with a Salesforce app, as opposed to a separate platform, is that all your data will be available in one place.

If you’ve ever planned an event before, you know how important it is to have all relevant data on hand to plan events that are customized for your audience. Planning generic events that aren’t responsive to your attendees’ preferences, interests, or lifestyles won’t be very profitable and might deter guests from attending future events.

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

The best starting point for your software search is understanding the difference between native Salesforce applications and non-native apps.

Put simply, a native app is one that was built to work within your Salesforce CRM. A non-native app, on the other hand, is built on a third-party platform and must be integrated.

You can learn more about the differences by examining our in-depth look at the topic, but for now, consider these benefits of using a native app:

  • Guaranteed compatibility. You won’t have to worry about external platforms, additional setup, or third-party data storage. Since all your information resides in one system, everything you need automatically works together perfectly—absolutely no integration required!
  • Continual data updates. You need your guest data to maintain accuracy in real-time, and a native app is the only way to ensure that! Since all data is housed together, all of your information is continually updated with no added effort on your end.
  • Reduced manual data entry. When you work within two platforms, there’s always a risk that incomplete data will find its way to your database, meaning you’ll consistently have to check and re-enter information. Since a native app updates on its own, there’s less risk for error and less time spent on data entry.

Not sure what to look for in a Salesforce app? Our list of top features can help you find the perfect tool for your organization’s needs.

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when you’ve found the right native app to launch your event management project!

Step 2: Plan strategic Salesforce events by segmenting your Salesforce data.

2. Segment Your Salesforce Data

Like most organizations, your Salesforce database is likely bursting with useful information. Now it’s time to put it to use for your upcoming event.

Why This Step Matters

As mentioned, planning generic events won’t leave any of your guests feeling good about signing up for any future conferences, meetings, or fundraisers your organization might host.

However, if you use your Salesforce data to tailor your event-planning tactics, your guests are sure to take notice! 

You can segment your data using custom fields, and use the intel you collect to design pitch-perfect events that are designed with your attendees in mind.

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

You can segment your data to find pretty much any information you need, but when it comes to events, there are a few especially important ways you can use data segmentation:

  • Set ticket pricing levels. Segment your list by past giving history or income level to determine an appropriate ticket pricing strategy. You can use this information to pinpoint the perfect general admission price, or take a more customized strategy (more on that below!).
  • Develop a guest list. Instead of casting a wide net across your entire database, start putting together a guest list with the most likely attendees. You can tailor your invitation approach by first setting an exclusive RSVP list and go from there to create a general admission list.
  • Send targeted communications. You can filter your database by communication preference to make sure you’re reaching out to constituents in the most advantageous way. You can also use relevant data to make sure your emails, calls, and direct mailings are as personalized as possible.

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when you’ve segmented your database and come away with relevant insights that can help your event be more strategic, profitable, and guest-specific.

Step 3: Use your data to set custom price points for your Salesforce event guests.

3. Set Custom Pricing Levels for Your Salesforce Event

All events are different, and they require different ticket pricing and registration options. For most events, you can’t just select one general ticket price and move on; you need to customize your pricing levels!

Why This Step Matters

In order to continue hosting events (and keep your organization afloat), you need to plan events that are budget-conscious and lucrative. Ticket sales are a major part of that equation.

On the other hand, it’s also imperative that your organization considers your constituents’ budgets and sets registration fees that your guests can actually afford.

How do you solve both those problems at once? Use your Salesforce event management app to devise a pricing plan that’s customized to your guests and can help you bring in the ticket sales you need. 

With Fonteva Events, your Salesforce event planning team can set as many custom ticket prices as you'd like.

For this Salesforce event, there are three simple ticket types: board member, member, and non-member, each with their own price and quantity. With Fonteva Events, you can even unpublish certain listings to keep registration options hidden.

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

Like many other aspects of your event, the ticket levels you choose will be uniquely reflective of your organization and your guests.

However, here are a few general price points to consider featuring to give your guests flexibility with their ticket options:

  • General admission. The baseline price you’ll offer to most of your registrants, general admission ticket pricing should be based off of your guest list’s historic median giving amount. Of course, you also have to consider your event budget, including costs for venue, speakers, and technology.
  • VIP pricing. This price point should be reserved for special subsections of your guest list, including members, major donors, or early-bird registrants. With this ticket, you might also want to offer additional VIP perks, such as special table assignments or exclusive access.
  • Personalized pricing. Using the data you store in Salesforce, you can determine the most appropriate, effective ticket prices for specific groups or even individuals. You can refer to giving histories, membership levels, or other custom fields to create 100% custom pricing.

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when you’ve priced your tickets according to your Salesforce data, guest list, and event goals. You’re ready to start selling!

Step 4: Use your Salesforce event app to build a microsite to promote your event.

4. Build an Event Microsite

To make sure you fill all the seats on event day, you’ll need to consider your promotional tactics early on. While a multi-channel marketing approach is always encouraged, you’ll also want to make your event details easy to find for potential guests.

Why This Step Matters

Especially important for large events, a dedicated event webpage—also known as a microsite—serves as the center of all things event-related.

Think about it: do you want your guests to spend valuable time scouring your organization’s website, social media pages, and email newsletter archives to find out the information they need about your event? Or worse—do you want potential guests to miss out on signing up for your event because they don’t know where to do it?

That’s where your event microsite comes in! With a well-designed site, your guests will have a one-stop shop for anything and everything related to your event.

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

Ideally, your Salesforce event management software should generate a site for you, automatically pulling event details from your database to populate the site.

To get the most out of your microsite, make sure to include all of the following:

  • Registration information. Using your event management app, build or customize registration forms to place on your microsite. Since your microsite is already linked with your CRM, all the data you collect on your forms will be automatically filed into your database.
  • Merchandise catalog. You can set up an online store to sell fixed-price items on your microsite. Guests can add these to their ticket purchase or buy the products they like individually.
  • Event details. Date, time, and location should all be prominently displayed on the front page of your microsite, but you can also include separate tabs with speaker information, specific session details, and logistical information (e.g., parking, check-in times, etc).
Build out your event micro-site using your Salesforce event management app.

This Salesforce event microsite features separate pages for agenda, speakers, eCommerce store, and more.

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when you’ve built a microsite to promote your upcoming event and share relevant details with guests.

Step 5: Use your Salesforce event management app to juggle all the logistics of your event.

5. Manage Event Logistics Using Your Salesforce App

Every event planning team has a million responsibilities to stay on top of before (and during) the big day. Your Salesforce event management app can help you track those tasks!

Why This Step Matters

Now that you’ve gotten a lot of the “pre-prep” out of the way, it’s time to dive into the real event planning.

Luckily, with an event management app that works within Salesforce, you won’t have to leave your CRM to manage all the details of your event, big or small.

Having all your event data in one place lessens the possibility that you or your team will overlook an important detail. And, when event day rolls around, you won’t have to worry about juggling various platforms to stay on top of your plans—it will all be accessible in Salesforce!

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

Within your Salesforce app, you can keep tabs on these important event considerations:

  • Venue. Where will you hold your event? Is this location geographically accessible for your guests? Can the venue accommodate all of your guests? How many rooms will you need? Will you have access to a stage, projector, lighting and sound equipment, tables, or anything else you might need?
  • Sponsors. Are there local businesses who’ve previously interacted with your organization? Do any of your constituents have ties to generous corporations? What sponsorship levels will you offer?
  • Speakers. Who in your database might be a good fit to speak at your event? What speakers or topics might be most relevant to your guests’ interests? How does hiring a professional speaker fit into your event budget?

You’ll also be able to use your event management app to manage exhibitors, vendors, auction items, event sessions and/or tracks, table and seating charts, and many other elements that contribute to a successful event!

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when you’ve used your Salesforce event management software to plan and track all the finer details of your event. It’s almost time for event day!

Step 6: Use your Salesforce event management app to set up registration for your event guests.

6. Register Guests Online and at the Door

Your event is well-planned and expertly promoted—all that’s missing are your guests!

Why This Step Matters

Having a strategy in place for registration can help your organization stay on track of your guest list and streamline the process for your attendees, too.

Plus, accepting registrations in a variety of formats can help you maximize your event revenue and boost the turnout overall.

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

Depending on the scale of your event, it might make sense to offer online-only registration. However, offering registration onsite on event day can bring in additional last-minute ticket sales and help you fill in empty seats.

Regardless of which path you choose, follow these best practices for managing your guests’ registrations:

  • Make online registration mobile-friendly. Smartphones and tablets are nothing if not universal. By mobile-optimizing your registration forms, you’ll make signing up or purchasing tickets for your event convenient for guests on the go.
  • Allow guests to build their own schedules. If you’re hosting a conference or multi-day event with various tracks, sessions, and speakers, you should enable guests to design their own agendas based on their interests and availability.
  • Make multi-session signup intuitive. For multi-session courses, guests should be able to quickly sign up for all events in a series at once. That way, their entire event schedule is mapped out, no extra effort needed.

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when tickets are purchased, guest lists are set, and your registered attendees are ready for your event!

Step 7: Compile Salesforce event data within your CRM so you can improve for future events.

7. Compile Event Reports (and Get Ready for the Next Event!)

Event planning never stops, so you’ll need to assess the success of this event in order to achieve even greater heights at the next one.

Why This Step Matters

After event doors close and your team breathes a well-deserved sigh of relief, the work isn’t quitdone yet.

Before you can wrap up your event, you should analyze your success to see what elements of your event strategy were right on track and which ones lagged a little bit. 

By using reporting tools to objectively assess your success, you can improve your event-planning skills for the future and create more compelling events from now on.

How to Plan Your Salesforce Event with This in Mind

To get a good idea of how your event measured up, make use of these metrics:

  • Registration and attendance. How many individuals registered for your event? How many of those attended? At what point did they register? What ticket level was the most widely purchase?
  • Cost-effectiveness. How many tickets did you sell? How did your profit compare to your budgetary expenses? Did you have other revenue streams, such as merchandise or donations?
  • Attendee engagement. How do the responses from your pre-event survey compare to your post-event survey? Did your marketing tactics generate ticket sales, new social media followers, or new customers?

No matter how you measure success, what’s important is that you set concrete event goals and follow through on tracking your progress against them.

If keeping tabs on your success seems daunting, don’t worry—the right event management app should come with easy-to-use reporting and analytics features designed to make managing goals easier.

Measure your event success using your Salesforce event management app's reporting and analytics features.

This Salesforce event report measures membership attendance and subscriptions in an easy-to-view interface.

 Check this off your Salesforce event to-do list when you know exactly how well your event performed and already know where to start for the next event!


The perfectly planned event might be an abstract concept, but with a little help from the right event management software (not to mention your Salesforce data!), your organization will soon be one step closer to event success—and happy guests!

For more help planning your next event in Salesforce, check out these additional resources:

  • Salesforce Event Management: The Essential Guide. We’ve put everything you need to know about using your Salesforce system to plan engaging, inspiring events. Trust us: this is the last resource you’ll need for everything event management!
  • Best Eventbrite Alternatives. Thinking of using the web-based event platform Eventbrite to plan your Salesforce event? Before you commit, check out these solutions like Eventbrite (but better) for your event management needs.
  • Top Salesforce Event Management Integrations (Rated and Reviewed). The web development team at DNL OmniMedia has gone through the most popular Salesforce event management solutions to help you find the one that will work for you. See how Fonteva Events, Eventbrite, and Cvent compare!

Learn more about Salesforce Event Planning with our simple 7 steps!

Learn which features are must-haves in your Salesforce event management application.

Event Management Apps: Key Features to Succeed on Salesforce

If you’ve ever browsed the Salesforce AppExchange, you know that there’s almost no limit to what your Salesforce CRM can do. Event management is only one of the many areas your Salesforce system can lend a hand in, but for organizations who often plan events—whether large or small, ticketed or free—the importance of Salesforce event management apps can’t be overstated.

If you’re in the market for a comprehensive solution to help you streamline your event planning within Salesforce, you might feel overwhelmed when faced with the multitude of available event management apps. And understandably so!

Thankfully, we’re here to walk you through all the standout features you need to have in the event management tool you select. Here’s what we’ll look at:

  1. Native Salesforce application
  2. Cloud-based functionality
  3. Flexible guest management tools
  4. Custom registration options
  5. Event website generator

When you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be well on your way to finding the right app and planning phenomenal events.

Before we jump in, let’s make sure you have a grasp on the basics of planning events in Salesforce. Get started by reading our essential guide to the topic—we’ll be here when you get back!

Make sure that your event management app is native to Salesforce.

1. Top Salesforce Event Management App Feature: Native Salesforce Application

We could spend some serious time delving into the difference between native and non-native Salesforce apps (as we did in this helpful post), but before we get carried away with the pros and cons of each, let’s establish what exactly we mean by “native app.”

A native Salesforce application was built in Salesforce, lives in Salesforce, and inherently works in conjunction with Salesforce. When you’re using a native app, there’s no disconnect between your CRM and your app.

Now let’s look at the other end of the spectrum: the non-native app.

Since a non-native app and Salesforce exist separately, the platforms must be integrated to work together, and any data housed within the two must be transferred back and forth.

So, what does that mean for your event management team? 

Essentially, the native vs. non-native conundrum leaves you with a few major takeaways to consider as you select a Salesforce event planning solution:

  • Native apps give you access to all your data. To plan strategic events, you need to have access to your guests’ information. If your event management app isn’t synced up seamlessly with your Salesforce CRM, you won’t be able to get a comprehensive view of your constituents in relation to your event.
  • Native apps don’t require data migration. When all information is stored in one location, there’s no need to transfer data between the two platforms. To keep non-native apps up to date with your Salesforce data (and vice versa), you’ll have to update each platform, which can require manual data entry on your end.
  • Native apps work in tandem with the Salesforce infrastructure. Since native event management apps exist within Salesforce, as long as your CRM is working, your event management app will be too. Both work on the same server and have the same underlying structure, so there are no additional hurdles to jump over to make sure your app stays running smoothly.

While non-native apps can still work well with Salesforce, they’ll never be as efficient or compatible as a native app—they just weren’t built to be!

See This Salesforce Event Management Feature in Action

With a native application, you’ll be able to draw on existing data in your Salesforce CRM, which is especially important when creating comprehensive reports.

With a native Salesforce app, you can see all of your event and constituent information in one place.

In this example of Fonteva Events, you can see analytics relating to the event itself as well as membership data, annual event reports, and revenue over time.

With so much data to sift through, having to migrate data back and forth between disconnected systems will only slow you down. A native app can ensure you have access to full sets of data in real-time!


Search for a Salesforce event management app that's fully cloud-based so you can access your data on the go.

2. Top Salesforce Event Management App Feature: Cloud-Based Functionality

Planning an event is a time-intensive job, so there’s no guaranteeing that you’ll always be in the office.

To make sure you can access important information wherever you are, search for a cloud-based event management solution.

Because cloud-based apps store your information on the internet rather than on a specific device, you don’t need to connect to any hardware to gain access to your software; you simply need an internet connection. 

Many of the benefits of cloud-based technology are obvious, but let’s go over a few key advantages to emphasize just how important this feature is in your event management app:

  • Multi-user capabilities. Since the software isn’t tied to any one computer, it’s much easier for multiple users to have access to your event management app. Event management isn’t a one-person job, so your event management app shouldn’t be a one-person solution!
  • Easy event-day access. When your event day(s) come, you’ll almost definitely be running around the venue, checking in guests, and keeping up with your team’s various responsibilities. If you’re able to have your app on hand on your mobile device, you won’t lose track of tasks along the way!
  • Unlimited growth potential. Cloud technology is scalable, so your team can instantly increase storage capacity when needed. And since the cloud offers unlimited availability, you can continue expanding as much as you need without needing to pay for additional hardware or storage space.

Having swift access to your event information isn’t just a priority; it’s a necessity! A cloud-based app will work with you whenever, wherever to make sure you can get the job done while at your desk or on the go.

See This Salesforce Event Management Feature in Action

Fonteva Events enables you to access event details like registration and ticketing via the Salesforce1 mobile app.

 

You’ll need to provide your guests with on-the-go ticket options (like the QR code ticket shown here), but it’s equally important to be able to make adjustments to your event and communicate with your staff via mobile device too.

By finding an app that works with Salesforce’s mobile app, you’ll be able to view event reports, update event details, communicate with guests, and much more, without being tethered to a desk.


Use your Salesforce event management app to customize the guest experience at your event.

3. Top Salesforce Event Management App Feature: Flexible Guest Management Tools

Your guests are at the center of your event. No matter what other tasks you spend time on, your event management process should really boil down to one thing: creating an event that your guests will love attending.

To make that happen, find a Salesforce event management app that can help you prioritize attendee engagement and maximize guest participation.

For just a few examples of where your event app can play a role in guest management, start with these key features:

  • Guest schedules and agendas. If you’re planning multi-day or multi-session events (think: conferences or training courses), you should find an event management app that enables your guests to plan their own schedules and sign up for only the sessions they plan to attend or all events in a series at once.
  • Table and seating assignments. You can use your event management app to map out seating charts and table arrangements in an intuitive, hassle-free way. Keep track of groups, seating preferences, and designated VIPs to ensure that all guests are appropriately seated, without the stress of doing it all manually.
  • RSVP management. You should have no problem using your event management app to file all the RSVPs or registrations you receive for your event. Instantly file your guests’ information within your Salesforce database so you can reference it now and for future events.

Keeping your guests happy now will ensure they continue coming back to future events and supporting your organization in other ways, so you should take any measures you can take to improve their experience.

See This Salesforce Event Management Feature in Action

When you’re planning a complex event, it’s vital to keep the registration process as simple as can be for guests. A user-friendly agenda builder, like the one below, can help!

With your Salesforce event management app, you should be able to build dynamic sessions with their own customized options.

You can take the guesswork out of the registration process by putting the power in your attendees’ hands. Allow them to select the sessions they’re most interested in attending and adjust their schedules as much as they want leading up to the event.

With the best event management apps, you’ll even be able to customize your event on a session-by-session level by adding separate registration fees, questionnaires, or restrictions for each session as needed.


Use your Salesforce event management app to give your guests custom registration options with distinct ticket levels.

4. Top Salesforce Event Management App Feature: Custom Registration Options

No two events are created equal, which means your registration options should reflect your event specifically.

Before we dive into registration customization, let’s recap with an overview of the different types of events you might need custom registration for:

  • Multi-day events, such as conferences.
  • Event series, such as courses or classes.
  • Single-day events, such as a fundraising auction.
  • Multi-track events, with several series options.

With each type of event, your guests will need specialized registration options that allow them to choose exactly what they want and provide your organization with the details you need.

What might your registration options look like? Let’s go over a few examples of what your forms might include:

  • Custom ticket levels, including VIP, general admission, or exclusive offers.
  • Group or individual registration.
  • Seating preferences.
  • Additional purchases or donations.
  • Meal preferences or dietary restrictions.
  • Preferred method of communication.

When you give your guests maximum flexibility during registration, you set them up to better enjoy your event. Happy guests and a stress-free planning team equals a win-win situation!

See This Salesforce Event Management Feature in Action

One of the easiest (and most necessary) ways of customizing the registration process is by sending pre- and post-show surveys to your attendees.

Your event management app should allow you build out custom questionnaires and attach them to your registration form. That way, you can collect additional data without having to follow up with registrants manually.

Send pre- and post-show surveys to better understand your guests and inform both this event and future ones.

Some of the information you’ll need for an event won’t be information you already have on file (as is likely the case in the example above). However, when you use an event management app that’s native or integrated with Salesforce, you can transfer the data you capture in your surveys and store it in your customer or account profiles for future use.


You can use your Salesforce event management app to quickly build a dedicated micro-site for your event.

5. Top Salesforce Event Management App Feature: Event Website Generator

Between your website, email newsletters, and social media profiles, your organization will likely post event information across a number of different marketing channels.

While you definitely do want to take a multi-channel promotional approach, there’s also a benefit to creating one central hub for all your event information. That’s why we recommend finding an event management app that can generate dedicated event microsites.

Not only will your guests be able to more easily locate exact event details when they’re all stored on one easy-to-navigate site, but they’ll also be more inclined to share your event with friends when they can send all details via one simple link.

Aside from being the go-to event resource, your microsite can serve other purposes too, including:

  • Selling tickets. Simplify the ticket-buying process by offering a user-friendly registration form on your microsite. Make sure to prominently display this page in your site navigation and on the homepage.
  • Displaying merchandise. Set up your eStore and allow guests and other supporters to browse and purchase items directly from your event site.
  • Recognizing sponsors. Dedicate a page to thanking those individuals and businesses who have generously supported your event!

Your event management app can help you build this page to meet your needs, without having to go through a third-party web designer. See what customization options your app enables to ensure you can brand your page appropriately.

See This Salesforce Event Management Feature in Action

You can use your event management app to build out an event microsite that reflects your event and includes all of the information you want to provide.

Build out your event micro-site using your Salesforce event management app.

In this example, guests can select their ticket type, view event details (such as date, time, and location), and even see logistical information (like parking instructions) all on one simple, branded overview page.


Events are a major part of operations for some organizations. But just because they’re important doesn’t mean they have to be a hassle!

Streamline all aspects of your event management by finding a platform with all of these key features, plus any other specific needs your organization might have.

For more on managing events in Salesforce, take a look at these great resources:

Learn more about Salesforce Event Planning with our simple 7 steps!

 

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.

Guest Blogging Guidelines – Want to Blog with Fonteva?

Fonteva regularly collaborates with other websites within the industry to publish high-quality and educational articles. We gladly welcome the opportunity to share our expertise. Interested in us writing for your blog?

If you’d like Fonteva to contribute an educational article to your blog, newsletter, or website, please reach out to Casey Goldman (cgoldman@fonteva.com)

Get to know our article authors!

Jake Fabbri

Jake Fabbri is the Vice President of Marketing at Fonteva with over 18 years of experience working in marketing management. He has experience with lead generation, content marketing, marketing automation, and events.

Cesar Devoto

Cesar Devoto is a Senior Sales Executive at Fonteva. Cesar has 13 years of event management software experience. Prior to working in software sales, he was a real estate and securities regulation attorney for 10 years. He has been cited saying the move to software sales was the best decision he has ever made… other than proposing to his wife.

Kevin Caiazza

Kevin Caiazza is a Senior Sales Executive with over 22 years of experience in the hospitality, meetings and events industry with 10 of those years focused exclusively on software solutions. He is responsible for leading partnership efforts with new prospects, deeply understanding their business needs, and sharing how Fonteva Events can help. When he is not working, his other passion is spending time with his 3 growing children Caleb, Samantha and Alexa!

Interested in writing for our blog?

If you’d like to write a piece for our blog, please reach out to Casey Goldman (cgoldman@fonteva.com) to get approval and make arrangements.

We welcome guest submissions, but we ask that you keep the following requirements in mind:

What We Accept

  • Quality: We want original, educational, and unique content. Contributor posts should be well-written and consistent.
  • Images: All contributors should have images they are permitted and licensed to share.
  • Exclusivity: Your submission is exclusive to Fonteva, so we don’t allow reposting of the same article to your blog or another site. Although, we do encourage you to post a link to the guest article on your own blog.
  • Links: Within the article you can provide links back to your own website up to two times. Also, you can link to your website once within the author bio.
  • Expert Resources: Please cite at least two additional resources from highly authoritative industry expert sites/articles within your piece.
  • Fonteva Links: Please link to at least two relevant pages from the Fonteva website and/or blog.
  • Authorship: Be sure to include your headshot and a short bio when submitting. This will be featured at the end of the article.
  • Article Word Count: 1000+ words

How do I submit my article?

  • Before you submit, please send your topic idea to cgoldman@fonteva.com for approval.
  • Once approved, email an attached draft in Word or Google doc format.
  • Be sure to include your author headshot + short bio within the email.
  • Attach all images to the email as individual files with labels indicating placement within the article.

FAQ

  • Do I get final say over how the article looks? While we try to maintain the original piece as much as possible, we do observe the right to edit the post to ensure it follows our guidelines and standards.
  • Can changes be made after the article is published? Sure, we are open to making changes when possible. However, this can be approved or denied depending on circumstance.
  • Can I share the piece on social media? Yes, please! We love when our collaborators share their work.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Casey (cgoldman@fonteva.com). We look forward to collaborating with you!