Registration Runner Position
Registration runners assist the people at the computers. Ideally we should have one runner per roughly three active computers, however a runner can assist a large number of computers if they are quick and mentally organized. As much as practical, there should be no fewer than 1 runner per 5 open computers, and no more than 1 runner per two open computers.
So for 2 open computers there should be 1 runner, for 6 open computers there should be between 1 and 3 runners, and for 12 open computers there should be between 3 and 6 runners.
The runner position is often filled by registration managers, but can be filled by anyone, including a random volunteer with no previous registration experience.
Runners have two major responsibilities: laminating badges; pulling pre-made badges from the box.
A person at a computer will either call out a badge number or ask a runner to laminate a badge.
Pulling pre-made badges
- A person on a computer will call out something like "Can I get badge number 367 please"
- Go to the badge box
- The badges are ordered numerically and grouped in advance by badge number (example: badge numbers 300-350). They tend to be rubber-banded together and are usually labeled. Find the badge group you're looking for.
- Pull the badge number out of the group
- If you pulled the group out of the box, return it to the box in the same order it was originally in
- Give the badge to the person at the computer who asked for it
Laminating Badges
- A person at a computer will hold out a badge and ask you to laminate it. It should already have a name and badge number on it.
- Take the badge to the laminating machines
- Put the badge in a laminating pouch
- Choose a machine that isn't being used, or if only one machine, make sure it isn't currently in use. RUNNING TWO BADGES THROUGH AT ONCE CAN JAM OR DAMAGE THE MACHINES.
- Make absolutely sure that the machine you're using does not have a badge in it by watching it for about 5 seconds. Seriously be very careful not to run two badges on top of each other.
- Wait for the badge to pop out the back of the machine
- Look at the badge - did it laminate okay? Some of our older machines may need to be run twice, but most of the machines we use now can handle being used constantly and don't need to reheat so it's likely good, but check anyway
- Find the slot punch
- Make sure the guide is set correctly (There's a black line)
- Put the top of the badge in the slot punch and press it up against the guide
- Punch a slot in the badge
- Bring the badge to the waiting area (off to the left of registration)
- Call out the name that's on the badge
- Give the badge to the person waiting. They should already have a lanyard or badge clip, but ask if they need one anyway. "Do you need a lanyard or badge clip?"
NOTE: Badges you laminate NEVER go back to the person at the computer. Always call their name and give the attendee their badge directly.
Other Tasks
- Grabbing specialized con bags such as for a specific person or for staff or VIPS
- Fetching any items from the badge desk for people at the computers