Pre-registration

Pre-registration does the slow part early. Names, questions and payment are dealt with at home, days or weeks ahead, so arrival takes seconds: a scan, a badge and in. It also tells the organiser who is coming, which drives catering, room sizes and badge stock, and it gives exhibitors a visitor profile to plan around. Without it, every arrival is a walk-in, and the queue becomes the first thing people remember about the event.

US organisers also say advance registration, with onsite or day-of registration for the alternative, and pre-registration is understood everywhere. Many trade shows are free for people who register in advance and charge at the door, which is about as clear a nudge as a show can give.

Everyone who pre-registers with eventcloud gets a confirmation email with their QR code, ticket number, PDF ticket and a calendar file, so the door only has to scan.