TABLE OF CONTENTS


Latest Updates


Version 2.2 (September 2025)


More Content Block Layouts for Landing Page and Flex Page

We've added lots of new layout options for both Landing Page, Flex Page and Tabbed Event layouts.


  • All Text / Content blocks now support responsive multiple column layout for 2- or 3-columns, which can be useful for long lists, e.g. of donors, staff or board members.


  • We've also added some icons to better navigate all the content block options for that layout.

  • Landing Pages now have a Social Share content block, with options for different share actions.
  • Promo Grids no longer require a link, so the Promo Grid can be used for informational content only without a call to action. Promo Grids also now have a layout option to not display spacing between promos.





Media and Text Content Block

A two-column image and HTML block layout has been added to the Landing Page, Flex page and tabbed events, with a range of layout options.

For more tips on using Media and Text Blocks, see this documentation.



Feature Block Layouts

Feature Blocks now support multiple layouts, with Vertical and horizontal alignment of titles and buttons, and the ability to select overlay brightness or no overlay.



Sticky Submenu for Landing Pages

Landing Pages can now support a submenu that latches to the top of the page, which can be useful to link multiple landing pages together as a "microsite."  This could be used for a digital program, fundraising campaign, annual report, or departmental microsite that has a unique target audience.For more information, check out the Sticky Submenu section in our documentation on the Landing Page.


In a Grid or Carousel Event List block, you can now specify to include a carousel of events on mobile, rather than the default stacked layout on mobile. This can be useful if you include a large number of events in your event block. This is a global setting to keep the mobile experience consistent across your website, and can be found under Groundplan Theme Settings >> Event Settings >> Event Usability Features >> Event List Block Mobile Style.

Better Support for Timed Updates

We now have more flexible options for scheduling content changes, including scheduling publishing, scheduled revisions to pages and events, and scheduled onsales.

All three procedures are documented in the support article Scheduling Page and Event Content Changes

VBO Ticket Integration

We have an improved integration for VBO Tickets available.  When enabled, VBO tickets checkout occurs as an embedded view on your Event Detail page.  For an example, see https://bataviafineartscentre.org/



Tessitura TNEW Integration

Groundplan Sites now has an optional ready-made Tessitura TNEW template available for easy integration with Tessitura.


Improved Layout for Video formats in Post Grids

Using the Post Grid content block, Posts with videos are now larger and more easily playable.



Bugfixes and Other Goodies

   

  • Rate limiting for AI Bots - We've implemented new rate limiting constraints to boot aggressive bots and scrapers that overload site CPU with too many requests. Bot and scraper traffic has nearly doubled since mid-2024 with the advent of AI agents that can "vibe code" and aggressive training of new LLM models with internet content – which often means gathering data with untested or cache-breaking methods like IP switching, user agent spoofing, and proxying through trusted networks like Google cloud.  Since implementing the new rate limiting rules, we've seen vastly fewer uptime issues and speedier loading sites. 
  • Maps blocks are now compliant with Google Maps Javascript API v3, which load more efficiently.  Styling is now moved to be tied with your API key, so file a support ticket if you prefer to use the silver map style.
  • Tab labels can now wrap to multiple lines.  This is an indicator that the label is too long, but the design will adapt to the situation.
  • Fixed a bug where the second or more benefits comparison table on mobile would not accordion properly.
  • Event Lists will now only display venue maps if the event is upcoming or current, not for closed events.
  • Deprecated the need for a Facebook App for social sharing.  Facebook has changed its requirements for App business verification, and no one needs the headache!  Event social sharing is now always on, and just works without giving quite so much data to Meta.
  • Added the Instagram Grid Gallery and Text Block as options to the Home Page Flex Content section.
  • Added an optional label for venue maps in the Event List.  Control is in Groundplan Theme Settings >> Event Settings >> Event List Venue Map Label.
  • Added settings for Bluesky and Mastodon social accounts in Groundplan Theme Settings >> 
  • Added a last modified date column to the Pages edit screen
  • Replaced the Simple Google Recaptcha plugin, which ended support, with the updated Advanced Google Recaptcha plugin
  • Fixed a visual bug with Calendar dropdowns when the user was logged in that made hover states confusing.


What did I miss in Version 2.1? (December 2024)


Tabbed Event Layout

  • You now have the option to use the same flexible tabbed content layout for individual events that you also find on pages.  This can be helpful in cases where you have a lot of event content, like programs, videos or large casts or orchestras; or lets say your event is a gala with a fundraiser or auction component.  

  • For more details on using the new layout, see the Tabbed Event Layout article


Site Translations (via Weglot)

  • We now offer translation and localization versions (e.g. Spanish, French and more) through an integration with Weglot.  Set up is easy, just sign up for a Weglot package, then file a support ticket with us and send us your API key. Weglot starts by automatically translating your website, and then you can customize automated translations manually or with a language consultant to make language feel more natural. You can get an initial site translation in just a few clicks!


View the full Version 2.1 Release notes here...



Past Updates