Creating an event
Last updated August 5, 2026
Objective
Creating and managing events is a core feature of Recur. To make this process seamless, Recur utilizes Event Templates so you can easily replicate recurring events (such as monthly luncheons or annual conferences) without building them from scratch. This guide takes you through the step-by-step process of launching a live event.
Step 1: Create an Event Template (Optional)
If you do not have an existing template, you will want to build one first:
Go to Settings > Events.
Scroll to Event Templates and select New Template.
Note: You can customize the template structure here to fit your repeating event formats.
Step 2: Add Your Event Details
Once your templates are ready, navigate to the main events home screen to launch a specific event:
Navigate: Go to Engage > Events. This dashboard display serves as your events home screen, showing names, event types, accumulated revenue, dates, status, and options to manage guests, track attendance, preview, copy, or delete listings.
Initiate: Click Add Event in the top-right corner.
Select Template: Choose from your pre-existing templates (e.g., "Annual Conference").
Set Core Information:
Enter your Event Name.
Select the Start and End Dates/Times and designate the Time Zone.
Input the Location (e.g., "Marriott Hotel") and write a clear Description for prospective registrants.
Click Next.
Step 3: Design the Public Page
Add detailed event copy including welcome remarks, keynotes, or schedules.
Upload Image: Select a promotional photo (such as a graphic reading "Annual Conference") to display on the public listing.
Preview: Use the built-in preview tool to check the layout and formatting before proceeding.
Step 4: Configure Registration, RSVPs, & CE Credits
Availability: Set the event accessibility to Private, Open Enrollment, or Invitation Only.
Check-In Mode: Choose your onsite check-in method: No Check-In, QR Codes, or Tickets.
RSVP Options & Deadlines: For invitation-only structures, configure standard RSVP options (Yes, No, Maybe) and establish a Registration Deadline (e.g., 6 days, hours, or weeks before the start date).
Capacities & Waitlist: Set an attendee limit (e.g., 300 people) and toggle the Waitlist option to hold overflow signups for administrative approval. You can choose whether to display the total capacity and live attendee counts on the public page.
Custom Forms: Attach specific custom data collection forms, guest data forms, or sponsor forms to capture registrant details during checkout.
Continuing Education (CE) Credits: Toggle on and assign designated CE Credits. Once the event concludes, these credits are automatically applied directly to the members' accounts, which they can access in their portal.
Step 5: Configure Payments, Discounts, and Invoices
Fee Structure: Define the event registration fee, set an additional guest limit, and configure a custom guest fee.
Processing & Tax: Add a customized flat or percentage-based processing fee, or enable general services sales tax matching your local event venue.
Member Pricing: Enable member discounts to incentivize non-members to purchase a membership during checkout.
Special Discounts: Toggle on Early Bird Discounts or Late Fees based on your timeline.
Promo Codes: Turn on discount code creation to add specific promotional codes, specify their values, set redemption limits, and define who can use them.
Pay-by-Invoice Settings: Configure if attendees can register or waitlist via direct invoicing. Set the invoice due date and customize payment notes.
Step 6: Set Up Message Sequences & Tasks
Automated Reminders: Create a communication sequence to send reminder emails or SMS text alerts automatically up to 45 days before the event depending on registration status (e.g., Accepted or Tentative).
Task Management: Assign internal to-do tasks and write administrative notes for board members or planners to stay organized.
Session Selection: If your conference features breakout workshops, toggle on sessions. Make sure your session time ranges fall within the primary event timeline.
Step 7: Preview and Publish
Scroll through the complete configuration summary on the Preview page to double-check your event details.
Launch: Select Publish to make the page live immediately, or click Save as Draft to lock in your work and make final edits later.
Cautionary Notes
Registration Deadlines: If you set a registration deadline (e.g., 6 days before the start), the system strictly blocks any signups after that time. Make sure this is communicated clearly to your audience.
Invoice Deadlines: Ensure your invoice due dates occur before the event so you are not chasing outstanding payments on the day of the conference.
Tips for Efficiency
Copy Existing Events: If you have an event that is similar to a past one but does not have a formal template, use the Copy button on the main dashboard to clone all settings and simply update the dates.
Pre-Draft Reminders: Create your automated reminder templates in Engage > Automated Messages > Messages before building your event, so they are ready to select when you reach the message sequence step.