Pre-registration refers to the non-binding or optionally binding sign-up for an event before regular ticket sales begin. It is used to gauge demand, build a pool of interested parties, and facilitate early communication with potential attendees.
Also known as: Advance registration, Save the Date registration
Typical for: Large-scale events, premiere conferences, waiting list management
Commitment: Usually non-binding, optionally with a deposit
What is pre-registration?
With pre-registration , interested parties express their initial intent to attend before the actual ticketing system begins accepting bookings. It is a proven tool in event marketing: organizers get a realistic picture of expected demand, while interested parties secure early information or priority access for later sales.
Pre-registration complements the subsequent event registration and the ticketing system, but it is a distinct process with different objectives.
Typical use cases
- Demand estimation: How many people are interested in a new event component?
- Program planning: Which topics generate the most pre-registrations?
- Marketing management: Which channels attract the most leads early on?
- Waitlist management: Building a qualified pool for future years or special events
- Sponsorship negotiations: Using preliminary figures as leverage in negotiations
- Capacity planning: Making early decisions on room sizes, catering, and technical requirements
Implementation options
- Expression of interest only: Name, email, and optional topic preference – no payment involved.
- With non-binding pre-reservation: Guarantees a future ticket at a special price, no payment required.
- With a deposit: A small fee (€10–50) secures priority access during the regular sale and is credited toward the ticket price.
- With full pre-sale booking: Early-bird tickets before the official launch – a seamless transition to regular registration.
Best practices
- Clear communication about what pre-registration specifically includes (and what it does not)
- Obtain GDPR-compliant consent for future marketing communications
- Provide added value to pre-registrants – exclusive updates, early-bird codes, content previews
- Ensure a seamless transition to regular registration (1-click conversion)
- Expectation management: Pre-registration is not a guaranteed ticket
Pre-registration in Converia
Converia enables standalone pre-registration forms with custom fields, automated confirmation communications, and a seamless transition to the subsequent regular ticket sale – including priority access to early-bird tickets for pre-registrants.
Gauge interest before sales begin
With Converia, you can launch pre-registrations months before the actual event – and convert them into confirmed bookings at the push of a button.
- Event registration – Ticketing & Registration
- Ticketing system – Ticketing & Registration
- Ticket categories – Ticketing & Registration
Collect pre-registrations, gauge interest, and convert them into confirmed bookings at the right moment.