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Best Practices: Setting Up Non-Performance Events in PatronManager: https://help.pm.leapevent.tech/a/1610162
Depending on your organization, you may find that you want to sell tickets to events other than traditional performance events. For example, maybe you have an outing planned, like a sporting event, or you want to track ticketing to a commencement or graduation.
You can use PatronManager to set up or track events other than more traditional performances too! In this article, we'll cover some best practice suggestions for how to set up non-performance events in PatronManager so that you can keep all of your data in your CRM system.
Consider what you need from the system for your event
When setting up a non-performance event in PatronManager, you may prefer to use certain aspects of the software and not others depending on your event needs. In general, here are the different elements of PatronManager to consider when setting up your event and when we suggest using each.
Event Inventory (Ticketable Events and Event Instances)
Using the Event Inventory to set up your event is recommended if you need to:
- Limit capacity for your event
- Charge money for entry
- Offer free entry
- Assign seating
- Offer multiple elements of an event that patrons can mix and match
In general, using your Event Inventory is recommended for all events, even those that aren't performances.
Things like conferences and sessions, graduations and commencement events, sporting events, free offerings like panel discussions or lectures, and museum entry are all non-performance events that you can build using the Event Inventory.
Are you looking to offer class registrations? If so, the PatronStorm integration is our recommended solution!
Get started with building events with our step-by-step guide here.
Are you looking to sell merchandise or concessions in PatronManager? We've got some recommendations for you here.
Donation Forms
Using a Donation Form to set up your event is recommended if:
- Payment is required for entry
- You need to collect RSVPs for a large guest list
- Revenue generated should be considered donated and tax-deductible
In general, Donation Forms are recommended for fundraising events, like galas.
We have additional guidance on created enhanced Donation Forms for these types of events available here.
Campaigns
Using a Campaign to set up your event is recommended if:
- You just need to collect RSVPs
- Your guest list is small
In general, smaller, invite-only events like a Board member picnic or special VIP donor receptions are good fits for Campaigns.
When using Campaigns, you can create custom Campaign Member Statuses to track RSVPs.