Creating and Configuring a Powerful Event Calendar on Your Website

A well-designed event calendar can significantly boost website engagement and drive attendance. This article guides you through creating and configuring a powerful, user-friendly event calendar for your website. We'll explore various options, from simple plugins to custom-built solutions, covering features like recurring events, visual customization, and seamless integration with other platforms. Get ready to transform your website into a dynamic hub for upcoming events!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Create the Calendar Page

   • Create a new calendar page by going to your website, selecting your site, and clicking 'Add new page'. Name your calendar, select 'Calendar' as the page type, and choose whether to include top/supporter navigation.

   

2. Configure Basic Calendar Settings

   • Choose which events to display and what to call them under 'Calendar Settings Basics'. Decide on the event name (e.g., 'Party', 'Rally'). You can include all website events or limit to events with specific tags.
   • Configure event sorting (by date or distance from the site visitor) and map display under 'Calendar Settings Basics'.

   

3. Add Calendar Introduction

   • Add a calendar introduction under 'Calendar Intro' using the content editor. Include images, videos, or other content as needed.

   

4. Manage User-Submitted Events

   • Decide whether to allow user-submitted events under 'Calendar Settings User Submitted Events'. Note that this feature is typically limited to specific pricing plans.
   • Configure user-submitted event parameters (email address requirement, tags, default date/time/timezone, date restrictions, phone number requirement, etc.)
   • Set up auto-responses for user-submitted events using liquid code under 'Calendar Settings Auto Responses'. Customize broadcast settings and email notifications (RSVPs and cancellations).

   

5. Set Up Global Event Settings

   • Enable event settings at the calendar level under 'Calendar Settings Event Settings'. Assign a point person for membership assignment and tag additions for RSVP'd/attended individuals.

   

6. Save and Preview

   • Save settings. These will apply to all events under this calendar page.
   • Preview your calendar to ensure everything looks correct before publishing.

   

Tips

• Leave the calendar in draft mode until all settings are complete.
• Use tags to efficiently categorize and filter events.
• Consider using the distance sorting and map features for location-based events.
• Event settings at the page level become uneditable once the event page is under this calendar page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid