Open shop days signups

Why open shop days signups matter

Open shop days feel casual, but they run best with planned signups. Registration limits crowding so guests can hear demos, ask questions, and move safely through work areas. Capacity control protects tool zones, maintains code compliance, and reduces liability. A signup also sets expectations by sharing the schedule, what to wear, and whether kids can attend. Finally, RSVP data tells hosts the headcount, visitor interests, and arrival waves, which drives staffing and demo sequencing.

Key goals for hosts

• Maintain safe distances around machinery and vehicles
• Match staff to peak arrival times
• Prepare the right demos for visitor interests
• Collect opt in emails for post event follow ups

Visitor wins

• Shorter waits and clear tour flow
• Real time updates if times shift
• Confidence about parking, entrances, and rules

Building a smart registration flow

Start with a simple form. Ask for name, email, phone, party size, preferred time slot, and interest area. Offer a few focus choices like fabrication, electrical, and materials finish so you can tailor demos. Add a waiver checkbox with a link to the full terms. If minors attend, include a guardian acknowledgment and any age restrictions for certain demo zones.

Time slots keep traffic steady. Options like every 30 or 60 minutes work well. If you expect heavy turnout, cap each slot and enable waitlists. Automated confirmations should include a calendar file, parking map, check in point, closed toe footwear reminder, and any safety note about eye or hearing protection for specific areas. A 24 hour reminder plus a 2 hour text reminder cut no shows.

Must ask fields

• Party size and ages for safety planning
• Interests to personalize the route
• Accessibility needs for routes and seating

Tools you can use

Google Forms or Typeform for fast setup, Calendly or Eventbrite for time slot management and reminders, and a CRM to segment follow ups by interest.

Check in, movement, and demo design

A fast arrival experience sets the tone. Place check in outside the noisy shop floor. Use a tablet with a QR code scanner so guests can pull up their confirmation quickly. Give visitors a color badge tied to their time slot or route, which helps staff guide them and control access to machinery zones. Keep walkways wide, clearly marked, and free of tripping hazards. If you run live cutting, welding, or lift demonstrations, place a barrier, post a visible safety brief, and designate a staffer as a spotter.

Demonstrations land better when they run short and repeatable. Plan a loop of micro demos that reset every 10 to 15 minutes and rotate between loud tasks and quiet explanations. Provide a display table with sample materials and cutaways people can touch without entering the hazard zone. If you expect kids, create a learning corner that stays away from moving parts but still shows how a system works using mockups.

Safety and flow essentials

• Barriers and floor markings with clear sightlines
• Earplugs and safety glasses at the demo entry
• A quiet zone for questions with sample components

Communicate before and after

Great communication makes the day feel smooth. Publish a clear what to expect page and include a map, schedule, and rules in the confirmation email. Share a short video showing the check in location. If weather shifts the plan, a single update email and text goes a long way. After the event, send a thank you within 24 hours with a short survey. Ask what was most helpful, what felt rushed, and whether they want pricing or timeline details. Include highlights, media, and a path to continue the conversation.

Measure success by signups per slot, show rate, time on site, survey satisfaction, and conversion to consultations. Track questions asked to refine the demo script. Over time, you will learn which topics draw people in and which parts of the tour slow the flow.

Where OZK fits in

If you want to experience a well run open shop day, visit our Fayetteville space. You can walk real project bays, see material choices up close, and talk with builders who focus on function, safety, and the right fit for your travel style. When you are ready to explore adventure platforms, browse Recreational vans, review our approach to Custom van builds, and see options at Mainstream vans. Our team can confirm your time slot, greet you at check in, and guide you through a safe, informative tour that respects your schedule.

Want early access to open shop days signups, plus reminders and a map before you arrive? Submit the form and choose your time. We will confirm your spot and prepare a route matched to your interests.