In this article:
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2026’s top resolutions for event planners and industry professionals, mistakes from conference planning we won’t make again, and key lessons for the new year
- Tips to plan for real people: Feed them, caffeinate them, give them useful swag, and keep sessions engaging
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How to make events easier in 2026 from smarter tools like onsite badge printing, to better processes and less scrambling, so you can deliver amazing attendee experiences
Our 2026 New Years Event Resolutions
Event planners are pros at adapting (it’s basically our job). We’ve survived events big and small, and met challenges head-on. From 11th hour setup scrambling to day-of curveballs, we all know what it’s like to be in the trenches when attendees arrive and things don’t go according to plan. But as we head into 2026, there are probably a few things we can all collectively agree to leave behind this year.
And with that in mind, here’s our Top Event Resolutions for 2026 to make our planning lives just a little easier:
Resolution #1: Throw Away the “Trash” When It Comes to Swag Bags
The Swag Bag. Your attendees eagerly wait in line to take them when they arrive, politely carry them around all morning, and by the end of the day you’ve spent more time collecting discarded bags around the venue than you spent organizing them in the first place.
This year, we’re going for purpose-driven swag. Useful, relevant stuff that attendees actually want to take home, and not just another stress ball, flash drive, or sticker. Think consumables (who doesn’t love some extra snacks or goodies?), travel-ready items that fit in your carry-on (reusable water bottles, packable totes), gift cards & discount codes (sponsorship perks, anyone?), and quality wearables.
Resolution #2: No Check-In Lines So Long We Start Calling Them “Networking Sessions”
Okay, so you didn’t plan a 30-minute meet-and-greet before the opening keynote… But since the check-in line is so long, can we call it a “great networking opportunity?”
Event check-in and registration should be fast, smooth, and a great first impression for attendees. In 2026, ditch the long check-in lines and chaos of pre-printed badge shuffling, and opt for modern on-site event badge printing. Platforms like Expo Pass are a breeze to set up and make it quick and easy for attendees to check-in, print their badges instantly, and move on to the actual event.
Resolution #3: Avoid The Unintentional “Naptime” Keynote
Maybe it’s because we scheduled it right after lunch. Maybe it should’ve only been 30 minutes and not an hour. Or maybe the speaker just reads through their PowerPoint slides like grandma reading a gentle bedtime story. Whatever the case, there are stifled yawns and heavy eyelids, and a couple people in the back are fully asleep.
We can’t always guarantee the subject-matter will keep people on the edge of their seats, but let’s plan for sessions that matter to the audience, don’t drag on and on, and feature speakers that know how to engage.
Resolution #4: Never Run Out of Coffee
Sure, this may be a bit of a follow-up to our over-tired attendees from Resolution #3… but if you’ve ever hosted an event where the coffee station ran dry, you know the scorn you’re in for.
This year, we’ll make sure not to be the event that asks, “weren’t there more attendees here a minute ago?” Only to look across the street and see a Starbucks filled to the brim with lanyard-and-badge wearing patrons.
Resolution #5: Ditch the “Cable Table” Mess
Nothing says “cutting-edge conference” like a check-in and registration table covered in ethernet cables, USB hubs, power bricks, and that one thing that might be a fax machine??
This year, opt for a modern and professional welcome table, featuring streamlined event hardware setups, like wireless iPad check-in kiosks and state-of-the-art Zebra badge printers that come in an organized, plug-and-play kit.
Resolution #6: No “Test Name” Badges
It’s the day before your event and you spent hours alphabetizing and sorting those pre-printed badges. But that’s weird, the N–Z table seems to have multiple attendees named “Test Name.”
Upgrade from pre-printed badges to on-site event badge printing in 2026 to eliminate the pre-event badge sorting scramble, reduce attendee name mistakes, and minimize unused badge waste.
Resolution #7: Don’t Be the Event That Serves “Light Breakfast” (in a Bad Way)
Attendees came first thing in the morning, expecting a full spread of breakfast, coffee and tea options… but missed the first session of the day because they left to grab a bite down the block. Ouch.
Well-fed attendees are happy attendees. And we’re pretty sure no one has ever checked into an event thinking, “I wish there was less free food here.” A little extra breakfast goes a long way toward better moods, fuller rooms, and on-time session starts.
Resolution #8: Say Goodbye to Mobile Event App Lockouts
You might have set up a great mobile app for your event, with schedules, speaker info, live updates, attendee-to-attendee messaging, and more… But, then it turns out half your attendees can’t download apps on their corporate devices. And the other half forgot their login details.
In 2026, look for a mobile attendee app that offers browser-based access, mirroring the native app experience for attendees on corporate devices.
And to make it even smoother, opt for a event platform that gives your attendees one-click magic links to let them access schedules, updates, and messages without needing to remember yet another password.
Resolution #9: Leave Behind the Registration Confirmation Headaches
Did they register? Didn’t they? Manual registrations, crossing off names on spreadsheets, writing down attendee info on-site and chasing down invoices post-event. Oof. Event registration shouldn’t require detective work.
This year, go for event registration software that seamlessly syncs with your on-site check-in kiosks, and can handle last-minute changes, walk-up registrations, and day-of payments with ease.
It’s 2026 — Let’s Event Better (Together)!
We’re ready for another great year of successful conferences and corporate events. And with the right event technology tools, we can make our event planning lives a little easier and deliver amazing experiences for our guests and attendees.
