Learn More About Event Registration and Ticketing Software
What is Event Registration & Ticketing Software?
Event registration and ticketing software helps businesses and individuals create a streamlined registration or ticketing process for events. This software can be leveraged for a variety of events including trade shows, conferences, fundraisers, workshops, webinars, festivals, and more. The unique tools and features of an event registration solution vary depending on the type of event or business the product was designed to service. Generally, all event registration and ticketing solutions provide users with the ability to create and customize event-specific landing pages or portals which prospective attendees can use to purchase a ticket or register for an event. These tools also allow event organizers to view and manage the attendee list.
Before choosing an event registration and ticketing solution, there are a few considerations to make. Some solutions are simpler than others, only providing a way for attendees to register for a free event by submitting their name and contact information. These products are often free if the event has no ticket price. Other solutions facilitate the selling of tickets and the collection of payments from attendees. These products often charge a fee per ticket sold, which could be a flat rate or a percentage of each ticket.
In addition, the type and size of the event dictates the complexity of the registration or ticketing process. Smaller events, such as networking or cocktail parties, might require a simple tool that sends invitations and keeps track of how many guests RSVP. Larger, elaborate events — such as conferences or festivals — will likely require a more sophisticated solution with functionality that includes group registrations and discounts, lodging management, seating charts, and multiple ticket types.
Key Benefits of Event Registration & Ticketing Software
- Provides event attendees a straightforward online process to register and pay for events prior to the event
- Streamlines the event registration processes by integrating event registration and ticketing products along with other software products
- Tracks registrations, sales, and refunds in real time
- Increases an event’s income by providing a simple platform that converts potential attendees into guests
Why Use Event Registration & Ticketing Software?
Event registration and ticketing software is essential for executing any type of event that requires attendees to purchase tickets or register in advance. These products make it easy for attendees to sign up for an event online rather than purchasing tickets by phone or from a physical location.
Similarly, event registration and ticketing software simplifies the planning process for event organizers. On the back end, these solutions help organizers keep track of how many attendees have registered for an event, a key metric for measuring an event’s success. With the marketing features and integrations found in event registration and ticketing software, organizers can invite guests to an event through email, SMS, and social media, reaching countless potential attendees with the click of a button. These products can greatly maximize event turnout by making it as simple as possible for potential attendees to learn about and register for the event. A comprehensive event registration and ticketing software can also provide organizers tools for managing refunds and mobile apps for scanning tickets on the day of the event.
Who Uses Event Registration & Ticketing Software?
Anyone involved in planning or managing events can benefit from event registration and ticketing software. These products are leveraged by companies across industries and implemented for a variety of events, from conferences to classes to cocktail parties. When an organization decides to host a corporate event, usually the marketing team is tasked with the planning and execution of the event.
Event registration and ticketing software is commonly used by event management companies, which may be in charge of planning large conferences or festivals that occur with more frequency than a one-off event. Venues that regularly host events, such as concert halls, comedy clubs, and sports venues, may also utilize event registration and ticketing software.
Kinds of Event Registration & Ticketing Software
Although most event registration and ticketing solutions can be used for a variety of events, some products are better suited for specific occasions or businesses. When considering different ticketing tools, plan ahead for unique features that a specific persona might require during the registration process.
Box office — Some event registration and ticketing software offers users the ability to create and design a digital box office. In addition to selling tickets, these solutions often provide features such as season packages, memberships, promo codes, and reserved seating. Because of these special features, box office software is best suited for event venues, such as theaters.
Online invitations — When a business hosts a professional event like a VIP dinner, fundraiser, happy hour, or holiday party, they may prefer to use a less robust registration tool. There are a few products that enable businesses to design stylish invitations, share them with a guest list, and keep track of responses. These solutions provide features such as templated designs, guest list management, and RSVP tracking.
Corporate events — Corporate events such as trade shows and conferences may include an exhibit hall, keynotes, and breakout sessions. To meet these needs, some event registration and ticketing software allows organizers to create different ticket types so the attendees can attend multiple events at the same conference.
Event Registration & Ticketing Software Features
Event creation — The primary purpose of event registration and ticketing software is the creation of an event-specific website, landing page, box office, or portal that contains a customizable form for collecting registrations.
Email marketing — Once an event registration page has been created, email marketing features help organizers get the word out. The functionality of email marketing tools can range from a simple web link to a fully designed electronic invitation.
Reserved seating — Some ticketing solutions provide a seating chart feature that allows attendees to reserve a specific seat within the venue. This feature is particularly suited to events in the performing arts, sports events, award ceremonies, and fundraising dinners.
Payment processing — Event registration and ticketing software products can facilitate payment collection by using a built-in payment processing system where funds are collected on the organizer’s behalf and provided to them. These often link to external payment gateway software; or integrate with the organizer’s own merchant account.
Ticketing — For ticketed events, ticketing features enable organizers to control the appearance and delivery method of tickets purchased by attendees. If the event requires tickets to be scanned upon entry, organizers might provide attendees with multiple options for receiving their ticket via email, will call, or print-at-home options.
Attendee list — Attendee list management tools help event organizers maintain their list of registered attendees. With these features, organizers can perform tasks such as contacting attendees, editing registrations, and managing refunds.
On-site registration — Some event registration and ticketing products offer a specific app that enables attendees to register on-site the day of the event.
Integrations — Event registration and ticketing solutions may integrate with other software to help centralize customer data and marketing efforts. Common integrations include email marketing software, CRM software, and social media.
