Whether you run meetups or multi‑venue tours, choosing a lightweight, maintainable events setup saves hours each month. This guide maps options from simple embeds to full ticketing.
Calendars vs ticketing: choose your model
Calendar embeds (Google Calendar, iCal) are simplest and free. Calendar plugins add search, categories, and widgets. Ticketing (Eventbrite/RSPV) handles registration, payments, and reminders. Pick based on volume, support burden, and reporting needs.
Eventbrite embed and sync
Eventbrite offers copy‑paste widgets for individual events and listings; they auto‑update as details change. See official embed guide. For WordPress‑native listings, use an Eventbrite sync plugin and set cache TTLs sensibly.
RSVP and attendee management
If you don’t need payments, a lightweight RSVP plugin can be faster and privacy‑friendlier. Ensure export to CSV and email confirmations. Collect the minimum fields necessary—nobody likes long forms, except maybe forms vendors.
Promotions, schema, reminders
Add Event schema for rich results. Schedule emails/SMS reminders 24–48 hours before start. Cross‑link from related posts and local pages; include maps and parking info. Track clicks with UTM tags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the easiest setup for a small meetup?
Use a Google Calendar embed and a simple RSVP form. Upgrade to Eventbrite when you need payments and waitlists.
Will embeds slow down my site?
They can. Lazy‑load iframes, defer scripts, and use static fallbacks when possible.