Why is my Event showing a waitlist when there are still available tickets? – GiveCampus University

How pending registrations can enable the waitlist:

When someone starts registering for an event while a ticket is still available, a pending registration is created to ensure that individual is guaranteed the ticket. If you have several people registering at the same time, the waitlist can be shown many tickets ahead of being sold out.

Simple Events: Pending registrations are cleared after 15 minutes
Complex Events: Pending registrations are cleared after 30 minutes

When normal registration reopens

The waitlist option will revert to normal registration if:

All pending registrations have cleared
There are still tickets remaining

How to reopen registration after increasing guest limits-

Update all relevant limits:

- Overall guest limit for the event - Individual ticket type guest limits - Maximum guests per registration (if applicable)

Clear the waitlist:

- Invite people from the waitlist to register - Continue until the waitlist is empty

Wait for pending registrations to expire:

- Simple events: Wait 15 minutes - Complex events: Wait 30 minutes

Verify registration reopens:

- Normal registration will only reopen after ALL pending registrations are cleared AND the waitlist is empty

Important notes

Once a registrant is on the waitlist, you must 'Invite' them from the waitlist
You cannot simply increase capacity and expect immediate registration reopening
The system prioritizes waitlisted guests over new registrations

Troubleshooting steps

Waitlist entries are considered resolved once they are completed, removed, or their invitations expire without registration being finalized.

If registration isn't reopening after increasing capacity:

Check that you've updated the overall guest limit

Check individual ticket type limits

Ensure the waitlist is completely cleared

Wait for pending registration timeout period

Refresh the event page to see if registration has reopened

Ticket-type waitlist triggers

Individual ticket types can trigger a waitlist when they sell out—even if overall event capacity remains. Once triggered, the waitlist stays active until tickets for that type are available again, regardless of pending registration timeouts or waitlist queue status.

Note on waitlist invite expiration: When you invite someone from the waitlist, they receive a time-limited invitation to complete registration. If the invitation expires without registration, their waitlist entry no longer prevents normal registration from reopening. The expiration period is set in your event's Waitlist settings under the Time until invitation expires (hours) field.