The Easy Way to Make an Event Exceptional

The most important part of an event is the registration area.

This is the third volume of the Things I Wish I Knew Then (volumes 1 and 2) series, and it is true: truly great events put a little more effort into the first impression attendees have the moment they walk in the door, and those moments are usually in the registration area or at the registration table.

I cannot tell you how many times research respondents told me something like this: “I was standing in line waiting to check in. A famous person in our industry was walking from line to line, chit-chatting with people. She came to my line, and before I knew it, we were talking. She was talking to me! Something about that interaction made me more extroverted than I normally am. I found myself starting conversations with people during the rest of the conference. I made some great friends; some I still have today.”

When people feel welcomed, they have a better conference. Give them a little nudge, and they'll make the experience better for themselves. They’ll connect more, learn more, and get more involved.

And the nudge-giving doesn’t have to be complicated. Assign staff or volunteers, industry luminaries, long-time members, or vendor partners to circulate in the registration line or welcome people as they come through the door (btw, this is a great micro-volunteering opportunity). Simple training will help them understand the role. Some audiences will love exuberant high-fives, while others will respond better to genuine smiles and happy hellos. If there is time, ask people how their trip in was, tell them you are happy they are there, and ask if this is their first event.

Bring people into the world you are creating for them during the event. Restart their day and mood with happy hellos. Create an environment, right inside the front door, where they can go and make the event good for themselves.