Nearly 140 delegates attending Essex Growth Agency’s Building Essex: Unlocking Supply Chain Opportunities event became the first people in Essex to use the new EGA Digital Pass Platform, marking the successful launch of the pioneering digital engagement system developed by KAT Marketing.
The event, held at The Lion Inn, Boreham on July 1, brought together construction businesses, contractors, consultants and supply chain organisations to explore opportunities linked to major Essex County Council infrastructure projects while also showcasing a new approach to event management and ongoing business engagement.
The KAT Digital Pass Platform is the first digital platform of its kind to be developed in Essex and has been created by KAT Marketing’s specialist technology team based at the Freeport East Harwich Innovation Hub, which delivers bespoke digital platforms alongside AI-powered agents and intelligent business solutions.
The launch of the Essex Growth Agency Digital Pass represents a significant step forward in how organisations can communicate with members, manage events and build connected business communities.
For the first time at an ECC event, attendees received their event ticket directly within their Apple or Google Wallet, replacing traditional printed badges and registration systems with a more sustainable digital solution. Throughout the day, delegates were able to access event information, receive live notifications, take part in polls and discussions, and access resources through a single platform that will continue to support them long after the event has ended. Event photography and presentation materials were also made available directly through the pass, enabling delegates to share content immediately via social media.
The platform has been designed as far more than a digital ticketing system. It provides an ongoing two-way communication channel between organisations and their communities, enabling future event registration, document sharing, push notifications, surveys, discussion forums and member engagement from one secure environment.
Katie Skingle, Managing Director at KAT Marketing, said: “It has been fantastic to work alongside Essex County Council to bring the EGA Digital Pass to life and launch it for the first time at Building Essex. Seeing nearly 140 delegates using the platform throughout the day demonstrates how digital technology can simplify event management while creating a much richer experience for attendees.
“The KAT Digital Pass is far more than an event registration tool. It creates an ongoing community where members can continue to access resources, receive updates, participate in discussions and stay connected long after an event has finished. We’re incredibly proud that the first deployment of the platform has taken place here in Essex with the Essex Growth Agency.”
Essex County Council’s adoption of the technology places the authority at the forefront of innovation within the membership and events sector, embracing a modern, sustainable alternative to traditional event management while creating lasting value for businesses engaging with the Essex Growth Agency.
The flexibility of the KAT Digital Pass Platform means it can be adapted for a wide range of organisations, from trade associations and membership bodies to multi-site businesses requiring secure internal communications, employee identification, resource libraries and managed events. Multiple levels of administrator access allow organisations to manage everything from one central dashboard while providing users with personalised experiences through their own digital profiles.
Following the success of Building Essex, the EGA Digital Pass will continue to support Essex Growth Agency members with business resources, networking opportunities and communications, providing a permanent digital home for the county’s growing business community.
