How to Convert an Offline Event Set to a Dataset in Meta

Work with support to seamlessly upgrade your Offline Event Set to a Dataset for accurate sales matchbacks and ad attribution.

Meta has transitioned from Offline Event Sets to Datasets, impacting how conversion data is attributed.

 📣 If your Offline Event Set was not automatically converted, you must manually upgrade by March 2025 to continue accurately tracking offline sales (matchback data).

BuyerBridge support ensures:
✅ Seamless conversion of your Offline Event Set to a Dataset
✅ Proper assignment of your Dataset as a data source for inventory catalogs
✅ Correct setup of your new Dataset ID in BuyerBridge
✅ Prevention of attribution issues or data loss

Attaching a Dataset to Track Offline Conversions

If you want to track offline sales, test drives, or service appointments after someone engages with your ad, you must attach a dataset to your ads to be able to attribute ad events to your offline conversions.

Step 1: Ensure Your Dataset is Set up for Auto Tracking (for future ads)

1. Go to Events Manager in Meta Business Manager.
   
2. Select/confirm the ad account in the upper right corner.
3. Click on Data Sources and look for your dataset, denoted by this symbol.
   • If you see more than one data source with this symbol:
     1. Select the dataset named Pixel
     2. Rename the dataset, replacing Pixel with Dataset for easy identification
        
   • If you do not see any data sources with this symbol:
     1. Go to Step 1A
4. Select your dataset and click on Settings
   
5. Turn on automatic advanced matching - Automatic Website Matching
   
6. Under Auto Tracking, click Select Ad Accounts
   
7. Enable the toggle for the ad account and click Save.
   
8. Refresh the page to confirm that the ad account now appears under Auto Tracking.
   
9. Go to Step 2

Step 1A: Convert Offline Event Set (If no data source)

1. Find your offline event set under Data Sources.
2. Click Convert to Dataset.
3. Rename the dataset by clicking the pencil next to the name, replacing Offline Event Set with Dataset for easy identification.
   
4. Select your Dataset and click on Settings
   
5. Turn on automatic advanced matching - Automatic Website Matching
   
6. Under Auto Tracking, click Select Ad Accounts
   

   

7. Enable the toggle for the ad account and click Save.
   
8. Refresh the page to see that the ad account now appears under Auto Tracking.
9. Go to Step 1B.
   

   Step 1B: Contact Support (after converting to the Dataset)

10. Copy the Dataset ID and open a ticket for Support.
    • Support will swap your pixel for your dataset in the backend.
      
11. Go to Step 1C after hearing back from Support.
    

    Step 1C: Attach dataset to catalog (after hearing back from Support)

12. Once Support has completed their portion, Go to the Commerce Manager.
13.  Find the Automotive Catalog for the Ad Account you just attached to your dataset.
14.  Click ‘Events’ → ‘Manage connections’
    
15.  Paste in the new Dataset ID, toggle connection ON, and Save.
    
16. Go to Step 1D.
    

    Step 1D: Swap source for Website audiences (for manually converted datasets)

17. Go to the Audiences section.
    
18. Under Source, check the box for website.
    
19. Click the name of an audience and click Edit on the right slideout.
20. Choose your dataset from the dropdown under Source.
    • Optional: Add “Updated to Dataset” in the description for easy tracking.
    • We recommend starting with audiences in active ads
      
21. Click "Update audience."
22. Repeat for all website audiences you will use in the future.
    • Website Audiences previously created from the pixel MUST have their source changed to the new dataset to function.
23. Go to Step 1E.
    

    Step 1E: Change the Asset under Website Events on your ads (for manually converted datasets)

    🚨NOTE: Additional steps are required for Sales, Web Lead, and Form Lead Campaigns. (Steps 1F, 1G, 1H)

24. Go to Ads Manager – Meta Ads Manager.
25. Select the Campaigns You Want to Track:
    • Check the checkbox to select all relevant campaigns.
26. Click the Ad Tab – Switch from Campaigns to the Ad Level.
27. Select All Ads – Check the box for all ads where you want to apply tracking.
    
28. Click "Edit" – This will open the ad settings panel.
29. Scroll to the Tracking Section:
    • Choose your dataset from the dropdown under Website Events
      
30. Do you have any campaigns with a Sales objective?
    • If yes, go to Step 1F.
    • If no, go to #31
31. Do you have any campaigns with a Lead objective optimized for Website Leads?
    • If yes, go to Step 1G.
    • If no, go to #32
32. Do you have any campaigns with a Lead objective optimized for Instant Forms?
    • If yes, go to Step 1H.
    • If no, go to Step 2.

    Step 1F: Change the data source on your BAT targeting (for manually converted datasets

33. At the ad set level, go to the Audience section under Data Sources
34. Click ‘Change Data Source’
    
35. Remove the incorrect Pixel
36. Paste in the ID of the correct data source (New Dataset)
37. Click ‘Save Audience’
    
38. At the ad level, in the Tracking section, confirm the dataset is added to Website Events and Offline Events
    

    Step 1G: Change the Dataset connection at the ad set level (for manually converted datasets

39. Duplicate Web Leads Campaign
40. At the ad set level, in the Conversion section, update ‘Dataset’ to the correct dataset
41. Update conversion event to ‘Lead’
    
42. At the ad level, in the Tracking section, confirm the dataset is added to Website Events and Offline Events
    
43. Publish changes
    

    Step 1H: Replace Form Lead Campaigns (for manually converted datasets)

44. Redeploy the desired Form Lead campaign

    • AIA | All Vehicles | Leads - Forms (PRS/RTG) - Updated
    • AIA | Used | Leads - Forms (PRS/RTG) - Updated
    • AIA | New & Used | Leads - Forms (PRS/RTG) - Updated
    
    

    Step 2: Attach Your Dataset to Your Ads (for current ads)

45. Go to Ads Manager – Meta Ads Manager.
46. Select the Campaigns You Want to Track
    • Check the checkbox to select all relevant campaigns
47. Click the Ad Tab – Switch from Campaigns to the Ad Level
48. Select All Ads – Check the box for all ads where you want to apply tracking.
49. Click "Edit" – This will open the ad settings panel.
50. Scroll to the Tracking Section:
    • Click Edit Tracked Offline Event Sets.
    • Select the dataset.
51. Click "Publish" – Save the changes, and your ads will now track offline conversions.

Potential Issues & Considerations

Will My Facebook Ads Will Go Back Into Learning?

• Since the audience data resets with a new Dataset, Meta may place your ads back into learning mode
• You may see temporary fluctuations in ad performance as the algorithm optimizes with the new tracking setup

How to Minimize Impact:

• Continue running ads as usual—Meta will adjust within a few days
• Avoid making major campaign changes immediately after conversion
• Monitor performance closely and reach out to your PX with concerns

If you’re unsure whether your Offline Event Set has been converted, BuyerBridge support is here to help!

By working together, we’ll ensure your offline sales matchbacks remain accurate and your Meta ads continue performing at their best! 🚀