Importing Events
The document provides instructions for importing new Events via the Dashboard's import module, emphasizing the use of .csv files.
It outlines the creation of spreadsheets, necessary formatting, and specific field requirements for production data, including unique codes, descriptions, and genre specifications. Templates for different production types are linked, and guidelines for ensuring correct .csv formatting are included.
Creating the import spreadsheet
A .csv file is easy to create from a Google or Excel spreadsheet.
First, create a spreadsheet and fill it out with the data. The template and explanation about the content of the “Events” spreadsheet can be found below.
To be able to import, the spreadsheets must meet the specifications as described below:
- Each spreadsheet document contains one worksheet.
- Do not change the names in the first row and the order of the columns of the spreadsheet to be filled in (All column names correspond to a field in the Peppered Dashboard.)
- When fields/columns are not used on the website and never entered in the Dashboard, they can be left empty.
How to import Events
For creating the Events CSV, use this Google doc as a template.
Step 1: Make a copy of the template, keep it in Google Docs.
Step 2: Keep the first row, and clear all example content from the other rows.
Step 3: Fill the document with your data and download the file as .csv
There are a few required columns:
- evenement_code = code of the Production that it should be linked to
- aanvang_datum
- aanvang_tijd
- kassa_code (if you don’t have box office id’s, make something up, like 1, 2, 3)
- lokatie
You can also import .xcl or .xclx files into the google doc:
Step 4: After you check that all data and the column structure are correct, you can easily download a correct .csv from the file (bestand in NL) > download menu:
You can also use a different spreadsheet program, but make sure your export settings are according to our specifications.
Creating a .csv file from a spreadsheet
When the spreadsheet is finished, it should be saved as a CSV file (see “save as” or “export”).
The following options should be selected when creating the CSV:
- field separator: , (comma) - This will tell the importer to jump to the following field.
- text separator: " (double quotes) - This will tell the importer that all text between the " "must be treated as one text entry, and all commas in that text will be treated as regular commas. They will be ignored as field separators. This enables you to use commas in texts.
A Google spreadsheet will usually automatically export to .csv with these settings.
For Excel, look for these settings:
It is best to check after the export by opening the file in a plain text editor and check that the field separator is indeed a comma;
Correct formatting (comma):
Incorrect formatting (semi-colon):
Spreadsheet Field Explanations
We are aware that some field names are still in Dutch, and we are in the process of translating our import tools.
- Evenement_code = The code of the primary production this event belongs to (see productions import)
- Aanvang_datum = Start date. Always in the format “dd-mm-yyyy”
- Aanvang_tijd = Start time. Always in the format hh:mm
- einde_tijd = End time. This is optional. Leave empty when no end time applies. Otherwise, always in the format hh:mm
- Kassa_code = The event box office code that is used in the ticketing software
- Voorstellingscode = This optional field can be left empty when a box office code is filled in in “Kassa_code” above.
When there is no box office code, enter a “voorstellingscode” here, otherwise the import can not distinguish unique events and will reject the import.
- Info = This is the highlighted text usually shown above the location of a specific event on the detail page.
- Max = The maximum number of tickets can be sold for this specific event in one booking. Leave empty when using your website default maximum (usually 10 or 20)
- Lokatie = The exact hall name is in your Dashboard. When you add new halls, please add them first in your Hall module in the dashboard.
When adding new halls with seat selection, contact us to ensure we enable this for that hall.
- Rangindeling = This is the hall’s Row division. Enter the exact row division you have defined for this hall in the dashboard.
- Rangindeling = This is the hall’s Row division. Enter the exact row division you have defined for this hall in the dashboard.
- externe_bestellink = Leave empty or enter a URL if the event is sold on another website
- Eigenschappen = This is for importing event properties**.** Always leave this column empty.
Insert a new column directly on the right of this column for each property. Each column should have the property code as a title. Any event with this property should be marked “Ja” in the applicable column.
- Prijzen = Import optional prices for each event. Prices will be imported via the API if you already have a fully integrated ticketing connector. If you have no integrated plan, you can import prices here.
Always leave this column empty. Insert a new column directly on the right of this column for each price type. If you have multiple tiers for each price type, add these as separate columns like in the example below:
Uploading the CSV
When the CSV is finished, head over to Events & Productions > Event updater module in the Dashboard to upload it.
- Check all settings and make sure you check “Use ranking column” when uploading events in halls with multiple tiers/ranks.
- Click “Validate” and check the notice that follows.
- If all is good, finish the import.
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