Ensuring that you feel like a safe person to talk to in the instance of something going wrong will go a long way to fostering an environment where you’re able to guide without needing to govern. Setting up communication tools such as chats or safety cards, being up front about boundaries and expectations, and providing an environment built on mutual growth and respect will leave attendees feeling welcome and open to collaboration.
Applications may be made through something as simple as a Google Form, sold through a service such as Gumroad, or even set up through a more formal process on something like Submittable.