> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/devcarlosperez/EcoEvents/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Events

> Step-by-step guide to create and publish sustainable events on EcoEvents

Learn how to create an event, set sustainability goals, configure event settings, and publish your event to start accepting registrations.

## Overview

Creating an event on EcoEvents involves four main stages:

1. Setting up basic event information
2. Configuring sustainability goals
3. Customizing event settings
4. Publishing and promoting your event

<Note>
  All events on EcoEvents are designed with sustainability in mind. You'll be guided through setting environmental impact goals throughout the creation process.
</Note>

## Creating Your First Event

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Create Event">
    From your dashboard, click the **Create Event** button in the top right corner, or navigate to the Events section and select **New Event**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Basic Event Information">
    Fill in the essential details for your event:

    * **Event Name**: Choose a clear, descriptive name
    * **Event Type**: Select from Conference, Workshop, Webinar, Festival, or Networking
    * **Date & Time**: Set start and end times (supports multiple time zones)
    * **Location**: Enter venue address or select "Virtual Event"
    * **Capacity**: Set maximum attendee limit

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "Green Tech Summit 2026",
      "type": "conference",
      "startDate": "2026-06-15T09:00:00Z",
      "endDate": "2026-06-17T18:00:00Z",
      "location": {
        "type": "venue",
        "address": "123 Sustainability Ave, Portland, OR",
        "venue": "Portland Convention Center"
      },
      "capacity": 500
    }
    ```

    <Tip>
      Virtual and hybrid events automatically have a lower carbon footprint. EcoEvents will calculate this advantage for you.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Event Description and Details">
    Create a compelling description that highlights:

    * Event purpose and objectives
    * Target audience
    * Key topics or activities
    * Sustainability initiatives

    Use the rich text editor to format your content, add images, and embed videos.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Registration Settings">
    Set up how attendees will register:

    * **Registration Type**: Free, Paid, or Tiered pricing
    * **Early Bird Discounts**: Optional time-limited pricing
    * **Registration Deadline**: Set cutoff date
    * **Required Information**: Select fields (name, email, company, dietary preferences)
    * **Custom Questions**: Add event-specific questions

    ```javascript theme={null}
    const registrationConfig = {
      type: 'tiered',
      tiers: [
        {
          name: 'Early Bird',
          price: 199,
          available: 100,
          deadline: '2026-04-15'
        },
        {
          name: 'Standard',
          price: 299,
          available: 300,
          deadline: '2026-06-01'
        },
        {
          name: 'Last Minute',
          price: 399,
          available: 100
        }
      ],
      requiredFields: ['name', 'email', 'company', 'dietaryPreferences'],
      customQuestions: [
        {
          question: 'How did you hear about this event?',
          type: 'multipleChoice',
          options: ['Social Media', 'Email', 'Colleague', 'Other']
        }
      ]
    };
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Setting Sustainability Goals

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Sustainability Settings">
    Navigate to the **Sustainability** tab in your event creation workflow. This is where you'll define your environmental impact goals.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Carbon Reduction Targets">
    Define your carbon footprint reduction goals:

    * **Baseline Comparison**: Choose a previous event or industry average
    * **Reduction Target**: Set percentage reduction goal (e.g., 30% reduction)
    * **Focus Areas**: Select priority areas (travel, energy, waste, catering)

    ```typescript theme={null}
    interface SustainabilityGoals {
      baselineEvent?: string;
      carbonReductionTarget: number; // percentage
      focusAreas: Array<'travel' | 'energy' | 'waste' | 'catering'>;
      certificationTarget?: 'ISO20121' | 'CarbonNeutral' | 'NetZero';
    }

    const goals: SustainabilityGoals = {
      carbonReductionTarget: 35,
      focusAreas: ['travel', 'energy', 'catering'],
      certificationTarget: 'CarbonNeutral'
    };
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Green Initiatives">
    Enable and configure sustainability features:

    * **Digital-First Policy**: Eliminate printed materials
    * **Local Sourcing**: Prioritize local vendors and caterers
    * **Zero Waste Target**: Set waste diversion goals
    * **Green Transportation**: Encourage public transit, carpools, bike parking
    * **Renewable Energy**: Request venue uses renewable energy sources

    <Note>
      Each initiative you enable provides attendees with specific actions they can take to support your sustainability goals.
    </Note>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Impact Tracking">
    Choose which metrics to track:

    * Attendee travel emissions
    * Venue energy consumption
    * Waste generated and diverted
    * Water usage
    * Catering food miles

    EcoEvents will automatically collect this data throughout your event lifecycle.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Configuring Advanced Settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Customize Event Branding">
    Upload your event logo, select brand colors, and customize the registration page design to match your organization's identity.

    ```javascript theme={null}
    const branding = {
      logo: '/uploads/green-tech-summit-logo.png',
      primaryColor: '#2D8B3E',
      secondaryColor: '#7CB342',
      customCSS: '.registration-header { background: linear-gradient(135deg, #2D8B3E, #7CB342); }'
    };
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Up Email Notifications">
    Configure automated emails:

    * Registration confirmation
    * Payment receipts
    * Event reminders (1 week, 1 day, 1 hour before)
    * Sustainability tips for attendees
    * Post-event thank you with impact report

    Customize email templates with your branding and messaging.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Integrations">
    Connect third-party tools:

    * **Calendar Systems**: Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal
    * **Payment Processors**: Stripe, PayPal
    * **Communication**: Slack, Microsoft Teams
    * **Analytics**: Google Analytics, Mixpanel

    See the [Integrations Guide](/guides/integrations) for detailed setup instructions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Permissions and Team Access">
    Invite team members and assign roles:

    * **Admin**: Full event management access
    * **Editor**: Can modify event details and settings
    * **Coordinator**: Can manage attendees and check-ins
    * **Viewer**: Read-only access to event data

    ```javascript theme={null}
    const teamMembers = [
      { email: 'sarah@example.com', role: 'admin' },
      { email: 'mike@example.com', role: 'coordinator' },
      { email: 'lisa@example.com', role: 'editor' }
    ];
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Publishing Your Event

<Steps>
  <Step title="Review Event Details">
    Before publishing, review all settings:

    * Verify all dates, times, and location information
    * Test registration flow
    * Check payment processing setup
    * Review automated emails
    * Confirm sustainability goals are properly configured

    <Warning>
      Once published, some settings (like event date and capacity) may have limited editability if attendees have already registered.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview Event Page">
    Use the **Preview** button to see your event page as attendees will see it. Test on both desktop and mobile devices.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Publish Event">
    When ready, click **Publish Event**. Your event will immediately become visible and open for registration.

    You'll receive a confirmation with:

    * Public event URL
    * Registration link
    * Embeddable widget code
    * Social media sharing content
  </Step>

  <Step title="Promote Your Event">
    Use the built-in promotion tools:

    * Share directly to social media
    * Copy registration link for email campaigns
    * Download promotional graphics highlighting sustainability aspects
    * Export attendee referral links for word-of-mouth promotion

    <Tip>
      Events with clear sustainability goals see 40% higher engagement when promoted through eco-conscious networks.
    </Tip>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Event Visibility Settings

Control who can discover and register for your event:

* **Public**: Listed in EcoEvents directory, searchable, anyone can register
* **Unlisted**: Direct link required, not in directory, anyone with link can register
* **Private**: Invitation-only, requires attendee approval
* **Internal**: Restricted to your organization's domain

```javascript theme={null}
const visibilityOptions = {
  visibility: 'public',
  requireApproval: false,
  allowedDomains: [], // empty = all domains
  maxRegistrationsPerEmail: 1
};
```

## Best Practices

### Start with Clear Objectives

Define your event's purpose and sustainability targets before diving into details. This helps maintain focus throughout the creation process.

### Set Realistic Capacity

Consider venue size, staffing, and sustainability impact when setting capacity. Smaller, well-executed events often have better outcomes.

### Communicate Sustainability Upfront

Highlight your green initiatives in the event description. Attendees who value sustainability are more likely to register and participate actively.

### Enable All Relevant Tracking

The more data points you track, the better your post-event impact report will be. Enable all relevant metrics during setup.

### Test the Registration Flow

Always test the complete registration process before publishing. Have a colleague complete a test registration to catch any issues.

### Plan for Accessibility

Ensure your event is accessible to all attendees. Include information about wheelchair access, dietary accommodations, and assistive technologies.

## Next Steps

After creating your event:

1. Set up [attendee management workflows](/guides/managing-attendees)
2. Configure [impact tracking and reporting](/guides/tracking-impact)
3. Enable [integrations with your existing tools](/guides/integrations)
4. Review the [API documentation](/api/events) for programmatic event management

## Common Issues

### Event Won't Publish

* Ensure all required fields are completed
* Verify payment processor is properly configured for paid events
* Check that sustainability goals have at least one focus area selected

### Registration Not Working

* Confirm event capacity hasn't been reached
* Check that registration deadline hasn't passed
* Verify payment processor credentials are valid

### Sustainability Goals Seem Incorrect

* Recalculate baseline after updating event details
* Ensure location information is complete and accurate
* Verify capacity and expected attendance numbers

For additional help, contact our support team or visit the [help center](https://support.ecoevents.com).
