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HelpGuest Post: REVOLUTIONIZE REGISTRATION
The fabulous “Queen of Details” and #eventprof Liz King of Liz King Events knows how crazy registration at an event can get. Still handwriting your guest list? See what Liz has to say about that:
I’ll admit, I talk a lot about technology and sometimes I think that we are really getting it as an industry. But then I attend an event and stand in a 40 minute line waiting to check in and receive my name badge. If I waited to register, I usually have to fill out a piece of paper with my registration information and get a sticky name badge that doesn’t look anything like the rest of the attendees. I recently attended an event where they were having people handwrite their name, company name, address, credit card information and other important information on a little piece of paper to count as their registration. I started getting flashbacks to the 90s and was legitimately shocked at how far we had NOT come when it comes to the check in process. However, let me not be so harsh. I know that technology is not easy for everyone and the message still needs to get out there in a much bigger way. So, if you are still doing the old-fashioned check in process, here are a few things you should consider.
Online Check In:
There are many companies who will provide you with the opportunity to check people in using an iPad vs. your printed out excel sheet. There are a few benefits to this. First of all, it looks better. And, that is really important for the professionalism of your event. Also, the wait time is much shorter. It only takes someone a second to find someone on an online check in sheet versus flipping through pages of printed excels. Also, apps that allow you to check in people virtually give you the added benefit of being able to make real-time changes. If someone registers for your event a minute before they walk into the door, you will still have their name on the list. Then, you can be more confident that someone whose name is not on the list really has not registered. And, it makes everyone feel included in the registration line.
Name tags
One of the other huge holdups at the registration line is the name tags. I’m never a fan of handwritten name tags, as I don’t think they look great for the brand and they’re incredibly time-consuming. It’s amazing how long it takes people to write their name down! Instead, well-branded and preprinted name tags are the way to go. Even better is if you can print nam tags on the spot. Of course, one of the hassles with preprinting your name tag is that you need to find a designer and a vendor and this process can be quite expensive. There is also little to no accommodation for people who register at the last minute. As you know, people normally register 2 to 3 days before your event so you could be missing quite a few name tags if you have to send your design file to the printer in advance. Instead, there are some companies that will come and help you print name tags as soon as the person is checked in through the app. This process is incredibly quick and you can still add your brand. This makes it look incredibly professional and will make sure that all of your attendees have a great-looking name badge that is consistent.
In short, having a smooth registration process may seem like peanuts, but it changes the impact of your entire event. If a person waits too long in line or sees a difference between their registration process and someone else’s, they are unhappy before they even get to experience your event. Don’t let this happen. Make sure that your registration is smooth, quick and painless and you will see that the reception to your overall event is even greater.
Check out more of Liz’s tips and connect with her @lizkingevents.
Boomset offers you all of the convenience and other neat features that professionals like Liz want and need. We’re also compatible with Eventbrite, Meetup, and Facebook events.
So, when’s your next event?
