---
title: Creating Your First Event
description: Step-by-step guide to creating and publishing your first event on Black Canyon Tickets.
---

# Creating Your First Event

This guide will walk you through creating your first event on Black Canyon Tickets. We'll cover everything from basic event details to advanced settings.

## Before You Start

Ensure you have:
- ✅ Completed your [account setup](/getting-started/account-setup/)
- ✅ Connected your [Stripe account](/getting-started/stripe-connect/)
- ✅ Gathered all event information and assets

## Event Creation Process

### Step 1: Access Event Creation

1. Log into your Black Canyon Tickets dashboard
2. Click the **"Create Event"** button
3. You'll be taken to the event creation wizard

### Step 2: Basic Event Information

#### Event Details
- **Event Title**: Choose a clear, descriptive name
- **Event Slug**: URL-friendly identifier (auto-generated from title)
- **Event Description**: Rich text description with formatting options
- **Event Category**: Select the most appropriate category

#### Date & Time
- **Start Date**: When your event begins
- **End Date**: When your event ends (optional)
- **Start Time**: Event start time
- **End Time**: Event end time (optional)
- **Time Zone**: Automatically set to your location

#### Venue Information
- **Venue Name**: Where the event takes place
- **Address**: Full street address
- **Capacity**: Maximum number of attendees
- **Accessibility**: Any accessibility features

### Step 3: Event Media

#### Cover Image
- **Recommended Size**: 1920x1080 pixels
- **File Types**: JPG, PNG, WebP
- **Max Size**: 5MB
- **Tips**: Use high-quality, relevant images

#### Additional Images
- Add up to 10 additional images
- These appear in the event gallery
- Same specifications as cover image

### Step 4: Ticket Types

#### General Admission
Perfect for most events:
- **Name**: "General Admission"
- **Price**: Set your ticket price
- **Quantity**: Number of tickets available
- **Description**: What's included with this ticket

#### VIP or Premium Tickets
For special experiences:
- **Name**: "VIP Experience"
- **Price**: Premium pricing
- **Quantity**: Limited availability
- **Description**: Special benefits and inclusions

#### Early Bird Pricing
Encourage early sales:
- **Name**: "Early Bird"
- **Price**: Discounted rate
- **Quantity**: Limited quantity
- **Sale Period**: Set start and end dates

### Step 5: Seating (Optional)

#### General Admission
- No assigned seating
- First-come, first-served
- Simpler check-in process

#### Reserved Seating
- Customers choose specific seats
- Upload seating chart
- Assign seat numbers

### Step 6: Advanced Settings

#### Sales Period
- **Sale Start**: When tickets go on sale
- **Sale End**: When ticket sales close
- **Default**: Sales start immediately, end at event time

#### Checkout Options
- **Guest Checkout**: Allow purchases without account
- **Required Information**: What details to collect
- **Custom Questions**: Add custom form fields

#### Policies
- **Refund Policy**: Set your refund terms
- **Transfer Policy**: Allow ticket transfers
- **Terms & Conditions**: Link to your terms

## Preview Your Event

Before publishing:

1. **Click "Preview"** to see how your event looks
2. **Test the checkout process** with test data
3. **Check mobile responsiveness** on your phone
4. **Verify all information** is accurate

## Publishing Your Event

### Final Checklist
- [ ] Event details are complete and accurate
- [ ] Images are uploaded and look good
- [ ] Ticket types and pricing are correct
- [ ] Seating is configured (if applicable)
- [ ] Policies are set appropriately

### Go Live
1. **Click "Publish Event"**
2. **Your event is now live** at your custom URL
3. **Share your event** with potential attendees

## After Publishing

### Immediate Actions
1. **Test the ticket purchasing process**
2. **Share your event URL** on social media
3. **Add the event to your website** using our embed code

### Ongoing Management
- **Monitor sales** through your dashboard
- **Update event details** as needed
- **Communicate with attendees** through our messaging system

## Event URL Structure

Your event will be available at:
```
https://portal.blackcanyontickets.com/e/your-event-slug
```

## Embedding on Your Website

Add this code to your website to embed ticket purchasing:

```html
<iframe 
  src="https://portal.blackcanyontickets.com/e/your-event-slug" 
  width="100%" 
  height="600"
  frameborder="0">
</iframe>
```

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

### Pricing Errors
- Always double-check ticket prices
- Include all fees in your pricing strategy
- Test checkout with real payment methods

### Timing Issues
- Verify event date and time
- Check time zone settings
- Set appropriate sale periods

### Incomplete Information
- Fill out all relevant fields
- Add compelling descriptions
- Include high-quality images

## Troubleshooting

### Event Won't Publish?
- Check for required fields
- Ensure at least one ticket type exists
- Verify Stripe connection is active

### Images Not Uploading?
- Check file size (max 5MB)
- Use supported formats (JPG, PNG, WebP)
- Try a different browser if issues persist

### Checkout Issues?
- Test with different payment methods
- Check Stripe dashboard for errors
- Verify all required fields are configured

## Support

Need help with your first event?

- **Email**: [support@blackcanyontickets.com](mailto:support@blackcanyontickets.com)
- **Include**: Your event name and specific questions
- **Response Time**: Usually within 24 hours

---

*Congratulations on creating your first event! You're now ready to start selling tickets and building your audience.*