Gate counts versus registration lists

Registration totals and gate counts answer different questions. One measures intent and paid places; the other measures who actually crossed the threshold on the day.

Reconciliation often surfaces no-shows, day-pass overlaps, and staff badges that inflated the public attendance claim. Boards prefer a lower honest figure with a clear method over a round number that cannot be defended.

For multi-day events, report unique attendees and daily peaks separately. Collapsing them into one headline number hides whether the second day held interest.

Document the counting method in a footnote. Future editions will thank you when someone asks why last year’s figure used a different gate.