Creating automated messages for upcoming events
Last updated August 5, 2026
Objective
Automating reminders for association events ensures consistent communication without manual effort. This guide covers the two-part process: drafting the specific Message and then building the Sequence that triggers that message based on member status and event dates.
Part 1: Create the Message
Before you can automate a reminder, you must define what the email or text will say.
Navigate: Go to Engage > Automated Messages > Messages.
Initiate: Click New Message in the top right corner.
Details:
Message Name: Give it a clear internal name (e.g., "February Luncheon Reminder").
Subject Line: This is what members see in their inbox.
Compose: Write your message. Use the "Personalize" tool to include the recipient's First Name to make the email more engaging.
Details: Include the date, time, location, and a link to RSVP.
Save: Click Save to store the template in your library.
Part 2: Build the Automation Sequence
The sequence tells Recur who to send the message to and when to send it.
Navigate: Go to Engage > Automated Messages > Sequences.
Initiate: Click New Sequence.
Trigger Setup:
Name: Match the sequence name to your event (e.g., "February Luncheon Sequence").
Trigger Type: Select Event.
Select Event: Choose the specific event you already created in the Events tool.
Select Message: Choose the message template you created in Part 1.
Timing and Logic:
Status Filter: Choose which members receive the message (e.g., "Accepted," "Tentative," or "Added").
Relative Timing: Set the timing (e.g., "7 days before" or "30 days before" the event).
Multi-Step Reminders: You can click Add Sequence Message to add another step—for example, sending a 30-day "Save the Date" to all members and a 7-day "Final Logistics" reminder only to those who accepted.
Activation: Toggle the status to Active and select your preferred channel (Email or Text).
Save: Click Save to start the automation.
Cautionary Notes
Event Dependency: You must have the event created in the Events tab before you can link it to a sequence.
The "Active" Toggle: A sequence will not send, even if saved, unless the Active toggle is switched to "Yes."
RSVP Logic: Be careful with your filters. If you send a "Reminder to RSVP" to people who have already "Accepted," it may cause confusion.
Tips for Efficiency
Layered Reminders: Create a "30-day" sequence for people who are "Added" (to get them to register) and a "1-day" sequence for people who "Accepted" (to provide parking instructions or a last-minute schedule).
Reuse Templates: If you have a monthly luncheon, you can simply clone your previous message and update the date/location rather than starting from scratch.
SMS vs. Email: Use Email for the initial 30-day invite and Text for the 24-hour reminder to ensure higher open rates for time-sensitive info.