How to reduce no-shows at free events

Make cancelling easy, remind people the day before, keep a waiting list so a cancelled place goes to someone else, and consider a small charge or deposit. Then count your own show rate and open a few more places than you have seats.

Reviewed 12 November 2026. A 5 minute read.

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Photo: Markus Winkler, Unsplash

Make cancelling easy

A person who can cancel in one step does; one who cannot just does not come.

A reminder the day before

With the time, the place and how to cancel.

A waiting list

Every cancellation becomes a place for someone who wants it.

A small charge

Even a small charge or a refundable deposit changes how people treat a booking. Weigh that against who you want to reach.

Know your own rate

Count booked and came over your last few events, and open places from that.

General information as at 12 November 2026. It needs review before you rely on it, and it is not legal, tax or financial advice; ask a professional about your own situation.

Goes with it

No-show calculator

Put in how many people booked and came to your last few events. It works out your show rate and how many places that suggests for the next.

Open the calculator

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