Smart data integration with Networkapp: from Excel to full integrations
News - 4 min read.
Information quickly piles up. Programs, speakers, participant data, last-minute changes, often scattered across multiple systems. The question is not only how to organize everything, but more importantly: how do you prevent duplicate work and errors? With Networkapp, you can intelligently connect data, whether you work with separate files or advanced event software. From a simple Excel import to fully automated integrations: you choose what fits your workflow and the complexity of your event.
Importing data via Excel
Don’t have a connection with an external system (yet)? No problem. With Networkapp, you can easily import data via Excel files. Think of:
- Participant lists
- Programs and sessions
- Speaker information
This is the fastest way to set up your event without technical integrations. Depending on the amount of content, you decide what works faster: setting things up manually or uploading the full files you already have. In both cases, you maintain full control over your data and can quickly make changes by simply uploading a new file. We’ll support you along the way.
Integrations with external systems
As an event grows and more coordination between parties is required, the need for automation increases. That’s why Networkapp integrates with well-known registration systems such as aanmelder.nl, Swoogo, or Eventure. Instead of retyping data, we create a direct connection between their database and our app. Changes at the source are automatically reflected in the app. This ensures visitors always go to the correct room, even if last-minute changes occur. And you can always override or enrich data via our platform if needed. You stay in control.
The Swoogo integration for OCW
A great example of this efficiency was recently seen at events organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW), in collaboration with event agency Pino. Swoogo served as the central hub for both registration and the website. We built an integration that retrieves data every 15 minutes. Because the event took place across four different locations and only one login process was desired, we ensured the app automatically linked the correct sessions to the correct city (such as Utrecht or Eindhoven). No manual copy-pasting, but a seamless and error-free flow from website to app.
Participants can view their own location-specific program, select sessions within it, and network with others attending at different levels. This not only supports attendees but also enables event managers to run targeted polls and send tailored push notifications. Despite the complexity of four different programs, the implementation had to be completed at high speed.
Senior developer Michiel from Networkapp reflects on this challenging project: “Everything had to be arranged within a very short timeframe, which brought considerable pressure. With over 200 sessions spread across different cities, manual input would simply be a nightmare; you don’t want to maintain that twice, especially with last-minute updates. By using our software intelligently and directly connecting it to Swoogo’s data, we were able to meet this tight deadline without compromising on quality.”
Abstract handling for scientific conferences
For complex scientific conferences, we take it a step further with abstract handling. This involves not only a time slot and a speaker, but also detailed scientific summaries (abstracts). These integrations are more advanced: abstracts are automatically linked to the correct parts of the program. Even if the data comes from multiple sources, we bring it together into one clear interface for the user.
A good example of this in practice is our collaboration with the Leids Congress Bureau, where a seamless integration with Eventure ensures that any changes in abstracts or speaker data are automatically reflected in the app, eliminating errors and duplicate work.
Maintaining flexibility with the “Unlock” feature
Technology is powerful, but as an organizer you still want to stay in control. That’s why we recently added the option to “unlock” specific fields within an integration. For example, if you want a short title on the website but need more detailed information in the app, you can disconnect that specific field from the automation and edit it manually in our dashboard. This way, you benefit from the speed of automation while retaining the flexibility of manual adjustments where needed.
Always up to date, always in control
Whether you choose a simple import or a complex API integration, the goal remains the same: peace of mind and an up-to-date app for your visitors. We take care of the technical side behind the scenes, so you can focus on the content of your event. Together, we ensure that the data ends up exactly where your visitors need it.