6 Tips to Make Registration a Breeze

There’s nothing like a registration form that keeps crashing or a winding line at a convention center to start attendees off on the wrong foot.

The following 6 tips will make your registration process run more smoothly, both online and in person — and maybe even a little fun, too.

1. Make registration forms as simple as possible.

Ask only for the information you actually need. Anything extra should not be mandatory on the registration form. Find a way to  pre-populate fields for returning attendees as this will significantly speed up the process.. 

2. Test, test and test again.

It’s important to test everything in advance to ensure that the registration site works for any type of registration. Make sure it also works on mobile and tablet using both Android and iOS, and any web browsers.

3. Keep event details visible throughout the registration process.

Highlight and repeat dates, rates, and locations within the forms, or prospects could get distracted looking for this information on another microsite page and abandon their registrations. Consult with the teams curating the educational sessions and schedules to synchronize all changes with the registration platform. Include other important details on the site, such as safety protocols, dress code, terms and conditions, code of conduct, and accessibility information.  

4. Make sure badging is fast and flawless.

Create a quick and seamless process, with a fast badge-printing system and a single station for badge and material pick-up, such as lanyards and ribbons. Avoid sending attendees to multiple stations unless it’s for a water bottle, t-shirt, or other swag. Think about using self-registration or tablet tables, this allows staff to take on a more passive role as attendees sign themselves in. Also, registration staff can focus on engaging with people and answering questions

Consider staggering arrivals. If lines are inevitable, leverage floating registration ambassadors to answer questions, help check people in, and guide attendees to the correct location. Make sure signage is clear and easy to follow so attendees don’t inadvertently end up in the wrong queue. 

5. Design a welcoming arrivals space.

For a nice extra touch, if budget or sponsorship dollars permit, add a DJ and pass out mini food and beverage items. Or have roaming entertainment, such as magicians, or social media or crowd games while people wait. An uplifting welcome can go a long way to making the event a positive experience for all.

6. Strong staff is crucial.

The most basic and mundane registration area comes to life when it has the right greeters. Make sure you hire the right number of experienced and enthusiastic staff to keep everything running smoothly—and prep them in advance about the event and the audience. Managers who can deal with issues and answer tougher questions must be available and ready to jump in when necessary.