Complete Guide to Agenda Planning with Zoho Backstage

Agenda Setup and Management

Overview

Transform your event planning with Zoho Backstage's powerful agenda management tools. Create professional schedules, organize sessions, and keep your attendees informed every step of the way.



Every successful event starts with the right session structure. Zoho Backstage offers five core session types to help you craft the perfect event flow:

Core Session Types
  1. Registration Session: Set the stage for your event by creating a dedicated check-in session where attendees can register and get oriented.
  2. Welcome Note: Launch your event with impact through a formal greeting session that sets the tone and introduces key participants.
  3. Keynote: Deliver your event's core message or theme through focused, high-impact presentations that inspire and inform.
  4. Presentation: Showcase new ideas, products, or innovations through detailed demonstrations and introductions.
  5. Reception: Close your event on a high note with dedicated networking and wrap-up activities.
Additional Session Options

Beyond the core types, you can also schedule essential event breaks including Breakfast, Break, Lunch, Tea, and Dinner sessions. For unique session types not covered by the standard options, simply select "Other" from the Session Type dropdown.


Creating a Session

Getting started with session creation is straightforward and intuitive:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Choose the event day for the session. 



  3. Double-click on any track to open the Add Session panel. 



  4. Select your Session Type, or choose Other to add a custom type.
  5. Update the default Title to match your session content.
  6. If your event spans multiple days, select the appropriate Event Day.
  7. Set the Start Time and Duration of the session.
    1. If the session timing is not confirmed, check To be announced below the Start Time picker.
  8. Choose a Hall to assign the session’s location.
    1. For halls still being finalized, simply check the To be announced option below the Hall dropdown.
  9. Add Speakers by selecting them from your roster.
    1. If the speaker is not confirmed, check To be announced below the Speaker dropdown.
  10. Assign the session to the appropriate Track
    1. If the session is meant to appear under all tracks for the selected day, check Common to all tracks.
  11. Enter Tags to improve discoverability. Use commas or press Enter between each tag.



  12. Write a detailed Session Description outlining the content, instructions, and expectations.
  13. Under Access Settings, choose All ticket classes to make the session available to everyone, or select Selected ticket classes to limit access.
    1. Choose the ticket classes from the Choose Ticket Classes dropdown. 
  14. Click Done to save the session to your timeline.

Idea
Use the Duplicate option from the session menu to quickly create similar sessions with pre-filled information.


Session Management  

Events evolve, and your agenda should too. Make changes effortlessly:

  1. Adjust Duration: Drag session boundaries in the timeline to expand or shrink duration automatically.
  2. Move Between Tracks: Click and drag sessions from one track to another for instant reorganization.
  3. Feature Important Sessions: Use the Feature option to highlight key sessions on your website's home page.
  4. Manage Visibility: Hide sessions from public view while keeping them in your timeline for reference.

Duplicating a Session 


  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon for a session in the timeline.
  3. Click Duplicate. The Add Session panel will appear with the pre-filled information. 
  4. Make the necessary changes.
  5. Click Done to apply your changes. 

Featuring a Session   



Make a session stand out from the rest. Feature a session to mark it in the agenda and display it in the Home page of your website.
  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon for a session in the timeline.
  3. Click Feature.
Info
You can also do the same by clicking the Feature check box below the Session Type dropdown when you edit a session.

Hiding a Session  



Hide a session in the timeline to remove it from the agenda in the website.
  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon for a session in the timeline.
  3. Click Hide.
Info
Hidden sessions will only be scored out in the timeline and will not be deleted.

Handling Unfinalized Sessions  


Sessions with undecided elements can be managed in the Sessions not finalized area:

  1. Select Move to TBA from the session menu.
  2. Sessions appear at the top of your timeline.
  3. Move back to scheduled slots when details are confirmed.

Deleting a Session  


  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon for a session in the timeline.
  3. Click Delete.

Track Management

Creating Additional Tracks   


Organize your sessions logically by creating multiple tracks. 

NotesScenario: Melissa organizes a product company event with sessions on advancements and innovations. She creates separate tracks for each focus area, helping attendees navigate content that interests them most.

  • Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  • Click the Menu icon.
  • Click Add Track on the right side of the Agenda page.
  • Create focused tracks like "Product Advancements" and "Innovation Showcase".
  • Group sessions by theme, department, or venue as needed.

Cross-Track Sessions

For sessions that benefit all attendees (like keynotes), make them common across all tracks:

  1. Check "Common for all tracks" in the Add Session panel, or
  2. Select "Common for All Tracks" from the session menu after creation.


New tracks automatically inherit common sessions, ensuring consistent experience across your event.

Color Coding a Track  


Improve visual organization with color-coded tracks:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon next to any track. 
  3. Click Track Color. The Track Color panel will appear. 
  4. Choose from the color palette.



  5. Click Done to apply.

Renaming a Track


  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon next to any track.
  3. Click Rename
  4. Enter the track name. 
  5. Press Enter/return

Rearranging Tracks

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon next to any track.
  3. Click Rearrange. The Rearrange Track panel will appear. 



  4. Drag and drop the tracks as required to rearrange them. 
  5. Click Done

Deleting a Track

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon next to any track.
  3. Click Delete.

Managing Venues 

Adding Session Halls

Provide clear location information to help attendees navigate your event:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon associated with a session.
  3. Click the ➕ icon next to the Hall dropdown in the Add Session panel. The Add Hall panel will appear. 



  4. Enter the hall Name and complete Address.
  5. Click Done to automatically populate the Hall dropdown.

Info
For venues still being finalized, simply check the To be announced option below the Hall dropdown.

Editing Hall Information

Update location details as needed:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon associated with a session.
  3. Double-click a session to open the Edit Session panel.
  4. Expand the Hall dropdown and hover over the hall name.
  5. Click the Edit icon to modify name or address.
  6. Click Done to save the changes. 

Managing Speakers

Adding Session Speakers

Keep your audience informed about who's presenting:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon associated with a session. 
  3. Click Edit. The Edit Session panel will appear.
  4. Click the ➕ icon next to the Speakers dropdown. The Add Speaker panel will appear. 



  5. Enter the presenter's Email address
    1. Alternatively, use Pick from Portal Members to select from your existing team.



  6. Click Add to automatically populate the Speakers dropdown.

Info
Speaker invitations automatically add presenters to your event member list. For speakers not yet confirmed, use the To be announced checkbox.

Removing a Speaker

Remove speakers from specific sessions without deleting them from your overall speaker database:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon associated with a session.
  3. Click Edit. The Edit Session panel will appear.
  4. Click the X icon next to the speaker name.



  5. Speaker remains in your Speakers page for future use.

Agenda Import and Export

Importing Agenda


Already have your agenda planned? Upload it directly:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon.
  3. Click Import and click Continue. 
  4. Upload your spreadsheet file (XLS or XLSX format, under 20MB). 
Idea

Important Notes:

  • Use the Export feature first to download a reference format.
  • Ensure files aren't password-protected.
  • Check your email for error reports if import fails.

Exporting Agenda


Create backup copies or work offline:

  1. Navigate to Manage > Agenda from the Dock.
  2. Click the Menu icon.
  3. Select Export option. The Export Agenda dialog box will appear. 



  4. Optionally Password protect the file.
  5. Download as XLSX format. 

Printing/Downloading Agendas

Generate professional printouts for distribution:
  1. From Agenda management, click the Menu icon.
  2. Click Print/Download Agenda.
  3. Choose your Page Setup and Size.



  4. Use the Print link to download or print directly.

Customizing Agenda Section on the Website Designer    

  1. Navigate to Design > Website Design from the Dock. 
  2. Click Edit Website
  3. Go to the Agenda page. 
  4. Click the Settings icon associated with the agenda section. The Agenda Settings panel will appear. 


Agenda Navigation

  1. Click Agenda Navigation. The Agenda Navigation panel will appear. 



  2. Click Change and change the navigation Layout
  3. Enable/Disable the following Agenda Filters:
    1. All Tracks
    2. Session Categories
    3. Speakers
    4. Session Tags
    5. Hall
  4. If your event is in draft state, click Publish to publish your event. If already live, Republish it.

Session Card

  1. Click Session Card Navigation. The Session Card panel will appear. 
  2. Click Change and change the session card Layout



  3. Choose the Display Elements that will appear on your session card. Enable/Disable the following Display Elements:



    1. Duration
    2. Hall
    3. Track
    4. Description
    5. Speakers
    6. Session Tags
  4. Set the Session Card Size: Default, Medium, or Large. 
  5. Set the Element Size of the following: 
    1. Time and Title:  Default, Medium, or Large. 
    2. Duration and Hall:  Default, Medium, or Large. 
    3. Track: Default, Medium, or Large. 
    4. Speakers: Default, Medium, or Large.
  6. Change the Speaker Style
  7. If your event is in draft state, click Publish to publish your event. If already live, Republish it.

Session Details View  

  1. Click Session Details View. The Session Details View panel will appear. 



  2. Choose between Pop-Up and Side Panel
  3. If your event is in draft state, click Publish to publish your event. If already live, Republish it.

Best Practices

Planning Tips

  • Start with core sessions: Begin with Registration, Welcome, Keynote, and Reception
  • Use descriptive titles: Make session names clear and engaging
  • Add comprehensive tags: Help attendees filter and find relevant content
  • Plan buffer time: Include breaks between sessions for smooth transitions

Organization Strategies

  • Group logically: Organize tracks by theme, audience, or location
  • Feature key content: Highlight must-attend sessions on your homepage
  • Keep it flexible: Use TBA options for evolving content
  • Color code effectively: Use distinct colors for easy track identification

Communication

  • Write clear descriptions: Explain what attendees will learn and what to expect
  • Include speaker bios: Help attendees connect with presenters
  • Update regularly: Keep information current as plans evolve
  • Provide venue details: Include complete address and location instructions

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1: Why isn't my session appearing on the event website?
A: It may be hidden in the timeline. Open the session menu and select the option to make it visible.

2: Why is my agenda import failing?
A: Make sure your spreadsheet follows the format of the exported template and is not password-protected. Use the Export option first to get a reference file.

3: Why aren't my speaker changes showing up?
A: Removing a speaker from a session doesn’t delete them from your speaker database. Check if they were removed only from the session and not from the overall speaker list.

4: What happens if I accidentally delete a track?
A: All sessions from the deleted track are automatically moved to the default track. You can manually reassign them to new or existing tracks.

If you have any questions, please contact support@zohobackstage.com

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