The phrase points to a physical or digital prompt intended to encourage individuals to record their presence and, often, their thoughts or well wishes, upon visiting a location or attending an event. Examples include a framed notice next to a paper register at a bed and breakfast, or a digital call-to-action button on a website following a webinar.
The practice of maintaining visitor records serves several important functions. From a business perspective, it provides valuable data for marketing and customer relationship management. It allows organizations to understand their audience, gather feedback, and cultivate a sense of community. Historically, such records have also played a role in security and accountability, documenting who was present at a particular time and place.