Creating a Single event with a Single session (Detailed Step 1)

Video tutorial - CLICK HERE

In this tutorial, I will demonstrate how to set up an event with a single ticket using a single session.

Once you are logged into the online admin area, select ‘Admissions’, then ‘Events’ from the left-hand menu. This will open the Events window.

Here, you can see a list of all the events you have created. If it’s your first event, you may only see a test event, which one of the support team members will have added.

So let’s begin. Click the ‘Add new event’ button."

Step 1

This will open the Step 1 window for creating the event. Don’t be scared, it’s very easy to do. Like everything in life, there is a learning curve, but once you’ve had a go, you will soon become efficient in creating events. You will be typing letters and numbers into the fields provided and selecting tick boxes for some choices.

For your convenience, I have numbered these fields and steps.

Here is what a completed Step 1 looks like.

1. Event Code Rules - This must be a unique code, with a maximum length of twenty characters. You can only use this code once. The Merlin system’s error checking will inform you if you have used it before and will not permit you to use it again. The event code must be in caps. The Merlin system will automatically add caps as you type. Once saved, it cannot be changed.

About the Event Code - Merlin will auto-generate an event code to start with, which is fine for some clients. It saves them from having to worry about using unique event codes. However, I prefer to create my own event codes and theme them around what the event is about. But it is your choice which method you wish to adopt.

So, as this is my first test event, I have used the code MYTESTE01. Here is my logic for this: The event code ‘MYTEST’ is because that’s what it is - a test. The ‘E01’ is because it is my first test event. ‘MYTEST’ = Code ‘E’ = Event ‘01’ = 1st event

This is the way I do it, you can do it anyway which is best for you. As long as the code is unique and in caps, which Merlin will help you with.

2. Event title rules - There is a maximum limit of sixty characters for this field.

About the Event Title - This is where you name your event. This will show up on the landing page for that event and also on the product page. You can re-edit the title at a later date and save your changes if you wish to do so.

Here is an example of an Event title that I named ‘Peking Opera’. You can see where it populates the title. But I wouldn’t worry about this too much at this time. Landing Page - Title of the event"

Product page - Title of the event

3. Event Image Rules - There are guidance rules here regarding the size of the image. We recommend the image size be no more than 500 pixels in width or length, and the file size should be no larger than 1 MB.

The reason we inform you of this is related to how quickly your ticketing website page will load. A very large image or an image more than 1MB will take time to download and use up your customers’ data allowance.

The Merlin system can handle larger sizes and will shrink them to fit on any device being used by your customers. However, the results may not be visually that good. You can help your customers by being aware of our recommendations.

Here is a link to a free online tool where you can edit picture sizes and compress them.

https://www.simpleimageresizer.com/image-compressor

About adding the image - Click the ‘Select Image’ button.

This will open a folder on your device where you can navigate to the image you want. Select the image, then click the ‘Open’ button.

You will then see the image appear in the image box.

4. The Advance settings - I am not going to cover the advanced settings here as this tutorial is large with me going into details on what each setting and field does. But when I create another event, I will go into advanced settings. You do not need to change anything in the advanced settings for this event as Merlin will pre-configure this for you.

Tip - You can click the ‘Advanced Settings’ tick box and have a look if you like. It will not break anything.

5. Next button - Step 1 is completed, it will have taken you time if you have read all the extra info I have given you. But in real time then it’s less than a minute. It’s time to click the ‘Next’ button.

Please feel free to contact support via email or call our office if you have any questions or need further assistance.

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