Still managing event registration like you did last year? You might already be falling behind.
Your event registration is your attendee’s first impression of your event and a key driver of signups. Today’s attendees expect more from the process: smarter tech, smoother experiences, and a personal touch right from the start.
We caught up with Lisa Scott, co-founder of Kubeworks (our affiliate partner) to break down what’s changing, what’s working, and what you need to do to stay ahead.
Quick summary.
Here’s what we’re diving into:
- Staying tech-forward (or getting left behind)
- The surprising power of simplicity
- Personalization as the new standard
- Registration templates that actually work
- Smart, secure data strategies
- Event marketing that builds buzz
- Keeping attendees engaged (and coming back)
- What’s next: AI, facial recognition, and more
- How to stay one step ahead
Sound like something you’re into? Let’s dive in 👇
Tech-forward or left behind.
Let’s start with the big shift. Lisa puts it bluntly: “Technology in registration isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s mandatory.”
We’re seeing a major push across the events industry to go fully digital: online forms, mobile check-ins, apps, automation—you name it. Your attendees expect it. Your stakeholders demand it.
DIY forms (ahem, Google Forms) and outdated tools won’t cut it when you're trying to make sure both your attendees and your team have a seamless experience. If your registration process is clunky, confusing, or lacking in visibility, it doesn’t just create frustration for attendees—it makes it harder for you to stay organized and track key data. A faulty registration system can derail your entire event.
The power of simplicity.
There’s pressure to innovate, but also a tendency to overdo it.
According to Lisa, one of the biggest mistakes companies make is overcomplicating the process. Whether it’s a form with too many questions or a design that’s chaotic and overwhelming, the result is the same: drop-off. 📉
When you’re building your registration, think clear over clever. Streamlined over showy.
Always test your user experience (UX) like your event attendance depends on it (because it does).
Personalization is the new standard.
Registration is your first impression. Make it feel personal for your attendees.
Lisa and her team at Kubeworks help clients pre-populate attendee data, send personalized invitations, and even build dynamic registration paths based on who’s signing up. That means less friction and a better chance your attendees actually show up.
Even simple touches matter. Did a large group of your attendees pick the golfing activity? Send them a sneak peek of the course or highlight the prizes up for grabs.
These micro-moments build anticipation and set the tone for a next-level event experience.
Templates that don’t suck.
Let’s talk efficiency. You’re most likely juggling a million things and could use three clones of yourself, right?
Templates are your secret weapon. Kubeworks creates sleek, on-brand templates that you can reuse across your events. This speeds up build time, reinforces brand consistency, and streamlines attendee expectations.
This creates muscle memory for your audience. If they’ve registered once, they know what to expect next time.
Data that’s safe and smart.
Security is another non-negotiable. And no, a Google Form isn’t going to cut it.
Lisa’s advice: work with reputable vendors and vet them like you would any major partner. Ask about security protocols, encryption, GDPR and CCPA compliance, secure checkout, etc., and get references from real clients.
Bottom line: if your registration platform isn’t secure, you’re putting your attendees at risk and your brand on the line.
Event marketing that creates momentum.
Email still reigns supreme when it comes to boosting registration numbers—77% of consumers prefer it as their main channel for event communication. But don’t sleep on creativity.
Capture your attendee’s attention with video, animation, and innovative design that makes people want to click through. One tactic we love: email drip campaigns tailored to what attendees care about most.
Are they registered for the executive roundtable? Send behind-the-scenes previews. Did they pick a certain breakout session? Share a sneak peek of the speaker in action.
Keeping attendees engaged (and coming back).
You got attendees to register. Great. Now what?
Drop-off is real.
Industry benchmarks show 30-60% attrition between registration and attendance. While exact figures vary by event type, Expo Logic's case study demonstrates a 70% attendance rate from registrants as typical, while virtual events often see steeper declines (live webinars average 40% attendance, with 46% dropping mid-event). Research also confirms late cancellations are worsening post-pandemic, creating a "64% blended attendance rate" against 2019 baselines.
The best way to fight it? Ongoing communication that’s relevant, timely, and personal. Use email teasers and agenda highlights to build excitement without overwhelming inboxes.
Lisa recommends using gamification, mobile apps, and social engagement to maintain momentum from sign-up to showtime. Try reinforcing the value and keep your attendees connected to the experience before they even step onsite.
What’s next: AI, facial recognition, and more.
Future-proofing your registration strategy means staying open to new tools and tech.
AI is already starting to shake things up in the event world, from auto-generating registration websites to supporting attendees in real-time through chat. Kubeworks is partnering with vendors who are pioneering these integrations, and we’re watching it all closely.
Facial recognition is another one to watch. Some clients are using it onsite for lightning-fast check-ins. No paper, no fumbling for confirmation emails. A quick scan and you’re in.
Want to stay ahead? Here’s how:
- Simplify your registration flow. Don’t make people think.
- Use templates. Save time, stay consistent.
- Make it personal. Tailor the experience to the individual.
- Vet your tech partners. Kubeworks = trusted, secure.
- Keep up the momentum. Don’t go dark between registration and event day.
- Explore what’s next. AI, facial recognition, mobile apps—test and iterate.
GoGather + Kubeworks: Your registration dream team.
At GoGather, we partner with experts like Kubeworks to make sure every step of your event—from sign-up to check-in—feels effortless for your attendees.
We know how much is riding on your event. The leads. The pipeline. The brand exposure. We’re here to help you pull it off without losing your mind (or your weekends).
If you’re ready to wow your attendees and hit your KPIs this year, let’s plan a time to chat about your upcoming corporate event.
