Set up your workspace. If you are designing the signup sheet by hand, you will need a pen and piece of paper. If you are designing the signup sheet by computer, you will need a software package that can create tables. You will also need a printer.
Write or type the title of the event at the top of the sheet. Use a large, bold font so participants can be assured they know what they are signing up for. You may also want to include the words “signup sheet” in or under the title.
Determine the pieces of information you need from the attendees. In addition to names, these can include telephone numbers and email addresses. Keep in mind what you want to know about the attendees prior to the event. For example, if they are to bring their families, you may want to request they state the size of their families so that you can properly prepare adequate food and space for the event. Your goal in this step is to know the total number of pieces of information you need from each person who signs up.
Create a table. Make enough columns to include all the information needed from those signing up as well as a column for the number designating that person. For example, if you plan to request three pieces of information from each person (e.g., name, phone number and age), make four columns in your table. Establish twice as many rows as the number of signees expected. Thus, if you expect 50 people to sign up for the event and you are requesting seven pieces of information, create a table that is 100 by 8. Create this table in a computer package using the “table” function or by hand with a straightedge and pen.
Label the columns. The first column should be labeled “number,” as it allows you to count the number of signees. Either have the signees fill in this column themselves or fill it in yourself, starting from “1” and adding successively through the bottom row. The second to last columns should be labeled with the information that you are requesting from the signees.