Mastering Event Management with CiviCRM: Creating Public Events and Managing Multi-Session Agendas

Want to create engaging, public events with CiviCRM and manage multiple sessions across different venues? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, from setting up your event to organizing multi-session agendas with a favorites feature. If you're wondering, 'How do I create a public event in CiviCRM and build a multi-session agenda with several venues and a favorites option for the event?,' you're in the right place.

Introduction to CiviCRM

CiviCRM is a powerful open-source CRM platform for non-profit organizations. It provides tools and features that help manage and grow a membership list, fundraising campaigns, events, and more. This powerful solution is perfect for organizations needing a complete suite of tools for managing their operations.

Creating a Public Event in CiviCRM

Creating a public event in CiviCRM is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Navigate to the CiviEvent Section

2. Click on 'Create New Event'

Once in the CiviEvent section, look for the 'Create New Event' button. Click on it to start building your event.

3. Fill in Event Details

Fill in the required fields, such as the event title, start and end date, start and end time, location, and any fees or registration details.

4. Set Up the Event Type and Status

Choose the appropriate event type and set the event status to 'Upcoming' or 'Draft' depending on your needs.

5. Manage the Event Schedule

Click on the 'Schedule' tab to manage the event schedule. This is where you can add multiple sessions and sessions venues.

Building a Multi-Session Agenda with Several Venues

One of the key capabilities of CiviCRM is the ability to set up a multi-session event agenda with venues. Follow these steps to achieve this:

1. Create Additional Sessions

Click on 'Schedule' and then 'Add Session.' Fill in the session details, such as the session title, description, start and end time, and any presenters. Repeat this process to add all required sessions.

2. Assign Venues to Sessions

Select the venue for each session. You can create and assign venues as needed within the CiviCRM system. This ensures that attendees are guided to the right location for each session.

3. Organize the Event Program

Arrange the sessions in the order they will occur. You can easily drag and drop sessions to reorganize the agenda as needed.

Adding a Favorites Feature to Your CiviCRM Event

To add a favorites option for your event attendees, follow these steps:

1. Install the Necessary Extension

Install the 'CiviMember' or 'CiviCRM Events Favoriter' extension. These extensions allow users to mark events as favorites, making it easier for them to keep track of and attend the sessions they are interested in.

2. Enable the Favorite Feature

In the event setup process, enable the 'Allow users to mark this event as a favorite' option. This can be done through the 'Event Type' settings or directly on the event page.

3. Customize the Favorite Experience

Customize the favorite experience by adding a section for featured sessions, special offers, or a registration form for added sessions. This makes it easy for users to manage their favorites and plan their agendas accordingly.

Conclusion

Creating and managing public events with CiviCRM is a flexible and efficient process. By following the steps outlined above, you can set up multi-session events, venues, and favorites options to enhance the user experience for your attendees. If you ever encounter issues or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the TechSoup Community forum, where experienced users and experts can provide valuable guidance.

QA Section

For any questions about setting up events in CiviCRM or managing multi-session agendas, feel free to post them in the TechSoup Community forum.

Question 1: How do I create a new session in CiviCRM's event schedule after creating an event?

Answer 1: Go to the 'Schedule' tab, click on 'Add Session,' and fill in the required details for each session. Once you have added all necessary sessions, you can organize them by dragging and dropping them in the desired order.

Question 2: Can I customize the favorite feature in CiviCRM events?

Answer 2: Yes, you can customize the favorite experience by adding sections for featured sessions, special offers, or integration with registration forms. This makes it easier for users to manage their favorites and plan their agendas.