The Facebook Blog

When I want to grab lunch with friends, I usually update my status to see who's around by asking, "Who wants to go out for lunch at 12:30 p.m.?" Another option is to use the Facebook Events application to share extra details like where and when to meet, directions and maybe even a photo. There wasn't an easy way, though, to plan a more spontaneous get-together while also offering more details.

We're now offering a streamlined way to create events directly through the Publisher that combine the best of both of these approaches.

From the Publisher, you can create an event in one simple step. After clicking on the "Events" icon, you can enter information about what the event is and where and when you want to meet.



You can invite friends directly from the Feed story that's created either on your Profile or your News Feed, Just select the "Invite guests" link to share the event with friends.



You might wonder why you wouldn't just invite friends to an event using a status update. Creating an event in the Publisher helps you better organize the event details, and your friends can RSVP immediately when they see it in their News Feeds. This is more structured than a status update and also takes full advantage of the Events application. You can easily find out which of your friends are coming, and of course, they can comment on the event's wall, share photos and use other Events features.

Keep in mind that when you create an event through the Publisher, it will always make the event open for guests. Anyone will be able to join and invite others to join. You can always further edit your event from the application to add more information or to change access to closed or secret.


Bo, a software engineering intern, is creating an event for his next basketball game.