What's new?
Everything that's new in Zoho Backstage — news, features, and updates.
2022
Apr
1:1 meetings: A brand-new way to network at virtual events
Serendipitous conversations are the hallmark of in-person events. With our new 1:1 meeting option, this is now possible at virtual events too. Allow your attendees to schedule meetings with other attendees and network easily with like-minded people.
Virtual expos—now at hybrid events
Open up a virtual trade show at your next hybrid event and give your attendees one more reason to come online. Plus, this can be an added benefit for your sponsors.
Mar
New chat options for virtual events
Attendees can now connect with each other using one-on-one chat during virtual sessions. Plus, we’ve also introduced a panelists-only chat feature that you can use to manage sessions and share privileged information with your speakers and panelists.
More website customizations, better attendee conversions
Border and color options for your website buttons, alignment options for the Hero section, and size modifications of media elements—these are just a few of updates we made so your event website is all the more attractive to your audience.
Feb
It’s here: The Zoom Meetings integration
You can now integrate Backstage with (and webcast virtual sessions) using either a Zoom Webinar or a Zoom Meetings account. The latter can help give your virtual event a more casual and interactive feel and works especially well for breakout sessions and networking events.
All-new enhancements to Backstage OnAir
We’ve added a bunch of new customization options to the virtual space—sessions, networking tables, and exhibitor meeting rooms—like adding logos, custom backgrounds, and more.
Iframe audio/video embeds—now available in Backstage OnAir
Going live on a streaming service like YouTube, LinkedIn, or Twitch? Maybe you’d like to use a different media player for your sessions. Embed iframe elements of third-party streaming solutions to Backstage OnAir and webcast those streams to your audience in Backstage OnAir.
Jan
Decide who can buy a ticket to your event
We’ve added another layer of safety to the event registration process. Instead of letting attendees directly purchase a ticket, you now require them to submit requests that you can then reject or approve. Only approved attendees can purchase a ticket. That way, your event is all the more private and secure.
Introducing rehearsals in virtual booths
With the all-new rehearsal mode for booths, you can give your exhibitors a better onboarding experience. Let them explore the virtual meeting tools and familiarize themselves with the platform beforehand so they’re more confident during the event.
2021
Dec
Introducing: Virtual exhibitor management in Zoho Backstage
With Expo OnAir, you get an end-to-end solution that helps you both manage your virtual exhibitors and also provide them with the tools they need to connect with your audience and generate leads.
Learn moreNov
Notify speakers to join OnAir sessions
For virtual events, timing is everything. When hosting your event with Backstage OnAir, you can now send speakers a reminder to join the session. Convenient, right?
Oct
Centralize your attendee database
To help you get a deeper understanding of attendee behavior and trends, we consolidated attendee data across all your events into one dashboard. Now, you can see who the repeat attendees are, where most of your attendees are from, and more in one dashboard.
Add separate primary contacts for each event
While previously you could only add one primary contact for your entire portal, now you can add individual primary contacts for each event.
Sep
Introducing cookie policies for event websites
Build trust by displaying a cookie banner on your event’s website that explains what cookies you use. While primarily all event websites will use basic cookies to track user preferences, non-functional cookies will also be enabled when you integrate with Zoho SalesIQ to analyze your website’s metrics.
More sections, better website customization
We bring you two more custom sections: Media with text list, to add media along with your lists, and Number counter, an animated section that can be used to show off key stats or business results.
Set specific registration paths for hybrid events
Hosting a hybrid event? Personalize the event ticketing experience for your audience by creating individual ticket types for your online and onsite attendees.
Aug
All-new privacy settings for events in Zoho Backstage
Zoho Backstage now allows a range of privacy levels for your events. You can now allow only people with specific domain names to attend your event or block people with some email domains from attending.
Foster attendee connections with networking tables
With networking rooms, you can give your attendees a virtual forum to break the ice and connect with like-minded people. The rooms can be private or public and come with a variety of interaction tools like polls, screen-sharing, and more.
Zoho Backstage is on the Constellation ShortList™
We’re thrilled to have Zoho Backstage on the Constellation ShortList™ in the Event Marketing and Management Software category for a second time this year.
Read moreJul
Go hybrid with Zoho Backstage
Zoho Backstage now allows event organizers to conduct hybrid events and give their attendees the freedom to attend either online or onsite. Whether streaming at-venue sessions to virtual attendees, connecting online speakers with an onsite audience, or creating networking rooms to connect onsite and online attendees, our hybrid events solution has everything you'll need to create a fantastic attendee experience.
More on hybrid eventsImprovements to the Zoom integration
When you use Zoom Webinars as the webcasting software for your virtual event, attendees will be able to attend sessions right from Backstage instead of being redirected to the Zoom app.
Introducing conditional sub-fields in custom forms
Now, you can use conditional sub-fields for fields like drop-downs, radio buttons, and multiple checkboxes. This makes your forms more user-friendly because your guests will only have to answer the questions that are relevant to them.
Jun
Improvements to our data deletion policy
To focus on delivering the best user experience possible and keep up with data deletion protocols, we’ve decided to delete portals in the Free plan that have been inactive for more than 120 days. We’ll send you three reminders via email before starting the portal deletion process.
Introducing anonymous questions in Backstage OnAir
Many times, questions go unasked because people are shy to speak up. With this update, we’ve made it so you can allow your attendees to ask their questions anonymously during sessions.
May
Include more people in session rehearsals
Previously, only team members and speakers could join rehearsal sessions. With this update, you can include twenty more people—sponsors, clients, volunteers—as test participants and allow them to attend your rehearsals.
Adding handouts to sessions—now on Backstage OnAir
Guides, videos, presentations, or brochures—use handouts to increase engagement at virtual sessions hosted with Backstage OnAir. Upload them to your sessions and your attendees will be able to download and view them during the session.
Apr
A new and improved mobile app for event organizers
We’ve updated the Zoho Backstage for Organizers app with an improved user interface, a better dashboard, new features, and numerous performance enhancements to improve speed and stability.
Mar
Deeper customization options for your event website
We just made it easier for you to design a website that’s consistent with your brand. You can now set colors, gradients, and overlays for all sections in your event website. There have also been a bunch of updates to the rich text editor like custom line height and letter spacing to name a few.
Feb
Introducing the Zoho WorkDrive integration: File sharing made easy
Managing your sessions' materials just got simpler. Connect with your Zoho WorkDrive account and import your videos and presentations into your content library in Zoho Backstage before assigning them to individual sessions.
Join virtual sessions wherever you are
Just like on desktop, attendees can now participate in virtual sessions hosted with Backstage OnAir using our mobile event app, Zoho Backstage for Attendees.
Host rehearsal sessions on Zoho Backstage
Give speakers the option to run practice sessions so they are comfortable using Backstage during the event. Also, this is completely secure. Only event organizers and speakers will be able to join rehearsals.
Jan
Backstage OnAir gets a complete makeover
Our newest Backstage OnAir updates bring interaction to the forefront, making it even easier to host engaging virtual experiences. Latest features include video conferencing for up to 10 members, emoji reactions, pinning a speaker, session materials, and more.
Scale your events with Zoom + Zoho Backstage
You asked, we listened. Backstage now integrates with Zoom Webinar. Amplify your event’s reach and broadcast virtual sessions to an audience of up to 10,000.
2020
Dec
Introducing offline payment methods in Zoho Backstage
For attendees who’d like to pay for their tickets the old-fashioned way—you can now provide them with offline payment options like cash, check, and bank transfers. You either issue their tickets at the time of registration or after their payment is confirmed. Convenient, right?
Streamline session management with hosts
With session hosts, event organizers can set hosts and co-hosts for each track (online events) and each hall (onsite events). Only these authorized people will be able to manage sessions, helping you keep team responsibilities clear and avoid confusion during the event.
Nov
Edit text better using the rich text editor
Apply various styles and formatting to your text with the rich text editor in Backstage. With this tool you can edit most text like the descriptions for an event, speakers, sessions, ticket classes, sponsors, profiles, and more.
Host interactive virtual experiences using Zoho Meeting
Transform your webinars into engaging virtual experiences by integrating Backstage with Zoho Meeting. Present virtual sessions, interact with your audience, and keep them glued to their screens.
Sep
Set page visibility for different attendee segments
Control who can view your page by setting up page visibility criteria. For instance, you can set up the visibility of the gallery or discussion channels by enabling them only for people who have purchased tickets from a particular ticket class.
In addition, you can now customize the button shape based on the event website theme.
Create completely exclusive promo codes
Promo codes can drive registrations and so can exclusivity. That's why we've created an option for you to create a guest list for a particular promo code. With this option, promo codes will only be visible for the members who've been added to the list.
Aug
Handle event cancellations better
Canceling an event is a difficult decision to make as it is. That's why to handle it better, we've automated some of the important things you'd want to do when you cancel your event such as notifying your attendees, updating the microsite, and handling refunds.
Zoho Backstage makes it to Constellation ShortList™
Constellation is a technology research and advisory firm based out of silicon valley. Zoho Backstage gets selected for Constellation ShortList™ under Event Marketing and Management Software category.
Jul
Introducing activity logs to track activities in the app
When you have too many members on your team using the Backstage app from various devices, it's important to be mindful of your data security. That's why we've introduced activity logs to provide more visibility of actions taken by your team members on the platform. Learn more.
Introducing Backstage OnAir to run your online events
Create events that can be hosted virtually with Backstage OnAir and help your attendees stay engaged throughout the event.
Zoho Backstage turns 3!
Jun
Customize roles and permissions for members in your even
Every event is different, and we believe the member roles will be too. That's why we've given event organizers the ability to decide what roles and permissions their event should have.
Enhanced data privacy and control for your attendees
Managing data privacy is important and difficult, especially in the event industry where data comes from a variety of sources. Zoho Backstage understands this and provides you with options to let your attendees manage their privacy by requesting consent from them in order to send them promotional emails, request access to information, and to delete personal data. Learn more.
May
Get all the feedback you want post-session
Session ratings alone cannot give you intricate details about how attendees felt about speakers and their sessions. Now you can ask in detail which part of the session your attendees like, how your speakers fared, any new topics you should be covering in the future, and more. Create your own post-session feedback form and customize it with all the questions you want.
Apr
Customize the customer query form and manage responses
Customize the Get in touch form based on the information you need from your customers. Respond to the incoming queries and set their status to keep track of them. Learn more.
Mar
Design your badges using custom fields
Customize your badges by adding fields that are necessary for your event. Choose the fields from the form collected during registration.
Restrict the number of promo code redemptions for ticket orders
Organizers can choose to restrict the promo code either on a per-ticket basis or to a particular number of tickets for an order.
Move your events to an online destination
Convert your existing events online and add a virtual meeting/conference link.
Feb
Filter and download attendee list
Don't worry about downloading the entire attendee list and sorting them. You can now download attendees who showed up at the event and the ones who did not.
Export sponsor list
Organizers can now download the approved list of sponsors.
Jan
Style your speaker profile
Change the layouts and styles for your speaker profile so they look distinct and visible.
BadgeUp your attendees
Design customized badges for your attendees. Choose your favorite design from the template list.
Customize cancellation policies as you need
Set the number of days to cancel an order as per your business needs and customize your cancellation policy.
2019
Dec
Customize every section in your website
Design beautiful websites by uploading custom images to each section of your website.
Create invite-only shows with access codes
Set up your private show with a ticket class hidden and accessible only to the people with the code.
Nov
Host live chats with your visitors using SalesIQ
Cater to your wandering visitors using live chat. Track visitors who come to your website and understand them better with SalesIQ.
Track your affiliate marketing efforts
Aknowledge the efforts taken by your partners and affiliate marketers in getting registrations through their promotions by including a tracking code in the link they share.
Oct
Get your event apps for mobile devices ready quicker
Request for a customized mobile app and get set in a couple of days.
Customize your registration forms
Collect attendee or sponsor information as you need during registration by adding fields that are important to you.
Bring more order to sessions
Run sessions in a more organized manner. With this update, your sessions are lined up automatically in the order you set.
Aug
Include offline registrations in your attendee list
Keep all your event registrations in one place. Save registrations that happened over a call or in-person on-site. Add them manually to your ticket orders.
Jul
Analyze your website traffic with Zoho PageSense
Know where your website traffic is coming from. Get insights about the most viewed pages, speakers, and sessions to understand your audience better.
0% commission ticketing opens up for Australia
Zoho Backstage ticketing with 0% commission on paid tickets opens up for the Australian region.
Set up free registrations across all paid plans
Conduct events with free tickets in any plan you choose.
Jun
Zoho Backstage ticketing with 0% commission for Canada, India, and 13 other regions
Zoho Backstage opens up ticketing support for Canada, India, Australia, and other regions such as the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Mexico. Learn more.
Add your Medium and Telegram profiles
Give people more options to connect with you. You can now link your Medium and Telegram profile to the event page.
May
Add and approve sponsor requests
Raise requests on behalf of the sponsoring organization. Approve or reject sponsorship requests based on the brand relevance and feature them on your website.
Set promo codes for selective ticket types
Boost sales of a particular ticket type by enabling promotional offers for them.
Zoho Backstage ticketing with 0% commission for UK
Zoho Backstage comes up with commission-free ticketing for the UK.
More layouts for your website sections
Organize your content in a row or column, insert images, or set up a carousel slider. Do more to present your content better.
Apr
More pictures, more followers — add your Instagram profile
Add your Instagram profile so your website visitors can follow you. Don't forget to add classy images from your event that you don't want them to miss!
Convert more leads from your event with Zoho CRM integration
Create campaigns in CRM to export attendee data from your event so you can follow up and nurture leads.
Native support for nine languages
Want Zoho Backstage to work in a language of your choice? Choose from nine supported source languages, including Japanese, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, Bahasa, and Tagalog.
Mar
Set a primary contact for every event in your portal
Choose a primary contact for every event you create to avoid hassle and confusion.
Map your domain to your events portal
Maintain brand consistency by adding all your events to your website domain.
Add Terms and Conditions to your event
Set clauses that an attendee should agree to in order to join your event.
Embed the HTML calendar widget
Embed a calendar view of all your events in your websites/webpages.
Standardize promo code across enterprise
Want to use standard promo codes across all your events? Reuse codes intented for a specific purpose and boost your ticket sales.
Feb
Reuse and save time by cloning events
Creating an event website using Backstage is intuitive and quick. But what's quicker is cloning them to reuse for similar events so you can keep all the event properties and design intact.
Jan
Set up your own integrations with Zoho Flow
Create workflows and set up integrations with any app from Zoho Backstage to receive or push data using Zoho Flow.
List your events in your events brand page.
Your events brand page is where your attendees can find other events you're hosting. List your events and keep your attendees coming.
2018
Dec
Zoho Backstage ticketing with 0% commission (introductory offer) - For US.
Set up tickets for your event using Zoho Backstage's native ticketing system with zero percent commission charged.
Mobile app for organizers — managing events gets handy
Keep track of your event with the Backstage mobile app for event organizers. Put out announcements, check-in attendees, run sessions, and more.
Customize what you share on social media
Promote your events better. Get a creative space to customize the images you want to publish on social media to promote your events.
Nov
Approve portal invites
Let people "approve" or "deny" an invite to join your organizing team.
Create your own profile
Event organizers and speakers can now be in control of what's being edited and updated in their own profile.
Check-in to engage during sessions
Organizers can now choose who can join the sessions by letting only checked-in members participate in questions and polls. This gives them more control to moderate their session and audience.
Single point of contact for attendees
Bring more accountability and less confusion for your attendees by choosing a single point of contact from your list of organizers.
Push notifications for instant event updates
Keep your attendees updated about changes in schedule, venue, agenda, or anything that's happening during the event.
Oct
Import/export attendee data
Know who's attending your event. Import an already existing list of your attendee data or export it from the Zoho Backstage system.
Automate your email marketing efforts
Set up emails to be sent to your registrants or attendees at various points of your event. Use existing templates, edit them, or create one of your own.
Organize your speakers list
Attract more eyes to your event by displaying your speakers list based on their order of importance.
Add custom pages to your site
Add FAQs, testimonies, or anything that isn't part of your default template. You can also add custom pages and choose an appropriate URL as needed.
Discuss right from your mobile app
Get your event discussions going from wherever you are. Create and participate in public or private channels right from the Zoho Backstage app on your mobile device.
Aug
Set up event registration with multiple Eventbrite accounts
Get all your attendees and registration data in one place. You can now integrate Backstage with multiple Eventbrite accounts.
Markdown support lets you get creative with your event site
Editing section bodies on your event site allows you to get creative by adding lists, links, images, and more.
Jul
Mobile app for attendees — give your audience a personal event assistant
Give your attendees a complete event experience with this mobile app. Let them personalize their agenda, view speakers, click and upload event images, and check-in, all right at their finger tips.
Introducing Zoho Backstage
Event management involves a lot of activities, including setting up the agenda and venue, soliciting speakers and sponsors, letting the attendees know about the event, and more. That is why we are happy to introduce Zoho Backstage, an online event management platform for event organizers, individual planners, and agencies to market, organize, and analyze large-scale meetings, events, and conferences. Learn more.