---
title: Creating Events
description: Comprehensive guide to creating and managing events on Black Canyon Tickets.
---

# Creating Events

Creating compelling events is at the heart of successful ticket sales. This guide covers everything from basic event setup to advanced configuration options.

## Event Creation Workflow

### 1. Planning Your Event

Before creating your event in the system, gather:

- **Event concept and description**
- **Date, time, and duration**
- **Venue information and capacity**
- **Ticket types and pricing strategy**
- **High-quality images and media**
- **Promotional materials and copy**

### 2. Basic Event Information

#### Event Title
- **Be descriptive and memorable**
- **Include key details like date if helpful**
- **Examples**: "Summer Gala 2024", "Jazz Night at the Parlor"

#### Event Description
- **Use rich text formatting** for better readability
- **Include key highlights** and what attendees can expect
- **Mention special guests, performances, or attractions**
- **Add practical information** like dress code or parking

#### Date and Time Settings
- **Start/End Dates**: Full date range for multi-day events
- **Start/End Times**: Specific times for better planning
- **Time Zone**: Automatically detected, but verify accuracy
- **Duration**: Calculated automatically or set manually

### 3. Venue Configuration

#### Venue Details
- **Venue Name**: Official name of the location
- **Full Address**: Street, city, state, ZIP code
- **Capacity**: Maximum number of attendees
- **Accessibility**: Wheelchair access, parking, public transit

#### Venue-Specific Settings
- **Seating Chart**: Upload if you have assigned seating
- **Layout Description**: Help attendees understand the space
- **Amenities**: Coat check, bar, restrooms, etc.

### 4. Event Media Management

#### Cover Image Requirements
- **Dimensions**: 1920x1080 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
- **File Size**: Maximum 5MB
- **Format**: JPG, PNG, or WebP
- **Quality**: High resolution for professional appearance

#### Additional Images
- **Event Gallery**: Up to 10 additional images
- **Behind-the-scenes**: Venue shots, performer photos
- **Previous Events**: Show your track record

#### Image Best Practices
- **Show the experience**: What will attendees enjoy?
- **High quality**: Professional photography when possible
- **Consistent branding**: Match your venue's aesthetic
- **Mobile-friendly**: Images look good on small screens

### 5. Ticket Type Configuration

#### General Admission
Most flexible option:
- **Single price point**
- **No assigned seating**
- **Easy check-in process**
- **Good for casual events**

#### Tiered Pricing
Different price levels:
- **Regular Admission**: Standard price
- **VIP**: Premium experience with extras
- **Student/Senior**: Discounted rates
- **Group Rates**: Bulk pricing

#### Time-Based Pricing
Encourage early sales:
- **Early Bird**: Limited time discount
- **Regular**: Standard pricing period
- **Last Minute**: Optional premium pricing

### 6. Advanced Event Settings

#### Sales Period Management
- **Sale Start**: When tickets become available
- **Sale End**: When sales automatically close
- **Inventory Management**: Track remaining tickets
- **Waitlist**: Optional for sold-out events

#### Checkout Configuration
- **Guest Checkout**: Allow purchase without account
- **Required Fields**: Name, email, phone, etc.
- **Custom Questions**: Dietary restrictions, shirt sizes
- **Terms Acceptance**: Link to your policies

#### Marketing Integration
- **UTM Codes**: Track marketing campaign effectiveness
- **Social Media**: Auto-generate sharing content
- **Email Marketing**: Integration with your email platform
- **Analytics**: Google Analytics tracking

## Event Status Management

### Draft Status
- **Not visible to public**
- **Can be edited freely**
- **No ticket sales possible**
- **Used for preparation**

### Published Status
- **Visible to public**
- **Ticket sales active**
- **Limited editing options**
- **Tracking and analytics active**

### Cancelled Status
- **Stops new sales**
- **Notifies existing ticket holders**
- **Initiates refund process**
- **Maintains event history**

## Event Promotion Tools

### Shareable URLs
Every event gets a clean URL:
```
https://portal.blackcanyontickets.com/e/your-event-slug
```

### Social Media Integration
- **Auto-generated social posts**
- **Proper Open Graph tags**
- **Twitter Card support**
- **Instagram-friendly images**

### Email Marketing
- **Event announcement templates**
- **Ticket holder communications**
- **Reminder emails**
- **Post-event follow-up**

### Website Integration
Embed directly in your site:
```html
<iframe 
  src="https://portal.blackcanyontickets.com/e/your-event-slug" 
  width="100%" 
  height="600"
  frameborder="0">
</iframe>
```

## Event Analytics and Tracking

### Sales Metrics
- **Real-time sales data**
- **Revenue tracking**
- **Conversion rates**
- **Traffic sources**

### Attendee Information
- **Registration details**
- **Check-in status**
- **Demographic data**
- **Feedback collection**

### Performance Insights
- **Popular ticket types**
- **Peak sales periods**
- **Marketing effectiveness**
- **Venue capacity utilization**

## Common Event Types

### Galas and Fundraisers
- **Multiple ticket tiers** (Individual, Table, Sponsorship)
- **Auction integration** options
- **Dress code information**
- **Special recognition features**

### Concerts and Performances
- **Seating charts** for theaters
- **Age restrictions** if applicable
- **Merchandise** add-ons
- **Meet-and-greet** packages

### Conferences and Workshops
- **Session selection**
- **Meal preferences**
- **Material fees**
- **Continuing education** credits

### Private Events
- **Invitation-only** settings
- **RSVP management**
- **Guest list** coordination
- **Dietary restrictions** tracking

## Troubleshooting Common Issues

### Event Won't Publish
- **Check all required fields**
- **Verify at least one ticket type exists**
- **Ensure future date/time**
- **Confirm venue capacity is set**

### Images Not Displaying
- **Check file size** (under 5MB)
- **Verify file format** (JPG, PNG, WebP)
- **Clear browser cache**
- **Try different browser**

### Ticket Sales Issues
- **Verify Stripe connection**
- **Check payment settings**
- **Test with small amount**
- **Review error logs**

### Poor Sales Performance
- **Review pricing strategy**
- **Improve event description**
- **Add better images**
- **Increase marketing efforts**

## Best Practices

### Before Launch
- [ ] **Test the complete ticket purchase flow**
- [ ] **Preview on mobile and desktop**
- [ ] **Check all links and information**
- [ ] **Verify payment processing**

### During Sales
- [ ] **Monitor sales regularly**
- [ ] **Respond to customer inquiries quickly**
- [ ] **Update event information as needed**
- [ ] **Share on social media consistently**

### After Event
- [ ] **Export attendee data**
- [ ] **Send thank you messages**
- [ ] **Collect feedback**
- [ ] **Archive event for future reference**

## Support Resources

### Need Help?
- **Email**: [support@blackcanyontickets.com](mailto:support@blackcanyontickets.com)
- **Response Time**: Within 24 hours
- **Include**: Event name, specific issue, screenshots if helpful

### Additional Resources
- **[Ticket Types Guide](/events/ticket-types/)**
- **[Seating Management](/events/seating-management/)**
- **[Event Marketing Tips](/events/marketing/)**
- **[Analytics Dashboard](/sales/reports/)**

---

*Great events start with great planning. Take time to craft compelling event descriptions and choose the right settings for your audience.*