Where it all begins…
We’ve had a lot of searches regarding “registration desks” on our site, and although I’m surprised that this is a desirable topic for so many, as Registration Manager for the past four years, I figured I’d better give my perspective on what it takes to run a successful and smooth registration desk!
There are typically two different types of registration desks: a hotel’s built-in desk or one ordered through a service contractor. Whether it’s just an eight foot table or an elaborate multi-counter desk, there are pros and cons to both. Obviously cost is often a factor and the price will be cheaper using a space the hotel already has. I would recommend you invest in signage to brand the registration area for your conference and have some headers sorted alphabetically to queue attendees by their last names. Usually these counters are on the smaller side so I would not recommend using them for a group over 500. If you are going to have a larger group, use a free-standing registration counter.
Using a free-standing desk you’ve ordered is going to cost a bit more unless you can work with the service contractor to include that in your contract. You’ll also have the benefit of having more space to work with to store materials for the attendees, so I would recommend this option whenever possible. Having a free-standing registration desk is also easier for attendees to find as it’s usually in a foyer or outside the main ballroom and should be branded for your conference.
Now that you have your registration desk in place the next step is making sure you have everything at the desk you’ll need to assist your attendees. Here’s a list of some recommended items to have at the desk: Read more 
A View From the Registration Desk
Well, well, well, where to start? With over five years of traveling, I have had my share of experience working conferences from all areas, but one of the most entertaining views is from behind the registration desk. Although my colleagues claim that interesting things happen inside the exhibit hall, I am going to hold my argument that the best “people watching” and interactions happen at the registration desk. You never know what or who you’ll run into behind that desk!
For conferences large and small, the registration process always starts with making sure all of the materials are setup for the attendees to pick up. Sometimes this is simply a matter of printing a few new badges onsite, but sometimes, it means printing over 700 badges and assembling packets the day before a show starts (did I mention alone?) because of a technical glitch! Next, you need to train the staff that will be helping you work the event. Most of the time it’s outside hired help or volunteers, so training can be a challenge, at times. In a best case scenario, these volunteers have been to every type of conference and dealt with every type of issue, although sometimes, these volunteers fall asleep in the middle of your training…not that I’ve ever seen that happen!
Then, all of a sudden, Read more
