> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.pears.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.pears.io/plan/community-events/public-registration.md).

# Public View: Register for an Event

This article describes the public-facing registration experience that participants see when registering for a community event.

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**TIP:** If a registrant visits the registration link for an event that has already ended, they see a friendly "not open for registrations" message instead of an error page.
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#### Find the event

From the organization's public event page, find the desired event and click **Register Now** to begin the registration process.

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**TIP:** The public event list includes a **Status** filter (Any, Open, Closed) that lets registrants narrow the list to events still accepting registrations, and a **Date** filter for showing only events within a chosen date range. The search box matches both the event name and the event **Details** text, so events can be found by keywords that appear only in the description. Event cards also display a **Waitlist Available**, **Registration Full**, or **Registration Closed** badge so the registrant can tell at a glance whether they can sign up before opening the event detail page.
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**TIP:** Opening a link to an **internal** event while signed out sends the registrant to the PEARS login page; after signing in, members of the event's organization are taken straight to the registration details. Users who aren't members of that organization see a clear message explaining they must be a member to view its internal events.
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#### Enter attendee information

The registration form requests the attendee's name and email. Select whether you are registering as a **Participant** or registering on behalf of someone else. Click **Continue** to advance.
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#### Complete additional fields

Provide any additional details required by the organization. Required fields are marked with red asterisks. The specific fields vary by event. Click **Next** after completion.

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**TIP:** If the event has sessions, the form includes a session picker. Sessions grouped into a **breakout block** appear as a single item showing the block name, its description, how many session options it holds, and the time span across them. Selecting the block reveals its sessions, and only one can be chosen. Sessions outside a block can all be selected. A session that has reached its capacity shows as full and can't be picked; if every session in a block is full, the whole block is unavailable. See [Event Sessions](/plan/community-events/event-sessions.md).
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#### Register additional people (optional)

If the event allows group registrations, indicate whether you are registering additional people by selecting **Yes** or **No**. Choosing Yes prompts you to enter their information; selecting No advances you to the next step.

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**TIP:** If the event organizer has not enabled group registrations, this step is skipped and you proceed directly to the review page.
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#### Review and pay

Review all attendees, subtotal, and total costs on the order summary page. Apply promo codes if applicable. To remove a promo code that has been applied, click the **Delete** button next to the code. Select your preferred payment method using the **Pay With** button. Click **Complete Registration** to submit.

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**TIP:** Review specific payment instructions for each method. For example, checks may need to be made payable to a specific organization.
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#### Confirmation

A "You're Going" confirmation page displays with registration and event details. You can edit your registration before the deadline or add the event to your calendar using **Save the Date**.
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## Create a PEARS Account After Registering

The confirmation page offers a **Save Time and Sign Up for an Account** card so a registrant can create an account to speed up future sign-ups and review their registrations.

Clicking **Create Account** sends a verification link to the email address on the registration. The registrant must open that link and verify the email before they can set a password.

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**NOTE:** Verification is required. A password cannot be set until the person proves they can receive email at the address on the registration, which prevents someone who typed another person's email — or a shared placeholder address — from gaining access to that person's registrations.
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**TIP:** If the registrant's email domain signs in through single sign-on, the card instead reads **Sign In with Your Organization Account**. Those registrants sign in with their organization credentials rather than setting a PEARS password.
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## Join a Waitlist

If a registration type has reached its cap and the organizer enabled a waitlist, the event page shows "This event is at capacity. Join the waitlist and the event organizers may contact you if a spot opens up." and the button reads **Join the Waitlist**.

Joining the waitlist asks only for a name, email, and registration type — there is no registration form, payment, or session selection. A "You're on the Waitlist!" page confirms the signup and a confirmation email follows. If a spot opens up, the event organizers send an invitation with a link to complete a real registration.

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**TIP:** Being on a waitlist does not hold a seat. Returning to the event page shows "You're on the waitlist for this event." and a **View Waitlist Status** button. To add another person, use the **Join the waitlist again** link on the waitlist confirmation page.
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## Related Documentation

* [Event Waitlists](/plan/community-events/event-waitlists.md) — How organizers enable and manage waitlists.
* [Event Sessions](/plan/community-events/event-sessions.md) — Sessions and breakout blocks on the registration form.