Event App Without the App Store - Why PWA Is the New Standard
What is PWA and why it’s the future of event apps
A Progressive Web App (PWA for short) is an application that opens in your phone's browser but looks and works like a regular mobile app. You don't need to download it from a store — just click a link or scan a QR code. It can work offline and send notifications, just like apps from the App Store or Google Play.
Why does this matter for event organizers?
Every barrier between an attendee and the app means some people simply won't use it. A traditional store app requires downloading, phone storage, and sometimes creating an account. PWA eliminates all of these steps. An attendee scans a QR code and within seconds has a full event app with the agenda, directions, hotel information, and organizer contact details.
PWA works on every phone with a browser: iPhones, Androids, tablets. A traditional store app requires building and maintaining two separate versions — one for the App Store (iPhone) and another for Google Play (Android). That means double the costs, double the work, and double the testing. PWA eliminates this problem: one team, one app, every device.
Importantly, PWA is not a stripped-down version of an app. It's a fully featured application with access to the camera, location, and notifications — just like any other app on your phone. The only difference is how it's distributed: instead of an app store — a link or QR code.
How it works in practice — from QR code to home screen
Imagine a typical conference. An attendee approaches the registration desk and scans a QR code from the stand. Within 2–3 seconds, the full app opens on their phone — agenda, maps, hotel information, and organizer contacts. If they want quick access later, they tap "Add to Home Screen" and they're done. The app icon appears on their phone and works like a regular app.
Compare this with a traditional store app: open the store, search for the name (often hard to find among hundreds of results), download it (you need storage space and a stable connection), log in or create an account — and only then start using it. At each of these steps, some attendees drop off. In a crowded hall with overloaded Wi-Fi, this process is especially frustrating.
For organizers, it's simpler too. Instead of preparing separate instructions for iPhone and Android users, a single universal QR code is enough. You can also send the link in the registration confirmation email or place it on the event website. Attendees can browse the agenda, check directions, find hotel information, and plan their day before they even arrive.
PWA vs. traditional store app — comparison
| Feature | PWA | Store app |
|---|---|---|
| Store download | Not required | Required |
| Works on iOS and Android | ✓ One version | Separate versions |
| Instant updates | ✓ | Requires store approval |
| Offline mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ |
| QR code access | ✓ | ✗ |
| Apple ID / Google account | Not required | Required |
| Deployment time | Hours | Weeks |
| Maintenance cost | Lower (1 version) | Higher (2 versions) |
5 concrete advantages of a PWA event app
- Attendees use the app immediately — no store download needed. At large events, every additional barrier can mean hundreds of people who never open the app.
- Works on every phone — a single PWA supports iPhones, Androids, and every modern browser. The organizer doesn't need to test across different systems or maintain separate versions.
- Changes visible instantly — if a session room changes, a new item is added to the agenda, or live voting results come in, the update appears in seconds.
- Lower costs — instead of building and maintaining separate apps for iOS and Android, the organizer invests in one version. Smaller team, faster changes, lower costs.
- More people use the app — the fewer steps to launch, the more attendees actually use it. When all it takes is scanning a QR code, the adoption rate rises significantly.
Push notifications and offline mode — does PWA deliver?
Push notifications
On Android, push notifications in PWA have worked without any limitations for years. On iPhones, Apple added full PWA notification support, so organizers can send attendees session reminders and schedule change alerts regardless of phone type.
The only condition on iPhones: the user must add the PWA to the home screen. With a clear instruction on the welcome screen, attendees complete this step without any issues.
Offline mode
Critical data — the agenda, venue maps, hotel information — is saved to the phone and accessible even without an internet connection. At crowded events where Wi-Fi and cellular signals are often overloaded, this isn't a convenience — it's a necessity.
When a traditional store app still makes sense
PWA works great in most cases, but it's not always the best choice. Consider a traditional store app when:
- You need advanced hardware integration — e.g., NFC badges, indoor navigation via Bluetooth beacons (BLE), or augmented reality (AR) features.
- Your brand requires store presence — some organizations treat the App Store and Google Play as part of their marketing strategy.
In practice, most conferences, trade shows, training sessions, and corporate events don't require any of these features. PWA is the best choice regardless of event scale or duration. A good PWA platform already includes live voting, surveys, attendee chat, and exhibitor panels. And if you need something custom, it can be added without building an app from scratch.
How to launch a PWA event app at your event
Deploying a PWA-based event app is simpler than it seems. With the right platform, the entire process — from configuration to launch — can be done in a few hours, with no coding required.
- Choose a platform with built-in PWA support — look for a solution that handles all the technical setup automatically. Platforms like EventApp let you configure everything through a visual panel, with no programming.
- Add content and branding — upload your logo, set colors, add sessions to the agenda, venue maps, hotel info, surveys, and live voting. Matching the look to your event identity takes minutes.
- Share with attendees — generate QR codes for print materials, send the link in the registration confirmation email, or place it on the event website.
One person with basic admin panel knowledge is all you need. That's the fundamental difference compared to a traditional store app, which requires mobile developers, developer accounts, and a multi-week testing and publishing cycle.
After the event ends, the app keeps working. Attendees can access the photo gallery, recordings, speaker presentations, and certificates — all in one place, no digging through email.
Frequently asked questions
Does PWA work offline?
Yes. After first opening, critical data (agenda, maps, hotel info, speaker profiles) is saved to the phone and available offline. At events with overloaded Wi-Fi, this is a huge advantage.
Does PWA support push notifications on iPhones?
Yes. Since 2023, Apple supports push notifications in PWA. The only condition: the user must add the app to the phone's home screen.
What's the difference between PWA and an App Store app?
The main difference is the access method. A store app requires downloading, while PWA opens directly from a link or QR code. Feature-wise — agenda, maps, notifications, surveys, live voting, offline mode — PWA offers the same as a traditional app.
How long does it take to deploy a PWA for an event?
With a platform like EventApp — a few hours. No developers or developer accounts needed. A traditional store app usually takes weeks.
Want to see how it works? Try the EventApp demo and see for yourself. Got questions? Get in touch.
