Have you ever experienced the 'catch-up effect'? It is when something accelerates after a period of slowdown or stagnation, and that is what happened in the events industry after the pandemic. Physical events bounced back like never before, which was good news for Zoho Backstage. Zoho strengthened its offering with virtual and hybrid capabilities during the pandemic, and with Zoho Backstage 2.0 it doubled down on physical events.

What's new in Zoho Backstage 2.0?

1. Enhanced UI/UX: a refreshed interface for smoother navigation and a better user experience.
2. Expansion into exhibition management: Zoho stepped into the exhibition management domain to broaden its market reach.
3. New features: a range of highly anticipated features, including automation, AI-powered networking, gamification, session and zone check-in, event spaces, and more.
4. UI/UX overhaul: planning events is already hectic, so the new experience prioritises simplicity.
5. Exhibition management: managing several event technology providers is time-consuming. Backstage 2.0 offers tools to streamline communication, onboard exhibitors smoothly, and maximise return on investment.
6. Automation and customisation: tailor the platform to your needs with automated workflows.
7. Accessibility: inclusivity features, such as assistive options for a comfortable viewing experience.
8. Session registration: control access to sessions with separate tickets, or bundle them with premium ticket classes.
9. Event zones: dedicated zones for personalisation and crowd management, with granular permissions.
10. Registration approval: review and approve orders before ticket purchase to ensure accuracy and prevent duplicates.
11. Attendee info optional: choose whether to collect attendee details for bulk orders.
12. Event analytics: insights into event performance, to improve future events.
13. Apple Wallet: add tickets to Apple Wallet for quick access.
14. Email delivery report: track whether emails reach recipients.
15. Embeddable widget: simplify ticket purchase by embedding a widget on any website.
16. Website design and layout customisation: customise the website layout and navigation. See Managing the Navigation Bar, Links and Buttons.
17. Spaces: organise events into chapters, regions, or themes, each with its own custom domain and payment gateway.
18. AI-powered networking: AI recommends connections between attendees.
19. AI-based face recognition: attendees can find themselves in event photos.
20. Gamification: leaderboards and rewards for taking part.
21. Discount rules: customise discounts for bulk orders.

Zoho Backstage 2.0 FAQs

When will Zoho Backstage 2.0 be available as a native integration with Zoho Analytics?

At launch: Zoho said it would be soon, as the Zoho Analytics team was in the final stages of testing. We have not confirmed the current position, so check with us before promising it to a client.

How does exhibitor pricing work with Zoho One?

At launch: first-time Zoho One users began with access to 5 exhibitors, included automatically with the Premium edition. Otherwise the exhibitor add-on was available from the Essential edition for US$49.00 per exhibitor, with Premium and Ultimate including 5 and 15 exhibitors by default. Prices and allowances change, so confirm the current figures before you quote.

What is the availability of Zoho Backstage 2.0?

At launch: it was available straight away. On signing in, a Switch To New Version button appeared at the top right, and a pop-up also offered a Check Out What's New option.

If I switch to Zoho Backstage 2.0, can I go back to 1.0?

At launch: yes, for a limited transition period, from an option in the profile menu at the top right. Zoho said this would only be available for a limited time, so assume it is no longer available.