So you’ve got a solid event idea, and are ready to put it in the books. How do you start the planning process — and most importantly, how do you get maximum registration and attendance?
We know church event registration and planning comes with a lot of moving pieces, and we’re here to help! Check out our tips on setting your event up for success by setting a date with the least amount of scheduling conflict, and how to garner online registration.
Setting A Date
If possible, we suggest choosing your event date six months in advance. But remember, your volunteers have jobs and other responsibilities too, so they need plenty of time to request time off work.
To choose the best dates for your event, ask a few questions:
- Are there any local events (games, dances, holidays, competitions) happening that weekend?
- Are there any conflicts on your church calendar?
- Talk to the people in your life about your availability for that weekend.
- Are your family and friends okay with you being busy that weekend?
- Will your students have big tests or events coming up that they need to prepare for?
These reminders are key details to ensure you set a date with the most flexibility for people to attend. By avoiding holidays or big school events, you can help the families and individuals within your church community add the big day to their calendars!
Handle Your Event Registrations Online!
Besides the obvious information, be sure to collect t-shirt sizes (if you’ll be providing t-shirts), include important information, and immediately take payments and medical forms. No registration should be received without payment and medical forms. There are several ways to do this online . . .
Wufoo
This online platform allows you to make online registration forms, as well as surveys for following up with attendees after the event. You can opt for monthly billing, or pay annually for this service and use it across all ministries in your church.
Google Forms
Google Forms may be the best way to get people registered for your event if your ministry uses Google Workspace for Gmail, Google Meet, and Google Drive. It is a free platform that allows you to make online registration forms, along with follow-up surveys for those who have attended.
Planning Center
Planning Center is an app used by many churches, and helps you coordinate with your team members and keep communication consistent as you plan your event. There, you’ll be able to see who is registered, attending, and volunteering.
Typeform
Typeform allows you to create a variety of forms and surveys using their templates. It also integrates with various platforms such as Slack and MailChimp. This way, you can promote your event while giving people direct access to registration.
Jotform
Jotform is a website that helps you design online registration forms and surveys. With their excellent customer engagement team, you’re never alone when it comes to building the best registration forms for anyone interested in attending your event!
Your church’s form builder or management system
Of course, you can always choose to opt for whatever form builder or management system your church already uses. This promotes a good integration between the new event and a platform people are already familiar with.
Conclusion
We hope these tips help you pull off your next event with plenty of registered attendees! Having a church event registration strategy is a game changer. The best part about online registration is you can keep a digital record of when people registered most, which can give you insight to the next event’s marketing plan.
Our Grow Curriculum and Strategy can give you all of the resources and information you need to go about developing children’s and youth ministries. Let us help ease the burden as you focus on your passion to serve others through your ministry.
