At this point in 2020, you’re likely thinking about what your 2021 events are going to look like — more specifically, whether they will take place online, in person, or some combination of the two.

Events will undoubtedly be tricky to navigate for the foreseeable future. While planners have certainly honed their skill of being ready to pivot on a dime this year (and sponsors and attendees have been just as flexible!) we think there are still some ways that you can be proactive when it comes to finding the right event management software to suit your needs for the next year and beyond.

When it comes to event management software in 2021, here are three questions to ask yourself (and why you want to ask them):

1. Will any of my events be all-online, or have a virtual component to them?

If your answer is “yes,” you’ll want to plan for how you’ll deliver that virtual content sooner than later. Whether it’s simply through something like Zoom or an all-out virtual event platform, it’s a major piece of your event that will require some dedicated time and manpower to pull off smoothly.

Tip: As we shift from a mostly virtual world to one where gathering in person becomes a safer option, you might find your needs for your virtual event platform shifting, too. When considering platforms, keep flexibility in mind. (Can the platform help you pivot between all-online and hybrid?)

2. What new tools might I need for in-person events?

With new health and safety requirements, there’s no telling what guidelines event planners may have to adhere to. Start thinking now about what you may need to incorporate at in-person events that you hadn’t worried about so much before.

For example, what is your typical process for admitting attendees? Do you tear tickets, stamp hands, administer wristbands, etc.? Anything that requires getting too close or passing items back and forth to each other may not be a good option anymore — but barcode scanning, on the other hand, can be done quickly and without physical touch.

Similarly, do you typically hand out a printed agenda or other materials? Building a mobile app dedicated to your event that houses all of the same information for your attendees might be a better option moving forward.

3. What additional support will I need this upcoming year?

As we head into 2021 commit yourself to working with event management software that’ll lighten the load, not make it more complex or expensive. That means partnering with a provider who not only has the product(s) and price point you need, but also provides unmatched support.

All of the event management software solutions at your disposal are meant to help you throw better events, so if you can’t immediately see the value you gain by working with a particular provider it’s best to keep looking.

Your online event registration software, in particular, is pivotal to the success of your event. It’s often your first interaction with attendees, and makes up your entire attendee database as well.

So, what should you look for in an online event registration system, specifically? Download our free guide to find out!