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Last year, the event was full. This year, the numbers dropped. It's easy to assume the problem is the agenda, the speakers, or the marketing. Maybe those play a part. But more often, the real issue is the attendee experience itself: the moments between sessions, the ease of networking, and so on. These gaps don't show up on the agenda, but they have a huge impact on how attendees feel throughout the day.
In this blog, we'll break down the most common frustration points in the attendee journey and show you how to remove them so your event becomes an experience people want to return to.
A stressful check-in is one of the fastest ways to frustrate attendees. When they arrive and see long lines or staff who look overwhelmed, the experience starts on the wrong foot. Smart organisers are now using AI tools and technology to streamline this critical first touchpoint.
Here's how to prevent these issues:
It's about reducing uncertainty and helping attendees feel in control as soon as they walk in. A smooth start makes the entire event easier to navigate.
Most events' agendas are packed with back-to-back sessions. This leaves attendees with no time to process anything, and the information they learn is often forgotten within hours. The pace is too fast, and the value of the content gets lost.
This problem can be solved by:
This is also where Rozie Synopsis can help. By displaying live on-screen summaries during sessions, recaps after session, and offering a post-event hub with searchable insights, attendees can revisit the points they missed and retain more of what they learned. Book a demo to see it in action.
Some sessions don't match what attendees came for. It happens when speakers focus too much on selling, rely heavily on jargon, or deliver content that feels too basic for the audience. This is disappointing for attendees. After all, they invest time and money to learn something useful, and they are walking away with nothing they can apply to their work.
Now, to make sure attendees walk away with value, consider adding these steps:
This small amount of preparation makes the content stronger and helps every session feel worth attending.
Overlapping sessions force attendees to choose between topics they're equally interested in. When they know they're missing something valuable, it creates FOMO and frustration. It also makes the schedule feel restrictive instead of supportive.
Organisers can solve overlapping sessions by:
Rozie Synopsis helps bridge the gaps between overlapping sessions. With live on-screen summaries during sessions and a post-event hub that keeps every recap and key point in one place, attendees can catch up without feeling like they've missed key sessions. This approach also helps you keep your event community engaged long after the event ends. Request a demo to see it yourself.
A report found that over 60% of event attendees cite networking as their primary reason for attending. For many of them, this is the core value they expect from the event. But when the networking experience feels disorganised or dominated by tight-knit groups, it becomes hard for anyone new to break in. And once attendees feel excluded, they're far less likely to attend the event again.
Here’s how to structure networking so everyone feels included:
A strong networking experience doesn't just improve satisfaction; it gives attendees a clear reason to return. Plus, when sponsors see attendees actively engaging and connecting, it provides tangible proof of sponsor ROI that extends beyond booth traffic.
Improving an event doesn't always mean rewriting the agenda or booking bigger speakers. Most of the time, it starts with removing the small frustrations that pile up throughout the day (and doing so in a way that's sustainable and cost-effective).
When check-in is smooth, when there's time to think between sessions, when the content actually delivers, when overlapping talks don't mean missing out, and when networking doesn't feel forced - the entire event becomes easier to navigate and more valuable for the people who show up. Fix a few of these areas, and you'll change how your event feels and the impact it has, year after year.
1. How can events handle overlapping sessions without creating FOMO?
The best way to handle overlapping sessions is to remove the pressure of choice. When attendees know they can revisit key insights later, FOMO fades. You can also integrate Rozie Synopsis into your event to deliver on-screen summaries and a post-event hub, so every session stays accessible even after the event ends. Book a demo to see how.
2. Why is event check-in important to the overall attendee experience?
Check-in is the first real interaction attendees have with your event. If it feels disorganised, it undermines confidence from the start and makes everything that follows, from navigating the venue to engaging in sessions, feel less seamless and less enjoyable.
3. What are the most common causes of attendee frustration at events?
Attendee frustration tends to follow a pattern: disorganised check-in, poor wayfinding, nonstop sessions, conflicting talks, and networking that feels forced or unwelcoming.
4. How can event teams improve attendee experience without increasing costs?
Event teams can improve attendee experience without increasing costs by (1) sending clear pre-event instructions, (2) smoothing check-in and session transitions to avoid confusion, (3) building short gaps between sessions to prevent fatigue, and (4) structuring networking so people can connect with ease.
