Import events into MS Outlook

Dear readers,

I know that a lot of you out there use a program to manage all your events and contacts. PC or web-based software such as MS Outlook, Google Calendar, Apple iCal, Entourage, Lotus Notes or Thunderbird Lightning can greatly simplify managing all your events. Many of these programs can be synced with several computers and mobile devices, meaning you’ll never miss an appointment, wherever you are.

Wouldn’t it be great if your XING Events were also integrated into this framework, if you could access them when you’re not online or on XING, or print out a daily schedule? That’s precisely why we offer an export function for XING Events. I’ll show you how to do it using MS Outlook 2007, but the principle is the same for almost all programs.

We’ll choose the Outlook export format, though in most cases, appointment software supports both formats.

Your browser will ask you what to do with the file you’re downloading – I’d recommend you open it directly. If you have more than one event planning programs on your computer, select the one you use the most. If you use Google Calendar or another web-based program, you should save the file and import it later.

In our case, Outlook will start when needed, and import the event immediately. The description, the location and the time is added automatically. You can make changes and add details if you want, such as assigning a category or a priority. After you click on “Save and close”, the event will be saved in your digital calendar, and synced to your other computers or mobile devices, as the case may be.

Please keep in mind: If you decide not to attend the event and wish to tell the organizer, it’s not enough to delete the event in your calendar – Outlook doesn’t sync back to XING and share this information. You’ll have to do so directly on the XING website. Similarly, if you want to recommend an event to your friends, make sure to use the “Invite other guests” button on XING. Otherwise, the organizer won’t know about it.

Kind regards,

Silke Schippmann.