Activities v. Elevated Events

Hi Andrea

I think the rule of thumb goes something like this:

• If you're controlling access numbers, or charging for seats or using structured seating in some way (eg a function with allocated tables, as well as normal theatrical seating) - 
  • Use a Performance (whether you're charging for seats or not)
  • Because that gives you the control, and reporting etc., that you need to manage complex attendance
• Otherwise, if you're collecting money (eg a fundraiser), 
  • Use an Elevated Event
  • Because Elevated Events are a kind of Campaign, and you can do contribution handling,  financial targeting and analysis 
• Otherwise, for invitation-type events (like opening night receptions and so on)
  • Use an Activity ( aka 'Special Activity')
  • Because that gives you access to attendance/RSVP handling, without the need to handle finances or ticketing etc.

To invite a number of people to an Activity and manage invites/RSVP stuff, what you do is

• Make an Activity Type for the type of activity you're inviting for (eg "Opening Night Reception")
• Make a List of your invitees
• Run the Manage Special Activity report, (in the Data Management folder) using
  • the date of the particular event, 
  • your Activity type, 
  • the Status you want to start with on the activity record (eg 'Invited")
  • and your List 
  • etc
• That will create the activity records for you - then you can maintain them as rsvp's come in etc.

Hi Andrea

I think the rule of thumb goes something like this:

• If you're controlling access numbers, or charging for seats or using structured seating in some way (eg a function with allocated tables, as well as normal theatrical seating) - 
  • Use a Performance (whether you're charging for seats or not)
  • Because that gives you the control, and reporting etc., that you need to manage complex attendance
• Otherwise, if you're collecting money (eg a fundraiser), 
  • Use an Elevated Event
  • Because Elevated Events are a kind of Campaign, and you can do contribution handling,  financial targeting and analysis 
• Otherwise, for invitation-type events (like opening night receptions and so on)
  • Use an Activity ( aka 'Special Activity')
  • Because that gives you access to attendance/RSVP handling, without the need to handle finances or ticketing etc.

To invite a number of people to an Activity and manage invites/RSVP stuff, what you do is

• Make an Activity Type for the type of activity you're inviting for (eg "Opening Night Reception")
• Make a List of your invitees
• Run the Manage Special Activity report, (in the Data Management folder) using
  • the date of the particular event, 
  • your Activity type, 
  • the Status you want to start with on the activity record (eg 'Invited")
  • and your List 
  • etc
• That will create the activity records for you - then you can maintain them as rsvp's come in etc.

Hi Ken, 

Thank you so much for your help - greatly appreciated!

Andrea