MEC – Waiting List is an add-on for the Modern Events Calendar (MEC) WordPress plugin that allows event organizers to manage and handle waiting lists for events that have reached their maximum capacity. This feature is particularly useful for events such as workshops, conferences, webinars, or any other events with limited seating or availability, ensuring that if a spot becomes available, the next person on the waiting list is automatically notified and offered the opportunity to attend.

mec-waiting-list Key Features of MEC – Waiting List:

1. mec-waiting-list Automatic Waiting List Registration:
   • When an event reaches its maximum capacity, attendees can still register to join the waiting list. This ensures that even if an event is sold out, potential participants can express interest in attending if space becomes available.
2. mec-waiting-list Customizable Waiting List Notification:
   • Once a spot becomes available (e.g., when someone cancels or doesn't show up), attendees on the waiting list are automatically notified via email or SMS, informing them that a spot is now open for the event.
3. mec-waiting-list Seamless User Experience:
   • The waiting list feature integrates smoothly into the Modern Events Calendar interface, and users can easily register for the waiting list with just a few clicks. There is no need for users to navigate away from the event page.
4. mec-waiting-list Automatic Removal from Waiting List:
   • When a waiting list registrant is offered a spot in the event, they are automatically removed from the waiting list once they confirm their registration and make payment (if applicable).
5. Capacity Management:
   • Event organizers can set maximum capacity limits for events, ensuring that only the correct number of participants can register. If an event is full, the waiting list automatically becomes the next best option for additional participants.
6. Conditional Registration Options:
   • Event organizers have the flexibility to choose whether participants on the waiting list must register or pay a deposit immediately once a spot becomes available, or if they need to respond within a certain time period.
7. Manual and Automatic Admin Management:
   • Organizers can manually or automatically manage the waiting list. Admins have the ability to send manual notifications to people on the waiting list if needed or automate the process using email templates.
8. Integrated with Event Management Features:
   • The waiting list works hand in hand with other Modern Events Calendar features like event registration, payments, and attendee management. This integration helps streamline the event organization process and ensures better control over participant numbers.
9. Customizable Emails:
   • You can create custom email templates to notify people when they are added to the waiting list or when they are offered a spot in the event. This gives organizers the flexibility to personalize the communication.
10. Multi-Event Waiting Lists:
    • The add-on can be used for multiple events at once. Attendees can be added to waiting lists for different events, and they will be notified accordingly when spots become available for any of them.
11. Custom Form Fields for Waiting List:
    • You can customize the form that users fill out when they join a waiting list. This allows you to collect additional information about attendees, such as preferences, contact details, or other necessary data for event preparation.

How to Set Up MEC – Waiting List:

1. Install Modern Events Calendar:
   • First, ensure that the Modern Events Calendar plugin is installed and activated on your WordPress website. If you haven’t already, you can download it from the official WordPress repository or the MEC website.
2. Purchase and Install MEC – Waiting List Add-On:
   • Next, purchase the MEC – Waiting List add-on from the official site. After purchasing, you can install the add-on by uploading the plugin file via the Plugins > Add New > Upload Plugin section in your WordPress dashboard.
3. Activate the Waiting List Feature:
   • After the add-on is installed, you will need to activate the waiting list functionality within the MEC settings. Go to Modern Events Calendar > Settings > Waiting List and enable the waiting list feature.
4. Configure Event Capacity Settings:
   • To use the waiting list effectively, you will need to set a maximum capacity for your event. Go to the event settings for the specific event you want to enable the waiting list on, and set the maximum number of registrations. Once that number is reached, the waiting list will automatically become active for that event.
5. Customize Waiting List Notifications:
   • Set up email notifications to notify participants when they are added to the waiting list or when a spot becomes available. Customize the messages to include specific event details and instructions on how to proceed with registration.
6. Enable Automatic or Manual Registration for Available Spots:
   • Choose whether you want the waiting list registrants to be automatically enrolled when a spot becomes available, or if you'd prefer to handle it manually. You can also define the time window for waiting list registrants to confirm their registration after being notified of availability.
7. Monitor and Manage the Waiting List:
   • From the MEC dashboard, you can monitor the waiting list for each event and view the status of registrants. If a spot opens up, you can either manually add them or let the system automatically send an invitation to the next person on the list.

Use Cases for MEC – Waiting List:

1. Full Capacity Events:
   • When an event reaches full capacity, a waiting list ensures that no potential attendee is left out. As cancellations happen or spots become available, registrants on the waiting list are given the chance to participate.
2. Popular Events with Limited Seats:
   • For high-demand events with limited seats (like workshops, conferences, or premium seminars), this feature helps maximize the number of attendees by automatically filling spots that become available.
3. Webinars and Online Classes:
   • If you're hosting webinars or online training sessions that have a cap on attendees, the waiting list ensures that you can manage participants effectively and fill any last-minute vacancies.
4. Managing Overbooked Events:
   • If you find yourself overbooked due to high demand or multiple reservations being made simultaneously, the waiting list can manage attendees by ensuring that no one is left out if someone drops out or doesn’t show up.
5. Event Cancellations and No Shows:
   • If a registrant cancels or doesn't show up, waiting list participants can be automatically notified and offered the open spot. This helps you avoid underfilled events and ensures that every spot is filled if possible.

Conclusion:

The MEC – Waiting List add-on is a highly useful tool for managing events with limited capacity, providing a seamless experience for both event organizers and attendees. It ensures that event spaces are filled efficiently by offering spots to people on the waiting list as they become available, maximizing attendance and engagement. By automating waiting list registration and notifications, this feature enhances the overall event management process, providing flexibility and convenience for organizers, especially for high-demand events or events with fluctuating availability.