> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/hosting-events/getting-started/quick-start.md).
# Quick Start
Your first event takes three steps and about 45 minutes of your time, plus a one to two day wait for approval.
## Before You Begin
You need an organization name, a rough event date, and an estimated headcount. Nothing has to be final.
{% hint style="info" %}
First-time hosts often overthink the request. It simply starts a conversation, and most details get nailed down after approval.
{% endhint %}
## The Three Steps
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Request Your Event
Request your event
The form takes about five minutes: contact info, organization, approximate date, estimated headcount, and a sentence about your audience. No proposals, no lesson plans.
Approval usually lands in 1-2 days. If your event is time-sensitive, say so in the request and the team prioritizes it. While you wait, [plan the logistics](/hosting-events/planning/planning.md).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Walk the Platform Yourself
Your approval email arrives with two links. Save it.
The **host dashboard** at `kc7cyber.com/intro/XXXX` is your control center. Spend 15-20 minutes here:
* Watch the intro videos you'll show participants
* Read the host guide
* Open the live scoreboard and analytics tools
{% hint style="warning" %}
Keep the host dashboard link private. It's for you and your co-hosts, not participants.
{% endhint %}
The **participant link** at `kc7cyber.com/go/XXXX` is what you share with your group. From this one link, participants create an account, open the scenario, and start investigating. Test it yourself:
* Create a test account and walk the sign-up flow
* Read the opening of "A Scandal in Valdoria"
* Solve a few challenges
* Find the hint buttons so you can point stuck participants to them
The email also includes access to your **dashboard**, your organization's account on KC7. Its free plan capacity is enough for many events in a row, and you can add games later without a new request. The [Dashboard guide](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/dashboard/overview) goes deeper.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Run the Event
Share the participant link with your group. They land in the scenario and start investigating.
Watch progress from your host dashboard. Most participants take about 90 minutes. Some finish faster, some take longer, both are fine.
Your job is to encourage people while the platform handles the teaching.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## Common Questions
Can I request multiple events at once?
Start with one. After your first event, you can create more games yourself from your dashboard without a new request.
What if event details change after approval?
Date, count, and format changes are flexible and your links stay valid. For larger changes, email space.vars.support\_email.
Is there a cost?
KC7 events are free for educational and community purposes.
What if I don't know all the details yet?
Submit anyway. You work out specifics during planning.
## Want More Depth?
* [Plan your KC7 event](/hosting-events/planning/planning.md) for marketing templates and detailed logistics
* [Dashboard guide](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/dashboard/overview) for ongoing classroom use
* [Discord community](https://docs.kc7cyber.com/community/getting-help) for real-time help from other hosts
[Request your first event →](https://kc7cyber.com/gameon)
---
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