Accept Walk-ins and Door Payments for additional guests
It is always a good idea to have an online registration option. This makes it convenient for guests to sign up but you cannot stop there. Many people who host networking events allow for online sign-up and then have a cut off. When this is done there is no option to attend the event without preregistration online. If you're looking to maximize attendance as well as your bottom line, you must have a way to accept payments for latecomers who haven't preregistered. You must prepare in and dance to accept cash payments and have change available. Furthermore, you must prepare yourself to accept credit and debit card payments on the spot. An easy way to accept credit card payments is to use a portable card swiper. If you have an iPhone or Android smart phone you can use "Square" which is free and connects right to your headphone jack. No merchant account is required.
Online and Off-Line Registrations are both important
Making it easy for your desired guests to register for your event is imperative. Even though it is very easy to register for events online nowadays, there are many who find online mechanisms complicated or difficult. Because of this, you must create options for registration online and off-line. A great online registration software is Eventbrite.com. This online software is free and relatively easy to set up. If you charge for your event, the company will take a small percentage of each ticket sold. However, you have the option to completely customize your event page. You can include photos, videos, press, etc. It is very user-friendly. Simultaneously, must create a way for people to sign up off-line. There are a few options for this; have people come to your place of business to purchase tickets. Allow people to call your business line and purchase tickets via credit or debit over the phone. Partner with a local business and sell tickets from their location.
Using Event Help and Support Staff
Even when hosting small networking events it's not recommended to handle all of the chores alone. These chores can include; checking people in at the door, introducing people to others, handing out your company literature, etc. You will want to make sure that your guests have a pleasant and productive experience. It can get to be cumbersome when trying to handle several tasks at once. The last thing you want is for your guests to feel neglected. You also want to ensure that the activities within your event are fulfilling your goals. If you decide to partner with another business or professional, you can assign different tasks for both of you to complete. It is also a good practice to trade off on tasks as the event progresses. This way both of you can get a chance to mingle as you wish. There are also the options of hiring event support or enlisting volunteers who may benefit from attending as well.
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