With hundreds of online registration systems on the market, researching and choosing a system could quickly become an overwhelming project. Fortunately for you, many meeting planners before you have done the work of comparing systems, and they have found big differences between the systems available.
8 features of online registration systems which will improve your events TODAY:
Automated
Many systems include over 15 standard email communications that can be customized, personalized and automated. Data is automatically collected in a database and at your fingertips for an unlimited number of reports; and downloadable in six different formats.
Integrated
Online events are easily integrated with ad hoc emails via built-in mail systems, online surveys, donations and membership and subscription management systems, creating a one-stop shop for all kinds of online services.
Flexible
Everything you create in an automated system can be customized to your company or organization's look and feel for a streamlined, consistent image through the entire process. Plus, your data is accessible to you in any number of formats through extensive custom and cross-event reporting functions.
Web-based
Why is this so important? Using a web-based system means that you, your co-workers, your vendors - anyone can be granted access to all or parts of your event information - instantly and in real-time - from any computer with Internet access. Essential for mobile professionals like you.
Easy-to-use
This may seem like a no brainer, but make sure you "test drive" any system prior to making a purchase. If possible, attend a live demonstration of any product you are considering, and/or open a trial account to test their service yourself.
Supported
The support team needs to be accessible, responsive and knowledgeable before, during and after your event. We just mentioned taking the system for a test drive. Along with that you should have access to technical support to answer any questions you have as you try out the system.
Secure
Make sure your data is protected. Ask if the system is hacker-safe. If it complies with Visa security requirements. Have they ever had a security breach of any kind?. The company should exceed all "standard" security measures - even those mandated by government and university customers.
Fast & stable
A good registration system is hosted on state of the art equipment, which makes response times minimal. System down time is also important – don't settle for anything less than 98% "up time" or better.
I sincerely hope this article makes your conference and event registration even more successful!
Bill Flagg is the President of RegOnline Putting smiles on the faces of over 9,200 event-planning professionals worldwide because it is the easiest-to-use online event and conference registration system available.
