At the Registration Table

Over my time at a registration table, either as a general member of the team or as a manager, I've noticed some things that really help the effectiveness of the staff. What are the most important things for the people manning a registration table to feel? Comfortable and confident. This will reflect on their work and ESPECIALLY how they interact with the guests. That makes this ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL to the success and environment of an event.

The registration table is the FIRST point of interaction a guest has with the event. And as most people know, first impressions mean a lot. You want the table to have just the right atmosphere.

Here are some tips and tricks that I've discovered over time to boost the registration table staff's confidence:

1) Water bottles, lots of them

Your staff will be talking A LOT, and a dry mouth is uncomfortable and awkward. When I have a dry mouth I get distracted more easily and start looking around for something to drink. That definitely takes away from actively listening to your guests and then when you can't stand it anymore you get up and leave your post! Not good. Especially if your job is important and there isn't someone there to fill for you.

2) Breath Mints!

There are few things that make you feel like NOT opening your mouth like the suspicion that you have bad breath… or that you actually do! Guests will notice and you will be embarrassed. Just smiling and nodding doesn't work here.

3) Cheat sheet of FAQs and Schedule

Guests expect the staff to know what is going on in the schedule and with ANYTHING that has to do with the event. Registration tables are also information desks. You DON’T want the staff to keep saying “I’m sorry, I don’t know”, say the wrong thing, or make something up. These aren't good employee practices anyway, but it's also NOT professional. As a manager, you also don’t want to constantly be asked questions. That takes you away from doing what you need to do and what they need to do. So the key to this is try to beat it to the punch.

Provide a schedule and cheat sheet of FAQs to all your staff IN ADVANCE. Let them know what it is and review it together before hand. That way if they do have questions, they can ask before the rush starts. Most guests ask the same questions over and over again anyway. ("Where's the bathroom?") So if you get these covered, that's a major load off.

4) Manage your staff

If you are a manager, MANAGE. Walk around and keep tabs on whatever your staff is doing. Make sure they are comfortable so they can do their jobs well. Make sure they know you are available to them when in need. If they need more water bring them some. APPRECIATE THEM! And they will work harder and better for you in return. ^_^