Getting Started with Simplified Events (Raise by ActBlue)

In this article:

1. What are Simplified Events and how do I enable them?
2. How can I access Simplified Events?
3. How do I create an event?
4. How do I add tickets to my event?
5. How do I share my event?
6. How can I view and/or manage my guest list?
7. How can I view fundraising data and stats for my event?
8. How do I archive an old event?

What are Simplified Events and how do I enable them?

ActBlue's Simplified Events feature lets you create and manage fundraising events directly in your Raise Dashboard - no separate platform required. You can sell tickets, track your guest list, and see your fundraising totals all in one place.

Simplified Events is available to all Raise entities. No opt-in or upgrade is needed.

How do I access Simplified Events? 

To access Simplified Events, start by logging onto your Raise Dashboard and clicking the grid icon in the top right corner. Next, select Events from the menu.

This will bring you to your Events landing page - the home base for everything event-related. From here you can see all of your active and archived event forms, create new events, and manage existing ones.

If you haven't created any events yet, you'll see an empty state with a prompt to create your first one.

Don't see Events in your product switcher? Make sure you're logged into a Raise account. (Simplified Events is available only for Raise). If you logged in before June 15, try logging out and back in. If Events still doesn't appear, contact our support team.

How do I create an event?

To create your first event, navigate to the Events landing page, and click the + Create Event button in the top right corner. This opens the event creation form.

Next, fill in the following fields:

• Form title: The name of your event. This will appear at the top of your event form. Choose something clear and specific (e.g., "Campaign Kickoff Dinner" or "Virtual Fundraiser with Senator Smith").
• Form link: This is the unique URL donors will use to access your event page (e.g., secure.actblue.com/donate/your-event-name). Choose something short, simple, and memorable. Note: Once you change your form link, your previous link will no longer work and will not automatically redirect to the new one. Choose carefully before publishing.
• Event type: Select In-person event or Virtual event. If your event has both options, select "In-person event" and add a virtual link in the optional field below.
• Event location: Enter the address where your event will take place. You can also check the box to indicate that the location will be sent to guests prior to the event date if you'd prefer not to display it publicly.
• Virtual link (optional): If your event has a virtual attendance option, enter the link here (e.g., a Zoom URL).
• Event date: Enter the date of your event. You can add a start time, an optional end time, and select your time zone.
• Contact email: Enter an email address for ActBlue's customer service team to use if a guest needs to reach your campaign. This email will not be displayed on your event form or included in donor receipts.
• Donation ask (optional): Use this field to tell donors about your campaign's mission and goals and explain why you're asking for their support. This is a good place to make the case for why they should attend and contribute.

Once you've filled in all the details, click Publish now. You'll land on a confirmation page with options to edit your event or copy the form link to share.

How do I add tickets to my event?

After creating your event, you'll need to add tickets for your guests to purchase. To do this, start by navigating to the Events landing page, clicking the ... menu next to your event, and then selecting Edit form. Next, scroll to the Tickets section of the left sidebar and click + Add ticket type.

For each ticket type, fill in:

• Ticket name: e.g., "General Admission," "VIP Table," "Student Ticket"
• Ticket price: enter the dollar amount (you can set a $0 ticket for free events)
• Ticket description: optional, but useful for explaining what's included
• Available tickets: set a quantity limit, or leave as "Unlimited"
• Maximum per transaction: the most tickets a single buyer can purchase at once
• Post-purchase question (optional): add a question donors will see after completing their purchase, such as dietary restrictions or t-shirt size

Click Save ticket type when you're done. Repeat this process for each ticket type you want to offer.

Finally, click Save & Publish in the top right corner when you're finished making changes to your event.

How do I share my event?

Once your event is published, there are a few ways to share it with supporters.

• Copy the form link. From your Events landing page, click the ... menu next to your event and select Copy form link. Paste this URL into emails, social media posts, or texts to supporters.

• Download a QR code. Click the ... menu and select Download QR code to get a scannable code you can use on printed materials, flyers, or signage.

• Duplicate a form. Running a similar event in the future? Click Duplicate form to use any existing event as a starting point. This copies your form settings so you're not starting from scratch.
  

How can I view and/or manage my guest list?

After tickets are sold, you can view your guest list from the Events landing page.

Click the ... menu next to your event and select View Guests. Your guest list will display the following:

• Guest name
• Email address
• Ticket type
• Purchaser email
• Notes

Your guest list should be alphabetically ordered by guest name.

To download your guest list before your event, click Download the guest list as a PDF or Download the guest list as a CSV at the top of the page.

Downloading your guest list as a PDF before your event is the best way to manage check-in at the door.

How can I view data and stats for my event?

Fundraising data for your event will appear in two places.

• Your Events landing page. Each event row will display total contributions and total dollars raised at a quick glance.

• Your Raise Dashboard. Ticket purchases will appear alongside your other donations in your contributions table. Each ticket purchase should be tied to the event it came from, so you'll always be able to tell what's driving your fundraising!

How do I archive an old event?

When an event is over and you no longer need it in your active list, you can archive it to keep things tidy.

From the Events landing page, click the ... menu and select Archive form. Archived forms are hidden from your active list but are not deleted. You can restore them at any time.