How to Manage Paid and Free Event Registration Simultaneously?

Are you wondering how to manage both paid and free attendees within a single registration process? Many organizers worry that their registration system may not support both types of entries at the same time. However, this is much easier than it seems — provided you use software that gives you full control over the process.

The CONREGO system offers four proven solutions that you can tailor to your needs.

1. Pricing Based on Attendee Categories

Simply divide attendees into different categories (Ticket Types) and assign them different fees or a zero fee. This way, your event can accommodate both paying participants and those entering for free.

If your event includes multiple attendee types — such as full-paying guests, association members, and VIPs — you can assign the appropriate price for each group in the system. This keeps financial records clear and makes registration intuitive for everyone.

2. Ticket Types Available with an Access Code

If you need to ensure that only selected individuals can access free registration, you can secure any ticket type with a code. This way, the free-entry option is only unlocked for those who have received a password from the organizer, while others won’t even see this option in the form.

This solution eliminates the risk of someone accidentally (or intentionally) registering for free when they shouldn’t.

3. Personalized Invitation Codes

For even greater precision and control, CONREGO allows you to generate unique invitation links, directing invitees straight to the appropriate registration form.

Our Event Management Software not only recognizes each individual but also automatically assigns them to the correct ticket type — paid, free, or discounted. To set this up, you simply import your guest list and then send them automated, personalized invitations. This creates a secure access key for each participant.

4. Discount Codes

Whether you want to offer someone a 10% discount or make their entry completely free, discount codes can help. You can define their validity, usage limits, and whether they apply to specific services or the entire registration.

This tool is particularly useful when you want to offer selected participants a reduced or free ticket without creating separate, complicated rules for each individual.

Why Does This Work?

The key to success is software flexibility. Instead of running separate registrations (one for paid attendees and another for free participants), you can manage everything within a single process using one system. This prevents confusion, saves administrative time, and ensures consistency in your data.

With CONREGO, paid and free registration options can coexist smoothly. Every attendee goes through the same registration process but only sees the options available to them.

We encourage you to try these features in practice. If you're looking for a ready-to-use solution that allows you to manage both paid and free access within the same event, start your free trial of CONREGO. See for yourself how easy it is to run a diverse registration process in an intuitive and secure way.