Production control note
How should a guest finder list be sorted?
Store a display name and a separate user-reviewed sort name, then sort consistently by the selected rule while keeping the printed display respectful and recognizable; repeated normalized display names require human differentiation.
Names are not universally parsed
Prefixes, particles, multiple family names, mononyms, titles, and cultural naming orders make automatic last-name extraction unreliable. Preserve the owner’s authoritative source outside the browser project and label every assumption that remains unverified.
One list may not fit every event
Small events may use place cards alone; larger or time-sensitive arrivals may need an alphabetical finder, escort cards, staff support, or another host-selected method. Review the result as production evidence, not as a recommendation or professional approval; the responsible people remain accountable for the decision.
Test retrieval with a fresh reader
Ask someone unfamiliar with the spreadsheet to locate several seeded names quickly at the intended print size. Carry this limitation into the proof and handoff so a fresh recipient knows what changed, what was checked, and what still requires human confirmation.