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Pithup Blog · Team get-togethers

Choose a team dinner date with names hidden from the organizer

Collect availability without displaying individual names, including to the organizer, so the group can compare dates without a public named vote.

When a manager suggests Thursday for a team dinner, saying that it does not work can feel awkward. People may agree before checking their own plans. The following fictional example shows why a group might prefer to collect availability without displaying names.

ManagerHow about next Thursday?
AlexSounds good
JordanCould we collect a few other dates too?
I'll send a link with names hidden
A team discussing dinner

Understand what the setting hides

When creating a Pithup event, enable Collect replies with names hidden under Additional settings. Responses are shown with numbered participant labels rather than names. Names are hidden from everyone viewing the event, including the organizer; times and counts remain visible.

Choose this setting when creating the event. It cannot be changed afterward. Hiding displayed names does not guarantee that someone cannot infer a response from other information they already know.

This is a scheduling option for reducing named visibility, not a reason to require attendance or explanations for unavailable dates.

Offer several realistic evenings

Open a practical set of evenings over the next two weeks instead of using the manager's first suggestion as the only option. The Evening preset can help set the time range. Check any venue constraints separately.

Explain the setting in the invitation

Please mark the times that work for you. Names are hidden from me as well as other participants. You do not need to create an account to respond.

The event also displays a notice about hidden names. Participants should understand the setting before entering their availability.

Respond without giving a reason for every conflict

Mark the times that work. Use If needed for an option requiring an adjustment, and submit the all-unavailable response if no candidate works. The availability response does not require a written explanation of a personal conflict.

Choose using counts and communicate the result

The decision card shows the suggested date and response counts, with numbered labels rather than names. Compare options using that information and communicate the agreed time yourself. A result based on current responses does not establish agreement from anyone who has not replied.

The same approach can be useful for a department gathering or a club social when named responses would be uncomfortable. Before using it, make sure the group understands both the setting and the expectations around attendance.

Create a gathering with names hidden

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