Event registration is an important way of tracking who is invited, who has arrived to a certain event, and if applicable, who has paid. There are many different types of events that use registration including parties, conferences, tradeshows, meetings and more. Read on to learn more about the various types of event registration and how to ensure a successful turnout at your next event.
Creating A Registration Process
The first thing you need to do is have a piece of paper and pen handy so that you can write down the details of your event before you really start planning. Write down where the event is going to be, the amount of guests expected, when the event is going to be, the dress code, if there are plus ones allowed, price and any other important details you can think of.
You may decide to have a guest list that includes certain people who are invited, in which you can create personalized paper or email invitation. If the event is larger than just personal friends, family or colleagues you may decide to have a spreadsheet open to further track attendees. Once you decide the details of your event you will want to decide upon a registration process. Find out about the different types of event registration below.
Types of Registration
Email Registration
Email registration is a popular choice that people can respond to on the go using their email. Simply send out a mass email to the people who you would like to attend. Keep a running tab of who is planning to attend based on their responses so that you can plan accordingly.
Social Media Registration
Social media sites like Facebook allow you to create an event and send out invitations to your guest list for free. All you have to do is go to create an event and fill out the details including why, what, where, who and when. This is a great choice for small events like a family party or fundraiser because you can easily update the page and track who is coming.
Online Event Registration Software
Online event registration software is a quick and easy way to register guests for a variety of different functions. These registration software programs can help you to invite people, update invitations easily, link to other websites, include mapping directions, and even collect payment. There are free registration software options for basic registration, and paid options for more comprehensive registration packages.
Paper Registration
Paper registration works by sending out invitations through the mail. A RSVP card is usually enclosed in the same envelope so that the recipient can send back their reply easily. Having the return postage stamp included will help increase the odds that people will mail back their invitations. The paper invitation may also include other instructions on how to reply including email or by phone.
Barcode Scanner Registration
Using a barcode scanner as part of the registration process is one of the most accurate and easy ways to keep track of payment, guest lists and more. Software is installed on a barcode scanner that will scan the barcode of paper tickets and online barcodes as a person pays and arrives at the event. This helps to give great data about overall turn out and the success of the event.
In-person Registration
In-person registration occurs usually just before the event or even while an event is already in full swing. There will often be a person in charge of registration that will accept payment, hand out wristbands/nametags/stamps, and keep a list of who is in attendance. In-person registration may occur in conjunction with other methods of registration to help boost attendee numbers. This type of registration process is popular at large events including tradeshows and concerts.
Phone Registration
Phone registration works by calling the people that you want to attend and inviting them. You can give them the details about the event over the phone and ask them to RSVP at that time or at a later date. Keep a list of who has responded and who still needs to RSVP so that you can keep track of attendees.
Having an event registration process created can help you to have a successful event with a high turnout.