diff --git a/register_participants_main.php b/register_participants_main.php
index c59c1601..c4a2f69c 100644
--- a/register_participants_main.php
+++ b/register_participants_main.php
@@ -32,8 +32,12 @@ echo mysql_error();
  $r=mysql_fetch_object($q);
  send_header("Participant Registration - Summary");
 
- echo i18n("Hello <b>%1</b>",array($r->firstname));
- echo "<br />";
+ //only display the named greeting if we have their name
+ if($r->firstname)
+ {
+	echo i18n("Hello <b>%1</b>",array($r->firstname));
+ 	echo "<br />";
+ }
  echo "<br />";
  echo i18n("Please use the checklist below to complete your registration.  Click on an item in the table to edit that information.  When you have entered all information, the <b>Status</b> field will change to <b>Complete</b>");
  echo "<br />";