ALEXANDRIA, VA - Here??s an interesting stat: Smartphone users will download about 6 billion mobile apps this year, up from about 2.4 billion downloaded in 2009, according to ABI Research. It looks like mobile apps are here to stay, and with the proliferation of mobile app technology growing at a rapid pace, NACS is bringing an exciting industry-specific app to the palm of your hand.

The free NACS mobile app will be available to download in time for NACStech, which takes place May 5 to 7 in New Orleans. The mobile app will enhance the attendee experience by delivering compelling benefits with a simple, user-friendly interface.

Unique features include detailed event information, speaker bios for general sessions and workshops, calendar integration with links to other attendee??s schedules, interactive expo maps, social media tools and the ability for attendees to download brochures and info from exhibitors.

"We??ve worked hard on a solution that would provide meaningful benefits to attendees and exhibitors, while also creating a platform for year-round engagement beyond our trade show events," said Derek Gaskins, vice president of marketing at NACS.

Via the mobile app, NACStech attendees can also vote in the Expo Trends 2010 workshop for the coolest product or service on display at the event.

Next week be on the lookout for directions on how to download the NACS mobile app to your smartphone device (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Blackberry and Android). It will also be available online, accessible from any Web-enabled phone, and most functionality will be accessible even when there??s no Wi-Fi, 3G or Web connection.