Participant types are one of the most important setup records in Trader Manager. They tell SmartGig who someone is for your event: trader, food vendor, charity stall, exhibitor, sponsor, supplier, performer, or whatever language your organisation uses.
Categories versus types
- Categories group types so the Participant Types page and filters are easier to scan.
- Types are the working records used on forms, participant records, pricing, compliance requirements, and reports.
- Categories are optional. Types are usually essential for event setup.
What participant types control
- The type name applicants and staff see.
- A base charge or default fee where used.
- Which category the type belongs to.
- Which compliance documents are required or optional.
- Which types can appear on specific event application forms.
- Filtering and reporting across the event and participant directory.
Set them up
Open Participant Types
Create categories first if you want grouped lists.
Add a participant type
Use a clear name and add any base charge.
Attach compliance documents
Choose existing document types or create new ones.
Mark documents required or optional
Required documents affect compliance. Optional documents can be collected without blocking compliance.
Save and reuse
The type becomes available in event setup, applications, directory records, and filters.
Use names applicants understand. Internal shorthand may be fast for the team, but public forms should be clear without extra explanation.
Trader management
Keeping trader records tidy across events?
SmartGig connects trader applications, participant records, documents, payments, approvals and arrival state so your team is not rebuilding the same list every event.
Related articles
Add Participants Manually
Create participant records one at a time for invited participants, returning participants, or records you want ready before applications open.
Import Participants from CSV
Bring an existing spreadsheet or exported list into the participant directory with preview and validation.
Search and Filter the Directory
Find participant records by name, business, email, type, flagged status, and compliance signal.