Assigning Paddle Numbers

Let's learn about paddle numbers!

To raise money during your in person paddle raise, each attendee will need an assigned paddle number. In this lesson, you will learn how to individually assign paddle numbers under the 'Supporters' tab or pre-assign by doing it utilizing the "Bulk Actions" feature.

Our best practice is always to suggest assigning paddles at the door, as guests arrive. Not only does this cut down on time spent at check-in but it prevents guests from losing their paddles or grabbing another guest's paddles. However, depending on the flow and style of your event, pre-assigning paddles might be a better option for your attendees. Interested in learning which paddle assigning practice best suits your event? Learn more about our best practices here! 

Please Note: Paddle numbers can only be assigned to ticket holders users and are unable to be assigned to placeholders. 

How to Assign Paddle Number's During Check-In

On the 'Supporters' tab, there is a list of all of your ticket holders. The ticket holder list displays the Name, Ticket Type, Purchaser, Paddle Number, Linked To, Table Name, etc... In order to assign a paddle, you will first click the blue "Check-In" button.

Once you have clicked the blue "Check-In" button, the check-in modal will pop-up, allowing you to add or edit the attendees account information. In the lower left-hand corner, you will see the "Paddle Number" field where you are to assign a paddle number, shown below: 

After grabbing the first paddle number off the top of your stack of unassigned paddles, you will want to enter that number in the "Paddle Number" field. After entering their paddle number and altering any needed account information, you will click the blue "Check-In" button in the lower right-hand corner. 

After entering the guests paddle number and clicking the blue "Check-In" button, you will see two green success messages in the lower right-hand corner of your screen appear, shown below:

Pros & Cons of Pre-Assigning Paddle Number Prior to the Event

Pros:

1. Organization: Pre-assigning paddles allows organizers to plan seating arrangements, groupings, and bidder numbers in advance, leading to a smoother event flow.
2. Personalization: Attendees can be assigned specific paddle numbers based on preferences or VIP status.

Cons:

1. Less Flexibility: Pre-assigning paddles may limit the ability to accommodate last-minute attendees or changes in registration, potentially causing issues with latecomers.
2. Engagement Challenges: Without the excitement of receiving paddles on-site, pre-assigned paddles may result in lower initial engagement from attendees.
3. Increased Administration: Pre-assigning paddles requires more administrative work beforehand, including managing attendee lists and paddle assignments accurately.
4. Confusion: If attendees switch seats, they could end up using the wrong paddle number.

Pre-Assigning Paddle Numbers Within the 'Supporters' Tab

When you are bulk assigning paddle numbers, you will want to be at the top of the 'Supporters' tab. There is a "Paddle Numbers" drop-down menu that will allow you to clear, assign, and/or print paddle numbers.

Alternative Ways To Assign Paddles

1. Editing a Paddle Number or Assigning a New Paddle Number

2. Assigning a Paddle Number to an Unassigned Ticket Holder in the 'Supporters' Tab

3. Assigning Paddle Numbers to Registered Attendees (non-ticketed and ticketed) in the 'Supporters' Tab

Editing a Paddle Number or Assigning a New Paddle Number

Within the 'Supporters' tab, find the attendee's name. To the right, find the column titled "Paddle Number," then click "Assign." Enter the paddle number on the pop-up window, or press the blue "Update" button to automatically assign the next available paddle number.

Assigning a Paddle Number to an Unassigned Ticket Holder in 'Supporters' Tab

When the ticket does not have a ticket holder attached to the event, assigning a paddle number is slightly different. On the 'Supporters' tab, click "Add Attendee" or "Check-In" and a pop-up will lead you to complete the ticket.

The pop-up will prompt you to search for an existing profile. If they already have a profile, it will automate when you enter the phone number or email; if not, you will be prompted to create an account. Either way, assigning the paddle number will look the same. Once the ticket has been assigned, the "Assign" button in the "Paddle Number" column will appear in blue, allowing you to click and complete the paddle number information. 

Assigning Paddle Numbers to Registered Attendees (non-ticketed and ticketed) in the 'Supporters' Tab

If you need to assign a paddle number to a non-ticketed guest or if you are hosting a non-ticketed event but would still like to assign paddle numbers, you can do so in the 'Supporters' tab.

1. Assigning paddle numbers to attendees who are non-ticketed in the 'Supporters' tab

After navigating to the 'Supporters' tab, you will want to locate the "Join Attendee" field on the right-hand side of the page. After asking the attendee for their phone number, click the blue 'Send Text' button. 

After doing so, you will be prompted to assign this guest a paddle number, which you are able to skip if this step is not applicable to your event. 

2. Assigning a paddle number to a previously joined or registered attendee within the 'Supporters' tab

After navigating to the 'Supporters' tab, you will want to search the attendee who needs an assigned paddle number using the search field pictured below.

Once you have searched the attendee, you will locate the column entitled "Paddle Number" and click "Assign," which prompts the pop-up pictured below. 

You will now enter the paddle number in the available field and click the blue "Update" button. Once you have updated the attendees paddle number, you will see their newly assigned paddle number on their attendee card, shown below: 

Still have questions regarding assigning paddles to your attendees? You can reach out to us at support@event.gives.

In the last lesson, you will learn how to print your paddles for your guests. One more step to earning your Paddle Perfecto master badge!