Philip Portman is the founder and CEO of Textdrip, a business texting platform catering to industries such as Event, Solar, Travel & Tourism, E-Commerce, Insurance, Hotels & Hospitality, Car Dealerships, Real Estate and Healthcare. He has successfully launched several startups, including LandlineRemover.com and ArgosAutomation.com. With expertise in SMS marketing and digital automation, Portman is also an esteemed member of the Forbes Technology Council.

Event marketing has always been about building meaningful connections. Whether it is a trade show, conference or virtual summit, event planners leave no stone unturned to engage attendees before, during and after the event. However, the sad reality is that email inboxes are always crowded and social media algorithms often hide your posts. Therefore, how do you ensure your messages reach the right person at the right time?

Here is where SMS automation can transform an entire event marketing strategy. SMS is direct, personal and quick, and that’s why it is becoming the go-to tool for event professionals who expect higher engagement and better ROI.

Why SMS Over Other Channels?

People read text messages. As per the research, SMS has a 98% open rate and a 45% response rate. At the same time, email has a less than 30% open rate. Therefore, for event marketers, SMS is not just an advantage; it is a revolution. For event organizers, it is essential that their audience sees and responds to a message, and in it, texting is the fastest and most reliable method. However, the real transformation comes when the SMS is paired with automation.

How Powerful is Automation?

It is obvious that sending text messages to thousands of attendees is unrealistic. Here is where SMS automation helps. It allows event organizers to schedule, personalize and trigger messages based on specific actions or timelines.

Let’s Assume:

• A speaker session is about to start, and attendees receive a reminder text message 15 minutes before.
• There is a last-minute venue change, and all participants are informed instantly.
• Once the event ends, post-event surveys are sent automatically.

In short, automation removes manual work, eliminates delays and helps you create a simplified, hassle-free communication flow. It helps planners focus on the experience while technology handles the logistics.

How Automation Helps Drive Attendee Engagement Before, During and After Events?

Engagement does not start when attendees walk through the door, but it begins the moment they register. Automated SMS campaigns can help you nurture that connection from start to finish.

Before the event

Event organizers can set up automated SMS campaigns to send registration confirmations, ticket details and countdown reminders. For example, sending a personalized text like “Hey Erica, your pass for the Tech Leader Summit is confirmed! We can’t wait to see you in Chicago” creates excitement and trust.

During the event

Event organizers can use SMS for real-time updates. They can share venue changes, agenda changes, session highlights and networking opportunities. They can even send location pins to help attendees navigate large venues.

After the event

Keep the conversation going even when the event is over. Event planners can send automated text messages, feedback requests and exclusive post-event content to keep the momentum alive. This continuous engagement builds loyalty and encourages future attendance.

How SMS Automation Can Simplify Event Communication for Teams

Event planning is teamwork. All team members, including coordinators, vendors, speakers and volunteers, need to stay informed. SMS automation makes internal communication as efficient as attendee communication.

Do you need to update your staff about the schedule change? A single automated text message can inform everyone at once. It helps reduce confusion, saves time and ensures your team operates in harmony.

How are Leading Organizations Using SMS Automation to Improve Their Events? Here are some real-world applications and examples:

Corporate Conferences — Event organizers schedule automated reminders for keynote sessions and breakout workshops. Personalized messages encourage attendance and engagement.

Trade Shows — Exhibitors use SMS to invite attendees to their booths, share product launch details and send exclusive offers during the event.

Hybrid Events — If there are virtual attendees, SMS links provide instant access to streaming sessions, ensuring no one misses out because of email delays.

These examples show that SMS automation is not just about convenience, but it is about creating better event experiences.

Getting Started With SMS Automation

It is easy to start with SMS automation. Its setup and SMS CRM integration are quite easy. Choose the SMS platform that supports automation, personalization and integration with your existing CRMs. After that, use the ready-made or create SMS templates for invites, reminders, updates and feedback requests. Set the triggers for sending messages based on time, status or attendee action. Review open rates, confirmations and attendee feedback and adjust for next time.

Modern automated SMS marketing platforms work seamlessly with CRM tools. Therefore, you don’t need to manage multiple databases or worry about syncing contacts.

Let’s Overcome Concerns

Some event planners worry that SMS might feel intrusive. However, studies show that attendees trust SMS more than other channels because it provides timely and relevant information. Besides, opt-in processes ensure SMS compliance as attendees sign up for the text alerts. Organizers also respect privacy and request to opt out.

The Future of SMS in Event Marketing

Technology is constantly evolving, and with that, SMS automation will become more intelligent. Its integration with CRM platforms, AI-driven personalization and two-way texting are already reshaping how event organizers manage events.

Final Thoughts

Event marketing is all about connection, and connection thrives on timely communication. SMS automation bridges the gap between event planners and participants by delivering the right message at the right time.

SMS automation helps event professionals simplify communication, boost engagement and deliver unforgettable experiences. C&IT