How to use OpenSeat
If you are unsure how to use OpenSeat, we have written up a guide below to help you get started. If you’d like to host an event but are stumped for ideas, check out this article.
As a host or a guest, you have two categories of event to choose from on OpenSeat: PUBLIC or PRIVATE.
Public Events
Public events lie at the heart of #OpenSeat. These are where hosts have decided on the number of seats they wish to make publicly available. If (as a host) you would like to expand your community or the reach of your existing social or customer network, a public event will enable guests who are several degrees of separation from your existing social circle to access your event. In essence, public events enable anyone to encounter your event and request an open seat at the table. Prepare to expand your social horizons and co-create an experience with the perfect mix of the familiar and strange.
Hosts
Register
Register on the OpenSeat platform and begin the journey towards hosting your first event. Complete your profile bio and upload a friendly profile picture so that guests will know who you are. You will be requested to add your bank account details in order to receive payouts from future events.
Create
Theme? Check! Date? Check! You’re now ready to “Host an event” and take the first step into the #OpenSeatLife. Select “Public”, add a description of the meal and event theme, choose the time and set the price per guest. Select “Create your event” and let the preparations and countdown begin.
Manage
You’ve got mail! It’s easy to manage your guest list directly from the OpenSeat platform. As a host, you will receive email notifications from guests who have requested to join your event. You simply need to login to your Dashboard, review each guest’s profile, and approve or reject their request to attend your event: you have full control over who joins you, as guests will only be able to access your address if you accept their request to join.
Host Event
It’s time to welcome your guests to your #OpenSeat experience! Whether the venue is your home, a church hall, a café, or the lawn at a local park, your hospitality will enable guests to make meaningful connections, enjoy interesting conversations and the event’s theme - all the while facilitated by good food and the comforts of a carefully-prepared table and atmosphere.
To improve your rating as a host, don’t forget to ask your guests to “Verify” that your event is actually taking place, and also to review your experience the following day. Verification can be done by viewing the event on the platform while it is happening, and clicking on the “Verify event” button.
Guests
Register
Register on the OpenSeat platform to start your journey towards attending a first event. Complete your profile, add a quirky story in the bio, and upload a friendly profile picture so that hosts and other guests know who you are. A good bio enables hosts to see who you are before accepting your request; adding your social media handles will help too.
Explore & Request
Select ‘Find an event’ and explore the public events that are currently available on the platform. You can request your own seat at any public event, as well as seats for others in your party (if these are available). Once you’ve made a request to attend, including the details of further guests if relevant, you will be given the opportunity to confirm the total cost for your attendance. Once confirmed, your prospective host will receive a notification of your request, and will get back to you as soon as possible.
Pay
Once your request has been accepted, payment will occur using the bank card details you have provided. Don’t stress: you will be able to cancel your attendance and receive a refund if the need arises.
Attend & Review
Your #OpenSeat is booked and paid for. When the date arrives, get ready to share in good food, good conversation, and appreciating the theme that brought everyone together. Enjoy meeting new people, the hospitality on offer, and help your hosts make the experience one to remember.
Remember also to “Verify” that the event is taking place, and afterwards, give your host an honest rating based on your initial expectations and actual experience. Using the hashtag #OpenSeatLife, we’d love you to share your in-person OpenSeat experience across social media.
Private Events
A private event is an event where hosts decide and invite selected individuals to connect over a meal, whether just for socialising, or a more specific social purpose. Send an invite directly to your intended guests or accept an invite from your host and prepare for an intimate and exclusive experience.
Hosts
Register
Register on the OpenSeat platform and begin the journey towards hosting your first event. Complete your profile bio and upload a friendly profile picture so that guests will recognise you. You will be requested to add your bank account details in order to receive payouts from future events.
Create
Theme? Check! Date? Check! You’re now ready to “Host an event” and take the first step into the #OpenSeatLife. Select “Private”, add a description of the meal and event theme, choose the time and set the price per guest. Select “Create your event” and let the preparations and countdown begin.
Manage
Struggling to keep track over who is coming and who has paid? OpenSeat has you covered. Just login and view your Dashboard to ensure that you are catering for everyone.
Host Event
It’s time to welcome guests to your private #OpenSeat experience! Whether the venue is your home, a church hall, a café or a picnic at your favourite park, your hospitality provides everyone with an opportunity to gather together with good food and the comforts of a lovingly-prepared table or atmosphere.
To improve your rating as a host, don’t forget to ask your guests to “Verify” that your event is actually taking place, and also to review your experience the following day.
Guests
Receive an invitation
Hold the phone – you have been invited to a private OpenSeat experience! Follow the link in your SMS to login to the OpenSeat platform (or register, if you haven’t got an account yet). You can now view the event details.
Accept and pay
Once you are logged in, make sure you have added up-to-date payment details. If you are happy with the event details and cost, you can accept your invite and this will trigger immediate payment. Don’t stress: you can always cancel your attendance and receive a refund if the need arises.
Attend & Review
Your private #OpenSeat is confirmed. When the date arrives, get ready to share in good food, good conversation, and (if relevant) the specific theme for the gathering. Enjoy the hospitality on offer, and alongside other guests, help your host to make the experience one to remember.
Remember also to “Verify” that the event is taking place, and afterwards, give your host an honest rating that balances your appreciation of their hospitality and the actual experience. Although the event was private, we encourage you to share your in-person OpenSeat experience across the virtual world of social media by using the hashtag #OpenSeatLife.