Test Event Owl for Free
Many organisers told us they wanted to explore Event Owl before committing to using it for their trader bookings.
That's absolutely fine.
You can create a test event at no cost, and if you decide to go ahead later, much of the information can simply be copied and adapted for your live event.
Step 1 - Create Your Event
Go to Organisers > Add an Event.
If you're new to Event Owl, you'll be asked to register first so we can create your organiser profile and save your event information.
Once registered, complete the basic event details and click Continue. Your event will be assigned an event number and stored within your organiser account.
Step 2 - Build Your Test Event
Work through the event setup sections.
When you reach the Business Details section, select Private. This ensures your test event won't appear on the public Event Owl events listing.
For testing purposes, keep things simple. Most fields only need a few words, such as:
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Test Event
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Test Organiser
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Test Description
You'll also need to create one or two exhibitor packages. We recommend setting these at £0-£5 for testing.
Step 3 - Connect Stripe
To test the full booking process, you'll need to connect a Stripe account.
Stripe is our secure payment provider and sends trader payments directly to your bank account.
If you already have a Stripe account, simply connect it. If not, creating one usually takes only a few minutes.
You can connect Stripe during event setup, or later by clicking your name in the top-right corner and selecting the blue Stripe button.
If you organise multiple events for different organisations, Stripe allows you to manage multiple accounts and choose which account receives payments for each event.
Step 4 - Submit for Approval
Before submitting, check that the main setup sections are complete.
You do not need to complete:
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Sponsors
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Embedded Code areas
Once you're happy, click Submit for Approval.
We'll review your event, apply the £0 test fee and let you know when it's ready to use.
Testing Your Event
Open Your Event Page
Sign in to your organiser account.
Go to My Organised Events and click either the event name or preview link.
Because your event is private, only people with the direct link can view it.
Make a Test Booking
To experience the system exactly as a trader would:
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Select an exhibitor package.
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Add it to the basket.
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Complete the application form.
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Upload a few test documents (Word or PDF files are fine).
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Submit the application.
Testing £0 Packages
If your package value is £0, no card details will be required.
You'll be able to test:
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Application forms
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Automated emails
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Dashboards
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Reports
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Approval workflows
Testing Paid Packages
If your package has a monetary value, you'll be taken to Stripe's checkout page.
You can choose whether or not to complete the payment process. If you do, Stripe's normal refund process applies.
Review Applications
To view your test booking:
Go to:
Organisers > My Organised Events
Then click Exhibitors beside your event.
From here you can:
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View application forms
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Download organiser invoices
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Review uploaded documents
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Approve or decline applications
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Apply discounts or price adjustments
Approving Traders
Before approving any trader application, we recommend checking:
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Their application details
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Documents and insurance
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Website and social media
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Existing trader list
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Available event space
If an application isn't suitable, simply decline it.
Event Owl automatically sends professional status updates to applicants, reducing emails and phone calls for organisers.
Ready To Go Live?
If you're happy with your trial, simply replace the test information with your real event details.
You can continue testing for as long as you wish by keeping your event in Private Mode.
When you're ready, switch it live and start accepting applications.
Need Help?
We're a small team and we're always happy to help.
If you have any questions, simply email us or message us on Facebook and we'll guide you through the process.
Start your free Event Owl trial today.