2024.05.11 - Custom Event ID, easier cloning by reusing PBLPs, Configurable Forms on Party Pages

Ever since we first launched Sparkhub 2 years ago, we've been continuing to hone in on how to make it more user-friendly while also adding new functionality that you'll love. As of today, we have made a major update that will streamline your event creation and make learning Sparkhub more intuitive than ever for new users.

These updates include

Custom Event ID's and more streamlined cloning through reusable PBLPs
New Sparkhub Dynamic Field for "Contact ID" that enables you to embed a PB Configurable Form in any Party Page
Updated training articles and Sparkhub 101 "start here" checklist

Update #1: Custom Event ID's and more streamlined cloning through reusable PBLPs

What it means: previously, if you wanted to use a PBLP for your Party Page (as most Sparkhub users do), your Event ID had to match the characters from the end of that page's URL. That was how the Sparkhub header code on your PBLP knew which Event it should display information for. However, we are shifting away from that, although your old events will still work. Now, you can create a unique Event ID (such as "awesomesummerparty"); then, inside the Event's settings, you'll indicate the URL you wish to use for the Party Page. It can be a PBLP, or another site (previously titled "Party Page Override").

The advantages:

You now have the freedom to create whatever Event ID you want, which will make for "prettier," more customized-looking links (kind of like you get with bitly links). For instance, the Signup Page link for the Event with ID "awesomesummerparty" would be my.sparkhub.app/s/awesomesummerparty, which will redirect to the appropriate page.
You can now use the same PBLP as your layout for multiple events' party pages, even simultaneously! No need to clone the page first. You can have multiple Events that all "live" on the same page. Why? Because Sparkhub sends guests to a unique version of the URL. Each Event will follow the same overall layout, but thanks to Sparkhub Dynamic Fields and code (such as the Key Dates display), each Event's link will display information unique to it.
- For example, I have a Party Page design at this PBLP: https://pb-site.com/p/qWCN9TKNNCm. The link doesn't work in and of itself; think of it more as a layout than a functioning page.
- I can create an Event with Event ID "awesomesummerparty," then guest Leia will see this as the Party Page: https://pb-site.com/p/qWCN9TKNNCm/D8NrrJjQbPc?id=awesomesummerparty
- I can create another Event with Event ID "summerbash" and use the same PBLP as the Party Page. Then, guest Leia will see this as the Party Page: https://pb-site.com/p/qWCN9TKNNCm/D8NrrJjQbPc?id=summerbash
- Both Party Pages are at the same PBLP, but the info shown, and event the fonts, are unique to the specific Event.
This means that Party Pages now function similarly to how Signup Pages have. You tell Sparkhub which pages you're using in your Basic Info tab, Sparkhub builds a special version of the URL for each, and each contains the same header code that ensures all of the info on the page (fonts, Event name, host name and photo, signup form, guest list, order link, Key Dates display, etc.) displays the correct Event's info.

What you need to do:

As was previously mentioned, your old Events should still work just fine! However,

To take advantage of this new structure, we recommend you read this help article. https://sparkhub.helpscoutdocs.com/article/191-event-id-and-event-links?preview=65e78d5272fa9748c30a128f
Better yet, why not get a quick refresh on all the basics? We have updated and simplified the entire "Sparkhub 101" checklist - check it out here! https://sparkhub.helpscoutdocs.com/article/167-start-here-beginner-checklist-and-reference
Create new copies of your favorite Signup Page and Party Page, and update the header code on them to use from now on. You can find the newest header code here. https://sparkhub.helpscoutdocs.com/article/198-list-of-sparkhub-dynamic-fields-and-code-blocks?preview=65e8bbac961316264915c497#header-code

Update #2: new Sparkhub Dynamic Field for "Contact ID"

What it means: You can now Insert Configurable Forms or Trackable Links inside your Party Pages!

Up to now, there hasn't been a way to send a customer from one PBLP to another in such a way that the second link is trackable. Similarly, there hasn't been a way to embed a PB Configurable Form on a PBLP - for instance, if you want to invite people to join your Birthday Club by updating their birthday in your Contacts. With our latest update, you can now do this in your Sparkhub-powered Party Pages!

What you need to do:

Read this help article to learn how to use this feature.

Update #3: Updated training articles and Sparkhub 101 Checklist

You can find all help articles at this link, including our new Sparkhub 101 Checklist - a great place for new users to start, and for seasoned users to get a refresh on all our key features!

Note: Signup Page links for pre-existing Events

If you have already been using a PBLP to house your Signup Page, you may find that the new field in your existing Events, titled "Create a Signup Page at:", is blank. Don't worry - your previously indicated PBLP will still be used; you just can't see the formerly used field anymore. If you click to open the Signup Page right below the new field, you'll find that your desired PBLP will still open because your old data is still stored and is used when the new field is blank. Going forward, however, you'll want to use the "Create a Signup Page at" field so you can easily see what PBLP is selected.

We hope you're excited for these new changes! As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. The best way to get support is through the chat button inside Sparkhub. See you there!