Mastering the Art of Event Hosting: A Guide to Adding Hosts on Facebook

So, you’re throwing a virtual shindig or planning a real-world extravaganza on Facebook, and you realize you need a little help, a co-captain for the event ship, if you will. The good news is, adding a host to your Facebook event is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s the definitive answer to your burning question:

To add a host to a Facebook event, navigate to your event page, click the three dots (…) menu located near the top right corner of the event page (below the cover photo), select “Edit Event”, go to the “Hosts” section, start typing the name of the person you want to add, and select them from the dropdown menu that appears. Finally, save the changes.

This process empowers you to delegate responsibilities, amplify your event’s reach, and create a more collaborative environment. Now, let’s dive deeper into the nuances and address some common questions surrounding Facebook event hosts.

Understanding the Power of Co-Hosting

Adding a co-host isn’t just about sharing the workload; it’s about strategically leveraging their network and expertise to maximize your event’s success. A co-host brings fresh perspectives, can help manage attendee interactions, and ultimately contributes to a more vibrant and engaging event experience.

Why Add a Co-Host? The Strategic Advantages

• Expanded Reach: Co-hosts can invite their friends and followers, significantly expanding your event’s potential audience.
• Enhanced Credibility: A well-known or respected co-host can lend credibility to your event, attracting a wider range of attendees.
• Shared Responsibility: Delegate tasks such as moderating discussions, answering questions, and promoting the event.
• Creative Input: Co-hosts can offer new ideas and perspectives, improving the event’s overall appeal and effectiveness.
• Backup Support: Having a co-host ensures that someone is always available to manage the event, even if you are unavailable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Host

Let’s break down the process into easily digestible steps. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, the core procedure remains the same, though the interface might slightly differ.

1. Navigate to Your Event: Open Facebook and go to the event you’ve created. This could be through your profile, a group you manage, or a page.
2. Access the Edit Event Menu: Look for the three dots (…) icon, typically located near the top right of the event page (below the cover photo on desktop, sometimes in a banner on mobile). Click on this icon, and a dropdown menu will appear.
3. Select “Edit Event”: From the dropdown menu, choose the “Edit Event” option. This will take you to the event editing interface.
4. Locate the “Hosts” Section: Scroll through the event editing page until you find the section labeled “Hosts.”
5. Add Your Co-Host: In the “Hosts” section, you’ll find a field where you can start typing the name of the person you want to add as a host. As you type, Facebook will suggest potential matches from your friends list and beyond (depending on your privacy settings).
6. Select the Co-Host: Choose the correct person from the dropdown menu. Their profile picture should appear next to their name once selected.
7. Save Your Changes: Once you’ve added all your co-hosts, make sure to click the “Save” button (usually located at the bottom of the page) to apply your changes.

Managing Co-Host Permissions

Once a person is designated as a co-host, they gain certain privileges, enabling them to actively manage the event alongside you.

Co-Host Capabilities

• Invite Guests: Co-hosts can invite their friends to the event.
• Edit Event Details: Depending on the event settings, co-hosts may be able to edit event details such as the description, time, location, and cover photo.
• Post in the Event: Co-hosts can post announcements, updates, and engaging content in the event discussion.
• Moderate Comments: Co-hosts can help manage the conversation by deleting inappropriate or spam comments.

Important Note: Be mindful of who you choose as a co-host, as they will have significant influence over the event. Only select individuals you trust to represent your event in a professional and positive manner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Facebook Event Hosts

Here are some of the most common questions people have about adding and managing hosts on Facebook events, along with detailed answers to help you navigate the process smoothly.

1. Can I add someone as a host if they’re not my Facebook friend?

Yes, you can. Start typing their name in the “Hosts” field. If they appear in the suggestions, you can add them even if they aren’t a friend. Facebook uses its search algorithm to find potential matches. However, adding someone who isn’t your friend might require confirming their identity or having mutual connections.

2. Is there a limit to the number of hosts I can add to a Facebook event?

While Facebook doesn’t explicitly state a hard limit, adding an excessive number of hosts can become unwieldy. A reasonable number would typically be between 2-5, depending on the scale and complexity of the event. Prioritize quality over quantity; choose hosts who are genuinely invested in the event’s success.

3. What happens if I remove a host from the event?

When you remove someone as a host, they lose all co-host privileges. They can no longer edit the event, invite guests, or moderate the discussion. They will still be able to see the event if they were already invited or if it is a public event, but they will be treated like any other attendee.

4. Can a host remove the original creator of the event?

No, a co-host cannot remove the original creator of the event. The original creator retains ultimate control and cannot be removed by a co-host.

5. How do I change the primary host of a Facebook event?

You cannot directly change the primary host of a Facebook event. The person who initially created the event remains the primary host. The best workaround is to create a new event under the desired host’s profile or page and then invite everyone from the original event to the new one.

6. Can a Facebook Page be added as a host to an event?

Yes, a Facebook Page can be added as a host. When adding hosts, start typing the name of the Page in the “Hosts” field, and select the Page from the suggestions. This is particularly useful for events organized by businesses or organizations.

7. What are the different roles and permissions that a host can have?

Facebook doesn’t offer granular permission levels for co-hosts. All co-hosts have the same standard set of permissions, including the ability to invite guests, edit event details (depending on event settings), post in the event, and moderate comments.

8. How do I know if someone has accepted my invitation to be a host?

Facebook doesn’t send a specific notification when someone accepts an invitation to be a host. However, once you’ve added them as a host and saved the changes, their profile picture will appear in the “Hosts” section of the event page, indicating that they are now a co-host.

9. Can I add a host after the event has already started?

Yes, you can add a host at any time, even after the event has already started. Simply follow the same steps as outlined above.

10. Will adding a host affect the event’s privacy settings?

No, adding a host will not directly affect the event’s privacy settings. The privacy settings (Public, Friends Only, or Private) remain determined by the original creator and are not altered by adding co-hosts.

11. Why can’t I find the person I want to add as a host?

There could be several reasons:

• They are not your Facebook friend: Ensure they are either your friend or have publicly visible profiles that allow them to be found in searches.
• Their privacy settings: Their privacy settings might prevent them from appearing in search results. Ask them to adjust their settings or send you a friend request.
• Incorrect spelling: Double-check that you are spelling their name correctly.

12. Does Facebook notify the person when I add them as a host?

Typically, Facebook does not send a direct notification to the person you add as a host. However, they may receive a general notification about the event if they haven’t already RSVP’d. It’s always a good idea to personally inform them that you’ve added them as a host so they are aware of their responsibilities.

By following these guidelines and understanding the nuances of co-hosting, you can effectively leverage the power of collaboration to create successful and engaging Facebook events. Happy hosting!