If 2025 proved anything, it is that operators are ready to leave paper behind. Across adventure tourism, recreation, wellness, and studio-based experiences, one theme kept surfacing. When guests sign before arrival, the entire day runs smoother. Staff feel supported instead of stretched. Guests arrive confident instead of confused. And operators finally get the time and clarity they need to deliver a great experience.
Digital waivers are no longer just a way to collect signatures. This year showed us they have become a core part of the guest journey, shaping everything from check-in speed to repeat bookings.
What operators care about most
Across every industry we work with, operators want the same things. Faster check-ins. Less paperwork. Clear visibility into who has signed. The chance to build trust with guests before they walk in. And the confidence that their waiver actually covers what matters.
These aren’t abstract goals. They are daily pressures. When groups arrive all at once or when a team member is new, operators need a system that removes friction instead of adding steps. They want to feel prepared. They want their staff focused on guests, not clipboards.
Everything we learned from our 2025 content library pointed to the same outcome. When guests sign before arrival, operators gain time, control, and a more predictable flow.
Pre-Arrival signing became the new standard
Across the Wherewolf platform, 94% of guests complete their waiver before arrival. That single shift drops check-ins from roughly 30 minutes to about 5, giving teams room to breathe and guests a smoother start to their experience.
Pre-arrival signing also gives operators real visibility into who is coming and what details matter. When the paperwork is done beforehand, operators walk into each day with clarity instead of surprises.
Data became the advantage
This year highlighted something big. Many businesses collect guest information but never use it. They rely on tools that only gather signatures, leaving valuable data untouched.
Wherewolf operators used their data differently. They captured demographics, preferences, medical notes, consent, and marketing permission. Then they acted on it. They used automated messages to request reviews and reconnect with past guests.
The impact was undeniable. Operators saw an average 314% increase in Google and TripAdvisor reviews, giving them stronger visibility where guests make booking decisions.
That is the real difference between a form and a guest registration system. One collects signatures. The other grows your business.
Brand experience became a priority
Operators told us they want every touchpoint to feel like part of their business. A generic third-party form breaks that flow. They want a consistent, branded experience that carries their tone and visuals from the booking through to arrival.
That shift matters. When your waiver reflects your brand, guests trust you sooner. It sets expectations, signals professionalism and shapes the experience before they ever step on site.
Why operators moved away from “free” waiver tools
Operators who started using free tools, thinking they were saving money. But as their businesses grew, the real cost showed up in other places. Slow check-ins. Missed data. Lower completion rates. Forms that didn’t match their brand. Waivers that didn’t support marketing or reviews.
This is where Wherewolf stood out. Operators valued:
- Predictable pricing that scales with growth
- Branded waivers that capture photo and ID
- Real-time visibility into guest status
- Reservation system integration so guest details and bookings sync automatically
- Automatic syncing even with no Wi-Fi
- Review and remarketing tools built into the same system
Operators realized they didn’t just need signatures. They needed a system that supported the entire guest lifecycle.
The guest journey will define 2026
Everything we learned in 2025 points to what comes next. Operators want smoother flow, better visibility, and tools that help them build stronger relationships with their guests. They want systems that feel human, not technical. And they want technology that removes friction instead of adding more steps.
Wherewolf was created to make that possible. Our mission is simple. Help operators deliver the best possible experience for their guests.
When your waivers are signed before arrival, everything else gets easier.
See Wherewolf in Action
The easiest way to understand the difference is to see the platform for yourself.