HB Conf

Law Firm: Houthoff Buruma
Firm Size: Large
Released: March 29, 2012
Platform: iPhone, iPad (iTunes)
Cost: Free
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Already known for its previous mobile apps (here and here), Houthoff Buruma developed this  app for the ABA Section of International Law 2012 Spring Meeting that was held in April 2012.

Key features of the HB Conf App include:

• Ability to create a personalized program and receive suggestions for sessions that match with the user’s interests
• Real time access to all conference information, including the program, speakers, sponsors, and maps
• Networking opportunities via Linkedin which is integrated into the app
• Option of communicating through Twitter

Since all the program information is stored electronically in the app, that information could be updated by the event organizer in real time during the conference.

This approach to app development, that is, creating an app for a one-time event is a unique strategy for a law firm.  A somewhat similar approach was used by Patton Boggs in its sponsorship of an app that provided information about the Obama inauguration (that app is no longer available). Law firms spend significant amounts of money sponsoring various aspect of legal and business conferences, why not a mobile app that goes with the conference? The decision to create or sponsor such an app, like other sponsorship opportunities, is based on whether the costs and exposure justify the expense.

The HB Conf App will be used again in October this year, when it will be the official App for the ACG European Capital Tour. We look forward to further conversation with the Houthoff on how their conference apps have benefited the firm.