With smartphones and mobile technology dominating our daily lives, several apps have been created to make the event planning process easier and more efficient. Even though we love our handy measuring wheel during site visits, it’s also interesting to try out something new. Here are five free apps designed to make site visits more productive.

MagicPlan

This amazing app measures and creates floor plans by simply taking pictures of a space. From here you can add tables, chairs, dance floor, or whatever you may need. It then will convert your layout into a JPEG, PDF, DXF, or HTML formats for your use. There is an upgraded option for purchase, which is more customizable.

Website: www.sensopia.com

Evernote

This unique app allows you to take pictures of the venue, take voice notes, and create to-do lists. It syncs with other devices and can be emailed for easy access. Additionally, it allows you to organize your notes by notebooks and tags for quick searching. There is a premium version available with features that allow others to edit your notebooks or access them offline

Website: www.evernote.com

Speedtest

This app allows you to take a snapshot of the venues download and upload Internet speeds. It gives you a real-time graph showing connection consistency. If Wi-Fi is essential to your event – for mobile check-in or an online auction system for example – then this is crucial information. If you find the Wi-Fi is not very strong, you may want to bring an extra hotspot just in case.

Website: www.speedtest.net/mobile

Adobe Ideas

Ever get an idea for an event space and want to sketch it out for a client or teammate while on a site visit? Give Adobe Ideas a try. It gives you the ability to draw freeform vector illustrations. It’s essentially a giant virtual canvas, so let the creativity begin.

Website: http://tv.adobe.com/show/adobe-ideas

TechSpec

Created in partnership with event technology experts Corbin Ball and James Spellos, this app provides a technology checklist for hotels and venues. It allows you to keep track of the technical capabilities for meeting spaces, lobby and guest rooms, Internet cost, number of power outlets and televisions, etc. Each site is rated based on your imputed information for easy comparisons.

Website: https://www.quickmobile.com/services