Instructify

BY DAN FROELICH

LEARN NC recently announced their Fall 2010 Interactive Conference. Of course, I had to register for the the opportunity to network in a face-to-face environment. After reading about the face-to-face session, I noticed a professionally designed registration widget and wondering which staff member created it. Fortunately, LEARN NC values open software platforms that save taxpayer money. They are using a platform called Eventbrite. Eventbrite allows users to publish, promote, manage, and direct web traffic to discover new events. I immediately checked out this system wondering how much it costs an organization to use this registration system. If you don’t charge a fee for your programs, Eventbrite won’t charge you, either.

In the past, schools and school districts have used survey tools to record and receive registration information. The problem with systems like Google Docs, SurveyMonkey, and Zoomerang is they weren’t designed with attendance caps, financial transactions, and event promotion in mind. Eventbrite takes all those concerns into account.

School PTAs, organizations, fund-raising events, and extracurricular programs like the school play could quite easily set up ticket sales for events to reduce to barriers to parent participation. Many parents don’t have cash on hand to send to school in advance for tickets, but would gladly pay a small premium to order tickets online, pay with a debit card, and be guaranteed space. Alternatively, grade levels and departments could set up curriculum nights and have parents RSVP via the school website or student blog.

Eventbrite allows fully customizable options for a polished end-user experience. Additional features that are available include social media marketing, custom email invites, embedded widgets, accept donations, generate name badges, and secured transactions.

To get started with your free online event registration, click here.

Eventbrite

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