When you host a corporate party or conference the registration desk is often the first impression your guests have of your company and the event.  Naturally, you want the desk to look as organized and inviting as possible. 

When setting up a registration desk I like to have one of each of the items the guest will receive in the welcome bag displayed on the desk, as well as the event agenda taped down.  You’ll probably want to have multiple copies of the guest list handy (keep this under the desk).   You can also benefit by having extra pens, mints, scotch tape, etc. hidden under the table.  What to avoid: wine glasses, scraps of paper, purses, etc.   Keep it clean.

Adding a floral arrangement always make an 8” table look better.  If you have a limited budget, consider colored M&Ms in a large glass bowl or tasteful ribbon as an inexpensive way to dress up a table.

Besides being a happy face, your registration hostess needs to be well informed of potential questions, start times, meeting locations, etc.  Your hostess should be dressed conservatively and in business attire if this is a business event.  Make this clear to the people you’ve talked into working the desk to avoid embarrassment onsite.  

And how many hostesses are needed?  1 to every 50 guests is a good rule of thumb, but  consider if your guests will arrive all at once or staggered when creating your work schedule.