Utilize Gradual's check-in app ("Gradual Check-in") on site to check in attendees, register guests, and print name badges from an iPad. You can also ask that all attendees agree to terms and conditions like NDAs or photo releases using the app to make sure you're compliant and provide a seamless experience for your attendees.
The check-in app is only available for in-person and hybrid events.
This guide walks you through how to install and set up Gradual's check-in app. This app is used to check attendees into an event, sign or agree to terms and conditions, and print name badges.
Hardware and supplies
Software and iPads
The Gradual Check-in app must be installed and used on an Apple device and is available for download through Apple's App Store. The design and layout are best served on an iPad. The iPad must be using the iOS 13 or newer operating system and can be any size.
The app is not available on Android devices, operating systems, or mobile phones.
Note: You will need one iPad per printer used for check-in, as multiple iPads cannot be connected to one printer via Bluetooth.
Printer
The printer used for badge printing is a Brother QL-820NWB. It can be ordered from a variety of vendors like Amazon, etc. There are limited printers available for rental or demo through Gradual. Please reach out to us if that'd be a better solution for your event.
Note: You will need a printer for each iPad used for check-in, as multiple iPads cannot be connected to one printer via Bluetooth.
Labels
The white labels that can be used as sticker name badges are Brother DK-2205. The clear labels that can be used as sticker name badges on pre-printed, larger badges on lanyards are Brother DK-2113.
These can be ordered from a variety of vendors like Amazon, etc.
These labels will print from the Brother QL-820NWB at a size of 2.4 x 3.6 inches (H x W).
If you are affixing them to a pre-printed, larger name badge, we recommend the pre-printed badge be at least 3.75" wide to accommodate the sticker label.
Installing the app
The Gradual Check-In app is available through the Apple App Store.
Search for 'Gradual Check-In' or follow this link to download Gradual Check-In from the Apple App store on your iPad: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gradual-check-in/id6447792759.
Once the app is downloaded on your iPad, open the app and launch the install prompt for the Gradual Check-In app on your iPad.
Once loaded, log into the Gradual Check-in app using the email address you use to log into your dashboard. Gradual will send you a temporary code to log into the app to your email inbox.
Enter the code and then select your community and you'll see all in person events where the app is available.
Setup
You will configure all settings and connect your printer from within the Gradual Check-In App on your iPad, by selecting the Settings icon in the upper right-hand side of the main page.
Because this app is being updated regularly, we recommend updating the app before connecting your printer & setting up the kiosk mode settings.
Badge templates
There are currently four badge templates available for you to use through the Gradual check-in app. Some of the templates include a QR code that is linked to the attendees in the Gradual Go event app, the community's logo, or simply the attendee's information.
The system will use the 'Wide Logo on Light Background' from your dashboard community settings for the logo on these badges. This logo will be black and white as the Brother printers do not print in color.
To set your preferred template, select the settings icon or the Admin button and scroll down to Badge Template, this will open a new page that displays the four templates.
Template A: Includes community Logo, First Name, Last Name, Title & Company
Template B: Includes community Logo, First Name, Last Name, Title & Company + Attendee QR Code
Template C: Includes First Name, Last Name, Title & Company
Template D: First Name, Last Name, Title & Company + Attendee QR Code
Disable badge printing
If you would like to use the check-in app to solely track attendees at the door or have them sign terms and conditions documents, you can disable badge printing.
Select the settings icon or the Admin button and scroll down to 'Enable Badge Printing', here you can enable or disable printing. You do not need to have a printer connected to the app for this setting to work.
All attendees who check in through this method will be documented in the dashboard as checked-in, excluding any guests who enter their information in the check-in app.
Connect your printer
Using the manufacturer's Bluetooth settings on your Ipad, enable Bluetooth, find the printer on the Devices list, and connect it to your iPad.
Note: You will need a printer for each iPad used for check-in, as multiple iPads cannot be connected to one printer via Bluetooth.
Once connected to the iPad, you will see it automatically connect to the app, and list the device under 'Printer Connection' in Settings.
Guest badge printing
Guest badge printing allows for walk-ins, or attendees who are not already registered to print badges. This is also a great setting to enable if you'd like attendees to be able to modify their name, company or title on their name badge.
From the settings page, you will toggle the 'Allow printing individual badges for guests' on.
While in Kiosk Mode, guests will select the 'Guest' button in the upper right to enter their information (Name, Job Title and Company) and print a badge.
Guests who use this feature will be added to the 'Guest Checked In' list in your event dashboard, but will not appear in the attendee list. You can manually register them if you'd like to account for them as attendees in the dashboard.
Kiosk mode
Kiosk Mode is the front-end experience for attendees to check in and print their badges.
As the admin, you enter Kiosk Mode by selecting the event and selecting the 'Enter Kiosk Mode to Check-In' button.
Registrants
Attendees who are already registered will select the 'Checkin by Name' button to enter their name, find their account, and print their badge.
This action will check them into the event in the event dashboard.
Guests
Guests who are not registered will select the 'Guest' button in the upper right to enter their information (Name, Job Title and Company) and print a badge.
This action will NOT add them to the attendee list in the event dashboard, or check them into the event.
Check-in snapshot
In the Gradual CheckIn App you can see a snapshot of registrants versus checked-in attendees.
Terms and agreement acceptance
If you'd like your attendees to agree to terms and policies when they check into an in-person event, you can enable that feature in the app.
Learn more about how to set up and enable all terms and agreement acceptance in your dashboard here.
Video Guide
Here is a video walking through the process of installation and setup: