In a recent Business Bloomer Club Slack thread and Twitter poll, we discussed a common but often overlooked scenario: bringing a “+1” (partner, friend, or child) to a WooCommerce conference.
While most conferences cater to attendees, what happens when someone brings a companion who’s not interested in the talks or networking? Should they pay full price, get a discounted “+1” pass, or attend without a ticket altogether?
The poll results reflect a split in opinion. Only 21.4% of voters believe a full ticket is appropriate for a +1. A larger 42.9% support the idea of a dedicated non-attendee pass, giving access to food, common areas, or side events. Another 21.4% feel no ticket is needed at all, while 14.3% suggested other ideas.
This ongoing conversation opens up important questions about pricing, access, and what inclusivity really means for tech events — especially when the venue offers more than just talks.
What Makes a +1 Experience Valuable?
Facilities Beyond the Conference
At venues with spas, pools, gyms, kids’ parks, and workspaces, there’s a real opportunity to turn a tech conference into a couple’s or family experience. Not everyone wants to attend keynotes or Q&A panels. But that doesn’t mean they have no use for the venue.
A “non-attendee” rate — providing building access, food, and leisure facilities, without entry to talks or workshops — could encourage more people to bring +1s. In turn, this might support more inclusive and accessible conference planning.
Price Point Matters
If the main conference ticket costs €50, as it did at WCEU, then issuing a discounted +1 pass may be unnecessary. But for higher-end events charging €150 or €200 per ticket, the economics change.
As pointed out in the Slack thread, when prices are “democratic,” many attendees are happy to buy two full tickets.
But if costs rise significantly, organizers might want to offer alternative options — especially when the marginal cost for a non-attending +1 may be limited to food and beverages.
Real-World Examples
WordCamps
Most WordCamps price their tickets very low, making it a non-issue. If you want to bring someone along, it’s not a big financial commitment to buy them a ticket, whether or not they attend talks.
WebExpo Prague
WebExpo handles this elegantly — a “+1 for parents” is included in the base ticket. The +1 gets access to the venue’s sponsor areas and kid zone, but not talks or workshops. This model respects the boundaries between attendees and guests while encouraging family participation.
Challenges With a Separate +1 Ticket
Food & Drink Costs
As pointed out by community members, the biggest cost drivers for a conference are often catering and drinks. If +1s receive those benefits, organizers can’t always offer large discounts. It’s not just about talks; it’s about what’s consumed on site.
Complication vs. Simplicity
Not everyone loves the idea of adding another ticket type. Some attendees feel it unnecessarily complicates planning. Others say it’s easier just to buy two full tickets if your +1 is interested in coming along.
Takeaways
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For affordable conferences, full ticket pricing for +1s might be fine. But when events become more premium, a lower-tier “non-attendee” ticket — or at least a clearly communicated policy on +1s — could help attract more companions without hurting the event’s logistics or finances.
Conferences that offer side events, access to relaxing spaces, and ways to smart work during the day could benefit from highlighting this in their communication. Promoting the venue’s features for non-attendees makes it easier for people to say “yes” to bringing someone along.
At the end of the day, the more options, the better — as long as the structure stays simple and sustainable.
