Zoho Backstage - May 2026 Updates

Zoho Backstage's May 2026 update introduces scheduled WhatsApp notifications, an embeddable floor plan widget, area-based booth pricing, and several exhibitor and abstract enhancements.

• Scheduled WhatsApp notifications: schedule messages to send automatically before, during, or after an event, with sent and unsent tracking and rescheduling for missed sends.
• WhatsApp QR code templates: use templates containing QR codes for attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors; templates with E-Badges are not supported.
• Floor plan widget: generate an embeddable floor plan for websites or a standalone shareable link, with customization for exhibitor visibility, booth information, branding, and theme.
• Area-based booth pricing: calculate booth prices automatically from booth dimensions and a configured rate per square foot or meter, with existing events keeping flat pricing by default.
• Booth assignment email: a new email is sent to the booth owner and admins when a booth is first assigned, including booth and event details.
• Automated exhibitor reminders: send reminder emails before the event, 7 days ahead by default and customizable, to Exhibitor Pro booths.
• Improved request approved emails: the Exhibitor Request Approved email now supports exhibitors with and without the Exhibitor Pro add-on.
• Abstract reviewer access controls: configure reviewer access to Networking, OnAir Lounges, and Webpages, with the reviewer experience aligned to the attendee experience.
• In-product help articles: help articles are now linked within each Abstract Management section.
• Gamification winner limit increased: select up to 2,500 winners through an input field, with the announcement page displaying the configured set.

Availability: Scheduled WhatsApp notifications, the floor plan widget, and area-based booth pricing are included in the Essentials, Premium, and Ultimate plans; the increased gamification winner limit is included in the Premium and Ultimate plans. WhatsApp features are unavailable in the China data center.