Application mode controls how participants enter an event. Choose it deliberately. The best mode depends on whether the event is curated, open to applicants, or a mix of invited and public participants.
Application modes
- Manual: staff add participants directly. Use this for invite-only or internally curated events.
- Portal: applicants use public application forms. Use this when applicants should enter their own details, answer questions, and accept terms.
- Both: staff can add participants and applicants can apply online. Use this when the event combines invited participants and public applications.
How to choose
Create or edit the event
Open the Application Forms step or Forms tab.
Select Manual, Portal, or Both
Choose the route that matches your intake process.
Configure forms if using Portal or Both
Add form wording, allowed types, catalogue choices, questions, terms, and deadline.
Save and test
Submit a test application before sharing a public link.
Manual is controlled and staff-led. Portal is better when applicants should enter their own details and accept terms. Both is useful, but it needs careful status review so the same participant is not counted twice.
Trader applications
Managing trader applications for a market or festival?
SmartGig helps you collect applications, review documents, track payments, approve traders and run event-day check-in from one connected workflow.
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Review submitted applications, inspect answers and pricing, then approve, confirm, reject, or withdraw the participant record.