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How NextMe’s Modern Virtual Waiting Room Helped South by Southwest XR Exhibitors Retain 32% More Attendees

The SXSW XR Experience is a major event showcasing the latest in virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology. It attracts a global audience of innovators and enthusiasts who explore cutting-edge interactive experiences and creative storytelling.

The Challenge: Many Exhibits, Many Attendees

With so many people eager to experience the XR exhibits, managing wait times and communicating with attendees in real-time became a big challenge for exhibitors. Long lines and unclear wait times in previous years had made it hard for attendees to know when to return to an exhibit, leading to frustration and a less enjoyable experience.

NextMe South by Southwest Event Case Study XR Exhibit Map
In a packed exhibit hall, organizers needed an easy way to manage attendee flow.
NextMe South by Southwest Event Case Study XR Exhibit Flow
The South by Southwest event exhibitor flow, powered by NextMe and fully branded for their event.

The Solution: Real-Time Communication with NextMe

To solve this, SXSW XR Exhibitors used NextMe’s modern Virtual Waiting Room. Attendees joined the wait for exhibits through NextMe’s Self Check-in form. By incorporating QR codes, tablet kiosks, SMS updates, and an easy-to-use virtual waiting room, attendees could check in, get real-time updates, and know exactly when to return to an exhibit. This system reduced the need for physical lines and improved communication between exhibitors and attendees.

NextMe makes everything easier. It’s simple to use, helps us connect with people, and avoids long lines. We’ve tried other apps, but NextMe is by far the most intuitive and easy to onboard.

The Results: 32% More Attendees Retained

NextMe’s solution helped SXSW XR Exhibitors retain 32% more attendees that would have otherwise walked out. In addition to sticking around, attendees appreciated the convenience of timely updates and the flexibility to explore other parts of the event while waiting. This improved the overall experience for both attendees and exhibitors, contributing to the overall success of the SXSW XR Experience.

NextMe is so easy to use and set up. The seamless SMS notifications improve the experience for both my team and the attendees.

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