Print Article for : Association Of Meeting Planners

Your Online Guide » Guide to Technology » Guide to The Internet

[A737]Association Of Meeting Planners

by Bill Flagg, Bil

We hear it over and over again: It's the number one myth about online registration systems that keeps many meeting planners from making their lives easier and their events more successful. We want to explore this myth, bring the truth out into the light so that everyone knows what online registration is really about.

The #1 Myth:

I know my current system isnt perfect, but Im comfortable with it. Plus, it would take too much time, money and headaches to switch to something better. I wouldnt even know where to start.

Why is this myth completely false?

Because thousands of meeting planners said the same thing before they discovered that a high-quality automated system:

* Is easy to implement without any technical knowledge
* Only takes a matter of hours to set up - and in some cases, less than an hour
* More than pays for itself and is affordable to even the smallest meetings

How is this possible?

A few years ago, these systems were made available through your web browser. No software to buy, install, or maintain. You dont have to figure out how to connect to your website. This entirely new type of service exists on the web, instead of on your office computers, allowing for anywhere, anytime, real-time access to your events and corresponding data.

* The benefits of a Web-based Service:
* You dont need a technology department to use it
* You can turn it on immediately
* You control everything without having to wait form changes, reports, accounting
* You can give immediate access to your colleagues anywhere in the world, anytime
* The security of your data will be many times greater
* You get to use a multi-million dollar online registration system for just a few dollars per registration.

I sincerely hope this article makes your conference and event registration even more successful!

1. Automated
Many systems include over 15 standard email communications that can be customized, personalized and automated. Data is automatically collected in a database and at your fingertips for an unlimited number of reports; and downloadable in six different formats.

2. Integrated
Online events are easily integrated with ad hoc emails via built-in mail systems, online surveys, donations and membership and subscription management systems, creating a one-stop shop for all kinds of online services.

3. Flexible
Everything you create in an automated system can be customized to your company or organization's look and feel for a streamlined, consistent image through the entire process. Plus, your data is accessible to you in any number of formats through extensive custom and cross-event reporting functions.

4. Web-based
Why is this so important? Using a web-based system means that you, your co-workers, your vendors - anyone can be granted access to all or parts of your event information - instantly and in real-time - from any computer with Internet access. Essential for mobile professionals like you.

5. Easy-to-use
This may seem like a no brainer, but make sure you "test drive" any system prior to making a purchase. If possible, attend a live demonstration of any product you are considering, and/or open a trial account to test their service yourself.

6. Supported
The support team needs to be accessible, responsive and knowledgeable before, during and after your event. We just mentioned taking the system for a test drive. Along with that you should have access to technical support to answer any questions you have as you try out the system.

7. Secure
Make sure your data is protected. Ask if the system is hacker-safe. If it complies with Visa security requirements. Have they ever had a security breach of any kind?. The company should exceed all "standard" security measures - even those mandated by government and university customers.

8. Fast & stable
A good registration system is hosted on state of the art equipment, which makes response times minimal. System down time is also important – don't settle for anything less than 98% "up time" or better.

Article Source : Pg. 72

Bill Flagg has sinced written about articles on various topics from Affiliate Programs, The Internet and Management Software Solutions. Bill Flagg is the President of RegOnline, an easy to use .. Bill Flagg's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.