For those event planners who specialize in curating corporate events, trade shows, conferences, and meetings, the event registration process is often a pivotal planning point. Getting guests signed in, either before or upon event arrival, is mission-critical to the success of the event itself. And as we head into 2024, these are some of the event registration trends to note, along with methods and strategies for adapting and streamlining the process.
1. Trend: Last-Minute Registration Surges
It used to be that attendees and guests would flock to pre-registration efforts in the weeks leading up to the event. However, many event planning professionals are seeing stagnant registrations, that is, right up until the day prior or the day of the event. In some cases, these last-minute registrations cause bottlenecks in the system. And as a planner, adding another 100-200 to the headcount for an event 24 hours before it starts is stressful.
Solutions: As an event planner, be mindful of these last-minute registration surges. Build flexibility into your curation strategy, knowing you might need to add more seating, meals, or swag based on final-hour registrants. Avoid logistical problems by incentivizing early event registrations.
2. Trend: Mobile App Registration on the Rise
You might already be leveraging the mobile app as part of your corporate event planning process. But looking ahead, using your event app for guest registrations is paramount. Guests are more comfortable with various tech innovations, and they’ll expect ticketing and registration options with your event apps.
Solutions: Choose app platforms with more robust capabilities, including ticketing and registrations. Tie those event registration elements together with your event’s website or landing page, too, for those who find the info in the app but prefer to sign in from other devices. Make official registrations easy, one-click capable, and informative, as well.
3. Trend: On-Demand Badge Printing & Sustainability
Another event registration trend involves on-demand badge printing and recyclable badges. Today’s event guests don’t want to stand in line at the event, waiting for staff to frantically search through lists or badges. Instead, quick scans and on-demand badge printing are streamlining the process. Event guests (and clients) are leaning toward more sustainable options, including recyclable badges and eco-friendly methods of event registration.
Solutions: Explore the wide variety of on-demand badge printing options and adopt them for every corporate event. Consider tying in your mobile event registrations with quick printing onsite. And if you’re still using plastic or paper badge materials, use recycling stations post-event or choose more sustainable materials for badges.
4. Trend: Better Analytics with Event Registration Data
Event registrations are essential for a host of reasons, including gathering relevant head counts and providing unique insights about who your attendees are. However, in 2024, event planners should be diving in further to explore the data and analytics gathered from event registrations. These valuable insights can provide so much more information to you, your event client, and your event sponsors.
Solutions: Make sure you’re using every drop of information collected from registrations by using software solutions that have built-in analytics capabilities. Identify audience segments, preferences, and demographics in real-time, using those insights to your advantage for advertising and gauging event engagement results.
Discover More Event Trends and Solutions at The Expo
Your success as a corporate event planner depends on your ability to anticipate event trends and adapt accordingly. Keep these event registration trends for 2024 in mind as you carve out next year’s strategies. And remember that the biggest event innovators and influencers with predictive insights will all be at The Event Planner Expo 2024. Secure your exhibitor space today so you’re prepared for monumental success next year!
