THE METHODS:
There are 2 primary ways in which you can account for guest registrations (NOTE: you can only use 1 method per event):
- The Simple "Plus X" Method: aka the "tag along" method, used when guests need not make registration selections and when you (the host) need not gather much information about those guests
- The Full Guest Method: allows you to create a full registration experience for all guests and treat them like primary registrants
SIMPLE "PLUS X" GUEST METHOD
Examples of when to use the "Plus X" method:
- "....my registrants are entitled to purchase tickets for guests to join dinner..."
- "....registrants can bring their spouse..."
- "....I just need the guest registrants name and email, nothing else...."
Some specific use cases we typically see with the "Plus X" Method:
- Gala-type simple event, with general registration and the ability to buy dinner seats for additional people
- Golf tournament which allows foursome team registration - you don't need much information on the teammates, just names and team associations
- Fun carnival-type event where general admission fees are required, yet no specific activity selection is needed
- Private event where the primary registrant is allowed to bring a guest (like a spouse) to general activities (e.g. meals)
FULL GUEST METHOD
Examples of when to use the Full Guest method:
- "....I need guest registrants to tell me which sessions they'd like to attend...."
- "....guest registrants don't need to choose the same activities as their hosts...."
- "....I need primary exhibitor registrants to invite/register additional colleagues..."
Some specific use cases we typically see with the Full Guest Method:
- Trade show with exhibitor booths - you need the exhibitor team lead to register for the booth and invite additional colleagues to help man the booth
- Everyone needs a name badge
- Complex conferences that allow you to invite other people - every single registrant needs to fill out full information (i.e. mailing address, company, position) as well as make session/activity selections