01

Build

A successful website will have a clear purpose. In order to start building your website, you’ll need to understand what kind of site you need for your event, the feel of your event, and what elements will need to be incorporated.

Types of Websites

First things first. You need to determine what type of website you want to build. In the event world, there are two main types: registration websites and marketing websites.
Registration
What's this?
Marketing
What's this?
Registration Website
This type of website is used for simpler events, like seminars or webinars. The purpose is to provide basic information and a place to register. This type of event is one that’s easy to explain. If you can fit all of the information you need on one page, a registration website is for you.
Back
Marketing Website
This type of website is used for complex events, such as conferences. If your event lasts multiple days and has different attendee tracks, you’ll want to build a marketing website. That way, you’ll be able to create multiple pages to explain each part of the event. 
Back

Elements of a Website

Every website, regardless of whether it’s a registration or marketing website, has four key elements. The header, body, sidebar, and footer.
Header
This is typically where navigation lives. The header can also include the company or event logo. The header lives on every page and doesn’t change. It acts as the north star or map in a mall for the website. The header is also a great place to include a register now button, or call to action.
Body
Sidebar
Footer
Header
Body
Sidebar
Footer
Header
Body
This can be made up of text, images, tables, links, and more. The body needs to contain the primary information and call to action (CTA) of the site, like register now, or sign up here. The CTA should be the most emphasized and easy to find thing in the body and the website as a whole. 
Sidebar
Footer
Header
Body
Sidebar
The sidebar can be used for secondary information that still deserves visibility but maybe not the first thing on the page. It usually has a list of options to choose from that links you to other sections of the website.
Footer
Header
Body
Sidebar
Footer
Not the most exciting part of a website, but necessary. The footer contains the copyright, repeated navigation, and links to social media.
Elements Within a Page
You may have many pages, or just one, but there are many options for the elements you can include within a page. 
Galleries
Galleries
A collection of photos that are all visible on the page. You can use galleries to highlight speakers, past events, the venue, and more.
Media
Media
Incorporating video on the page can increase excitement and drive registration.
Slider/Carousel
Slider/Carousel
Essentially a slideshow of photos users can click through. Similar to a gallery, but a slider only shows one large image at a time.
Forms
Forms
An interactive page that allows users to input information. You can use forms as a marketing tool to gather basic attendee information.
Buttons
Buttons
Buttons that grab your attention on the page are the best elements to use for CTA’s.
Modal/Lightbox
Modal/Lightbox
This is a window that requires a user to interact with it before they can access the site again. If you want to collect some basic information, like an email address, or highlight something timely, like early bird pricing ending soon, this is a good way to do it.

Planning

Where do you start? By now, you have a basic understanding of website terms and have chosen a website host. It’s time to begin planning. First, let’s start with a simple activity that will guide you through the entire design process.
Keep these words around for when you need to make decisions throughout the design process.
Some other questions you may want to ask before getting started:
  • Do you need a registration or marketing website?
  • Will people be traveling to your event?
  • Does your event have an existing brand?

01

build

Learn about the types of event websites, the elements of a web page, and what elements can be incorporated.
Read : Build

02

design

Three elements of design: typography, color, and imagery. Learn how they convey the event theme, tone, and more.
Read : Design

03

principles

An event website should be intuitive and functional. Gain an understanding of basic design principles.

Read : Principles

04

how-to

No coding experience needed. Learn how to create a professional event website using a drag-and-drop site designer.
Read : How To

Interested in trying it out?

Start your free trial today and let us show you how Cvent technology empowers you to build truly stunning event websites. If you have questions about the technology or solutions, Cvent has an expert team ready to answer any questions you may have.