The registration desk is usually the first face-to-face encounter the planner or planning team has with attendees.  It’s that opportunity to put names and faces together 🙂  No matter the size of your meeting you want the attendee’s time at the desk to be pleasant, seamless and informative.

1. Staff accordingly and set appropriate hours – For large conferences check prior years’ history for check-in patterns. This will help with knowing how to schedule the staff at the desk. If you need to hire temporary staff, make sure they are informed of the program’s important information (e.g. special events, walk-in policy, membership if applicable, etc)…especially the restrooms (this maybe the #1 question). I like to ALWAYS have at least one person at the desk throughout the meeting. You just never know and it’s best to be safe.
2. MUST have Power – Being connected is a must! Power is not only needed for laptops, but printers.  There’s always walk-ins or name badge changes 🙂 No matter the need make sure you have power at the desk.
3. Don’t forget the supply box! – A stapler, Sharpie or post-it may just come in handy. Make sure your supply box includes paper stock (e.g. tent cards, name badge stock, colored paper, white copy paper) and ink(s) for your printer(s).

Now what are your personal preferences/rules for your registration desk?? Do you allow beverages or food/eating at the desk? How do you arrange the badges/registration material – first name or last name? When utilizing tables as the desk, I’ve had lead planners ask that I keep the table closes to attendees clear except for my computer.

Does any of these rules apply to you and your preferences?  Share how you set-up and run your registration desk….