How Free-Event Spots Work & What Counts as a No-Show
Most of our events are free, and most of them fill up. When someone books a seat and doesn't come, that seat was somebody else's night out. Here is the whole system, in full, so nothing surprises you.
Nate G.
3 September 2026 Β· π 42 views
Most of our events are free, and many fill up. When someone books a spot and doesn't show up, that spot could have gone to someone else β often a member on the waitlist who wanted to join.
To keep things fair, free events now keep a simple record of attendance. Here's exactly how it works, so nothing comes as a surprise.
This system started on 2 September 2026, and the first cards have already been issued. If you received one, this page explains what it means. If you didn't, here's everything you need to know before booking your next spot.
What counts as a no-show
A no-show is recorded only when all three of these things are true:
You were confirmed for a free event
The host actually ran check-in at the event
You didn't check in and didn't cancel at least 12 hours before the start
That's it.
Paid events are never included in the no-show system.
What happens
π‘ First no-show in 90 days β Yellow Card
This is simply a heads-up.
You'll receive an email and notification, and the next time you RSVP to an event, we'll ask you to confirm that you're really coming.
The yellow card expires automatically.
π΄ Second no-show in 90 days β Red Card
RSVPs and waitlists are paused for 30 days.
You'll have 48 hours to appeal before the pause begins, and every appeal is reviewed by an admin.
Everything else on Smileys remains available, and any RSVP you already hold stays valid.
The fair-play rules
Cancel in time and nothing happens
Plans change β that's completely normal.
If you cancel at least 12 hours before the event, nothing is recorded against you. In fact, that's exactly what we want you to do because it gives someone on the waitlist a chance to take your spot.
No card. No record. No hard feelings.
Were you there but missed the check-in?
Tell the host.
If you attended but your check-in was missed, the host can clear it with one click and it will never count as a no-show.
Check-in has to actually run
We only count events where there is reliable check-in activity.
If a host scans a few people and then gets busy, that isn't enough evidence that everyone else stayed home. In that situation, nobody gets a card.
Host or admin removed you? You're fine.
If a host or admin removes you from an event, that is never counted against you.
The system only applies when you were confirmed and then personally failed to cancel or attend.
Nothing is public
Your no-show standing is private.
Cards are visible only to you, the relevant host, and Smileys admins.
They are never shown to other members and do not appear on your profile.
"Still coming?"
For free events with limited spots, we'll send you a message around 24 hours before the event asking whether you're still coming.
Tap Yes and you're all set.
If you don't respond and someone is actually waiting for your spot, we'll release your reservation 12 hours before the event so the waitlisted member has a chance to join.
This is important:
Silence can cost you the spot, but it can never give you a no-show card.
If your spot is released, we'll let you know, and you can join the waitlist again if you'd like.
If nobody is waiting, your spot won't be released just because you didn't respond.
Where to check your standing
You can always check your current standing here:
If you have nothing on record, that's exactly what you'll see.
The system is simple:
Plans changed? Cancel.
Going? Show up and check in.
Can't make it? Give someone else the spot.
That's all.
Thanks for helping us keep Smileys events full of people who actually want to be there. β€οΈ
Ready to experience this?
Join Smileys and become part of the most vibrant social community in your city.