Setting Up Imports

The Vesta dashboard includes a built-in import tool that lets you bring in events from external sources.

There are three import types:

• Manual Imports
• Auto Imports
• Vesta Managed Link Imports (legacy link imports)

Getting to the Imports Tool

1. Log in to your Vesta dashboard.
2. In the left navigation, click Imports, located just below the Create Events button.

Import Types

Manual Imports -- Use this to paste in event URLs and have Vesta automatically pull in event details and create drafts.

Auto Imports -- A form-based setup where the Vesta team configures a recurring pull from your website, Facebook page, or ticketing page. Once set up, events are imported and promoted automatically every Tuesday and Thursday.

Vesta Managed -- Formerly called "Link Imports." Submit a link, a group of links, or a CSV of events and the Vesta team manually imports and promotes them for you.

Note: the main difference between Manual Imports and Vesta Managed is that Vesta Managed imports are promoted for you. We actually currently having a human do this to ensure fit with the specific calendars. Manual Imports currently only creates a draft, but is fully automated (faster).

Using Manual Imports (Step by Step)

1. Click Imports in the dashboard navigation.

2. Select the Manual Imports tab.

   (Optional) Set a fallback image:

   • Click the Set Image button near the top of the page.
   • Drag and drop an image file, or click Choose a Local File to upload from your computer.
   • This image will be used as the event banner if no image is found on the source page.
3. Paste one or more event URLs into the input field. You can add multiple URLs separated by line breaks.
4. Click Import. The import will begin processing and you can track progress in the queue below the input field.
5. You can leave the page or continue working while events process. Imports will still be there when you return, and you can start additional imports in the meantime.
6. Once processing is complete, navigate to your Drafts.
7. Review each draft. You can edit any details at this stage, such as adding a missing address, updating the image, or making other corrections.
8. When a draft is ready, click Save and Proceed to move to the promotion step, where you can select calendars and other distribution channels.

Notes and Caveats

• Manual Imports currently create drafts only -- they do not automatically promote events. You will need to complete the promotion step manually for each event.
• Processing time varies depending on the source site. Simple HTML pages import faster than complex or dynamic pages.
• If no fallback image is set and no image is found on the source page, the event will import without a banner image. You can add one manually from the draft view by clicking Upload Image.
• Manual Imports will soon support an option to auto-promote events upon import, bypassing the draft step. This may already be live by the time you're reading this document.