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iPad Rental for Event Registration

Replace paper sign-in sheets with a professional digital check-in. Here's what you need for smooth event registration with iPads.

Why iPad Registration?

Paper sign-in sheets create bottlenecks and messy data. iPad registration offers:

  • Faster check-in – Guests find their name, tap to confirm, done
  • Accurate data – No illegible handwriting to decipher
  • Real-time attendance – Know exactly who's arrived
  • Badge printing – Print name badges on the spot
  • Professional image – Modern first impression for your event

How Many iPads?

The number of registration iPads depends on your arrival pattern:

50-100 guests 2-3 iPads
100-200 guests 3-5 iPads
200-500 guests 5-8 iPads
500+ guests 8-15+ iPads

Rule of thumb: 1 iPad can process 50-75 guests per hour. If 200 guests arrive in 30 minutes, you need at least 5-6 iPads to avoid queues.

Always have 1-2 spare devices in case of issues.

Registration Setup Options

Self-Service Kiosks

Guests check themselves in:

  • iPads on floor stands at entry
  • Guests search their name and tap to confirm
  • Badge prints automatically
  • Best for: tech-savvy audiences, conferences

Staffed Registration Desk

Staff check in guests:

  • iPads on table stands facing staff
  • Staff search guest name, verify ID if needed
  • More personal, handles exceptions easily
  • Best for: VIP events, galas, smaller gatherings

Hybrid Approach

Self-service kiosks for most guests, staffed desk for VIPs and walk-ins. Works well for large conferences with mixed audience types.

Essential Requirements

  • 4G connectivity – Don't rely on venue WiFi during peak arrival times
  • Kiosk mode – Lock iPads to your registration app only
  • Security cases – Protect devices at busy registration desks
  • Stands or mounts – Floor stands for kiosks, table stands for desks
  • Charged batteries – Full charge, with power cables as backup

Popular Registration Apps

These apps can be pre-installed on rental iPads:

  • Eventbrite – Popular for ticketed events
  • Bizzabo – Full event management platform
  • Whova – Conference and networking events
  • Cvent – Enterprise event management
  • Google Forms / Typeform – Simple, flexible option

Send us your app details and we'll have everything installed before delivery.

Badge Printing

For on-the-spot badge printing, you'll need:

  • Bluetooth or WiFi-enabled label printer (Brother, Dymo, etc.)
  • Compatible badge printing app
  • Pre-designed badge template

Most registration platforms have built-in badge printing. The printer connects to the iPad via Bluetooth—when a guest checks in, their badge prints automatically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Relying on venue WiFi – It often fails when you need it most
  • Too few iPads – Queues frustrate guests and delay your event
  • No backup devices – One failed iPad shouldn't halt check-in
  • Untested setup – Test your registration flow before guests arrive
  • No offline mode – Choose an app that works if connectivity drops

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How many iPads do I need?

Plan for 1 iPad per 50-75 guests arriving in the first hour. For 200 guests arriving over 30 minutes, you'd need 4-6 iPads plus 1-2 spares.

02 What apps work best for check-in?

Eventbrite, Bizzabo, Whova, and Cvent are popular. For simpler needs, Google Forms or Typeform work well. We can pre-install your chosen app.

03 Can iPads connect to badge printers?

Yes. Most badge printing solutions connect via Bluetooth or WiFi. Common setups use Brother or Dymo label printers.

04 What if WiFi fails during check-in?

This is why 4G-enabled iPads are essential. Each iPad has its own cellular data, not relying on venue WiFi. Good apps also work offline.

Get a Quote

TouristPads has supplied iPads for event registration at conferences, galas, and corporate events since 2012. All iPads include unlimited 4G, security cases, and kiosk mode setup.

Request a quote