Elementor FES Builder for MEC refers to a specialized integration between Elementor (a popular WordPress page builder) and MEC (Modern Events Calendar), specifically the Frontend Submission (FES) Builder. This tool allows users to create, manage, and submit events from the frontend of a WordPress website using the Elementor page builder.

Key Features of Elementor FES Builder for MEC:

1. Frontend Event Submission:
   • The FES Builder allows users (such as event organizers or community members) to submit events directly from the frontend of the website. This is particularly useful for event-driven websites where users can manage their own events without having to access the WordPress dashboard.
2. Drag-and-Drop Interface with Elementor:
   • With this integration, event organizers can use Elementor’s drag-and-drop builder to design and customize the event submission form. This gives a high level of flexibility and ease of use, even for non-technical users. You can add, remove, or modify fields, styling, and layout in a visual editor.
3. Customizable Event Submission Forms:
   • You can customize the event submission form that users fill out when submitting their events. Fields can be added to capture details like event title, description, date, time, venue, and even custom fields specific to your business needs (e.g., event type, category, ticket information).
4. User Role Management:
   • The plugin offers flexibility in managing user roles. You can define who can submit events and whether they require approval before going live. This is particularly useful if you want to give specific roles (like admin, moderator, or event organizers) control over submissions.
5. Event Display Options:
   • Once events are submitted, you can decide how and where to display them on your website. The FES builder integrates seamlessly with MEC’s calendar and event listings, allowing users to display their events in any desired format, such as a list, grid, or calendar view.
6. Customizable Event Submission Workflow:
   • The builder enables you to control the event submission workflow, including whether submissions need to be approved by an admin before being published. You can also create custom emails for notifications or confirmations when an event is submitted or approved.
7. Recurring Events:
   • MEC’s FES Builder supports the ability for users to submit recurring events (such as weekly meetings, monthly events, etc.). You can enable the option for event organizers to select recurrence rules, so they don’t have to submit multiple instances of the same event.
8. Payment Integration:
   • If your website involves selling tickets or paid events, you can integrate payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, or other supported systems. This allows users to charge event organizers for event submissions, ticket sales, or event promotions.
9. Google Maps Integration:
   • Users can integrate Google Maps within the event submission process to add location details. This helps attendees find the exact location of the event quickly and easily.
10. Conditional Logic:
    • You can implement conditional logic in the form fields. This means certain fields will only appear based on the selection in previous fields, helping streamline the event submission process for users and ensuring the correct data is collected.
11. Multi-language Support:
    • The integration supports multi-language websites, allowing event organizers to submit events in different languages based on the website's language settings. This is especially beneficial for international event websites.
12. Event Categories and Tags:
    • Event organizers can categorize their events by adding tags and categories. This makes it easier for visitors to filter and search for specific types of events on your website.
13. Email Notifications:
    • Both event submitters and site administrators can receive email notifications about event submissions, approvals, or updates. This ensures everyone is kept in the loop throughout the event management process.
14. Event Image/Media Upload:
    • Users can upload event images or other media to visually enhance their event listings. You can control the image size, resolution, and display options within the FES form.
15. Event Management Dashboard:
    • Users who submit events can manage their events via a dashboard where they can update, edit, or delete their events. Admins also have access to manage, approve, or reject event submissions.

How to Set Up Elementor FES Builder for MEC:

1. Install the Modern Events Calendar (MEC) Plugin:
   • Start by installing the Modern Events Calendar plugin on your WordPress site. You can find it in the WordPress plugin repository or purchase the pro version from the official MEC website for additional features.
2. Install the Elementor Plugin:
   • If you haven't already, install Elementor on your website. The Elementor plugin is free, but the Pro version provides even more advanced features for page design.
3. Install the FES (Frontend Submission) Add-on for MEC:
   • Make sure you have the FES add-on for Modern Events Calendar installed and activated. This add-on enables frontend event submissions and integrates seamlessly with Elementor.
4. Set Up the FES Submission Form:
   • Use Elementor to create a custom submission form for the FES Builder. You can create a new page and design the layout using Elementor's drag-and-drop tools. MEC provides widgets and shortcodes that you can use within Elementor to add event submission forms.
5. Customize the Form Fields:
   • Customize the event submission form by adding the necessary fields like event title, date, time, description, location, and other important details. You can also use conditional logic to show or hide certain fields based on user selections.
6. Set Up User Roles and Permissions:
   • Define which user roles are allowed to submit events. You can also specify whether event submissions need to be approved before they go live on your website.
7. Customize Event Display Layouts:
   • Design how the events will be displayed on your website. Use Elementor to create custom event listing pages or integrate MEC’s default calendar display options to show upcoming events.
8. Test the Submission Process:
   • Once everything is set up, test the frontend event submission process to ensure that the forms are working as expected. Make sure notifications are being sent correctly, and verify that the event details are being saved and displayed.
9. Publish the Frontend Submission Page:
   • After testing, publish the page where users can submit their events. Make sure it is easily accessible to the right audience.
10. Monitor Event Submissions:
    • As events get submitted, monitor them through the backend to ensure all necessary details are provided. Approve or edit submissions as needed.

Conclusion:

The Elementor FES Builder for MEC is a powerful tool for anyone who wants to enable frontend event submission on their WordPress website. It combines the flexibility and ease-of-use of Elementor with the powerful event management features of Modern Events Calendar, making it perfect for event-driven websites such as community event platforms, booking systems, and business event management sites. By using this integration, event organizers can submit and manage their events directly from the frontend, and website admins can maintain control over the event approval process. With customizable form fields, payment integrations, and email notifications, this tool provides a comprehensive solution for building a fully functional and user-friendly event submission platform. If you need help setting up the FES Builder or customizing the forms, feel free to ask—I'm happy to assist!