20 Jan
Event Registration Trends and Challenges in 2025
Event registration remains a cornerstone of successful event planning, yet it’s often one of the most stressful aspects for planners. From accommodating last-minute attendees to managing badge printing, the challenges in this space have evolved as attendee behaviors and industry standards shift.
We asked variety of event professionals what they thought would be the biggest challenges around managing event registration in 2025, and got some surprising answers! Learn more about what our Future of Events survey respondents identified as ongoing challenges, as well as potentially larger ones in the coming year in the events industry.
Notable Challenges in Event Registration
According to our survey respondents, the following issues are among the most significant hurdles faced by event planners:
Accommodating Last-Minute Registrations:
35.5% of planners identified this as their top challenge. The trend of attendees registering closer to the event date is putting pressure on planners to streamline processes and avoid delays.
Printing Event Badges On-Site or On-Demand:
17.1% struggle with managing the logistics of badge printing, especially for late registrants. The choice between pre-printing and on-demand printing remains a critical decision.
Coordinating, Printing, and Organizing Badges:
15.8% report that this task is both time-consuming and error-prone, highlighting the need for better tools and systems.
Making Registration Booths Visually Appealing:
17.9% note the importance of an attractive and efficient registration area to create a positive first impression for attendees.
Collecting Badges Post-Use for Recycling:
5.3% emphasize the growing focus on sustainability, with planners seeking ways to recycle badges and minimize waste.
Last-Minute Program Changes:
1.3% indicate that sudden schedule changes can disrupt registration workflows and attendee communication.
Accessibility of Registration:
Ensuring the registration process is inclusive and easy to navigate remains a smaller but important concern for planners.
Tips for Addressing Event Registration Challenges
1. Managing Last-Minute Registrations
Planners are increasingly adopting flexible registration systems that allow for quick updates and seamless check-ins. Real-time data tracking and automated attendee management tools can help alleviate stress.
2. Improving Badge Printing Solutions
Technology and training are key to efficient badge printing. On-site printers capable of handling large volumes quickly, paired with trained staff, can significantly reduce wait times and errors.
3. Sustainability in Badge Management
Recyclable badges, biodegradable materials, and digital alternatives are becoming popular as planners prioritize environmental responsibility. Encouraging attendees to return badges post-use can also support sustainability goals.
4. Enhancing Booth Aesthetics
Investing in modern, branded registration booths with clear signage and organized layouts can streamline attendee flow and create a professional atmosphere.
What to Expect in 2025
As planners navigate these challenges, several key questions arise for the future of event registration:
How can technology further simplify the registration process while remaining cost-effective?
What innovations will emerge to manage last-minute registrations more efficiently?
How can the industry adopt more sustainable practices without increasing costs?
Will attendee expectations around registration continue to shift, and how can planners stay ahead of these trends?
How can event registration systems become more accessible and inclusive?
By addressing these questions, event professionals can better prepare for the evolving demands of registration in 2025, ensuring a seamless and successful attendee experience.
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