Planning Your Event
This guide will walk you through the steps of planning your event fundraiser.
Plan Your Event Like a Pro ✨
With your event created, it’s time to plan the details. Let's walk through the essential planning steps — from adding items to setting up your website, tickets, and more.
Step 1: Add Your Items
Items are the heart of your auction or fundraiser. In Auctria, you can add all kinds of items, from auction packages to raffle prizes and sponsorships.
Items have Item Types, and choosing the right type helps your items behave correctly in the app and on your event website.
Adding Items
You can add items directly through the Items menu on your Auctria dashboard. Each item can include:
- Item Type
- Title & description
- Images
- Starting bid & bidding rules
- Buy Now price (optional)
See Introduction To Items for more details about Items and Item Types.
Step 2: Manage Donors & Donations
Most events rely on generous donations from individuals and businesses. Auctria helps you keep track of your donors and even lets them submit donations directly through your event website.
Accept Donations Online
You can add a donation form to your event website so donors can easily submit their donations and details.
Manage Donor Info
All donor information is stored in the Auctria system, making it easy to track who gave what. You can find Donor reports by visiting Reports Donor tab.
Sell Donations Directly
If you receive cash or check donations, you can enter them manually through the Auctria dashboard to keep all contributions in one place.
Learn more about Item Donors and Donations:
Step 3: Build Your Event Website
Your Event Website is your event’s home online — where guests register, browse items, buy tickets, and donate.
Setting Up Your Site
Auctria’s Website Editor gives you complete control over every aspect of your event website's design. Drag and drop individual elements to fully customize the functionality of your site.
Update the colors of individual components to completely brand your website the way you want!
Making Changes
Need to update your site later? Use the Website Editor anytime to make changes. Changes save instantly.
Smart Templates
Auctria’s website templates automatically update as you add items, sponsors, and other content — saving you valuable editing time.
Learn more about the Event Website:
Step 4: Set Up Tickets & Guest Management
If your event includes tickets, Auctria can handle that too! You can add Tickets to your event through the Tickets page.
Sell tickets directly through your event website, through the Auctria Dashboard, or through the Auctria Admin App! Each ticket purchase automatically registers guests to your event guest list.
Guest Management
Need to add guests manually? You can also manage guests directly through the dashboard by clicking through Participants Add New Participant.
Auctria also makes it easy to manage guests in the room on event night with Check-In!
Learn more about Tickets and Guest Management:
Step 5: Add and Feature Sponsors
Sponsors are a key part of many fundraising events. In Auctria, you can add Sponsorship Items, set sponsorship prices, and feature sponsors directly on your event website.
Displaying Sponsors
Auctria’s website editor automatically creates a Sponsors page that updates as you add new sponsors — making sure they get the visibility they deserve.
Learn more about Sponsorships:
Step 6: Set Up Raffles (Optional)
If your event includes a raffle, Auctria helps you sell raffle tickets and manage raffle prizes directly within the dashboard.
Raffle Ticket Sales
Raffle tickets can be sold directly on your event website, alongside regular auction items and donations.
Raffle Prizes
Raffle prizes can be added like any other item, with clear labeling so guests know what’s up for grabs.
Learn more about Raffles:
Step 7: Review & Edit System Emails
Auctria automatically sends helpful system emails — like registration confirmations, winning bid notices, and receipts.
Customize Emails
You can edit the default system emails to match your event’s branding and voice.
Create Custom Emails
You can also create and send custom emails through Auctria’s Email Editor, making it easy to send reminders, updates, and thank-yous.
Learn more about Emails:
Step 8: Set Up Text Messaging (Emerald & Diamond Plans Only)
If you’re on an Emerald or Diamond plan, you can set up text messaging to keep guests updated before, during, and after your event.
What Texting Can Do
- Send bid confirmations
- Send outbid notifications
- Share important updates (like auction closing times)
- Collect donations via text
- Let guests register or check out via text
How to Enable Text Messaging
- Head to your Event Dashboard
- Visit the Text Messaging section
- Set up your Event Texting Number and customize your messages
Learn more about Text Messages:
Final Check ✅
Once these steps are done, your event will be well on its way!
What’s next? Running your event.
Last reviewed: February 2025