Deciding on the best platforms for Event Management

When choosing between Zoho, Swoogo, and Eventbrite, it is important to understand what platform suits your needs most. All of these softwares support in person and virtual meetings so that is not a major factor to take into account. For people who are already using Zoho tools like the Zoho campaign, Zoho projects, or Zoho mail, it is best to use Zoho since it is easy to use alongside other Zoho applications. If you are a complete beginner in the event management field, it is best to use Swoogo due to its beginner friendly interface. It is simple to use and has the smallest learning curve of the 3 applications, making it a great start for new users. Lastly, Eventbrite is the biggest of the 3 platforms, meaning more people use it and more people will have access to your events. This means that although a smaller percent of the platform might see your event, due to the greater size of the platform, this might still mean more people will see your event then in the other 2 softwares. 

Pros and Cons of all the Softwares

Pros

  1. They are all in one platform, meaning they have access to a large amount of tools.
  2. They are each heavily customizable, meaning they can each suit your events uniquely.
  3. They have mobile apps which make it easier to check in people and look at data from your phone.

Cons

  1. They cost money when doing paid tickets and sometimes have costs to use the software in general.  Do your research on the fees to see which one fits your budget. 
  2. Managing large events on these types of platforms can be complicated due to data overloads and coordinating large amounts of speakers or workshops. 
  3. Each of these platforms takes time to be comfortable with, meaning all staff who work using need practice before being properly equipped.

Be sure to research before getting started to be sure you are using the platform that best meet your needs.

Find the Spanish version here.

How to Use Zoho Event Management: A Step-by-Step Guide

Zoho Event Management is a comprehensive platform that simplifies the process of organizing, promoting, and managing events. This guide will walk you through each step, from setting up your account to hosting a successful event.

Step 1: Create an Account

To get started, visit the Zoho Event Management website and click on the “Sign Up” button. Enter your personal details, such as your name, email address, and create a password. Complete the registration by verifying your email if prompted. This will set up your Zoho account and give you access to the event management dashboard.

Step 2: Log In

Once you have an account, navigate to the Zoho Event Management homepage and click on the “Log In” button at the top right corner. Enter your registered email and password, then click “Log In” to access your dashboard. This will be your central hub for managing all aspects of your events.

Step 3: Create a New Event

To create a new event, click on the “Create Event” button on your dashboard. You’ll need to enter essential details such as the event name, date, time, and location. Also, specify whether the event will be in-person or virtual. These foundational details set the stage for your event and are critical for attendees to know.

Step 4: Add Event Description

In the description section, provide a detailed overview of your event. Explain what attendees can expect, including any special features, speakers, or activities. A comprehensive description helps potential attendees understand the value of your event and encourages them to register.

Step 5: Design Your Event Page

Zoho offers various design tools to help you customize your event page. Add images, videos, and custom branding elements to make the page visually appealing. A well-designed event page can enhance the overall attendee experience and make your event stand out.

Step 6: Set Up Ticketing

Navigate to the “Tickets” tab and choose the types of tickets you want to offer, such as free, paid, or donation-based. Set the price, quantity, and availability dates for each ticket type. Additionally, you can create discount codes or special offers to encourage early registrations. Proper ticketing setup ensures a smooth registration process for your attendees.

Step 7: Configure Registration Form

Customize the registration form to collect the necessary information from attendees. You can add custom fields, set mandatory questions, and tailor the form to suit your event’s needs. This step is crucial for gathering all the information you need from participants to facilitate a well-organized event.

Step 8: Set Up Payment Processing

If you are selling tickets, configure your payment processing options by linking your account to a payment gateway like Stripe or PayPal. This setup is crucial for processing ticket sales smoothly and securely, ensuring that both you and your attendees have a seamless transaction experience.

Step 9: Preview Your Event

Before publishing, preview your event page to ensure all details are correct and there are no errors. This step helps catch any mistakes that could impact attendee experience. Make any necessary adjustments before moving forward. A final review is essential for presenting a professional and error-free event page.

Step 10: Publish Your Event

Once everything is reviewed and accurate, click the “Publish” button to make your event live. Your event page will now be accessible to the public, allowing potential attendees to register. This officially launches your event on Zoho, opening the doors for registrations.

Step 11: Promote Your Event

Share your event link on social media platforms, your website, and through email newsletters. Utilize Zoho’s built-in promotional tools to increase your event’s reach.                                    

OR                                                                                                                                        

Consider using paid advertising options offered by Zoho to boost visibility. Effective promotion is key to attracting attendees and ensuring a successful event.

Step 12: Monitor Ticket Sales

Regularly check the “Manage Attendees” section to monitor ticket sales and registrations. Keeping track of these metrics helps you gauge interest and make necessary adjustments. Monitoring sales data allows you to identify trends and plan accordingly, ensuring your event’s success.

Step 13: Communicate with Attendees

Use Zoho’s email tools to send important updates, reminders, and information to your attendees. Effective communication ensures that attendees are well-informed and engaged, which can lead to higher satisfaction and fewer no-shows. Keeping in touch with attendees helps maintain a strong connection and encourages a positive event experience.

Step 14: Check-In Attendees

On the day of the event, use Zoho’s check-in tools to efficiently manage attendee arrivals. The platform allows you to scan tickets quickly, maintaining an accurate count of participants. This helps streamline the entry process and improves attendee experience by reducing wait times and ensuring a smooth check-in process.

Using Zoho Event Management can streamline the complex process of event planning. By following these steps, you can create professional-looking event pages, reach a wider audience, and manage your event smoothly from start to finish. With Zoho, you can enhance the efficiency of your event management, ensuring a successful and memorable event.

Find the Spanish Version here

Meet EGBI Volunteer: Aimara Villanueva Torres

I’m passionate about words and communicative technologies, and I hail from Caracas, Venezuela. With a degree in Linguistics, I made my mark in publishing houses, magazines, and creative agencies, now I’m focusing on applied linguistics in technology as a trainer in artificial intelligence. Driven by my love for communication and fascination with the digital future, I aim to understand and contribute to the development of new communicative technologies. Outside of work, I enjoy gaming and participating in projects combining my love for reading with my passion for gaming. As a volunteer, I have demonstrated my commitment to the community in adult education projects and promoting reading in marginalized communities. Among my achievements, I have created an innovative project promoting reading in unconventional spaces, providing companionship and entertainment to patients in chemotherapy wards.

 Share a fun fact about yourself.

I read a lot and very quickly; I can spend up to 10 hours reading a thousand pages if I’m interested in the material.

Why did you first get involved with EGBI?

When I discovered the work EGBI was doing, I was immediately drawn to it and wanted to get involved. I love being able to help build tools for those embarking on the journey as entrepreneurs.

How has your experience with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

The work at EGBI is certainly educational and formative, but it also has a strong philosophical component related to equal opportunities and the reduction of language and cultural barriers. This commitment has made me realize how much even a small contribution can help build a more just and diverse society.

What part of EGBI’s mission resonates most with you?

I believe EGBI empowers entrepreneurs, helping shape and give meaning to their dreams. I’m thrilled to contribute to helping many families achieve independence and security

 Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?

The people at EGBI are wonderful, committed, and kind. I am proud to be able to work alongside them and to contribute my part to the tremendous and meaningful work they do.

Do you want to change your community and help those around you? Then help volunteer with EGBI by contacting us through our email Hello@egbi.org.

Find The Spanish version here

Meet EGBI Volunteer: Veronica Holmquist 

I am originally from Veracruz, Mexico, and have been living in Texas since 2002. Recently, I completed my master’s degree in Montessori education, and I also hold a master’s in business administration (MBA)  and Bachelor’s (BA) in marketing. My professional journey has been divided into two parts. First, I worked in the banking and investment sector, where I developed skills in customer service, sales, budgeting, and management. Second, I have served as a teacher in various educational settings, including public and private schools with alternative philosophies such as Montessori, International Baccalaureate (IB), and bilingual programs in Spanish. One aspect that unites both facets of my career is the constant use of Spanish. This skill has been fundamental to my professional success and personal satisfaction. I currently live in Driftwood, TX, with my family. 

Share a fun fact about yourself. 

I am learning Latin to help my son with his middle school Latin class.

Why did you first get involved with EGBI? 

In my professional experience, I have seen many business owners benefit from the tools and networking events that EGBI offers. This inspired me to get involved with EGBI. 

How has your experience with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?          

My experience with EGBI has allowed me to stay connected with Hispanic small business owners, continuously drawing inspiration and learning from their hard work and success. 

What part of EGBI’s mission resonates most with you? 

The part of EGBI’s mission that resonates most with me is its commitment to providing resources and support to business owners, helping those owners to succeed and thrive. 

What was the most rewarding moment you had while volunteering for EGBI?                 

The most rewarding moment I had while volunteering for EGBI was learning about the tangible impact of the support and tools we provided to business owners to foster their growth and success. 

Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI? 

Others should volunteer or support EGBI because it is a powerful way to contribute to the community, offering valuable resources and networking opportunities that can significantly benefit business owners.

Do you also want to make an impact on those around you, volunteer for EGBI by reaching us on our email Hello@egbi.org

Find Spanish version here

Meet EGBI Volunteer: Veeda Khan

Hi! My name is Veeda Khan and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at Austin. Estoy especializado en Chemistry with a Certificate in Spanish for Medical Professionals. I’m originally from the Dallas area and some of my hobbies include running, fashion, and checking out new coffee places in different cities! 

1. What is a fun fact about you? 

 A fun fact about me is that I’m learning how to DJ in my spare time! 

2. Why did you first get involved with EGBI?

I initially decided to get involved with EGBI because I was looking for ways to serve the Austin community. I saw EGBI had volunteer opportunities that allowed me to get involved with the Spanish community of Austin and share my skills, so it seemed like a perfect fit! 

3. How has your experience with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?      

 Volunteering with EGBI has allowed me to develop my Spanish skills immensely. As a non-native Spanish speaker, having the opportunity to practice and exercise my Spanish through blog translating has enabled me to retain and improve my skills. Translating blogs for EGBI has also allowed me to better understand the needs of the Austin community, as there is a huge community of Spanish speakers in Austin who are in need of help in their native language. I aspire to pursue a career in medicine, and knowing a second language will allow me to treat a greater demographic of patients, especially living in Texas. 

4. What part of EGBI’s mission resonates most with you? 

EGBI’s mission to support Austin’s community is what resonates most with me. Oftentimes, people have dreams that they are hesitant to pursue because of the lack of guidance and support, and I’m glad that EGBI has made it their mission to offer people the resources they need to find success and fulfillment! 

5. What was the most rewarding moment you had while volunteering for EGBI?                  The most rewarding aspect of volunteering with EGBI has been the opportunity to reach the underserved and underrepresented populations of Austin. I’m so glad that the work I have been able to do with EGBI is enabling members of the Spanish community to have access to resources and pursue their passions. 

6. Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI? 

EGBI is a non-profit organization that supports aspiring business owners, whose mission could use lots of support from others. There are lots of ways to get involved with EGBI, and joining their team is a great way to get involved in fulfilling work while supporting the Austin community!

Do you want to help the underprivileged and underrepresented of Austin? Volunteer with EGBI by contacting us at Hello@egbi.org

Find the Spanish Version here

Meet EGBI Client: Lucero Valle Archuleta

Lucero Valle is the passionate force behind Lucero Creative Business, a certified women- and minority-owned photography studio in Austin, Texas. Growing up in her family’s photography studio, she developed a lifelong love for capturing moments and telling stories through her lens. Lucero specializes in Commercial and Advertising Photography, Corporate Headshots, Product and Lifestyle Branding, and Personal Branding Photography, serving a diverse clientele that includes business owners, community leaders, influencers, corporations, and government agencies.

What was one of your most recent accomplishments that your business has achieved? 

One of Lucero Creative Business’s recent milestones has been expanding our service offerings to include personalized image and style consulting services. This new addition allows us to assist clients in translating their unique style, personality, and professional strengths into their business and personal image. By helping them align their visual identity with their brand values, we empower them to make a lasting impression in their respective fields.

How has EGBI helped your business grow?

EGBI has been an invaluable partner in my entrepreneurial journey with Lucero Creative Business over the past 12 years. Their dedicated business coaching and unwavering support have been instrumental in guiding me through crucial decisions, refining our business strategy, and fostering a strong network of peers and mentors. With EGBI’s help, we’ve not only grown our client base but also strengthened our operational efficiency, ensuring we deliver exceptional service with every project.

What were some obstacles that you had to face?

Running Lucero Creative Business as a single mom and entrepreneur has been a journey filled with challenges and moments of growth. Balancing the immediate demands of daily operations with the long-term vision for growth requires careful planning and perseverance.

One of the significant hurdles has been navigating financial constraints and learning the intricacies of accounting. Accessing funding and understanding financial management were daunting tasks initially. However, with determination and support from resources like EGBI, I’ve gained confidence in managing finances effectively to sustain and expand our services.

Marketing has also presented its share of challenges. Adapting to the ever-changing market needs and embracing new marketing strategies has been essential. It’s about staying agile, experimenting with innovative approaches, and staying connected with our clients’ evolving preferences.

What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to learn and grow through every obstacle. Being accountable to both the immediate tasks and the broader business goals has been crucial. As a single mom and entrepreneur, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and persistence, qualities that drive my passion for photography and helping clients express their unique stories through visual storytelling.

What kept you inspired to keep working on your business?

What inspires me to continually push forward with Lucero Creative Business is the profound impact our work has on our clients and the community. Every photograph we capture and every consulting session we conduct is an opportunity to empower individuals to authentically showcase their identity and expertise. Witnessing our clients’ transformation and success stories fuels my passion for photography and strategic consulting, motivating me to elevate our services and expand our community outreach efforts.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I’m a total creative enthusiast. I love diving into crafts and have even dabbled in jewelry making—a perfect blend of artistry and intricate design. Beyond that, I’m a bit of a tech geek too, rocking out as a website and graphic designer when I’m not behind the camera. Creativity fuels my soul, whether it’s through capturing moments with my lens or crafting visually stunning websites and designs that tell stories in their own right.

Find the Spanish version here

Meet EGBI Intern: Avaneesh

By: Alana Lewis

I’m Avaneesh, a junior high school student with a passion for music and anime. In my free time, I love immersing myself in the latest tunes and exploring captivating anime series. With a curious mind and a love for entertainment, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences.

1. How has being an intern at Egbi helped you?

EGBI has helped me through my journey by teaching me how to interact with people older and younger than me in the workplace and how to properly dress, communicate, and work in the office to maximize my results.

2. What are three ways to succeed?

Three ways I think makes anyone successful are 1. Communicate with your superiors to gain the best understanding of the situation 2. Be consistent with how you do your assignments 3. Keep a positive mindset during your work days.

3. What are some things you like doing outside of work?

I enjoy working out and blasting music in my room at night.

4. After working with EGBI what are some things you would like to work on?

I would like to work on more Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software and understand what all the different modules mean.

5. What is the future career path you would like to take after working with EGBI?

I would like to pursue pre-med but let’s see how far that goes.

6. After being an intern with EGBI would you actually commit to this job?

If not for pre-med, I would like to commit to this job since I enjoy helping those around me, and doing it for free is even better.

Find the Spanish version here.

If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities at EGBI please email hello@egbi.org.

How To Use Hashtags on Social Media

By Shamitha Ramanan

Hashtags have become an integral part of social media and are a powerful tool for categorizing content, increasing visibility, and engaging with a broader audience. This article will help you navigate hashtags on different social media to maximize your social media presence.

How to Use Hashtags Effectively

1. Do Your Research:

  •  Trending Hashtags: Check platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for trending hashtags related to your content.
  • Industry-Specific Hashtags: Use hashtags that are popular within your industry to reach a targeted audience.

2. Use a Mix of Popular and Niche Hashtags:

   – Popular hashtags (#Travel, #Food) have a broad reach but high competition.

   – Niche hashtags (#MinimalistLifestyle, #VeganRecipes) target a specific audience with less competition, increasing the likelihood of engagement.

3. Create Branded Hashtags:

   – Unique to your brand or campaign, these hashtags can help build a community and encourage user-generated content.

4. Limit the Number of Hashtags:

   – Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but engagement drops after 5-10 hashtags.

   – Twitter’s character limit suggests 1-2 hashtags per tweet for optimal engagement.

   – LinkedIn and Facebook are effective with 3-5 hashtags per post.

5. Place Hashtags Strategically:

   – On Instagram, hashtags can go in the caption or the first comment.

   – On Twitter, integrate hashtags naturally within your tweet.

   – On LinkedIn, place hashtags at the end of your post for better readability.

Find the Spanish version here.

Meet EGBI Volunteer: Gala Vergara

By Avaneesh Katappagari

Born on November 21st of 2000 in Mexico City, Mexico, I come from a short family full of engineers and people good at Maths. I on the other hand was never good at such skills so I discovered my passion for languages and linguistics in high school. I have a younger sister called Dania, and I enjoy spending time with my family. I completed a major in Translation at Instituto Superior de Intérpretes y Traductores. I have one dog named Moka, and I love her even though she is a little devil. 

Share a fun fact about yourself

I’m passionate about dances from India and the Middle East, and I have studied them since I was 12 years old. I did a dance certification in Mexico on Middle East dances last year. 

Why did you first get involved with EGBI?

I was looking for a translating job online, and I saw EGBIS’s post on a volunteering website. I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain experience while helping the community, and I just went for it. 

How has your experience with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

Even though I started volunteering a few months ago, translating for EGBI is helping me a lot in terms of practice. Working with a very specific locale (the linguistic and cultural variation of a language that exists in a country, as it is called in Translation), in this case, U.S. Spanish. This opportunity has allowed me to take risks, think critically in translation decisions, and investigate topics I am not familiar with. This helped me to grow as a professional translator. On a personal level, I enjoy helping others and meeting people from all around the world! I would love to go to Texas one of these days and meet all the local office people there! 

What part of EGBI’s mission resonates most with you?

I really love what EGBI does. I consider training and coaching is a great way to help a growing community that clearly supports the economy and local entrepreneurs. 

What was the most rewarding moment you had while volunteering for EGBI?

So far, I love being part of the team and I really appreciate the time you and the organization are taking to officially include me in the group of volunteers. At the same time, I love to see my work posted on the website. Knowing that my translation will help someone to be informed is completely gratifying. 

Why do you think others should volunteer or support EGBI?

Because that is absolutely cool! The people at EGBI are amazingly kind and understanding. I am allowed to do my work without any pressure, and if you are looking for the opportunity to gain experience in a very recognized organization, this is the chance to go for it. I am sure that would look amazing on your CV. However, the most important thing is for the sake of helping others! 

Do you also want to help communities around you? Then volunteer for EGBI and contact us at Hello@egbi.org.

Find the Spanish version here

Meet EGBI Volunteer:  Josué Palacios

Josué is a dedicated freelance translator with a passion for making information accessible to a wider audience. Specializing in translations from English and Italian to Spanish, he focuses on areas such as media and journalism, mindfulness and wellness, and IT. Outside of his professional work, Josué volunteers his translation skills to help organizations like EGBI, ensuring that valuable resources are available in Spanish. When he’s not translating, Josué enjoys spending time reading manga, watching movies, and exploring new ways to expand his linguistic skills.

Share a fun fact with us

I don’t know if this qualifies as a fun fact, but when I watch movies, I often turn on the Spanish subtitles to compare how the original dialogue was translated. It’s a habit that stems from my curiosity about language nuances. Sometimes, though, it can be distracting, so I end up turning them off since I’m fluent in English. However, my curiosity usually gets the best of me, leading to a cycle of turning subtitles on and off to analyze the translation. In short, I might not be the best movie-watching companion (haha).

Why did you first get involved with EGBI?

I first got involved with EGBI because I was looking for volunteer opportunities where I could use my translation skills. I love making information accessible to a wider audience, and translating for EGBI allows me to contribute to their mission by ensuring that resources are available in Spanish.

How has your collaboration with EGBI helped you grow professionally and personally?

Professionally, it has allowed me to refine my translation skills, especially in business-related documents. Personally, volunteering for EGBI has been fulfilling, knowing that my work directly helps entrepreneurs and small businesses in a positive way.

What part of EGBI’s mission resonates most with you?

The part of EGBI’s mission that resonates most with me is its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses. I believe that providing the right resources and support can make a significant difference in helping individuals achieve their dreams and contribute to their communities.

What was the most rewarding experience you had while working as a translator at EGBI?

The most rewarding experience for me was the opportunity to translate content into Spanish. I strongly believe in making information accessible in as many languages as possible to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. Additionally, I gained valuable knowledge from the content I translated.

Why do you think others should volunteer, translate, or support EGBI?

I think that by volunteering with EGBI, you’re directly contributing to the success of aspiring and existing business owners, which in turn strengthens local economies and fosters community development. Additionally, it’s a fantastic opportunity to use your skills and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether you’re passionate about entrepreneurship, language, or community development, EGBI offers a platform to channel your energy and resources toward positive change.

Find the Spanish version here

If you would like to volunteer with EGBI please reach out to the organization by sending an email to hello@egbi.org