CalendarDrop

FAQ

What if two sessions share the same title?

CalendarDrop may treat same-title events on one day as duplicates. For eligible imports made with CalendarDrop credits in version 1.4.2 or later, compare the skipped result with the saved event and choose Create this separate draft if it is another session. Confirmation creates only that draft for one credit, without another AI call. Featured images and original category assignments are not copied; add them in the native editor if needed. Older imports, changed timezone settings and expired results may require manual entry. Own-key imports keep their existing behavior; add a separate event in the native editor when needed.

Is it really free?

Yes. Use your own AI key with the free plugin and pay your provider for any usage charges. CalendarDrop credits are optional and have separate plans and billing.

Do I need an AI provider API key?

Only if you choose to use your own AI provider. To use CalendarDrop instead, connect your site, select Use CalendarDrop credits, and check that you have credits available.

Does it require The Events Calendar?

No. CalendarDrop can create ordinary WordPress draft posts without a calendar plugin. You can also choose The Events Calendar or WP Event Manager for native event drafts. Automatic keeps the existing behavior: The Events Calendar when active, or posts otherwise.

Can I import into WP Event Manager?

Choose WP Event Manager drafts in Dashboard & Settings and save before uploading. The free-core destination was tested with WP Event Manager 3.4.1. Existing sites keep Automatic routing to The Events Calendar when active, or ordinary WordPress posts otherwise. Installing WP Event Manager does not select it. If your explicitly selected plugin is unavailable, imports stop with an actionable message instead of silently switching destinations.

Use this destination for individual events with stated start and end times. All-day events and recurring series are not supported yet. Explicit all-day/recurrence flags are rejected. Missing-end, equal-time and midnight-boundary results also require manual time review before import. These conservative checks do not detect every unsupported source or prove that extracted times appeared in the source. Check each draft against your source before publishing. Unknown all-day or source timezone context is shown as unknown; times without source timezone context use the WordPress site timezone. Native site-timezone mode converts a known differing source timezone without changing site settings.

Only an unambiguous existing published venue is linked when the native venue feature is configured. Missing or ambiguous venues stay unlinked with source details for review. CalendarDrop never creates or publishes venue, organizer or setup-page records for this destination. Use the native editor for manual changes. CalendarDrop AI edits, merge-duplicate mode, calendar export, ticketing, recurring rules, migration and custom-field mapping are not supported for WP Event Manager. In the default mode, likely duplicates are skipped. An eligible skipped CalendarDrop-credit result can be confirmed as a separate draft for one credit; the existing event stays unchanged.

Changing the destination does not move existing drafts. Retrying a saved import returns its original result; changed source, date context or site settings may start a new import. Existing prices, free own-provider processing and subscription entitlements are unchanged.

Are events published automatically?

No. Everything CalendarDrop creates is a draft. You review and publish each event yourself. This includes email and webhook imports.

What does CalendarDrop automate?

CalendarDrop extracts event details and creates drafts from submitted files and authenticated email/webhook text. Subscription mode also has an event-text form. It does not monitor websites or poll calendar feeds. Review and publish each draft yourself. Pending subscription credit confirmations can retry in the background without repeating extraction.

Can an AI assistant or another app send events to CalendarDrop?

Yes. A site owner can configure an integration to send event text to the existing authenticated WordPress webhook. CalendarDrop uses the site’s selected processing mode and creates drafts for review. Copy the Webhook Target URL from CalendarDrop > Settings > Advanced Integrations and store the webhook secret privately in your integration. The guide covers the exact request, limits, per-event results, duplicates and recovery. It does not require an AI assistant, and it does not provide a separate hosted extraction API.

Setup and integration guide | Plain-text reference

Can CalendarDrop connect directly to Google Calendar or Outlook?

CalendarDrop creates drafts in The Events Calendar, WP Event Manager or ordinary WordPress posts, based on your saved destination. It does not connect to Google Calendar or Outlook accounts. Ordinary posts with event details have an Add to Google Calendar link. Public, unprotected ordinary posts and The Events Calendar events can be exported as an iCalendar file. These manual links and exports do not cover WP Event Manager drafts and do not synchronize calendars.

Which AI providers are supported?

OpenAI, Google Gemini and Anthropic Claude have built-in settings. You can also configure an OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Custom services and local servers need a compatible API and a model that accepts your input type. Compatibility and extraction quality vary; test your model with a representative file before relying on it.

How does the public dropzone work?

CalendarDrop can expose a public dropzone where someone can submit a flyer without logging in. It is off by default. When you enable it, the link is protected by a secret, uploads are rate-limited and validated server-side, and every submission still becomes a draft for your review.

How do I set up email or webhook forwarding?

Open Advanced Integrations and connect an inbound-email service such as Postmark or Mailgun. It forwards the email body to CalendarDrop’s protected webhook, which creates drafts and records the result. The email service needs separate setup and may charge a fee. CalendarDrop does not provide an inbox. You do not need email forwarding to upload files.

How do categories work?

Choose an existing category for your selected destination. CalendarDrop applies it to newly created drafts from that upload. Skipped or merged events keep their existing categories. WP Event Manager categories must be enabled in that plugin.

Where can I ask a question or share feedback?

For CalendarDrop questions, bug reports, or feedback, email josh@pennerstrategy.com. Include your WordPress and CalendarDrop versions and a short description of what happened.

Where is my API key stored, and is it sent to you?

Your BYO provider key lives in your site’s WordPress options database. It is sent only to the AI provider you configure, never to the CalendarDrop subscription service. Subscription mode stores a separate private site token for requests to its configured service.

Deleting the plugin removes local subscription credentials and job records. It does not cancel a service subscription or release unresolved service reservations. Resolve pending imports and manage billing from the service account before removing the plugin.