pages/Home.md
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| Page | What it covers |
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|------|----------------|
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+| [What's New in Version 2](release-v2.md) | Overview of v2 changes — new features, removed features, and updated links |
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| [Glossary](glossary.md) | Plain-language definitions of pageant and Pageant Pass terms |
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pages/release-v2.md
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+# What's New in Pageant Pass Version 2
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+Pageant Pass Version 2 is the biggest update to the platform since launch. It introduces dedicated websites for national pageant programs, simplifies your plan choices with a free trial, and replaces older workflows — like collaborator invitations — with easier, more secure alternatives. If you're a returning user, this page covers every meaningful change so you know what to expect.
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+---
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+## Two Separate Websites
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+Pageant Pass now runs as two distinct websites, each with its own address.
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+**pageantpass.com** is the public-facing site. Anyone can visit it to browse upcoming competitions, view details, and apply — no account or sign-in required. This is the address to share with Delegates who are looking for competitions to enter.
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+**app.pageantpass.com** is where all account work happens. Directors manage their competitions here, and Delegates track their applications, access their paperwork templates, and manage their profiles. You'll sign in at app.pageantpass.com.
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+Previously, both browsing and managing lived at the same address and signing in was required to find competitions. That is no longer the case.
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+---
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+## Dedicated Websites for National Programs
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+Pageant Pass now hosts branded storefronts for national pageant programs. Each program has its own web address that shows only that program's competitions and uses that program's look and feel.
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+**Miss America system** — missamerica.pageantpass.com
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+**Royal American Miss** — royalamericanmiss.pageantpass.com
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+When you visit a program's address, the competition search is automatically filtered to that program. The landing page reflects the program's branding, copy, and registration requirements.
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+The main pageantpass.com address still shows all other competitions — county fairs, festivals, and independent local systems.
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+---
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+## Simplified Plans: Core and Plus
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+Your plan options are now called **Core** and **Plus**.
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+If your plan was previously called **Standard**, it is now called **Core**. Nothing else changed — it's the same free plan, now with a cleaner name. All your competitions, applications, and data are exactly as you left them.
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+**Core** is free, forever. It includes creating and managing competitions, reviewing applicants, recording results, and exporting paperwork.
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+**Plus** costs **$49 per year** and adds online payments, [compliance tracking](compliance-tracking.md), the judge's book script builder, and the interview planner.
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+### Free Trial for New Directors
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+New Directors can now try Plus free for six months before committing. The trial requires no credit card and no payment information. Pageant Pass sends you reminders before it ends, and when it expires your account returns to Core automatically — nothing is charged. See [Plans & Upgrading](plans-and-upgrading.md) for step-by-step instructions.
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+> **Note** — The previous "free year" sign-up promotion has been retired. It has been replaced by this six-month free trial, which new Directors claim from their profile at any time rather than automatically at sign-up.
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+---
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+## Improved Application Payment Confirmation
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+> **⭐ Plus feature** — This is available on the Plus plan. See [Plans & Upgrading](plans-and-upgrading.md).
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+When a Delegate submits an application that requires a fee, how payment works has changed.
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+**Before:** Square emailed the Delegate a plain invoice. Directors had to manually refresh the application to check whether payment came in.
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+**Now:** Pageant Pass sends the Delegate a branded confirmation email that includes a **Pay Now** button. Payment status updates automatically — Directors no longer need to refresh or check manually.
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+This applies to all new applications submitted through competitions that have Square connected. Existing unpaid invoices from before Version 2 are not affected and remain in Square for collection.
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+---
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+## Compliance Links — No Account Required
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+> **⭐ Plus feature** — This is available on the Plus plan. See [Plans & Upgrading](plans-and-upgrading.md).
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+The way Directors share compliance access with helpers has been completely redesigned.
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+**Before:** Directors invited "Collaborators" by email. The helper had to create a Pageant Pass account, accept the invitation, and log in to view compliance data.
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+**Now:** Directors generate a **compliance link** from the competition dashboard and email it directly to the helper. The helper clicks the link and can immediately view and check off compliance items in their browser — no account, no password, no sign-up required. The link is unique and secure; only someone who has it can access that competition's compliance view.
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+If you previously shared collaborator invitation links, those links are no longer valid. You'll need to create a new compliance link from your competition's [Compliance Tracking](compliance-tracking.md) page and send it to your helpers. Anyone receiving a link for the first time can follow the instructions on [Using a Secure Compliance Link](using-a-compliance-link.md).
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+---
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+## Early Registration Pricing
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+Directors can now set an early-bird entry fee and deadline on any competition.
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+When an early registration deadline is configured, Delegates who apply before that date are automatically charged the lower early-bird fee. Delegates who apply after the deadline pay the standard entry fee. The application form shows the current applicable fee clearly before the Delegate submits.
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+This is available on both Core and Plus.
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+---
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+## Region and State Filtering on Competition Search
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+On program storefronts that have regional information configured — like the Miss America system — the competition search page now includes a **State** filter. Delegates can narrow results to competitions in their state without scrolling through the full list.
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+Competitions in those programs also display a state or region label on their listing card so Delegates can see at a glance where a competition is held.
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+---
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+## What Was Removed
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+| Feature | Replacement |
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+|---------|-------------|
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+| Collaborator role and invite-by-email | [Compliance Links](compliance-tracking.md) — no account required |
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+| "Standard" plan name | Renamed to **Core** — same free plan, new name |
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+| Free year sign-up promotion | Six-month free trial, claimed from your profile |
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+---
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+## Links That Have Changed
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+| Old | New |
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+|-----|-----|
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+| Signing in to browse competitions | Browse freely at **pageantpass.com/competitions** — no sign-in needed |
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+| Collaborator invite links | No longer valid — Directors create a new compliance link from the competition dashboard |
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+| Miss America competitions | **missamerica.pageantpass.com** |
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+| Royal American Miss competitions | **royalamericanmiss.pageantpass.com** |
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+| All account work (competitions, applications, profile) | **app.pageantpass.com** |
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+---
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+## See Also
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+| Page | Description |
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+|------|-------------|
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+| [Plans & Upgrading](plans-and-upgrading.md) | Compare Core and Plus, claim your free trial, and upgrade |
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+| [Compliance Tracking](compliance-tracking.md) | How Directors generate and manage compliance links |
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+| [Using a Secure Compliance Link](using-a-compliance-link.md) | For helpers — how to check off compliance items using a link |
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+| [Finding Competitions](finding-competitions.md) | How Delegates search, filter, and bookmark competitions |
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+| [Accepting Payments with Square](accepting-payments-with-square.md) | Connect Square to collect entry fees online |
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+---
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+*[Home](Home.md)*