Yes, you can create an event on Eventbrite without needing tickets. Eventbrite offers several options for setting up free events that don’t require tickets. Here’s an overview of how to create a ticketless event on Eventbrite and the different options available.
Setting up a free event with no tickets
When you create a new event on Eventbrite, you have the option to make it a free event with no tickets required. Here are the steps to create a free, no-ticket event:
- Go to www.eventbrite.com and click the “Create Event” button.
- Choose the “Free” ticket type option.
- Skip the ticket setup section by clicking “Next” without configuring any tickets.
- Finish setting up the other event details like name, date, location etc.
- Click “Publish” to create the ticketless event.
Once published, people will be able to find and register for your event without needing to purchase tickets. You can promote the event and track RSVPs all on Eventbrite.
Offering free tickets
Another approach is to create free tickets for your event on Eventbrite. This gives you more control and visibility into who has registered compared to a completely ticketless event. Here’s how to create free tickets:
- Choose the “Free” ticket type when setting up your event.
- Configure the free ticket by naming it and setting the quantity available.
- Require attendees to register for the free tickets to sign up for the event.
- Once registered, attendees will have claimed a free ticket and you can see who is coming.
With this approach, your event is still free for attendees but requires them to claim a free ticket spot. You can manage the free tickets just like paid tickets too.
Using guest lists
Eventbrite also lets you manage an event guest list without tickets. To do this:
- Create a paid ticket type for your event to activate Eventbrite’s attendance tools.
- Set the quantity of paid tickets available to 0 to make them inactive.
- Use the Eventbrite guest list manager to add attendees and track RSVPs.
Guest lists allow you to collect information from attendees for check-in without needing tickets. It provides more control and visibility into registrations compared to a completely open, ticketless event.
Using order minimums
You can also create an event with ticket types that have a price, but set the minimum order quantity to 0. This essentially removes the ticket requirement while keeping the event paid. Here’s how it works:
- Create ticket types with prices above $0 as you normally would.
- On each ticket type, set the minimum order quantity to 0.
- Attendees can “purchase” tickets for free without needing to claim one.
- You can track orders and sales like normal through Eventbrite.
This allows you to keep the event setup as paid while essentially making it free for anyone to register without tickets.
Using donation tickets
Another option is to sell donation-based tickets for your event on Eventbrite. To do this:
- Create a ticket type and enable the “Donation” setting.
- Set a recommended donation amount but allow attendees to pay what they want.
- The ticket functions as a donation, letting guests support your event at any price.
Donation tickets help fund your event while giving guests flexibility on what they pay. You can increase revenue while keeping the event open by accepting voluntary donations through tickets.
Eventbrite fee waivers
It’s important to note that even free events on Eventbrite are subject to their platform fees. These fees help cover the costs of Eventbrite’s services and transactions. However, there are some cases where you can apply to have the fees waived:
- If you’re a nonprofit organization, you may be eligible for a fee waiver on free events. You’ll need to provide details on your mission and how the event supports it.
- For one-time events with a limited number of expected attendees, you may be able to make a special request for fee removal.
- Eventbrite sometimes provides temporary 100% fee waivers around major national holidays as a promotion.
Aside from the above exceptions, expect to pay Eventbrite’s standard fees on paid and free events. The fees range from 2.5% to 5% depending on the ticket price plus a per-ticket processing fee.
Benefits of ticketless events
Hosting free events with no tickets or barriers to entry on Eventbrite provides several benefits:
- Increases accessibility and removes barriers for those interested in attending.
- Allows for quicker sign-ups and RSVPs as attendees don’t have to go through a ticket checkout.
- Can boost event exposure and reach if people don’t have to pay to sign up initially.
- Provides an easy way to track RSVPs and manage a guest list on Eventbrite.
- Lets you collect attendee information for follow up during and after your event.
Downsides of no-ticket events
There are also some potential downsides of running completely open, free events without tickets on Eventbrite:
- Less of a financial commitment from attendees so higher likelihood of no-shows.
- Harder to plan for final headcount without ticket data.
- Less information collected upfront from guests during registration.
- No way to limit or cap sign-ups when it’s an open event.
- Difficult to track who has (and hasn’t) registered without assigned tickets.
Use case examples
Here are some examples of common event types that work well with free, no-ticket sign-up on Eventbrite:
Networking and social events
These types of events benefit from quick and easy registration to draw in attendees. Things like open houses, mixers, and social gatherings can utilize free Eventbrite sign-up.
Conferences and seminars
If you want to promote your conference or seminar to the widest possible audience, making it free and accessible on Eventbrite removes signup friction.
Official opening or launch events
Grand openings, store launches, and ribbon cutting events often want high exposure and free access to build buzz.
Recruiting and career fairs
Campus and public career fairs can make event registration free on Eventbrite to attract the most candidates.
Cause-related and nonprofit events
Fundraisers, awareness campaigns, and events centered around nonprofit missions may provide open sign-up to encourage participation.
Educational and informational events
Workshops, training sessions, lectures, and similar educational events often promote free registration to boost attendance.
Alternatives to consider
While Eventbrite is one option for creating free, no-ticket events, there are some other alternatives worth considering:
- Facebook Events – Lets you set up free events that anyone can see and RSVP to on Facebook.
- Meetup – Offers affordable packages for managing meetup groups and hosting virtual or in-person events.
- Paid event management platforms – Higher-end platforms like Cvent and Splash offer robust free event features.
- Custom registration forms – Building your own registration form can give you more branding control and integration.
- Paper sign-ups – For small events, paper registration sheets work and have minimal costs.
Evaluate the expected size and needs of your event to choose if Eventbrite or another free event management platform is the best fit.
Tips for running ticketless events
If you do decide to host a free event with open, no-ticket registration on Eventbrite, here are some tips to run it smoothly:
- Promote the event widely – With no tickets, you want maximum exposure to drive sign-ups.
- Remind registered guests – Email and target social ads to remind those who signed up as your event nears.
- Overbook slightly – Plan for no-show rates around 25-30% higher than final target attendance.
- Set up check-in – Have staff ready to check in RSVPs and walk-ups to track actual attendance.
- Follow up afterward – Send a survey to attendees and stay top of mind for future events.
- Offer ticket waitlists – If RSVPs fill up, adding waitlists helps capture overflow demand.
Conclusion
Eventbrite provides event organizers a flexible platform to create free, unticketed events in addition to paid ticketed events. While there are benefits and drawbacks to consider, an unticketed approach can help maximize sign-ups, remove barriers, and encourage exposure if executed effectively. Utilizing tips on promotion, attendee communication, check-in, and follow up will help ensure a smooth, well-attended event without strict ticketing.