Discounts and Promo Codes

NEI events utilize promo codes to provide select attendees with discounted or complimentary registration rates. These codes are created for specific events and are typically used by exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, academia, and other designated attendee groups.

For example, if a sponsoring organization’s package includes one (1) or two (2) complimentary registrations, the designated attendees will enter a promo code at checkout that automatically adjusts their registration fee to $0.

Promo codes follow a standardized naming convention—similar to price codes—to ensure consistency, tracking accuracy, and ease of reference across events.

Below are examples of naming conventions used when creating a promo codes:

  • COMP - complimentary attendee
  • CSPK - complimentary speaker
  • CSPN - complimentary sponsor
  • CEXH - complimentary exhibitor

Event: Cyber Security Implementation Workshop
Event Acronym: CSI
# of Events per year: 1

Promo Codes:

  • CSI1 COMP
  • CSI1 CSPK
  • CSI1 CSPN

Starting in early 2025, we introduced a Group Registration Discount to encourage companies to send multiple participants. The more attendees a company registers, the greater the per-person discount—promoting increased participation and deeper organizational engagement. No promo code is needed; our registrar will activate the discount in the backend of our AMS, and it will be applied automatically once the minimum number of registrants is met.

Promo Codes vs. Itemized Custom Questions

Promo codes and itemized custom questions are two ways NEI offers discounted registration rates, but they differ in how they're applied and controlled.

Promo Codes are entered during checkout and provide a complimentary ($0) or dollar amount discounted rate. They are distributed directly to approved individuals—such as speakers, sponsors, or exhibitors—and offer greater control and security, since only recipients with the code can use it.
Pros:

  • Program Managers (PMs) can directly share promo codes with speakers, attendees, or other approved individuals.

  • Promo codes can be easily included in speaker logistics or communication materials sent by PMs.

Cons:

  • If the discount is a fixed dollar amount, multiple promo codes must be created to match the various registration tiers (Early Bird, Advance, Regular) and membership types (Member vs. Nonmember).

  • Managing multiple promo codes increases complexity and requires more backend setup and oversight.


Itemized Custom Questions apply a fixed discounted rate based on how the attendee answers a registration question (e.g., “Are you a Speaker?”). If the attendee selects “Yes,” the discount is applied automatically. However, this method is less secure, as anyone can select “Yes,” which requires conference and program managers to regularly monitor responses to ensure accuracy and prevent misuse.
Pros:

  • Eliminates the need to create multiple promo codes for each rate tier and attendee type.

  • Attendees can answer a custom question during registration and automatically receive the appropriate discount.

Cons:

  • Anyone can select "Yes" and receive the discount, regardless of eligibility.

  • The Conference Manager (CM) and/or Program Manager (PM) must perform weekly/multiple audits to verify responses and ensure only eligible registrants receive the discount.

In general, promo codes are preferred when limiting access to discounts is important.

How to Create a Promo Code and/or Discount

Instructions

 

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