Events may be internal to the community or external (e.g., a webinar on a topic relevant to the focus of the project). Moderators may post internal and external events, whereas other users (i.e., contributors) may only promote external events, which are differentiated by a small globe icon and the title in a lighter turquoise color (1).
Promoting an event
Posting a new event to the community is done via the jump menu to the right of the main menu bar. From the list that appears, select the "promote an event" option and then click the "Go" button. The form that appears will require you to enter the event's title, and then to provide some additional detail as you scroll down the page:
Event Type: These options may differ across CoLab community sites, but the default set includes "Action Period Call", "Data Office Hours", "Orientation", "Thematic Webinar", "Training", and "Other".
Location: Here you'll want to select whether the event will be held virtually (i.e. "Online") or in-person.
Start and End Date: Each event must specify both a start and end date; the CoLab does not allow for an "All Day" selection. Be sure, too, to set the time—but first, be sure that you have set your correct timezone in your profile.
Topics: Select one or more topics from the list of options to help categorize your event and link it to others that may be related.
Registration Link: In some cases, events require participants to register ahead of time. If that's the case for your event, and if there is a particular webform or other destination providing registration details, then enter that URL here.
Details: Lastly, provide as much detail as you think will be helpful regarding the content of the event, where and how to access or participate in it (e.g., actual physical location, call-in information), and any other pertinent information.
When you're done, click the "Save" button at the bottom of the form.
Accessing an event
When viewing an event you should see any access or participation information in the "Details" section (2). You also might see below that section any event resources associated with the event. Such resources can also be found in the "Resources" area of the community. On the righthand side of the page, will be one or more buttons (depending on whether the relevant information has been supplied for the event): one that lets you "Register for event" (3), and another that lets you "Add to calendar" (4).
Importantly, if you are going to use the "Add to calendar" feature (which downloads a file formatted as for Google Calendar, Outlook, or iCalendar), be sure that you have set your correct timezone in your profile.
Once the download completes, opening it in your personal calendar will create an appointment that corresponds to the date and time of the event. Please note, however, that if the event details are updated on CoLab prior to the event, your calendar invitation will not automatically update. Please be sure to check the events page for updates!