Overview: Events

BigTent's Events feature lets the group post event details, such as location, map, contact info, and event description, online and allows members to RSVP, pay, indicate potluck items they plan to bring, and even sign up for volunteer shifts for the event.

Who can post events?

Only group leaders and members with permission to post events are able to set up events and event payments on BigTent. If you have an event you think should be posted on our calendar, please send that information to president@micahcooperative.org.


Who can view or RSVP to events?

Any member can view events or RSVP to an event (only if RSVP is required - some events do not require RSVP). If the event has been shared with the group's public website, anyone can view the event title and description, but will not be able to see event's location, contact information, or the guest list. Learn more about RSVPing to events here.

To see a list of your group's events, go to my groups > [group name] > events. Please note that events more than 30 days away will not appear on this page. To find an event further in the future, go to "my calendar," check the box for your group to display its calendar, and find the event.

How do I RSVP and/or pay for a group event?

Before You Get Started

Not all events require RSVP and of those that do, not all are paid events. Group leaders have discretion over event options, and may choose to allow or disable "maybe" RSVPs.


Jumpstart Instructions

To RSVP to an event:

* Go to my groups > [group name] > events.
* Click "RSVP to this event" under the desired event.
* Choose the "Yes," "No," or "Maybe" radio button.
* Complete the required information. Some events require a certain number of sign-ups per party.
* Enter your comment if desired.
* Click "Process RSVP."
* If payment is required, you'll be taken to a page where you can pay by credit card or PayPal.


The Nitty Gritty

Event Options

If you RSVP "yes," depending on the set-up of the event, you may have options like:

* Guest types and price
* Items to bring
* Tasks or volunteer shifts you can/must sign up for
* Items you can purchase (raffle tickets, T-shirts, etc.)

Depending on the settings selected by the event creator, you may be required to sign up for certain items or shifts. You also may be limited in the number of guests in your party, items you may purchase, etc. Please contact a group leader or event coordinator for questions about these limits.

Refunds

Each event creator can decide whether to allow refunds for paid items. All refunds are processed by the group, not by BigTent. Please contact a group leader or event coordinator for information about refunds.

How do I add a group event to my Personal Calendar?

You can easily add a group event to your Personal Calendar by following these steps:

• Click on the event.
• Click "Add to Personal Calendar" in the right-hand box.

You can also remove a group event from your personal calendar:

• Click on the event.
• Click "Remove from Personal Calendar" in the right-hand box.

Overview: My Calendar

The My Calendar page lets you view events for one or all of your groups, as well as your personal events, in one integrated calendar view. You can export the calendar for use in another application, or print the calendar to track your group and personal events offline. Check or uncheck the box next to any group to view or hide that group's events on your calendar.

How do I view my calendar?

• Option 1. Click the "my calendar" link located at the top of the page. Check the box(es) of the calendar(s) you wish to view. To view only your personal calendar, check only the "Personal" calendar box.
• Option 2. Go to my groups > [group name] > events > "view my calendar."

How do I export the calendar?

We now offer a beta feature which allows you to download events from your BigTent calendar to a .ics file. You can then import this file into your preferred desktop or Web-based calendar application. Examples include Outlook calendar (for Microsoft users), iCal (for Mac users), or Google Calendar. This feature will allow you to download events 6 months prior to, and one year from, today.

To download your BigTent events for import:

• Click "my calendar" and click the "ICAL" icon.

• This will begin the file download. Depending on your Web browser's settings, you may see a pop-up window asking you to open or save the file. If your browser suggests you open the file with your preferred calendar program (i.e., Outlook or iCal), click "OK."

- Your Web browser may not know which program to use with this file type. If there is no suggested application, save the file to your desktop. Make sure the file is saved as a .ics file (if it is not, you can change the name and add the extension .ics). Then open iCal, Google Calendar, or Outlook and import the file.

Since this feature is still in beta, if you encounter any trouble with the download of your calendar events, please let us know - simply submit a case to our customer support team through our Help area.

Can I print the calendar?

On the "my calendar" page, click "Print View," located in the upper left-hand box, to display a printable version of your calendar.