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.
Latest News
Related Articles
Best Eventbrite Alternatives: What to Look For
-
by
Handling ticket sales and managing events online should give organizers flexibility and control, but Eventbrite’s platform often comes with challenges that add unnecessary stress. High transaction fees, limited payout options, and restrictions on how organizers access customer data can make it difficult to manage events efficiently. These limitations can cut into revenue, delay cash flow, and complicate audience engagement. If these challenges sound familiar, it might be time to explore Eventbrite alternatives that offer lower costs, faster access to funds and full ownership of your customer data. Here’s a look at what features are available in alternatives to Eventbrite and how these options can give you more control over your events. Lower Fees for Greater Profit Margins Eventbrite charges between 6% and 8% on transactions, which can quickly eat into your earnings, especially for high-volume or larger-ticket events. If you’re organizing multiple events in a year or if you’re handling big-ticket sales, these fees add up, taking away from what you could reinvest into the event or keep as profit. Some alternative platforms offer lower transaction fees, usually around 2% to 5%, helping you retain more of each sale. Flat-rate subscription pricing is also available on some platforms, so instead of paying per ticket, you pay a predictable monthly or annual rate. This approach often makes more sense for organizers with recurring events, as it eliminates the cost-per-ticket markup and provides a clearer picture of costs each month. Faster Access to Funds for Improved Cash Flow Eventbrite’s payout schedule typically processes funds within 4-5 business days after an event. While this works for some, others need faster access to ticket revenue to cover ongoing expenses, secure venues, or fund last-minute promotions. Delays in cash flow can create unnecessary stress, especially for organizers managing multiple vendors or those handling events on...
Features Your Event Registration Software Should Have
-
by
Choosing the right event registration software impacts every aspect of your event - from how many people complete registration to your stress levels on event day. Here's what actually matters when managing events in the last 2 years - based on data from 10,000+ events. Smart Registration Forms That Convert Powerful registration forms deliver an exceptional first experience for your attendees. Modern event ticketing software with conditional logic automatically personalizes the registration journey—when a VIP ticket holder registers, they instantly see their exclusive session options and perks. This smart adaptation creates a clean, focused experience that drives registrations. Mobile registration dominates the event industry, with 68% of tickets purchased on phones. Top-tier registration software excels at mobile experiences, offering one-page checkout and automatic progress saving. Simpletix customers typically see 35% higher completion rates thanks to these mobile-optimized features. Key Conversion Features: Smart conditional logic Mobile-first design One-click checkout Automatic progress saving Custom branding options Seamless Payment Processing Advanced payment processing turns registration into a revenue engine. Modern event management software customer experience tools handle multiple payment methods smoothly while maintaining bank-grade security. For international events, supporting local payment methods can boost registration rates by 40%. Automated payment management saves time and reduces errors. The best registration platforms handle refunds automatically while maintaining detailed transaction records. They also generate professional invoices for corporate registrants instantly. Essential Payment Features: Multi-payment method support Automated refund handling Corporate invoice generation International payment options Real-time transaction reports Efficient Attendee Management Smart attendee management scales your events effortlessly. The best event registration softwares provide self-service portals where attendees can update their own information, reducing administrative time by 75%. Automated waitlist management instantly notifies and registers next-in-line attendees when spots become available. Corporate event registration and tradeshows become seamless with group management tools. Enable one person to...
Selling Event Tickets Online: Conversion Secrets from Top Organizers
-
by
Most event organizers wait for people to buy tickets, then panic when sales are low a week before the event. Sound familiar? In 2025, the smartest organizers aren't just hoping for sales – they're using specific strategies to sell event tickets online and fill seats early. The Three Windows That Matter Forget posting your event everywhere and hoping for sales. There are three specific times when people actually buy tickets: Tuesday lunch hour (12-2PM): When companies book team events. Corporate buyers convert at 34% during this window vs. 12% other times. After work (6-8PM): When friends plan nights out. Group purchases spike 3x during these hours. Sunday afternoon (2-5PM): When families plan their weekends. Family event tickets sell 4x faster during this window. Time your promotions for these windows, and you'll sell more tickets than blasting social media all day. Each window needs different messaging and payment options to maximize sales. Price Points That Actually Sells Event Tickets Online Stop copying other events' prices. Think of your pricing like a good menu - clear options without overwhelming choice. With ticketing made simple, sell tickets online with ease to streamline your sales strategy, making it easy to manage various ticket types. Start with early access tickets at a modest discount to reward your eager fans and build momentum. Your regular admission price sets the baseline. VIP tickets at premium prices create an exclusive tier that makes standard tickets feel more accessible. Add group rates for six or more to encourage larger parties. Resist the temptation to create complex tiers - they confuse buyers and actually hurt sales. Here's the pricing structure that consistently converts: Early access tickets at 15% off regular price (converts 28% of early viewers) Regular admission at your target price (baseline for comparison) VIP tickets at double your...