Attendees

Attendees are individuals who participate in events, meetings, performances, or programs by being present in person or remotely. The term is commonly used to describe those who are there to observe, learn, or participate, as distinct from speakers, staff, organizers, exhibitors, and volunteers.

Attendees may register in advance or at the door and may receive badges, tickets, or other credentials. In many contexts there are subcategories such as general attendees, delegates, VIPs, media, and sponsors, each with different privileges or access rights. Attendees can be in-person, virtual, or hybrid.

Registration systems, ticketing platforms, and attendee-management tools help organizers track headcount, session capacity, dietary needs, accessibility requirements, and networking preferences. Privacy and data protection considerations apply to the collection and storage of attendee information.

Rights and responsibilities include following the event code of conduct, respecting others, and complying with venue rules. Attendees may participate in sessions, ask questions, or provide feedback, and may be invited to engage in surveys or networking activities. Accessibility measures aim to assist attendees with disabilities or language needs.

Measuring attendance informs planning, budgeting, and future programming. Common metrics include total attendance, turnout rate, and no-show rates. Effective attendee-experience management balances safety, accessibility, and engagement.