GoVendorPortal Website User Manual

1. Welcome to GoVendorPortal

Welcome to GoVendorPortal.

GoVendorPortal is a website that helps vendors, event managers, and community members work together.

• A vendor is a person or business that sells products or services.
• An event manager is a person who creates and runs events.
• A community user is a person who wants to find events, attend events, RSVP, and connect with vendors.
• An admin is a trusted person who manages the website, users, events, and safety tools.

GoVendorPortal is built to make events easier to find, easier to join, and easier to manage.

2. What GoVendorPortal Is

GoVendorPortal is a business and event website. It helps people:

• Find events
• RSVP to events
• Book vendor spots
• Create vendor and business profiles
• Connect with other people and businesses

It is also a social network for vendors and event people. Users can:

• Create profiles
• Share business information
• Connect with other users
• Message each other
• Follow event updates
• Find vendors and events
• Promote businesses
• Track event activity

3. Main Website Areas

Home Page

The home page gives users a quick look at the website. It may show featured events, vendors, event managers, public praise, and announcements.

Event Discovery Page

The Event Discovery page helps users find events. Users can search by:

• Event name
• Date
• Location
• Category
• Vendor opportunities
• Public events
• Featured events

Event Detail Page

The Event Detail page shows full information about one event:

• Event title
• Date and time
• Location
• Event description
• Host information
• RSVP button
• Vendor booking options
• Safety alerts
• Tabs with more details

Vendor Directory

The Vendor Directory helps users find vendors by:

• Business name
• Category
• Location
• Services
• Products
• Availability

User Dashboard

The dashboard is the main control area for each user. It may show:

• Upcoming events
• RSVP status
• Vendor applications
• Messages
• Notifications
• Profile progress
• Suggested connections

Admin Dashboard

The Admin Dashboard is only for admins. They use it to manage:

• Users
• Events
• Vendors
• Reports
• Safety alerts
• Messages
• Complaints
• Public content
• Website data

4. User Roles Overview

A role decides what a person can see and do. The main roles are Guest, Basic User, Vendor, Event Manager, and Admin. A person may start as a Basic User and later become a Vendor or Event Manager. Admins can promote users to higher roles.

5. Guest Role

A Guest is someone who visits the website without logging in.

What Guests Can Do

• View public events
• View public vendor profiles
• Read general website information
• Search public event listings
• See public praise or featured vendors
• Start the sign-up process

What Guests Cannot Do

• RSVP to events
• Book vendor spots
• Send messages
• Create events
• Create vendor profiles
• Save favorites
• Access the dashboard
• Apply for vendor opportunities

A Guest should create an account if they want to use the full website.

6. Basic User Role

A Basic User has created an account. This is the starting role.

What Basic Users Can Do

• Log in
• Create a personal profile
• Find events
• RSVP to events
• Save events
• Follow vendors or event managers
• Message users (when allowed)
• View public profiles
• Request a higher role

What Basic Users Cannot Do

• Create public vendor listings
• Book vendor booths
• Create official events
• Manage vendor applications
• Access admin tools

Basic Users should keep their info correct and use the website respectfully.

7. Vendor Role

A Vendor sells products or services. Examples include:

• Food vendors
• Clothing sellers
• Artists
• Authors
• Crafters
• Service providers
• Small business owners
• Nonprofit booths
• Informational booths

What Vendors Can Do

• Create a vendor profile
• List business details
• Add photos
• Add product or service information
• Search vendor opportunities
• Book vendor spots
• Apply to events
• Message event managers
• Track event applications
• Receive booking updates
• Show public contact information if they choose
• Use the Vendor Readiness Checklist

Vendor Responsibility

• Keep their profile accurate
• Read event rules
• Pay fees if required
• Arrive on time
• Follow event instructions
• Keep their booth safe and clean
• Respond to event managers
• Update availability
• Respect other vendors and guests

Vendor Profile Should Include

• Business name
• Owner name
• Business type
• Products or services
• Photos
• Contact information
• Website or social media links
• Service area
• Short business description
• Vendor category
• Needed setup space
• Power needs
• Food license information if needed

8. Event Manager Role

Event Managers create and run events. They may be:

• Festival organizers
• Church leaders
• Business owners
• Community groups
• School staff
• Nonprofit leaders
• Market organizers

What Event Managers Can Do

• Create events
• Edit events
• Add event details
• Add vendor opportunities
• Set event dates and times
• Set location
• Approve or deny vendor applications
• Message vendors
• Track RSVPs
• View event attendance
• Post event updates
• Create public event hubs
• Manage check-in
• Add event safety alerts

Event Manager Responsibility

• Create clear event information
• Keep event details updated
• Respond to vendors
• Manage event rules
• Review vendor applications
• Communicate setup times
• Keep event information accurate
• Post changes quickly
• Treat vendors fairly

9. Admin Role

An Admin is a trusted person with high-level control.

What Admins Can Do

• View all users
• Manage user roles
• Promote users
• Demote users
• Create, edit, and remove events
• Approve vendors
• Review event managers
• Manage reports
• View analytics
• Handle complaints
• Add safety alerts
• Ban users if needed
• View audit logs
• Manage public praise
• Help users fix problems

Admin Responsibility

• Protect user information
• Review reports seriously
• Keep the website clean
• Stop abuse
• Help users
• Watch for fake accounts
• Keep records of major actions
• Avoid favoritism
• Follow website rules

10. Role Responsibilities

• Guest: explores the website.
• Basic User: attends events and connects with others.
• Vendor: promotes a business and applies for event opportunities.
• Event Manager: creates and manages events.
• Admin: protects and manages the website.

11. Role Promotion

Role promotion means a user gets a higher role. For example:

• Basic User becomes Vendor
• Basic User becomes Event Manager
• Vendor becomes Event Manager
• Trusted staff becomes Admin

Why Role Promotion Matters

It protects the website. Not every person should be able to create events, approve vendors, or manage users.

How a User Requests a Promotion

From the dashboard, a user can request Vendor or Event Manager access. They may need to provide:

• Name
• Email
• Phone number
• Business name
• Organization name
• Reason for request
• Website or social media
• Proof of business or event work

How Admins Review Role Requests

• Is the user real?
• Is the information complete?
• Does the person need this role?
• Is the business or event real?
• Has the user followed rules before?

Approval, Denial, and Removal

If approved, the user gets the new role and may receive a notification. If denied, the user keeps the current role and the admin may explain what is missing. Admins may remove a role for fake events, scams, harassment, wrong info, ignoring rules, or message abuse.

12. Creating an Account

1. Go to the website.
2. Click Sign Up.
3. Enter your name.
4. Enter your email address.
5. Create a password.
6. Confirm your password.
7. Click Create Account.
8. Check your email if confirmation is required.
9. Log in after the account is confirmed.

Good Password Tips

• Hard to guess
• Uses letters and numbers
• Not your name or birthday
• Not shared with anyone

13. Logging In

1. Click Log In.
2. Enter your email address.
3. Enter your password.
4. Click Log In.
5. You will go to your dashboard.

If You Forget Your Password

1. Click Forgot Password.
2. Enter your email address.
3. Check your email.
4. Follow the reset link.
5. Create a new password.
6. Log in again.

14. User Dashboard

Basic User Dashboard May Show

• Events you RSVP'd to
• Saved events
• Suggested vendors
• Messages
• Notifications
• Profile settings

Vendor Dashboard May Show

• Vendor profile status
• Event applications
• Approved bookings
• Pending applications
• Messages from event managers
• Vendor readiness checklist
• Public profile preview

Event Manager Dashboard May Show

• Created events
• Vendor applications
• RSVP count
• Event check-in tools
• Event messages
• Event updates
• Event reports

Admin Dashboard May Show

• Total users
• Total vendors
• Total events
• Pending approvals
• Safety reports
• Analytics
• Conflict notes
• Website activity

15. Business Profiles

A business profile tells people about a business.

• Business name
• Business owner
• Category
• Description
• Photos
• Logo
• Contact information
• Website
• Social media
• Products
• Services
• Location
• Service area
• Business hours

A strong profile helps a business look real and professional.

16. Vendor Profiles

Profile Header

• Vendor name
• Business logo
• Category
• Location
• Follow button
• Message button

Other Sections

• About section explaining what the vendor does
• Products and services list
• Photos showing the vendor's work
• Event history of past events
• Contact information (if vendor chooses to show it)

17. Event Manager Profiles

• Name or organization
• Profile photo or logo
• Description
• Past events
• Upcoming events
• Contact options
• Social links
• Public event hubs

People want to know who is running an event. A clear profile builds trust.

18. Public Profiles

Public profiles are pages that other people can see. Do not post:

• Home address
• Private phone number
• Personal passwords
• Financial information
• Private family information

19. Event Discovery

What Users Can Do

• Search events
• Filter events
• View featured events
• View nearby events
• Save events
• RSVP
• Open event details
• Find vendor opportunities

Common Filters

• Date
• Location
• Category
• Free events
• Paid events
• Vendor spots open
• Family-friendly
• Indoor or outdoor events

20. Event Detail Page

Page Header

• Event name
• Date and time
• Location
• Favorite button
• RSVP button
• I'm at the Event button
• Safety alert banner if active

Tabs

• Overview — quick summary
• Schedule — what happens during the event
• Vendors — approved vendors and categories
• Map or Location — address, parking, entrances
• Discussion or Updates — announcements
• Booking or Vendor Info — fees, rules, deadlines

21. How to RSVP to an Event

RSVP means you tell the event host you plan to attend. It comes from a French phrase that means "please respond." In plain language: "Let us know if you are coming."

Why RSVP Matters

It helps event managers plan chairs, food, space, staff, parking, and supplies.

Steps to RSVP

1. Log in.
2. Go to Event Discovery.
3. Find the event.
4. Click the event.
5. Click RSVP.
6. Choose your answer.
7. Confirm your RSVP.

RSVP Choices

• Going
• Interested
• Not Going
• Maybe

Change an RSVP

1. Open the event page.
2. Find your RSVP status.
3. Click Change RSVP.
4. Pick the new answer.
5. Save the change.

Only RSVP if you truly plan to come. Update your RSVP if plans change.

22. How to Book a Vendor Event

Before Booking

• Event date and time
• Vendor fee
• Booth size
• Setup time
• Product rules
• Food rules
• Power availability
• Weather plan
• Refund policy

Steps to Book

1. Log in as a Vendor.
2. Go to Event Discovery.
3. Find an event with vendor spots open.
4. Open the event page.
5. Click Vendor Booking or Apply as Vendor.
6. Review the rules.
7. Choose vendor category.
8. Enter booth needs.
9. Add notes if needed.
10. Submit the application.
11. Wait for approval.

Booking Status

• Pending — sent but not reviewed yet
• Approved — accepted
• Denied — not accepted
• Waitlisted — may be accepted if space opens
• Cancelled — booking was cancelled

Some events charge a vendor fee. Pay by the deadline if required.

23. Creating an Event

Information You Will Need

• Event name
• Event date
• Start and end time
• Location
• Short and full description
• Event category
• Host name and contact
• Vendor rules
• RSVP settings
• Ticket or fee information
• Safety plan
• Images or flyer

Steps

1. Log in as an Event Manager or Admin.
2. Go to the dashboard.
3. Click Create Event.
4. Enter the event name.
5. Add the event date.
6. Add the start and end time.
7. Add the location.
8. Add a short and full description.
9. Choose event category.
10. Upload event image if needed.
11. Set RSVP options.
12. Set vendor options if vendors are allowed.
13. Add schedule items.
14. Add event rules.
15. Review all information.
16. Click Save Draft or Publish.

A draft event is not public yet. A published event can be seen by users. Only publish when the information is correct.

24. Managing an Event

The Event Manager can update name, date, time, location, description, flyer, schedule, vendor rules, RSVP settings, safety alerts, and announcements. Bad info causes confusion — update changes right away.

25. Vendor Applications

Application Information

• Vendor name
• Business name
• Category
• Products
• Booth needs
• Power needs
• Food permit status
• Insurance status
• Notes from vendor

Reviewing

• Does the vendor fit the event?
• Is the vendor profile complete?
• Does the vendor need power?
• Is there enough space?
• Are too many vendors selling the same thing?
• Does the vendor meet event rules?

Decisions

• Approve
• Deny
• Waitlist
• Request more information

26. Vendor Booths

• Booth number
• Booth size
• Location
• Setup time
• Tear-down time
• Power access
• Table needs
• Tent rules

Vendor Booth Responsibility

• Arrive on time
• Bring needed supplies
• Keep the booth clean
• Follow setup rules
• Stay until the allowed closing time
• Clean up after the event

27. Event Check-In

Guests can check in by clicking "I'm at the Event" when they arrive. Vendors can check in for setup. Check-in helps with attendance counts, safety, vendor tracking, event reports, and real-time updates.

28. Messaging System

The messaging system lets users talk inside the website.

Who Can Message

• Vendors
• Event Managers
• Admins
• Connections
• People connected to the same event

Common Uses

• Vendor questions
• Event setup details
• Booking questions
• Partnership requests
• Customer questions
• Admin support

Rules

• No threats
• No harassment
• No spam
• No scams
• No private information
• No offensive content

29. Social Connections

GoVendorPortal may allow users to connect like a social network. Users may connect with vendors, event managers, business owners, and community members.

• Add connection
• Accept request
• Decline request
• Remove connection
• Suggested connections

30. Suggested Network

Suggestions may be based on your role, business type, location, events you attend, vendors you follow, categories you like, and people you already know. A food vendor may see event managers who need food vendors.

31. Search and Filters

Search helps users find events, vendors, event managers, businesses, categories, and locations.

Tips

• Instead of "food," try Soul food, BBQ, Desserts, Seafood, Food truck
• Instead of "event," try Vendor market, Church event, Festival, Business expo

32. Favorites and Saved Items

Users can favorite events, vendors, event managers, and businesses.

How to Favorite

1. Open the page.
2. Click the heart or favorite button.
3. The item is saved to your dashboard.

To remove, go to saved items and click unfavorite.

33. Notifications

• RSVP confirmation
• Event changes
• Vendor approval or denial
• New message
• Safety alert
• Role approval or denial
• New connection request
• Event reminder

Check notifications often. Important updates may appear there first.

34. Reviews, Praise, and Public Praise Wall

The Public Praise Wall highlights good vendors, strong events, and positive feedback. It may show top vendors, popular events, testimonials, community comments, and featured businesses. Admins should make sure praise is respectful and real.

35. Vendor Readiness Checklist

• Profile completed
• Business description added
• Photos uploaded
• Contact information added
• Product list added
• Booth needs listed
• Payment completed
• Event rules reviewed
• Setup time confirmed
• Food permit uploaded if needed

36. Admin Dashboard

• Users
• Roles
• Events
• Vendor applications
• Reports
• Messages
• Analytics
• Safety alerts
• Public praise
• Conflict notes
• Bans
• Audit logs

Admin tools affect real people and real businesses. Make careful decisions.

37. Analytics and Reports

Admin Analytics

• Total users, vendors, events
• RSVP and check-in numbers
• Popular categories
• Active cities
• Event growth
• Vendor activity

Event Manager Reports

• RSVP count
• Attendee check-ins
• Vendor count
• Pending and approved vendors
• Event page views

Vendor Reports

• Profile views
• Event applications
• Approved bookings
• Messages
• Saved profile activity

38. Safety Alerts

• Weather changes
• Event delay
• Emergency notice
• Parking warning
• Location change
• Crowd notice
• Lost child notice
• Public safety issue

Usually only Event Managers and Admins can create safety alerts. They appear on event pages, in notifications, on dashboards, in messages, and on public event pages.

39. Conflict Resolution Tools

Problems

• Vendor complaints
• Harassment
• Fake events
• Payment disputes
• Spam
• Unsafe behavior
• Rule breaking
• False information

Admin Tools

• Notes
• Flags
• Warnings
• Bans
• Audit logs
• User reports
• Message review
• Event review

Admins should document serious issues — what happened, when, and what action was taken.

40. User Settings

• Name
• Email
• Password
• Phone number
• Profile photo
• Notification settings
• Privacy settings
• Public profile settings
• Role request settings

Keep your account information updated.

41. Privacy and Visibility

Public

• Business name
• Business description
• Public photos
• Vendor category
• Public events
• Public contact links

Private

• Password
• Private admin notes
• Internal reports
• Some user details
• Conflict records
• Private messages

Only share information you are comfortable showing.

42. Common Problems and Fixes

I Cannot Log In

• Check your email address.
• Check your password.
• Use Forgot Password.
• Check your email for reset instructions.

I Cannot RSVP

• You are not logged in.
• RSVP is closed.
• The event is full.
• The event has ended.

I Cannot Book as a Vendor

• You do not have the Vendor role.
• Your vendor profile is incomplete.
• Vendor booking is closed.
• The event is full.
• The event manager must approve you first.

I Cannot Create an Event

• You are not an Event Manager.
• You are not an Admin.
• Your role request has not been approved.

I Did Not Get a Notification

• Check your dashboard.
• Check your email.
• Check spam or junk folder.
• Check notification settings.

My Event Information Is Wrong

If you are the Event Manager, edit the event. Otherwise, message the host or admin.

43. Best Practices

For All Users

• Keep your profile updated.
• Be respectful.
• Read event details carefully.
• Check messages often.
• Do not share private information.
• Report problems when needed.

For Vendors

• Complete your profile.
• Upload clear photos.
• Read vendor rules.
• Apply early.
• Respond quickly.
• Show up on time.
• Be professional.

For Event Managers

• Create clear events.
• Update changes quickly.
• Review vendors fairly.
• Communicate early.
• Use safety alerts when needed.
• Track RSVPs and check-ins.

For Admins

• Protect users.
• Keep records.
• Review reports carefully.
• Do not ignore safety problems.
• Use role promotion wisely.
• Keep the website organized.

44. Glossary

Admin

A person who manages the website.

Analytics

Numbers and reports that show website activity.

Basic User

A person with a regular account.

Booking

A request or reservation for a vendor spot at an event.

Dashboard

The main control page for a user.

Event Detail Page

The full page that explains one event.

Event Discovery

The page where users search for events.

Event Manager

A person who creates and manages events.

Favorite

A saved event, vendor, or profile.

Guest

A person visiting the website without logging in.

Notification

A message that tells you something important happened.

Public Profile

A profile other users can see.

Role

A user type that controls what a person can do.

Role Promotion

When a user is given a higher role.

RSVP

A way to say if you are coming to an event.

Vendor

A person or business that sells products or services.

Vendor Application

A form vendors submit to join an event.

Vendor Readiness Checklist

A list that helps vendors prepare for events.

45. Index

• Account
• Admin
• Analytics
• Booking
• Business Profile
• Check-In
• Dashboard
• Event Creation
• Event Discovery
• Event Detail Page
• Event Manager
• Favorites
• Guest
• Messages
• Notifications
• Privacy
• Public Praise
• Role Promotion
• RSVP
• Safety Alerts
• Search
• Social Connections
• User Roles
• Vendor

Full Role Permission Guide

Guest

Basic User

Vendor

Event Manager

Admin

Step-by-Step Workflow: New Vendor

1. Create an account.
2. Log in.
3. Request Vendor role.
4. Wait for approval.
5. Complete vendor profile.
6. Add business details.
7. Add photos.
8. Search events.
9. Apply for a vendor spot.
10. Wait for approval.
11. Check messages.
12. Confirm setup details.
13. Attend the event.
14. Check in when you arrive.
15. Follow event rules.

Step-by-Step Workflow: New Event Manager

1. Create an account.
2. Log in.
3. Request Event Manager role.
4. Wait for approval.
5. Open dashboard.
6. Click Create Event.
7. Add event details.
8. Add RSVP settings.
9. Add vendor booking settings.
10. Publish event.
11. Review vendor applications.
12. Send updates.
13. Track RSVPs.
14. Use check-in tools on event day.
15. Review event reports after the event.

Step-by-Step Workflow: Regular Event Attendee

1. Go to the website.
2. Create an account or log in.
3. Open Event Discovery.
4. Search for an event.
5. Click the event.
6. Read the details.
7. Click RSVP.
8. Save the event if wanted.
9. Check notifications for updates.
10. Attend the event.
11. Click I'm at the Event when you arrive.

Step-by-Step Workflow: Admin Role Review

1. Open Admin Dashboard.
2. Go to Role Requests.
3. Review the user's information.
4. Check if the request is complete.
5. Approve or deny the request.
6. Add notes if needed.
7. Notify the user.
8. Monitor user activity if needed.

Final User Manual Statement

GoVendorPortal is built to help people find events, promote businesses, book vendor opportunities, and build real community connections.

Each user has a role. Each role has a purpose. The website works best when users keep their information updated, follow the rules, and communicate clearly.

• A strong vendor profile helps businesses grow.
• A clear event page helps people attend.
• A good RSVP helps event managers plan.
• A fair admin team keeps the website safe.

The purpose of GoVendorPortal is simple: help vendors, event managers, and the community work together in one easy place.