Spreadsheets vs Event Registration Platforms: What’s Best for Your Event?
How will you manage registrations and communications for your next event?
For smaller events, spreadsheets and email tools might do the job. But for larger or more complex events, an event registration platform with built-in email tools could save you hours of time and frustration by managing it all from one place. Let’s compare the options to find what works best for you.
Using Spreadsheets and Email for Event Registration
For lots of event organisers, spreadsheets paired with email tools like Outlook or Gmail are the default choice. They’re familiar, easy to set up, and low cost—but are they always the right choice?
Benefits of Spreadsheets and Email
Cost-Effective: Often free or included with existing software.
Customisable: Create your own fields and formats for attendee lists.
Easy to Use: Most people already know how to use spreadsheets and email tools.
Drawbacks of Spreadsheets and Email
Time-Consuming: Managing attendee data manually, sending individual emails, and tracking responses take up valuable time.
Prone to Errors: Typos, forgotten updates, or lost information are common occurrences.
Limited Features: No or limited automation, analytics, and integrated tools that help streamline the process.
Benefits of an Event Registration Platform with Built-in Email Tools
If your events are more complex, an event registration platform with integrated email capabilities can be a game-changer. Platforms like Mitingu (other platforms are available) are specifically designed to simplify the event registration and communications process and take a bundle of work away from your already burgeoning to-do list.
Advantages of Event Registration Platforms
Automation: Automatically send invitation emails, reminders, confirmations, and follow-ups.
Real-Time Data: Track registrations, responses, cancellations, and attendee numbers instantly.
Branded Experience: Create custom branded registration pages and emails.
Compliance: GDPR-compliant data collection, giving you peace of mind.
Integrated Tools: Registration, email, and analytics are all in one place, saving you from multiple tools and tabs open.
Limitations of Event Registration Platforms
Cost: Subscription fees can be higher than the cost of spreadsheets.
Learning Curve: Familiarising yourself with a new platform takes time, though most are designed to be user-friendly.
Overkill for Small Events: For small events, platforms might offer more functionality than needed.
Which Event Management Solution is Right for You?
It depends on the size and complexity of your event. Here’s a quick guide:
Choose Spreadsheets and Email If...
You’re organising a small, one-off event like a local charity fundraiser or team-building activity.
You’re working with a very tight budget and don’t need advanced features.
Choose an Event Registration Platform If...
You’re managing lots of events or medium to large ones like conferences, corporate events, or workshops.
You need a professional, branded experience for attendees.
Saving time and reducing stress are at the top of your wish list - you get that with automation and real-time data tracking.
Sustainability is a priority, and you need tools that help you report on your event’s ESG metrics.
What’s the Verdict?
Spreadsheets and email can handle the basics, but they quickly fall short as the number and size of your events grow. If you’re looking for efficiency, professionalism, and scalability, a registration platform like Mitingu give you the tools you need. From automated communications to branded registration pages, it frees you up to do what you do best—creating an unforgettable experience.
What’s Next?
Take a look at how Mitingu can save you time, reduce stress, and give your attendees a great first impression. If it’s not right for you, no problem.