If you host or manage events, then one of your most important tools will be your event registration software. This is especially important for online events.
While you can get by with just a simple registration form and ticketing system, the best registration tools offer so much more than just this. They can help you manage attendee data, promote your event, boost attendee engagement, and more.
So, before you set up a registration page for free or paid events, consider the different features you might need that could help you boost the event’s performance. We’ll explore some of these in the guide below.
What Is Event Registration Software?
Event registration software helps organizers manage the sign-up process for events. It allows participants to complete event registration online, collect payments, and gather important attendee information.
This software simplifies tasks like sending out confirmations, tracking registrations, and creating reports. It saves time and reduces the hassle of manually handling registrations.
Importance of Event Registration in Hybrid and Virtual Events
If you host hybrid or virtual events, then having the right event registration platform on your side can offer immense value. Here are some of the main reasons why.
Streamline the Registration Process
Event registration systems simplify the sign-up process by allowing you to create customized forms.
You can gather specific information from attendees, making the process efficient and tailored to your event’s needs.
Track Ticket Sales in Real-Time
Tracking ticket sales is essential for measuring your event's success. With registration software, you can monitor ticket sales in real-time, helping you make data-driven decisions for your event and future planning.
Enhance Attendee Experience
Good event registration tools improve the attendee experience by maintaining communication throughout the process. Automated emails keep attendees informed and engaged, ensuring a smooth journey from registration to event participation.
Access and Analyze Valuable Data
Event registration platforms provide access to detailed attendee data, including demographics and preferences.
Analyzing this data helps you understand your audience better, which means you can tailor future events to better meet their needs.
Minimize Event Day Chaos
Efficient registration systems reduce the chances of confusion on the event day.
With features like self-check-in kiosks and easy badge printing, you can ensure a smooth and organized check-in process, eliminating last-minute hassles.
Quite simply, having the best event registration platform on your side is one of the best ways to maximize your event experiences and operate more efficiently. If you host in-person events, then good registration software is nearly as important as having a solid venue management solution, like Perfect Venue.
Key Features to Look for in Event Registration Platforms
The right registration platform is a key part of your event management software. Here are some important features to consider when choosing your solution.
Easy Ticketing and Registration
Most importantly, the solution you choose should make it easy for attendees to register for your event and purchase a ticket.
In many cases, event registration tools also help to market the event and get your event seen by a larger audience. This will increase your registration numbers.
Reliability and Uptime
The best event registration platforms should be known for their reliability and consistent uptime.
If the registration system goes down, you could lose valuable ticket sales. A robust platform ensures your event registration process runs smoothly without interruptions. This is essential for a seamless online registration experience.
Security Compliance
Ensure the platform is secure and compliant with industry standards like Payment Card Industry (PCI) and System and Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type II. This is crucial for protecting payment details and personal information from breaches or fraud.
Early Payout Options
Check if the platform offers early payout options. This feature allows you to access funds from ticket sales before the event, helping you cover upfront costs and manage your budget more easily.
Ticket Fees and Pricing
Consider the platform's fee structure.
Some platforms may charge high fees for paid tickets or offer free registration for free events. Make sure the costs align with your budget to maximize your event's profit margins.
Reputation and Reviews
While these aren’t necessarily features, you’ll want to choose a platform with a strong reputation and positive reviews from other event organizers.
Look for feedback on ease of use, product quality, and customer service. This can give you confidence that the platform will meet your needs.
9 Best Event Registration Software Solutions
Ready to find the best event registration software for your needs? Here are the top event registration tools you should consider.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a versatile registration site. It’s a popular choice for managing a wide variety of events, including social gatherings, entertainment, and casual classes.
It offers a range of features to create customized event pages, manage ticketing, and handle registrations. The interface is user-friendly, letting you set up events quickly and manage tickets efficiently.
Pros
- Eventbrite’s intuitive setup and wide recognition make it easy for attendees to use.
- The platform provides multiple ticketing options, including group and discount tickets.
- It’s ideal for events with high public visibility due to its established brand and added marketing bonus.
Cons
- Eventbrite’s fees can add up, especially for high-ticket events, with charges including a percentage of the ticket price and a fixed fee per ticket.
- It doesn’t offer the advanced features needed for more complex, professional events.
Whova
Whova is a comprehensive event management platform that’s well-suited for conferences, expos, and association events.
It supports various ticket types, including early bird pricing and group tickets, and offers customizable registration forms.
Whova is known for its easy integration with other event management tools, such as name badge printing and mobile event apps.
Pros
- Whova offers lower ticket fees and support for instant payouts.
- The platform provides features to improve attendee engagement, including networking opportunities and real-time updates.
- Its event registration app also offers a seamless registration experience.
Cons
- It may not be as effective for small, personal gatherings.
- Its many features and integrations can be overwhelming for organizers with simpler event needs.
Cvent
Cvent is a powerful event registration and management solution that caters to a wide range of events – from trade shows to summits.
This event registration software offers an extensive suite of tools, including advanced analytics, integrated payment solutions, and comprehensive attendee engagement features. Cvent is designed for complex event planning and management and is best suited for large-scale registration.
Pros
- Cvent’s comprehensive features make it ideal for large and busy events.
- It’s one of the best event registration apps for detailed analytics and managing complex event logistics.
Cons
- Cvent can be expensive, with higher setup and usage costs compared to other platforms.
- Its broad range of features can be tricky to implement.
- Many users have mentioned that customer support could be improved.
6Connex
6Connex specializes in enterprise-level events, including trade shows, job fairs, and large corporate events.
The platform supports both virtual and in-person events with a solid set of tools designed to handle complex event needs. It provides virtual venues, webinars, and learning management systems.
Pros
- 6Connex is well-suited for large-scale and complex events.
- The platform includes extensive features to support both virtual and physical elements.
- 6Connex offers cloud-based solutions for seamless event management and engagement.
Cons
- 6Connex is expensive, especially if you use the advanced features and customization.
- Being expensive and offering so many complex features, it’s not the best choice for smaller organizations or events with limited budgets.
Ticketbud
Ticketbud is a straightforward and user-friendly platform that’s ideal for festivals, parties, and tours.
It offers a simple setup process and ticket sales options, making it easy for organizers to manage events quickly. You can sell multiple ticket types through the platform and sell tickets for virtual and hybrid events.
Pros
- Ticketbud’s ease of use and low cost make it a great option for smaller events.
- The platform’s simplicity allows for quick event setup and ticket sales without any technical requirements.
Cons
- Ticketbud isn’t the best choice for large-scale events that require advanced features and extensive customization.
- Its focus is on simplicity, which might limit its functionality for more complex event needs.
RainFocus
RainFocus is a specialized platform for event marketing and data analysis. The platform includes tools for personalized marketing campaigns and detailed reporting. Beyond all the marketing tools, the platform also offers a solid event registration solution.
It supports a range of event types, including virtual and in-person events, with a focus on data-driven engagement strategies.
Pros
- RainFocus provides advanced analytics and reporting features to help organizers understand and improve attendee engagement.
- Its emphasis on marketing and data means you can run targeted campaigns for improved event attendance.
Cons
- The platform can be complex and tricky to set up.
- With all of its features packed into one platform, the platform does not offer the most user-friendly interface.
- RainFocus is an expensive option for smaller events.
Brushfire
Brushfire is an event ticketing and registration platform with a good range of features. It offers customizable event pages, ticketing solutions, and detailed reporting tailored tools.
Pros
- Brushfire offers customized event apps for a better digital experience.
- The platform includes detailed reporting and customization options.
- Brushfire is suitable for both in-person and virtual events.
Cons
- Due to its simplicity, it’s not always the best choice for large-scale events.
GoTo Webinar
GoTo Webinar is a platform designed for hosting webinars with robust registration and data management capabilities. It integrates well with CRM systems and offers features for managing attendee approvals and restrictions.
Needless to say, it’s only suitable for events with virtual attendees and does not offer anything to physical venue owners or managers.
Pros
- GoTo Webinar’s integration with CRM systems, like HubSpot, is perfect for efficient attendee management and registration data integration.
- Great tools for controlling webinar registration and attendee access.
Cons
- The platform’s user interface for organizers and panelists is not web-based, which can lead to compatibility issues.
- GoTo Webinar lacks direct payment collection features, limiting its utility for paid webinars.
Splash
Splash is a platform geared towards large enterprises that need to create branded, high-impact events. It’s more of a marketing solution than a registration or full event management system, and it lacks important features like ticketing.
Splash offers advanced design templates and marketing tools to help you manage extensive event marketing campaigns and attract more attendees to your event website.
Pros
- The platform includes excellent design templates and branding features to make your event stand out.
- The platform includes a wide range of advanced marketing tools.
Cons
- It’s an expensive solution.
- The focus is on marketing, so it’s not the best option if you’re just looking for a platform to manage event registrations.
- It also lacks a mobile event app.
Conclusion
Great event registration software makes managing events a whole lot easier. These solutions are designed for generating registrations and selling event tickets, but they can do so much more. This is why it's so important to compare your options. Understand what types of event registration software solutions exist and what types of features you could be using.
Event registration software is an important piece of the puzzle, but it’s only one of the tools you’ll need. If you manage an event venue, then having the right venue management software is just as important for streamlining your event process. Try Perfect Venue to see how the platform can help you run events more successfully.
