If you’re looking to create an events website using WordPress, you may need access to more functionality than the platform can provide on its own. While WordPress is a solid foundation for many types of websites, it offers little in the way of niche-specific features. This is where an open-source event management plugin can come in handy.
In this article, we’ll discuss the features you’ll need for your events website and how to choose the right open-source event management plugin. Let’s get started!
Why You May Need an Event Management Plugin
Your website can be an excellent way to get the word out about upcoming events of all types. It’s a scalable application for your site, allowing you to list one or two events or create an entire website based around promoting and managing concerts, meet-ups, conferences, games, or some combination thereof.
However, in either scenario, you’ll need more functionality than WordPress can provide on its own. You’ll want a few additional features, such as:
– A way to display and organize your events
– A calendar where you can show off all upcoming events in one place
– Functionality for letting visitors purchase tickets
– The ability to manage attendee information and registrations
Implementing these features from scratch is time-consuming – but the right plugin can make it happen in no time.
What to Look for in an Events Plugin
When choosing an open-source event management solution, it’s smart to look for a plugin that provides total freedom over how your events website works. Even if you want to keep things simple right now, down the road you’ll have the option to modify features and functionality to suit your exact needs.
An event registration plugin for WordPress can offer a wide range of functionality. The most important features your chosen solution will need to have include:
– A custom post type for events
– An events calendar
– Ticketing and registration functionality
Other features that can come in handy include a way to manage events and attendees, and scan tickets. However, the above three features can be considered must-haves if you’re looking to promote events through your site.
Choose the Right Event Management Solution for You
To choose the right open-source event registration solution, follow these three steps:
Step 1: Make a List of Your Desired Features
Understand exactly what you want to do through your site. This means answering questions such as:
– What types of events will you promote?
– Do you only need to list a few events or many of them?
– Are most of your events free, or do they come with a price?
– What kind of information do you need to provide for potential attendees?
– How large will your events be, and how much help will you need managing them?
These answers will provide clues to the kinds of features you’ll need. Make a wish-list of features you want from your events management solution, including any features unique to your specific site and needs.
Step 2: Decide Whether You Want a Free or Premium Solution
Choose a free or premium plugin based on your budget and needs. A freemium plugin is often the best bet, as you can start out on the free tier and upgrade if and when you decide you need access to a larger set of features.
Step 3: Evaluate Your Plugin Shortlist
As you create a shortlist of event calendar plugins you like, evaluate each one carefully based on feature set, pricing, ratings and reviews, compatibility, and support. Test-drive an event management plugin before committing to it if possible.
Conclusion
If you want to encourage high attendance rates at your events, you’ll need the right set of tools. A flexible, open-source solution will enable you to pick and choose what features you need. This can easily be achieved by building your site with WordPress and augmenting it via the right plugin.
