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Organizing an event

How to set up an event waitlist

You can set up a waitlist that automatically triggers when a specific ticket type sells out or when your event reaches capacity. From your Event Dashboard, go to Order Options and select "Waitlist.". Then enable your waitlist to get started. This feature is not available for events using Eventbrite Reserved Seating.

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 your event schedule has multiple dates and times, you can set up a waitlist when managing all dates. Then release tickets by choosing a date from the Occurrence dropdown.

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".

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