As an event organizer, you know the first impression is everything. And what’s the very first thing your attendees experience? The check-in line. A smooth, fast, and friendly check-in process can set the perfect tone for your event, getting people excited and ready to enjoy themselves. On the flip side, a slow or confusing check-in can lead to long lines, frustrated guests, and a bad start.
Luckily, technology has made this part of event planning much easier. Modern event check-in platforms do way more than just mark a name off a list. They let you scan tickets, print name badges instantly, and even track who’s at your event in real time. Choosing the right one can save you a lot of headaches and make your event feel polished and professional.
To help you find the best fit, here are 9 of the top platforms that can transform your event check-in experience.
1. Dreamcast
Dreamcast offers a variety of event solutions, and their check-in platform is built for flexibility. They understand that every event is different, so they provide various ways to check people in. Whether it’s scanning a QR code, using a kiosk, or even handling on-the-spot registrations, Dreamcast has you covered.
- Why it’s great: It’s a very adaptable platform. It can handle all kinds of check-in scenarios, making it a reliable choice no matter the size or type of your event.
- Best for: Organizers who need a customizable and flexible check-in solution along with quick registration capabilities. Moreover, Dreamcast offers good on-site support with self-service kiosks, facial recognition technology, and turnstile gates to manage crowds.
2. Eventbrite
Most people know Eventbrite for selling tickets. But their Eventbrite Organizer app is a fantastic tool for check-in. It’s especially popular because it works seamlessly with the ticketing system. Your team can use the app on any mobile device to scan tickets or look up names.
- Why it’s great: It’s super easy to use, and if you’re already selling tickets on Eventbrite, it’s a natural choice. It also works for last-minute sales at the door, which is a huge plus.
- Best for: Organizers who use Eventbrite for ticketing and want a simple, reliable, and integrated check-in solution that works on a smartphone.
3. Swapcard
Swapcard is all about connecting people. Their check-in solution, called Swapcard Go, is made to make the on-site experience feel modern and effortless. They provide hardware and software together, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right gear. Attendees can check themselves in at special kiosks, which cuts down on lines.
- Why it’s great: It offers a self-service check-in option, which is a game-changer for speed. It’s also part of a platform that focuses on making networking and community building a core part of the event.
- Best for: Events that are all about networking and want to use technology to connect attendees even before they meet face-to-face.
4. Splash
Splash is an event marketing platform that focuses on creating beautiful and stylish event pages. Their check-in app, Splash Host, is perfect for marketers because it keeps your brand consistent from the first email invite to the moment guests walk through the door. The app is super simple—just a quick swipe or scan to check someone in.
- Why it’s great: It’s designed to be simple and beautiful. It even works offline, which is a lifesaver if you have a spotty internet connection at your venue.
- Best for: Event marketers and planners who want to make sure every part of their event, including check-in, matches their brand and looks great.
5. Whova
Think of Whova as a complete event package. Its check-in feature is just one part of a bigger system that includes a mobile event app, registration, and networking tools. The check-in process is super simple and fast. Attendees can just show a QR code on their phone, and your team can scan it in seconds.
- Why it’s great: It’s an all-in-one solution. You don’t need different apps for different tasks. Whova handles everything from ticket sales to check-in to post-event surveys.
- Best for: Organizers who want one powerful platform to manage every step of their event, especially if they also need a mobile app for their attendees.
6. Eventleaf
Eventleaf offers a check-in app that works hand-in-hand with its larger event management system. It’s a no-fuss option that gets the job done reliably. The app lets you scan QR codes and print badges right at the entrance, which is perfect for events where you need to have physical badges for security or networking.
- Why it’s great: It’s a straightforward and dependable tool. It also has features for taking payments for people who register at the door, which is a very useful feature.
- Best for: Organizers who need a simple yet powerful app for check-in, especially if they need to print badges or take payments on-site.
7. Eventify
Eventify is an all-in-one platform that brings together all the pieces of event planning. Their check-in system is fully integrated with their ticketing, registration, and mobile app. This means when someone checks in, that data is instantly updated across the entire platform. This helps you track attendance in real-time and makes it easy to see how many people have arrived.
- Why it’s great: It connects all your event data in one place. This makes it easy to manage your event and get a full picture of attendance and engagement.
- Best for: Organizers who want an integrated platform that links check-in data to all other event functions for a smooth experience.
No matter the size of your event or the kind of experience you want to create, one of these platforms can help you make a great first impression. By choosing the right solution, you can make your check-in process a breeze and start your event on a high note.
