Real-Time Conference Data with Google Drive and Zapier
-
by
When it comes to conference planning, the focus tends to be on pre-event planning. Are speakers lined up? What about vendors? What will attendees eat?
Once the conference begins, however, things tend to be a free for all. Attendees are often free to attend whichever sessions they choose with no formal record of who goes where. That lack of data makes future planning difficult and forces organizers to rely on anecdotal evidence when estimating for future years.
The Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (MMBC) turned to SimpleTix to help change that. We used Zapier to create a custom integration between SimpleTix and Google Drive, which allowed the consortium to track attendance at multiple sessions with the same ticket.
The MMBC Continuum is one of the largest economic development conferences in the mid-south. It connects Fortune 500 CEOs and senior executives, renowned speakers, national thought leaders, and regional and local community leaders at its events throughout the year.
Once a ticket is scanned at the event, data is sent to Zapier as an intermediary then to a Google spreadsheet that is updated in real-time as the event happens. If anyone had a question about who checked in where during the event, the spreadsheet could provide a quick answer. Looking forward, the data from the spreadsheet will allow for more complete analysis when planning next year’s event.
The tickets are also able to be unscanned, which allows them to be used multiple times. MMBC used this feature for its VIP-level tickets and were able to use the same group of tickets over again.
Tickets were scanned using mobile devices, which made it easy for staff to move around between sessions. This integration also supports multiple ticket types, which allows for varied pricing tiers, membership discounts, or other custom options for each event.
SimpleTix is the only ticketing vendor who is able to unscan a ticket in this manner and to develop a solution like this using Zapier. We can use Zapier to integrate with more than 500 other apps and would love to help you figure out how it can streamline your ticketing process.
Categories
Latest News
Related Articles
How To Sell More Event Merchandise Through Your Ticketing Platform
-
by
Ever wondered how much revenue you might be leaving on the table by keeping merchandise sales separate from ticketing? When you sell event tickets online, separating merchandise from the purchase flow means missing crucial sales opportunities. Many organizers focus solely on ticket sales, overlooking how the ticketing platform can drive significant merchandise revenue. From optimizing bundles to leveraging data for personalized offers, using your ticketing platform for merchandise sales isn’t just about convenience—it’s about boosting revenue in ways you may not have considered. Here’s how to do it strategically and effectively. Bundle Tickets and Merchandise Without Cutting Margins Bundling tickets with merchandise works best when the pricing feels like a deal to attendees but doesn’t undercut your profits. Success requires precise calculations: Analyze price sensitivity: If a ticket costs $50 and a t-shirt costs $25, offering a bundle at $65 can feel like a win for attendees while maintaining a healthy profit margin. Test popular combinations: Past sales data might reveal that general admission tickets and t-shirts are the most requested combination, while VIP attendees prefer hoodies or premium items. Platforms that sell event tickets online can integrate these bundles at checkout, making it easy for attendees to select their preferred option while increasing the overall cart value. Offering bundle discounts as limited-time options further incentivizes purchases during the early ticketing phase. Digital QR Codes Simplify Pre-Orders Pre-purchased merchandise often leads to logistical issues at the event. Attendees may receive the wrong size or change their preferences, resulting in returns or exchanges. Issuing QR codes for pre-purchased items can solve these problems. Once an attendee buys a ticket and selects merchandise, a QR code is sent to their email. At the event, they scan the code at the merchandise booth to confirm or adjust their order. This system allows organizers...
How Do You Set Up Ticket Sales for International Events?
-
by
Selling tickets for international events brings unique challenges, from handling payments in different currencies to meeting local regulations. While Eventbrite is a popular choice, many Eventbrite alternatives offer features specifically designed for global audiences. Setting up an efficient system requires tools that address payment options, compliance, language preferences, and attendee support. What steps and tools are needed to successfully manage ticket sales for international events? Use Payment Gateways That Work Worldwide Global audiences expect flexibility in payment options. A reliable event ticketing system supports multiple payment gateways, including regional and mobile payment methods. Platforms that integrate with options like PayPal, Stripe, or region-specific systems like Alipay or iDEAL help reduce barriers to completing a purchase. Some Eventbrite competitors go further, offering country-specific payment integrations. This is especially useful for events in areas with limited access to traditional banking systems. By providing attendees with familiar and accessible payment methods, you can increase trust and improve ticket sales. Offer Multi-Currency Pricing Ticket buyers are less likely to complete a purchase if prices are displayed only in a foreign currency. A platform with multi-currency pricing solves this issue by allowing attendees to view ticket prices in their local currency. This reduces confusion and friction during the buying process. The best Eventbrite alternatives often have built-in currency conversion tools, automatically adjusting prices based on the buyer's location. This capability not only makes transactions smoother but also shows attendees that you’ve thought about their needs, encouraging them to complete their purchases. Simplify Taxes and Regional Compliance Tax regulations and compliance laws can complicate international ticket sales. A reliable event registration platform should calculate and display taxes based on the buyer's location. Platforms that automate this process make it easier for organizers to comply with local regulations and avoid fines or disputes. Many trade show registration...
How Promo Codes Can Skyrocket Your Event Sales
-
by
Promo codes are often thought of as simple discount tools, but they’re capable of much more. When used strategically, they can do everything from increasing ticket sales to attracting new audiences and driving repeat attendance. Most event organizers stick to basic discounting methods, like early bird or general sale codes. But if you think promo codes only cut into your profits, you're missing out on their full potential - especially with today's sophisticated event registration software that can track, analyze, and optimize your promotional strategy. Here’s a fresh look at how promo codes can reshape your ticket sales strategy and drive better results. Customize Discount Codes Based on How People Buy Here's what most organizers miss: Promo codes aren't just discount tools - they're powerful features of your event scheduling software that can help you sell out events faster, attract better sponsors, and build a loyal following that comes back year after year. Use Dynamic Pricing to Boost Sales at the Right Time Promo codes don’t have to be static. Dynamic pricing—adjusting discounts based on real-time ticket sales—can make a huge difference. At the start of your sales cycle, you can release smaller discounts to create early momentum. As the event date approaches, monitor ticket sales using your event registration software’s reporting tools. If you’re not meeting your sales goals, you can release higher-value promo codes to incentivize last-minute buyers. On the flip side, if ticket sales are strong, you might scale back discounts and use promo codes to drive upsells instead. Geo-Target Promo Codes to Engage Local Audiences Local audiences are often the easiest to target, but they’re also more likely to compare your event with nearby alternatives. Promo codes can be a great way to tip the scales in your favor. Consider creating codes that speak directly to...