What's New - May 2025 | Zoho Backstage

What's New - May 2025 | Zoho Backstage

Hi everyone, 

A May-zing month for you!

As summer rolls in and event season picks up the pace, we’ve been working on a set of updates in Zoho Backstage to help make your day-to-day life a little easier. This month’s improvements are all about tackling the real challenges that event professionals face daily, from complex stakeholder communications to payment processing bottlenecks.

Module-Specific Primary Contacts

May the right message reach the right inbox

Modern event management often involves multiple stakeholders managing different specialized areas. The new Module-Specific Primary Contact feature allows event organizers to assign dedicated primary contacts for each module individually, creating clearer communication pathways where registration queries reach the registration team, speaker communications connect with speaker coordinators, and sponsor-related emails land in the appropriate inbox. 

Setting up these specialized contacts is straightforward. Event organizers can navigate to Communicate, then Email, Preferences, Primary Contact, and Assign Primary Contact, where they can add and verify contact details before assigning them to specific modules, including Registrations, Speakers, Sponsors, and Exhibitors. Once configured, each module operates with its own communication pathway, improving clarity and coordination.

The system includes essential management controls such as the ability to change primary contacts, edit sender names, and unassign contacts when team structures evolve. To ensure reliable email delivery, the platform provides authentication notifications when needed, maintaining reliable communication.

These primary contacts are integrated into their respective module interfaces:
  • Registration Settings
  • Speaker Settings
  • Sponsor Settings
  • Exhibitor Settings


When changes are needed, clicking Change Primary Contact in any module provides direct access to the email management interface.

Plan availability: Included in the Premium and Ultimate plans

Offline payments with visuals and verification

May offline payments be crystal clear

Building on recent registration improvements, Zoho Backstage has upgraded its offline payment system with two key features: the ability to upload QR codes or instruction images, and a transaction ID verification process.

The visual enhancement allows event organizers to upload QR codes or detailed bank instruction images for each offline payment method during the setup process. Located in Registrations > Setup > Payments under the Offline Payment options, this feature includes live preview capabilities and the flexibility to replace or remove images as needed.



For attendees, this translates to a clearer payment experience. When selecting offline payment options, they see the uploaded visual guidance, enhancing clarity and reducing payment errors. After placing their order, attendees can optionally enter a Payment Transaction ID if they've completed the payment, creating a direct link between their transaction and registration. 

The organizer experience becomes more efficient with the verification process. Orders with transaction IDs enter a Payment Verification Pending status, where organizers can review the provided ID and choose to verify it or mark it as a mismatch. Verified orders are updated to Paid status, while mismatched entries trigger automated emails prompting attendees to correct their details.



The system maintains flexibility throughout the process. Attendees who initially skip the transaction ID can log in later to add or update this information, automatically triggering the verification process. Meanwhile, organizers retain the ability to manually enter transaction IDs when adding new orders, checking in attendees, or recording missed registrations, ensuring no payment scenario goes unaccounted for.

Plan availability: Included in the Essentials, Premium, and Ultimate plans

WhatsApp number change

May you change your mind—and your WhatsApp number

Zoho Backstage offers the ability to change registered phone numbers within WhatsApp integrations at any time. This enhancement provides flexibility for teams to update their communication settings as needed.

The phone number change process operates through Portal Settings > Integrations > Event Communication > WhatsApp, where organizers can click the Change button next to their current number and select any verified alternative from their WhatsApp Business account. For unverified numbers, the platform provides direct verification capabilities through OTP systems, allowing organizers to verify and switch to new numbers within the Zoho Backstage interface.
Importantly, changing phone numbers preserves all existing configurations. WhatsApp triggers, templates, and automated processes continue functioning as configured, ensuring communication continuity while providing the flexibility to adapt to changing organizational needs.


Plan availability: Included in the Essentials, Premium, and Ultimate plans

Recovering lost registrations with winback emails

May we remind you?

The Reminders for Missed Registrations feature introduces a sophisticated winback email system designed to recover potential attendees who begin but don't complete the registration process. 

The system identifies missed registrations when purchasers reach the payment page but don't complete their order within the established registration time limit. These registrations are stored for up to 180 days, creating opportunities for recovery efforts through targeted reminder campaigns.

Event organizers can configure up to five reminder intervals through Communication > Reminders, setting triggers based on minutes, hours, or days after abandonment. A typical strategy might include an immediate 30-minute follow-up, a one-day reminder, and a final three-day appeal, though the system accommodates various timing strategies to match different event types and audience behaviors.



The reminder system includes intelligent safeguards for optimal communication. Only the most recent missed registration per purchaser receives reminders, and all automated emails conclude when the event ends. For events requiring more than five reminder intervals, limits can be increased upon request, ensuring the system scales with various event marketing strategies.

Plan availability: Included in the Essentials, Premium, and Ultimate plans

Directly convert approval requests to orders

May your approvals turn into orders instantly

Event planning frequently involves various payment methods and approval processes. This new feature provides organizers with direct transformation of approval requests into confirmed orders.



This enhancement proves invaluable for managing offline payments made through bank transfers, cash transactions, or other non-digital methods. Organizers can efficiently convert approved, pending, or rejected requests into active orders with complete payment details recorded in the system.

The process is simple: organizers locate the relevant request in their Registration Approval requests section, click the Convert to Order option, and complete the process by recording offline payment details. This direct conversion capability ensures that all registration records remain current and accurate within Zoho Backstage.

Plan availability: Included in the Essentials, Premium, and Ultimate plans

Looking ahead together

May these be the foundation for what's next

These May 2025 updates are all about making everyday event planning simpler, smoother, and more connected. Whether it’s clearer communication, easier payment tracking, or smarter follow-ups, each new feature is designed to solve real challenges you face while managing events.

We know how fast things move during event season. That’s why we’ve focused on updates that blend seamlessly into your existing workflows, helping you stay in control without adding complexity.

We hope these improvements make a meaningful difference for you and your team. As always, we’re here to support you—and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next.
Info
All the features and enhancements mentioned in this article are available across all Zoho Backstage-supported data centers.
For additional assistance or questions regarding these new features, contact support@zohobackstage.com. Stay tuned for continued updates designed to enhance your event management capabilities.

    • Recent Topics

    • Zoho Notebook Sync problem

      I'm facing a problem with syncing of notebook on android app. It's not syncing. Sometimes it syncs after a day or two.  I created some notes on web notebook but it's not syncing on mobile app. Please help!!!!

    • Cliq iOS can't see shared screen

      Hello, I had this morning a video call with a colleague. She is using Cliq Desktop MacOS and wanted to share her screen with me. I'm on iPad. I noticed, while she shared her screen, I could only see her video, but not the shared screen... Does Cliq iOS is able to display shared screen, or is it somewhere else to be found ? Regards

    • Retainer Invoice.

      Why ZOHO not have facilities to deduct partially advance payment from an invoice.

    • Apply Vendor Credits Automatically

      We are bulk importing Vendor credits in Zoho Books!!! Is there a way to apply vendor credits automatically to the first UNPAID bill of the Vendor?

    • Cant Save Gauge on Creator Page

      How to Save Gauge on Creator Page see movie https://vimeo.com/1116410860?share=copy#t=0

    • Apply Advance option not shown in report

      We are facing an issue in Zoho Expenses. While approving an Expense Report, the "Apply Advance" option is not appearing under the three dots (More Options). Details: Module: Expense Reports Issue: "Apply Advance" option not visible Status of Report: Awaiting

    • Introducing Assemblies and Kits in Zoho Inventory

      Hello customers, We’re excited to share a major revamp to Zoho Inventory that brings both clarity and flexibility to your inventory management experience! Presenting Assemblies and Kits We’re thrilled to introduce Assemblies and Kits, which replaces the

    • Auto Capitalize First Letter of Words

      Hi I am completely new to ZOHO and am trying to build a database. How can i make it when a address is entered into a form field like this: main st it automatically changes is to show: Main St Thank You

    • Follow-up emails via Workflow Automation not staying in the same thread

      Dear Zoho Support Team, I am currently using Workflow Automation in Zoho Campaigns to send follow-up emails. In my test case, I noticed the following behavior: All emails in the automation have the same subject line. If the follow-up email is sent within

    • Client Script refuses to set an initial value in Subform field

      I tried a very simple, 1 line client script to set a default value in a custom subform field when the "Add Row" button is clicked and the user is entering data. It does not work - can someone tell me why? ZDK documentation suggests this should be doable.

    • Formatting of Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Reports

      The default format of the Balance Sheet and P&L Reports are based on the Account Types and then the individual accounts within the Chart of Accounts. These are then ordered alphabetically under these sub-headings and one is unable to re-order these or

    • Emails Are Not Being Delivered to My Inbox

      Hello Zoho Support Team, I am experiencing an issue with my Zoho Mail account. The most important problem is that emails are not being delivered to my inbox. Details: My Zoho Mail address: info@coreforcelife.com What happens: I am not receiving any incoming

    • Help Center IFrame Issue

      I have had a working Help Center on my website using an iframe for a while. But now for some reason the sign in page gets a refused to connect error. Can someone please help. If I go to the url manually it works correclty

    • Staff rules

      Hi! Do you people know what are the default staff rules when a new booking is created? We have two staff members in my team (me as the admin, and my employee). As we share the same services, I'm wondering how Zoho will pick the staff for new apointments.

    • Comment Templates

      Is it possible to add a template option for comments? We have some agents in the process who's responses require a pre-formatted layout. It would be incredibly handy to have a template for them where they can insert the template and then add their responses

    • [ZohoDesk] Improve Status View with a new editeble kanban view

      A kanban view with more information about the ticket and the contact who created the ticket would be valueble. I would like to edit the fields with the ones i like to see at one glance. Like in CRM where you can edit the canvas view, i would like to edit

    • Adding Markdown text using Zoho Desk API into the Knowledge Base

      Hi Zoho Community members, We currently maintain the documentation of out company in its website. This documentation is written in markdown text format and we would like to add it in Zoho Knowledge Base. Do you know if there is REST API functionality

    • An Exclusive Session for Zoho Desk Users: AI in Zoho Desk

      A Zoho Community Learning Initiative Hello everyone! This is an announcement for Zoho Desk users and anyone exploring Zoho Desk. With every nook and corner buzzing, "AI's here, AI's there," it's the right time for us to take a closer look at how the AI

    • Shared values: From classroom lessons to teaching moments in customer service

      While the world observes Teachers’ Day on October 5, in India, we celebrate a month earlier, on September 5, to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a great teacher, renowned scholar, educationist, and advocate for empowerment.

    • Create a list of customers who participated in specific Zoho Backstage events and send them an email via Zoho CRM

      How to create a list of customers who participated in specific Zoho Backstage events and send them an email via Zoho CRM? I was able to do a view in CRM based on customer that registered to an event, but I don't seems to be able to include the filter

    • Zoho Desk blank page

      1. Click Access zoho desk on https://www.zoho.com/desk/ 2. It redirects to https://desk.zoho.com/agent?action=CreatePortal and the page is blank. Edge browser Version 131.0.2903.112 (Official build) (arm64) on MacOS

    • I hate the new user UI with the bar on the left

      How can I reverse this?

    • Question regarding import of previous deals...

      Good afternoon, I'm working on importing some older deal records from an external sheet into the CRM; however, when I manually click "Add New Deal" and enter the pertinent information, the deal isn't appearing when I look at the "Deals" bar on the account's

    • Client Script also planned for Zoho Desk?

      Hello there, I modified something in Zoho CRM the other day and was amazed at the possibilities offered by the "Client Script" feature in conjunction with the ZDK. You can lock any fields on the screen, edit them, you can react to various events (field

    • One person/cell phone to manage multiple accounts

      Hi. I have a personal Free account to keep my own domain/emails. Now I need to create a Business account to my company's own domain, but I have only one mobile phone number I use to everything. How do I do to manage this? Can I manage a Free domain and

    • Tracking KPIs, Goals etc in People

      How are Zoho People users tracking employee targets in People? For example, my marketing assistant has a target of "Collect 10 new customer testimonials every month". I want to record attainment for this target on a monthly basis, then add it to their

    • Zoho Desk: Ticket Owner Agents vs Teams

      Hi Zoho, We would like to explore the possibility of hiding the ‘Agents’ section within the Ticket Owner dropdown, so that we can fully utilise the ‘Teams’ dropdown when assigning tickets. This request comes from the fact that only certain agents and

    • Can not Use Attachment Button on Android Widget

      this always pops up when I touch the attach button on android widget. going to settings, there is no storage permission to be enabled. if I open the app, and access the attach feature there, I can access my storage and upload normally.

    • Announcing new features in Trident for Mac (1.24.0)

      Hello everyone! Trident for macOS (v.1.24.0) is here with interesting features and thoughtful enhancements to redefine the way you plan and manage your calendar events. Here's a quick look at what's new. Create calendar events from emails. In addition

    • Need Easy Way to Update Item Prices in Bulk

      Hello Everyone, In Zoho Books, updating selling prices is taking too much time. Right now we have to either edit items one by one or do Excel export/import. It will be very useful if Zoho gives a simple option to: Select multiple items and update prices

    • Vendor Master Enhancements for Faster Purchase Entry

      I’d like to suggest a few features that will improve accuracy and speed during purchase voucher entry: Automated Item Tax Preference in Vendor Master Add an option to define item tax preference in the vendor master. Once set, this preference should automatically

    • Mass Mail Statistics - Number of unsent emails

      How do I find out which emails were not sent?

    • Est-il possible d'annuler l'envoi d'un mail automatique ?

      Bonjour, Lorsque je refuse un candidat, il reçois un mail dans les 24h pour l'informer que sa candidature n'est pas retenue. J'ai rejeté un candidat par erreur. Savez-vous s'il possible d'annuler l'envoi de ce mail ? Merci d'avance pour votre aide.

    • embed a form in an email

      Hello, how to embed a form in an email that populates Zoho CRM cases? I would like to send emails to a selected audience offering something. In the same email the recipients - if interested - instead of replying to can fill in a Zoho CRM form that creates

    • Zoho Bookings - Reserve with Google

      Does Zoho Bookings plan to to integrate with Reserve with Google?

    • How to add Zoho demo site page designs to my Zoho Sites website

      Hi, I would like to add the design from the following demo URLs into my current Zoho website. I have already created two new pages on my site, named “Menu2” and “Menu3.” For the “Menu2” page, I want to use the design from this demo: https://naturestjuice-demo.zohosites.com/menu

    • Digest Août - Un résumé de ce qui s'est passé le mois dernier sur Community

      Bonjour chère communauté ! Voici le résumé tant attendu de tout ce qui a marqué Zoho le mois dernier : contenus utiles, échanges inspirants et moments forts. 🎉 Découvrez Zoho Backstage 3.0 : une version repensée pour offrir encore plus de flexibilité,

    • Global Sets for Multi-Select pick lists

      When is this feature coming to Zoho CRM? It would be very useful now we have got used to having it for the normal pick lists.

    • Text snippet

      There is a nice feature in Zoho Desk called Text Snippet. It allows you to insert a bit of text anywhere in a reply that you are typing. That would be nice to have that option in Zoho CRM as well when we compose an email. Moderation Update: We agree that

    • Kaizen #206 - Answering your Questions | Displaying Related Purchase Orders from Zoho Books in CRM Deals using Queries

      Hello everyone! We're back with another post in the Kaizen series. We're grateful for the feedback we received from all of you! One of the questions we received was "I would like to see the list of Purchase Orders in Zoho Books for a Deal in CRM." We

    • Next Page