Various Creative Ways to Use Multi Data Types

Introduction to Multi Data Types (MDT)

Multi Data Types (MDT) in EventON is a powerful, built-in feature that allows event organizers to create reusable, customizable data sets using WordPress taxonomies. Think of MDT as a flexible system for storing and displaying structured information that can be assigned to multiple events without duplication. Out of the box, you can activate up to 3 MDT types (expandable via filters if needed), each with a name, description, optional image, and up to 3 additional custom fields (text-based by default).

The beauty of MDT is its simplicity—no coding or addons required! Configure everything through EventON’s settings panel (under EventON > Settings > Categories). Rename MDT types (e.g., “MDT 1” to “Sponsors”), enable images or extra fields, and assign them to events via the event edit screen. On the frontend, MDT data appears in event cards as styled sections with headings, subtitles, images, and details.

MDT promotes data reuse: Create a sponsor profile once, update it centrally, and it reflects across all assigned events. This opens doors to creative event management, enhancing organization, engagement, and professionalism without extra tools.

Creative Ways to Use MDT

Here are various practical and innovative applications for MDT. Each example includes setup steps and benefits, showing how event organizers can adapt it to their needs.

1. Event Sponsors

• Creative Use: Display sponsor tiers (e.g., Gold, Silver) with logos, bios, and links. Reuse profiles for annual events or series.
• How to Set Up:
  1. In EventON Settings > Multi Data Types, enable MDT 1 and rename it to “Sponsors”.
  2. Enable the image field for logos.
  3. Add additional fields: Field 1 as “Sponsorship Level” (text for “Gold/Silver”), Field 2 as “Website URL” (text for links), Field 3 as “Contact Email”.
  4. In the Sponsors taxonomy screen (Events > Sponsors), add terms like “Company X” with a description (bio), image (logo), and fill the fields.
  5. In an event’s edit screen, assign sponsors via the MDT metabox and add a subtitle like “Our Valued Partners”.
• Benefits: Professional sponsor acknowledgments in event pages; easy to update levels or details site-wide. No need for separate plugins—frontend shows a grid with logos and links.

2. Event Vendors or Exhibitors

• Creative Use: For markets, expos, or trade shows, list vendors with booth details, products, and contacts. Reuse for recurring fairs.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Enable MDT 2 and rename to “Vendors”.
  2. Enable images for vendor logos or booth photos.
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Booth Number” (text), Field 2 as “Products/Services” (text), Field 3 as “Website”.
  4. Add vendor terms in the taxonomy screen with descriptions and fields.
  5. Assign to events and use a subtitle like “Meet Our Vendors”.
• Benefits: Creates interactive vendor directories in event cards; central updates save time for multi-vendor events. Ideal for filtering or searching vendors without custom code.

3. Speakers or Performers

• Creative Use: Profile speakers for conferences or performers for festivals, with bios, headshots, and social links. Reuse for speaker series.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Enable MDT 3 and rename to “Speakers”.
  2. Enable images for headshots.
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Expertise/Topic” (text), Field 2 as “Twitter Handle” (text), Field 3 as “LinkedIn URL”.
  4. Create speaker terms with bios in the description.
  5. Assign to events with a subtitle like “Featured Speakers”.
• Benefits: Engaging speaker grids on event pages; easy to manage recurring speakers. Enhances attendee interest without needing a separate speaker plugin.
• Extensions to this: EventON Speakers & Schedule Addon.

4. Event Goals or Objectives

• Creative Use: Outline event goals (e.g., “Raise Awareness”, “Fundraise $10K”) with descriptions and icons/images. Reuse for similar campaigns.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Enable an MDT and rename to “Event Goals”.
  2. Enable images for icons (e.g., checkmarks or targets).
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Target Metric” (text, e.g., “Attendance Goal”), Field 2 as “Progress Update” (text).
  4. Add goal terms with motivational descriptions.
  5. Assign to events with a subtitle like “What We’re Aiming For”.
• Benefits: Motivates attendees by visualizing objectives; tracks progress across events. Perfect for nonprofits or educational events without extra tools.

5. Partners or Collaborators

• Creative Use: Highlight media partners or co-organizers with logos and roles. Reuse for networked events.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Rename an MDT to “Partners”.
  2. Enable images for logos.
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Partnership Role” (text, e.g., “Media Sponsor”), Field 2 as “Contact”.
  4. Create partner terms and assign to events.
  5. Use a subtitle like “In Collaboration With”.
• Benefits: Builds credibility with partnership displays; easy for joint ventures.

6. Volunteers or Staff Roles

• Creative Use: Profile key volunteers or staff with responsibilities and photos. Reuse for team-based events.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Rename MDT to “Team Members”.
  2. Enable images for photos.
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Role” (text), Field 2 as “Contact”.
  4. Add terms and assign with a subtitle like “Our Dedicated Team”.
• Benefits: Humanizes events; internal use for coordination.

7. Equipment or Resources

• Creative Use: List reusable resources (e.g., “AV Equipment”) with specs. For venue managers.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Rename MDT to “Resources”.
  2. Enable images for photos.
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Availability” (text), Field 2 as “Specs”.
  4. Assign to events with a subtitle like “Available Equipment”.
• Benefits: Streamlines logistics without inventory plugins.

8. Accessibility Features

• Creative Use: Detail features like “ASL Interpretation” with descriptions. Reuse for inclusive events.
• How to Set Up:
  1. Rename MDT to “Accessibility”.
  2. Enable images for icons.
  3. Add fields: Field 1 as “Details” (text).
  4. Assign with a subtitle like “Making Events Inclusive”.
• Benefits: Promotes accessibility compliance easily.

Tips for Maximizing MDT

• Customization Without Code: Use EventON’s language settings to translate labels; style via CSS for unique looks.
• Reusability: Update a term once—it changes everywhere. Great for multi-event sites.
• Frontend Integration: MDT integrate smoothly with Event page and eventCard.
• Expansion Ideas: If you outgrow 3 MDTs/fields, simple filters (no coding needed) can increase limits.

MDT empowers organizers to tailor events dynamically, saving time and enhancing experiences. Experiment in your EventON setup today!