You may have heard of the term “the sharing economy” in recent articles talking about the future of businesses and how resources are opening to consumers unlike ever before.

Google defines this term as: “The sharing economy (sometimes referred to as the peer-to-peer, mesh, or collaborative economy; also collaborative consumption) is a socio-economic system built around the sharing of human and physical resources.”

To put it in more familiar terms, it’s the basis of Uber, Airbnb, and more companies that are changing the way we live everyday life by offering to share things or services already owned by others. And while many apps come and go in regards to popularity, Entrepreneur magazine deems the success of businesses engaging in the sharing economy “not a fad – it’s a new way of doing business”.

So, how will this new age of having access to everyday needs in the palm of our hand benefit the lives of Event Planners? We’ve broken down the top apps and their features to see how they can make our lives a bit easier.

AIRBNB

Credit: Airbnb

Event planners go above and beyond to ensure their guest experience is nothing short of amazing during the event, but why stop there? Airbnb offers unique places for your guests to stay while they are in town for your event. From castles, to island villas, to homes with the most unique architecture you’ve ever seen, and even a houseboat on the Seine River in Paris (yes, that is a real thing on AirBnB) the possibilities are endless. Guests and clients won’t be able to stop talking about the experience you’ve provided them. And of course, who says you can’t book your own personal accommodations in one of these amazing spaces?

UBER

Credit: Uber

One of the best features that Uber has is the accessibility for people to be picked up at a moment’s notice. As event planners, we all know someone will need us ASAP at the venue site without warning. For clients and guests, Uber offers rides that match style with budget. For high profile clientele, there is a LUX option. For big groups, the SUV option is ideal. And for you, the event planner, UberBLACK will have you arriving in style without breaking your budget.

TASKRABBIT

Credit: TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects you to people who have the skills necessary to get what you need done. While the tasks range from moving help to grocery shopping & delivery, they also offer event services such as bartending, décor installment, wait staff, entertainment, marketers, and more. Taskers are rated and reviewed after each task so you know what you’re getting before you commit.

DOGVACAY

Credit: DogVacay

This one has a special place in our hearts. The official dog of East of Ellie, Oliver, needs a place to stay when the team is across the country executing an event. Since event planners have more flexible schedules, it is likely that many of us have furry friends that enjoy our company on a daily basis, but need loving homes when we travel. DogVacay allows owners to leave their dogs with a host who will take care of the dog. It’s cheaper than a kennel and gives dogs a more comfortable place to stay. Don’t miss us too much, Ollie!

FON

Credit: Fon

WiFi can be the biggest struggle on the road for event planners. Constantly asking public spaces to share the password, paying hourly fees, or just scrolling through the list of networks that display the dreaded lock symbol, can put a damper on your productivity. Using Fon, members share a bit of their home WiFi, and in turn, get free access at millions of other Fon hotspots worldwide. Sounds like a good deal to us.We’re all about anything that can make our lives easier before, during or after our events. Looking to ease your life while planning an event? We’re here for you. Contact us today and leave the planning to us.