Unofficial IMEX Networking App Sparks Confusion Among Attendees

As thousands of IMEX America 2024 attendees were heading to Las Vegas this week, they were presented with two apps in Apple’s iOS app store. The official IMEX app developed by ExpoPlatform and a second app called the “IMEX USA Networking” app, initially labeled as a “scam” by IMEX. The confusion surrounding the unofficial app raised eyebrows and led to its eventual removal. Let’s delve into the details of this controversy and uncover the intentions behind the unofficial app.

Unofficial App Launch Details:
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer described the launch of the unofficial app as “misguided rather than malicious” and confirmed that no data breach had occurred. The app development was undertaken by Sarcon, an event technology company founded in 2017. Sarcon CEO Jaichander Ramesh clarified that the app was intended to help attendees network at IMEX, especially those who may not have access to the official app’s networking features. The app description on the iOS app store clearly stated its unofficial status and emphasized its non-commercial nature.

Confusion Among Attendees:
The unofficial app’s design closely resembled that of IMEX, leading to confusion among users searching for the official app. Upon downloading the unofficial app, users were prompted to enter a passcode for login. However, some users reported issues with the passcode recovery process, raising concerns about the app’s functionality. IMEX had recently launched its official app, making it unclear when the unofficial app came into existence. Sarcon’s registration process for the app required a separate registration page, with each user receiving a unique passcode for access.

Sarcon: Who Are They?
Sarcon, the company behind the unofficial app, is an event technology provider founded in 2017. The company’s headquarters are listed in Delaware on their website, but conflicting information suggests they may also have a presence in Bangalore, India. Despite not exhibiting at IMEX America 2024, Sarcon has positioned itself as a player in the event technology space. This incident marks the first time Sarcon has developed an unofficial app for an event, raising questions about their future involvement in such initiatives.

Conclusion:
The controversy surrounding the unofficial IMEX networking app has shed light on the challenges of event technology and app development in the industry. While the intentions behind the app may have been noble, the confusion it caused among attendees underscores the importance of clear communication and transparency in such endeavors. As IMEX attendees navigate the event landscape, they must remain vigilant and informed about the tools and resources available to them. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for event organizers and technology providers alike, highlighting the need for collaboration and clarity in delivering the best possible experience for attendees.

This article first appeared on https://meetings.skift.com/2024/10/07/unofficial-imex-networking-app-sparks-confusion/