An Event Organizer's Guide On How To Pick The Best Event Registration Platform

So, you're planning an event, eh?

You've finalized everything, from the booths and speakers to the sponsored content placement and badge design; you are convinced that you're all set to go. 

But wait, something is missing, isn't there? Yes, there is—a reliable and secure event registration platform that is easy to use for your attendees and meets your event's unique needs.

Event registration is one of the most important parts of planning your event. It is your gateway through which attendees discover your event and sign up.  A seamless event registration experience sets the tone for your entire event, so getting it right is essential. But with so many options available, selecting the best event registration platform could be overwhelming for most!

Well, fear not; we have got you covered! In this blog post, we will explore how you can select the best event registration platform in a few simple steps.

How To Select the Best Event Registration Platform?

Understand Your Event

Before selecting the best event registration platform, it is vital to understand your event and its requirements. 

Take a moment to think about what you really need from a registration platform. For that, ask yourself questions like:

• What type of event are you planning to host? Is it a conference, a fundraising event, a webinar, or a product launch?
• How large an audience are you expecting at your event?
• Do you require a free or paid registration process? Also, do you want any ticketing tiers in your event registration software?
• Do you need robust customization options, or are you looking for something simple and straightforward?

Answering questions like these will help you get a clear picture of what your requirements are for your events.

Explore the Must-Have Features

Once you have a clear idea of your event registration requirements, the next step is to look for features. 

Broadly speaking, there are two main categories of features in any product: must-have features and advanced features. And event registration platforms are no exception. 

The following are the must-have features that you should look for in your event registration platform: 

Customization Options

Look for an event registration solution that allows you to customize the registration portal to match your event's branding and messaging. This includes options to add your logo, add your sponsors' logo/design, customize colors and fonts, and tailor registration form fields to collect the information you need from attendees.

Mobile Optimization

We live in an age when most people like to get things done on their mobile phones. Hence, your chosen event registration platform should be well-positioned to offer a tremendous mobile-first experience. It's crucial that attendees can easily register for your event on their mobile devices without any issues.

Multiple Registration Options

Your registration platform must be flexible. It should accommodate online registration, on-site registration (if applicable), and even group registrations.

Payment Processing

There’s no point in event registration if you cannot offer an online payment facility to your attendees. Hence, your event registration software should offer seamless and secure payment options to your attendees. Look for a platform that integrates with popular payment gateways and offers fraud protection features.

Email Marketing Integration

The registration process is just the beginning. Choose an event registration platform that integrates with your email marketing software for pre-event communication and post-event follow-ups.

Reporting and Analytics

Besides event registration, event data analytics is also a crucial part. Hence, your event registration platform should provide comprehensive reports on registration trends, attendee demographics, and ticket sales. This data is gold for future event planning.

Customer Support

Finally, choose a registration platform that offers excellent customer support to assist you throughout the event planning process. Look for platforms that provide responsive support via email, phone, or live chat, as well as comprehensive help documentation and resources to guide you through any issues or questions that may arise.

Do Not Overlook the Advanced Functionalities

In today’s cut-throat world, basic features are not sufficient. You need to have a few advanced features that help you distinguish yourself from your competitors. 

So, here are some prominent advanced features that you can look for when selecting the best event registration platform:

Event App Integration

Look for an event registration service provider that offers a unified platform, enabling your event attendees to register, communicate, and grab all the information about the event from a single place. 

Networking Tools

Some of the best event registration platforms offer built-in networking tools that allow attendees to connect with each other before or during the event. It helps foster better and more personalized connections at the early stage, thereby facilitating a more engaging event for your attendees. 

Badge Printing Integration

The best event registration platform should be the one that allows you to design and print badges directly from the registration system. It eliminates the need for manual data entry and ensures badges are pre-populated with accurate attendee information. 

Accessibility Features

Ensure your event is inclusive for all, including different-abled people. Look for an event registration platform that offers screen reader compatibility for event attendees with visual impairments. Additionally, ensure the registration platform allows for alt text descriptions to be added to images, which benefits attendees who use screen readers or have low vision.

Focus on the Security Aspect of Your Event Registration Platform

Data is king in today’s competitive world. 

Whether you want to make informed decisions about marketing strategies or send personalized emails to your hot prospects, data is invaluable. 

Hence, it is essential to choose an event registration platform that prioritizes security with features like encryption, strong password protocols, and compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA. 

Read Reviews and Make an Informed Decision

Finally, once you have created a list of the event registration platforms that fit your needs, look for online reviews. 

Customer feedback and reviews are the most trusted sources through which you can learn more about an event registration platform's services and make an informed decision.

Hence, read online reviews and user testimonials to get a real-world perspective from other event organizers. Schedule demos with shortlisted vendors, and consider free trials, wherever you get offered, to test the platform before committing.

Conclusion

Planning an event is not a piece of cake. There are so many things that you have to focus on, and selecting the right event registration platform is one of them! 

Therefore, by following the tips mentioned above, you can make an informed decision that sets your event up for success. 

Already got an event registration platform that you trust and like? fielddrive offers robust and secure integrations with a host of event registration platforms. Get in touch with our experts and learn how our integration services work today!

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