Aim: By the end of this guide, you'll be able to successfully put a Production on sale to visitors.
Understanding How the Dashboard Prepares Your Work
The Dashboard Does the Heavy Lifting
The good news: most of the technical work is done automatically for you! Here's what happens behind the scenes:
When you sync with your Event or ticketing system, or manually upload :
- The Dashboard automatically creates Productions and Events
- Essential information is already populated: ID, Title, Dates, Times, and Genres
- Events are set to off-sale status by default (safe mode - nothing goes live accidentally)
- Availability updates run regularly in the background to keep everything current
- Some information syncs once (like the initial Production details)
- Other information updates every time to keep things current
- This ensures your Dashboard always reflects what's in your ticketing system
Your Role: Adding the Marketing Magic
The Dashboard handles the data, you handle the storytelling. Your job is to add:
- Compelling marketing copy
- Eye-catching images
- Additional context that makes people want to book
Think of it this way: The Dashboard builds the foundation, you make it sell.
Need to create a Production Manually? See our Productions Guide then return to Step 1 below.
Step 1: Complete Your Production Page
Production Pages use a template layout, so all Productions have the same structure. Any blank fields simply won't display on the front end (no empty spaces will appear).
Key Fields to Complete
Description Part 1
- This is your main content area
- Include the primary marketing copy about the production
Side Note to Description Part 1
- Use this for "Need to know" information
- Examples: Age restrictions, ticket information, accessibility details
SEO Section
- Use this to override the default SEO settings
Embed URL
- Add links to external content
- Examples: Spotify playlists, podcasts, YouTube, Vimeo
Properties
- Control where the Production appears on your site
- Set visibility rules for different pages
Content Library
- Store repeatable content for Production Pages
- Examples: Relevant location information, targeted messaging for on-sales/memberships
Media Gallery
- The first image you add becomes your Hero image
- Additional images create a carousel
Step 2: Review Your Events
Events are automatically added with the Production. Most event data comes from your ticketing system and requires minimal updates from you.
Two Critical Settings
Group
- Controls the Visibility and Bookability of the Production
- Defaults to the Group decided during your implementation
Status
- Controls the Button status (what Visitors see)
- Defaults to a not visible
Step 3: Put Your Production On Sale
You have two options for making your Production available:
Option A: Individual Event Changes
Change the Group and Status in each individual Event.
Option B: Bulk Changes (Recommended)
Navigate to Event Metadata > Statuses/Groups and bulk change the Group and Status for multiple Productions or Events at once.
If needed create a new group for managing the visibility and on sale dates of an entire group of events at the same time. Or add new events to the default group that is already on sale, and adjust the event status at the moment it needs to go on sale.
Troubleshooting: Why Isn't My Event Showing?
If your Production isn't visible after following the steps above, check these common issues:
Check the Season
- All Productions and Events must fall within valid dates in a Season
- If you don't use traditional seasons (like 24/25, 25/26), create one "catch-all" season with an end date far in the future
Check the Group
- Is the Event in a Visible Group?
- Verify the Group settings allow public visibility
Check the event status
- Does the event have a status set to be visible and bookable?
Managing High-Traffic On Sales
Understanding the Queue System
Peppered has a built-in Queueing module that is always on to protect your site from unexpected traffic spikes.
Examples of unexpected traffic:
- An artist suddenly posts on Instagram
- A production is featured on TV
For Expected High Traffic
To manage expected high traffic:
- Set the queue to 0 before the start of the onsale - this creates a waiting room
- Raise the queue slowly to start the onsale, check load on your ticketing system and increase the capacity gradually
- Use Queue messaging to communicate with waiting visitors
- Make the waiting experience clear and informative
Fair Use Policy
Remember that Peppered operates on shared infrastructure, so there's a fair use policy in place. Communication about high-traffic events helps everyone.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before putting a Production on sale, confirm:
Want to know more
- Productions - Overview of all the available fields in a Production, including how to link to People, Stories and Suggest other Productions
- Events - Overview of all the fields in an Event
- Queueing - How to set up and manage your queue
Need Help? Contact the CultureSuite support team if you encounter any issues not covered in this guide.