How to Create an Event

Learn how to create single events or recurring events that customers can register for. Events can be free, paid, or accept multiple payment methods. Follow the 4-step wizard to create events with all the details customers need.

Before You Begin

• You must be logged in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com
• You need permission to manage schedules (typically organization owners and admins have this permission)
• At least one location set up (if events take place at physical locations)
• A registration form created (required for Step 4)

Steps

Step 1: Navigate to Create Event

1. Log in to your account at https://app.joinzipper.com/auth/login
2. From the dashboard, click Calendar in the left sidebar
3. Click Create button in the top right
4. Select Event from the dropdown menu
5. You'll see the "Create an Event" page with a 4-step wizard

What happens next: The wizard will start at Step 1, showing you the steps you need to complete.

Step 2: Complete Step 1 - Event Details

1. Name: Enter a clear name for your event (required)

   • This is what customers will see
   • Example: "Yoga Workshop" or "Summer Camp Session 1"
   • If you leave this empty and try to proceed, you'll see "Please enter an event name"

2. Color: Choose a color for your event

   • This color appears on your calendar
   • Helps you visually identify events

3. Description: Add a detailed description (optional)

   • Describe what the event is about
   • Include important information customers should know

4. Click Next to proceed to Step 2

   • The step indicator will show Step 1 as complete (green checkmark)
   • You'll move to Step 2: Scheduling

What happens next: Step 1 will be marked as complete, and you'll move to Step 2.

Step 3: Complete Step 2 - Scheduling, Location, and Staff

1. Date & Time: Set when the event occurs

   • Select the date
   • Set start time
   • Set end time (or duration)

2. Location: Select or add a location (optional but recommended)

   • Choose from your saved locations
   • Or add a new location
   • Can be physical address, virtual meeting link, or hybrid

3. Staff/Instructors: Assign staff members (optional)

   • Select which instructors or staff are leading the event
   • You can assign multiple staff members

4. Click Next to proceed to Step 3

   • The step indicator will show Steps 1-2 as complete
   • You'll move to Step 3: Payment

What happens next: Step 2 will be marked as complete, and you'll move to Step 3.

Step 4: Complete Step 3 - Payment Options

1. Configure payment options:

   • Free: Toggle on if the event is free
   • Paid: Set a price if payment is required
   • Punch Card: Enable if customers can use punch card credits
   • Subscription: Enable if subscription holders get access

2. If you selected Paid, enter the Price:

   • Enter the amount customers will pay
   • Minimum price is typically $1.00

3. If you enabled Punch Card, configure:

   • Select which punch card products can be used
   • Configure how many credits each product provides
   • Set expiration settings if needed

4. Click Next to proceed to Step 4

   • The step indicator will show Steps 1-3 as complete
   • You'll move to Step 4: Registration

Note: You can enable multiple payment options. For example, customers can choose to pay with a credit card or use punch card credits.

Step 5: Complete Step 4 - Registration Details

1. Registration Form: Select a form (required)

   • Choose from your existing forms
   • Forms must have first name, last name, and email fields
   • If you don't have a form, create one first

2. Capacity: Set maximum registrations (optional)

   • Enter the maximum number of customers who can register
   • Leave empty for unlimited capacity

3. Waitlist: Enable waitlist if desired (optional)

   • When event is full, customers can join waitlist
   • You can promote customers from waitlist later

4. Registration Windows: Set when registration opens and closes (optional)

   • Registration opens: How many minutes before event registration opens
   • Registration closes: How many minutes before event registration closes

5. Refund Policy: Set automatic refund window (optional)

   • Refund if canceled before: Number of hours before event
   • Cancellations within this window get automatic refunds

Step 6: Create Your Event

1. Review all the information you've entered across all 4 steps
2. Check that:
   • Event name is filled in
   • Date and time are set
   • Payment options are configured (if not free)
   • Registration form is selected
3. Click Create event button
   • The button will show "Creating..." while your event is being created
   • If there are validation errors, you'll see error messages
4. You'll be redirected to the event details page

What happens next: Your event will be created and customers can start registering. You'll see the event on your calendar and can manage registrations from the event details page.

Tips

• Use descriptive event names so customers know what to expect
• Set capacity limits to prevent overbooking
• Enable waitlists to capture interest when events are full
• Require forms to collect waivers or important information
• Set registration windows to control when customers can register
• Test the registration process yourself before promoting the event

Troubleshooting

Problem: I don't see the "Create" button Solution: Make sure you have permission to manage schedules. Only organization owners and admins can create events. Contact your organization owner if you need access.

Problem: I get "Please enter an event name" when trying to proceed Solution: Make sure you've filled in the Name field in Step 1. The event name is required and cannot be left empty.

Problem: I get an error about payment options Solution: If you selected "Paid" as a payment option, you need to either:

• Enter a price for the paid option, OR
• Select at least one punch card product if using punch cards, OR
• Enable subscription access

If the event is not free, you must configure at least one payment method.

Problem: I can't proceed past Step 4 Solution: Make sure you've selected a registration form. Forms are required for event registration. If you don't have a form, create one first (it must have first name, last name, and email fields).

Problem: The "Create event" button is disabled Solution: Check that all required fields are completed:

• Step 1: Event name is required
• Step 2: Date and time are required
• Step 3: If paid, at least one payment option must be configured
• Step 4: A registration form must be selected

The button will enable automatically when all requirements are met.