How to set up an event waitlist

In this article

• 1. Go to your Event Dashboard.
• 2. Go to "Waitlist" (under Order Options).
• 3. Enable your waitlist.
• 4. Set a waitlist trigger.
• 5. Limit the waitlist to a maximum number of people.
• 6. Optional: Collect phone numbers from attendees.
• 7. Set a time limit for people to register.
• 8. Customize the auto-response message.
• 9. Customize the waitlist ticket release message.
• 10. Save changes.

1. Go to your Event Dashboard.

Event creators can log into their Eventbrite account here . Then select your event.

2. Go to "Waitlist" (under Order Options).

NOTE: If you have a recurring event, you can set up a waitlist when managing all dates. When you want to release tickets, click Select a date and time and choose a date and time.

3. Enable your waitlist.

4. Set a waitlist trigger.

The "Waitlist trigger" activates your waitlist when:

• A specific ticket type sells out or;
• The event reaches capacity. 

If you set your waitlist to trigger when a specific ticket type sells out, the ticket type needs to be visible. The waitlist can't be triggered for hidden ticket types.

5. Limit the waitlist to a maximum number of people.

TIP: If you don't have a limit on the number of attendees who can be added to your waitlist, set this field to zero.

6. Optional: Collect phone numbers from attendees.

By default, we collect the full name and email address when people sign up for the waitlist. Check the box next to "Phone Number" to collect a phone number as well.

7. Set a time limit for people to register.

You can set the maximum amount of time someone on your waitlist has to claim a spot (and ticket) after you release them from the waitlist.

8. Customize the auto-response message.

People see the "Auto-response message" when they're successfully added to the waitlist.

NOTE: People can’t see where they rank on the waitlist. Include your contact information so people on the waitlist know who to ask if they have questions.

9. Customize the waitlist ticket release message.

The "Waitlist ticket release message" appears in the email sent when you release a ticket to someone on the waitlist. Make sure to include the deadline to claim a spot (and ticket).

10. Save changes.

Choose "Save" to save the changes to your waitlist settings. Once triggered, people can add themselves to your waitlist.

NOTE: If your waitlist is triggered by a specific ticket type instead of the total capacity, attendees will see an "Add Me to the Waitlist" link next to the ticket type you selected. Other tickets show as "Sold Out".