How to Import Events into the ListingPro Theme (Eventbrite, Facebook, Meetup and iCal)
ListingPro has an Events section that is perfect for local directories, but filling it by hand is a chore. Every event needs a date, a time, a location, a map position, an image and a ticket link, and the list needs constant updating to stay useful.
The Import Listing Pro Addon connects the event importers from Xylus Themes with ListingPro’s events. Pull events from Eventbrite, Facebook, Meetup or iCal, choose Listing Pro as the destination, and the events appear in your theme with the details already filled in. The addon documentation is a handy second reference.
The best part is flexibility: the addon works with several importer plugins, so you can use the one you already have.
Which Importer Should You Use?
You need the ListingPro theme (with its plugin) and at least one of the importers below. Pick whichever fits your sources:
| Importer plugin | Best for |
|---|---|
| WP Event Aggregator (or Pro) | Several sources in one place: Eventbrite, Facebook, Meetup and iCal. Pro adds scheduled imports and organizer, page, group and feed imports. |
| Import Eventbrite Events | Sites that only need Eventbrite. |
| Import Facebook Events | Sites that only need Facebook. |
| Import Meetup Events | Sites that only need Meetup. |
Not sure? WP Event Aggregator is the all-rounder. It is also the only one of these that handles iCal calendars.
What You Need
- The ListingPro theme, active, together with its ListingPro plugin
- At least one importer plugin from the table above
- The Import Listing Pro Addon
If something is missing, the addon shows a notice in your dashboard that tells you what to install or activate.
Setup in Three Steps
Step 1: Activate your license
Open the menu of your importer plugin and go to Import Listing Pro Addon License. Enter your license key so the addon can receive updates. The license page appears under whichever importer you are using.
Step 2: Connect your source
In your importer’s settings, connect the source it handles. Eventbrite, Facebook and Meetup each need a quick connection, such as a token or app credentials. iCal needs none. The WP Event Aggregator documentation explains each connection.
Step 3: Choose Listing Pro as the destination
Open the import tab for your source, find Import Into and select Listing Pro. Choose a status and run the import. Imported events arrive as pending unless you choose another status, so you can review them before they go live.
What Gets Imported
- Title and description from the source.
- Featured image from the event.
- Start and end date and time, saved in ListingPro’s event date and time fields.
- Location with the venue details and map coordinates, so the event can appear on the map.
- Ticket link. The original event URL is set as the event’s ticket link, so visitors can click through to book.
Bonus: Eventbrite Tickets on the Event Page
For events imported from Eventbrite with a Pro importer, you can show the ticket checkout right below the event. Turn on the ticket option in the Eventbrite settings of your importer (it is called Display ticket option after event), and the add-on adds the ticket section to the bottom of the event page.
Where Can the Events Come From?
- Eventbrite by Event ID, and by Organizer ID or Collection ID with the Pro plugin
- Facebook by Event ID, and by Facebook Page with the Pro plugin
- Meetup by Event ID, and by Group URL with the Pro plugin
- iCal from an .ics file, and from an iCal URL or Outlook Calendar with the Pro plugin
With WP Event Aggregator Pro, you can also set any of these as a scheduled import and run it hourly, twice daily, daily, weekly or monthly.
Good to Know
- Single events. Each import creates single events. Repeating events from a source are not set up as repeating events in ListingPro.
- Not tied to a business listing. The addon leaves the link to a specific ListingPro listing empty. If you want an event connected to a particular business, set that on the event after importing.
- No categories. The addon does not assign event categories.
- Re-importing. Events already on your site are skipped unless Update existing events is turned on in your importer’s settings. Turn it on if you want changes at the source to come through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need WP Event Aggregator?
No. You need at least one of the supported importers: WP Event Aggregator, Import Facebook Events, Import Eventbrite Events or Import Meetup Events.
Does it work without the ListingPro theme?
No. The addon is built for ListingPro and needs the theme and its plugin to be active.
Which importer supports iCal?
WP Event Aggregator handles iCal calendars.
Can I import events automatically?
Yes, with a scheduled import in WP Event Aggregator Pro.
Will events be published straight away?
Only if you choose that status. They default to pending.
Can I use more than one importer at the same time?
Yes. The addon works with each supported importer you have active.
Wrapping Up
With the addon active, adding events to ListingPro takes a few clicks: choose a source in your importer, select Listing Pro under Import Into and import. Check one event on your site first, then scale up with organizer, page, group or feed imports.
For more detail, see the Import Listing Pro Addon docs and the WP Event Aggregator docs, or visit the Import Listing Pro Addon page and the WP Event Aggregator page.
