20 Event Management Software & Tools to Simplify Planning
Organizing an event is no easy task. Especially, handling all tasks manually will not only be more time consuming but also make the event planning process stressful.
But it doesn't have to be a difficult job. An event management platform that is easy to use, reliable, affordable and all-in-one will guarantee that your event goes smoothly.
To make your search for the best event management software easier, we've reviewed 20 event software solutions on the market. We'll discuss what is an event management software, go over a checklist of key features, then walk through our detailed comparison to find the best fit for your event!
TL;DR
- When looking for the best event management software, the key benefits are: reliability, ease of use, all-in-one capabilities and high quality customer support.
- Some platforms provide a wide range of functionalities while others focus solely on certain aspects of event planning such as communication, ticketing and attendee management.
- Read more to find out why affordable all-in-one platforms such as Whova might be the smarter choice.
What is Event Management Software?
Event management software is a online platform that helps organizers plan, execute and manage events efficiently. It provides a centralized platform to streamline tasks such as event registration, scheduling, check-in, attendee engagement, event analytics, marketing and many more.
It can be used to faciliate in-person, hybrid and virtual events. Additionally, event planners are able to organize different types of events such as conferences, trade shows, corporate events or career fairs.
What to Look For in an Event Management Platform?
While working with over 50,000+ conferences and tradeshows in the past 10+ years, we’ve heard repeatedly from event organizers on what an ideal event management platform should look like:
#1. Robust & Reliable
Some softwares may look perfect during the demo, but crashes or malfunctions can arise during your event. You do not want your registration site to be down for two days or suddenly not be able to check-in your attendees. Such incidents will hurt everyone’s experience as well as your reputation.
Choose a reliable event platform with an uptime of 99.9% like Whova that has hosted over 50 thousand events and over 15 millions of attendees, speakers and exhibitors.
#2. Easy to Use
Certain event management platforms, especially for those started in the early 2000's, can be complicated and hard to learn. An old design and framework that hasn't been updated to today's standards might be difficult to navigate. Some may even take weeks to get your event setup.
Look for event management softwares like Whova that are much more intuitive and easy to use for admins, attendees, volunteers and vendors.
#3. All in One
Running an event is already complicated as you have tons of things to handle. It would be an inconvenience to run registration in one place, handle badging and check-in on another, and use a third vendor for the event app.
Plus, your attendees, exhibitors and speakers would also hate to switch between multiple platforms.
All-in-one platforms, like Whova, allow you to handle registration, event app, abstract, website, name badge, check-in, attendance tracking and more in one single place. And you don’t need to pay for the add-ons that your event doesn’t need.
#4. High Quality of Customer Support
No matter how great the software is, you might still need some help from a real human when unexpected problems arise. While most providers offer customer support, the question is, how much do they really care (after all, you’ve already paid them)?
Avoid providers that respond slowly, are unable to solve the issue, or push you between different teams that don’t talk to each other. Whova’s customer support has been highly praised by the customers for its fast and effective responses to organizer concerns.
What Features Should Event Planning Software Have?
If you're new to event management software, below is a list of most commonly used event management tools features. We also attached a full list of features needed by conferences and tradeshows at the end of the article.
- Registration & ticketing
- Abstract/speaker submission
- Event app
- Email blast + push notification
- Badging & Check-in
- Survey & Polling
- Event website
Need more ideas for your event? You can explore our resources to keep your inspiration going
Event Management Platforms: Comparison & Review
Here is a table to summarize the platforms ratings and main criteria. Skip to detailed reviews
| Platform | Rating | Reliable | Easy To Use | All in One | Quality Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whova | 4.8/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cvent | 4.3/5 | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ | ❌ |
| Eventbrite | 4.3/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Eventmobi | 4.63/5 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Swoogo | 4.8/5 | ❌ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Vfairs | 4.75/5 | ❌ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Bizzabo | 4.03/5 | ❌ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| eShow | 4.4/5 | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Slido | 4.7/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Poll Everywhere | 4.5/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Tripleseat | 4.4/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Zoom Events | 4.5/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| RingCentral Events | 4.4/5 | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| BrightTALK | 4.0/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Airtable | 4.6/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Slack | 4.5/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| ProjectManager | 4.1/5 | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ | ✓ |
| BaseCamp | 4.1/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Trello | 4.4/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ✓ |
| Asana | 4.3/5 | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ |
Below are the 20 options we've reviewed with each category in mind.
1. Whova
Rating: 4.8 (4,621)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ✓ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Whova is the best all-in-one accessible event management platforms for events such as conferences, trade shows, expos and fairs providing a complete set of tools for event planning from start to finish. With a variety of tools, you can tailor the backend to whichever size and type of event you have.
Whova is an award-winning all-in-one, reliable and easy-to-use event management system with high quality customer support. It is an event management software on G2's Global Top 50 Best Software and has received multiple awards in the "Event Technology Awards" such as People's Choice Award, Best Event Management Platform and Best Event App award.
Rather than juggling multiple specialized event software platforms, Whova is built to help you manage your events from beginning to end within one system. Key features of Whova's event planning software include:
- Event registration
- Mobile event app
- Abstract submissions
- Badging & check-in, certificates, surveys
- QR code lead retrieval
- Event website with agenda schedule
- and more
Why Whova is great:
As a cost-effective, easy to use, all-in-one event management platform, Whova is widely used by 50,000+ events with over 10 million attendees in the US/Canada, UK/Europe, Australia, Asia, and more. With the highest ratings on app stores and reviews, Whova offers customers a variety of time-saving tools.
With tools in event marketing, registration, attendee engagement and attendee management, Whova can adjust to your event's needs and you only pay for the features you need. As an organizer, you will have easily access all of your event data in one single backend while providing all necessary features to exhibitors, attendees and speakers through Whova's app.
Why Whova might not be the best option:
Whova is not a fit for smaller events with under 100 attendees, or sports/entertainment events.
2. Cvent
Rating: 4.3 (3,273)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ❌ All in One: ✓ Quality Support: ❌
Key Takeaway: Cvent is a complete event management system that provides a wide range of tools that can aid in very distinct areas such as venue sourcing, event marketing and attendee management. One main downside is its steep learning curve for utilizing the software which requires previous expert knowledge or constant learning.
Image credit to Cvent
Cvent is a cloud-based event management system offering a wide array of features, such as event marketing, venue sourcing, attendee engagement tools, and event analytics.
While they do offer a large range of tools to aid in event management, users have noted that the platform is less intuitive and less affordable than other options.
Features users love:
- Event Diagramming
- Venue sourcing/RFP
- Event Reporting
Why we’d pick Cvent
Cvent is an event management platform that offers a large variety of features and tools designed to assist organizers in running successful events. If you require assistance with venues and a vastly wide range of tools, Cvent might worth looking at.
Why Cvent might not be the best option:
While a very comprehensive suite, users have noted some drawbacks of using Cvent, such as a sharp learning curve and hard-to-work-with support. Its cost is often considered steep for many organizations.
Pricing:
Need to contact Cvent for pricing.
3. Eventbrite
Rating: 4.3 (5,885)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ❌
Key Takeaway: Eventbrite provides free usage of its platform for handling ticketing management and registration features. It might not be the best fit if your event requires more than just ticketing and registration features.
Image credit to Eventbrite
This is a popular ticketing solution for events ranging from small meetups to large concerts. The system is customizable and can also be used to send email marketing campaigns, confirmations and reminders. It also allows people to register from both their phones and computers.
They charge an extra 3.7% of the ticket price plus $1.79 per paid ticket. While Eventbrite is well-known, some organizers think the fee is a bit high.
Features users love:
- Quick, free setup
- Waitlist management
- Social media integration
Why we'd pick Eventbrite:
Popular for smaller or entertainment events that mostly need help with ticketing and registration. It can be considered a great free event planning software for nonprofits as the ticketing setup can be done without a cost.
Why Eventbrite might not be the best option:
Eventbrite is becoming more pricey compared to other registration tools and all-in-one event planning software. For example, Whova charges 3% + $0.99 per paid ticket, which can save you several thousands of dollars. Additionally, if you require more help on other tasks such as attendee engagement or speaker management, the platform won't have the necessary features.
Pricing:
$0 for free tickets. Service fee of 3.7% + $1.79 per sold ticket and payment processing fee of 2.9% of the total order for paid tickets.
Still think Eventbrite is the best option? Check out more relevant Eventbrite competitors before commiting your event
4. EventMobi
Rating: 4.63 (432)
Reliable: ❌ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ✓ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: EventMobi has an easy to use event management software that emphasizes in attendee engagement. It might not be the best solution if your event requires more complex ticketing and robust event app.
Image credit to Eventmobi
Eventmobi is an event planning platform that includes basic tools from session check-in to badge printing. The platform mainly focuses on attendee engagement features such as gamification and video networking. It is an excellent choice for event planners who want to keep participants involved and entertained.
Features users love:
- Gamification & leaderboards
- Interactive Live Polls & Surveys
- Session Real Time Update in Mobile App
- Live Streaming
Why we'd pick EventMobi:
EventMobi is great for virtual conferences with live streaming and attendee engagement. Organizers enjoy utilizing basic features such as online registration and attendee management.
Why EventMobi might not be the best option:
Despite its engaging features, EventMobi might lack in customizations as well as accessibility. Sometimes manual operations are needed as well as all features are not included in a single app but rather require a secondary app.
Pricing:
Contact EventMobi for ticket fee pricing.
5. Swoogo
Rating: 4.8 (342)
Reliable: ❌ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ✓ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Swoogo is a flexible platform with customizable registration forms and event websites. Despite its clean design, the pricing model might be more fit for organizers with multiple events in a year.
Image credit to Swoogo
Swoogo is a highly customizable event management platform that allows organizers to create in-person and virtual events. It mainly focuses on providing tools for registration, marketing and analytics. Organizers like the ease of use of its platform as well as readily available support.
Features users love:
- Customizable registration
- Attendee Tracking
- Drag and Drop Event Website Builder
- Hotel Booking Management
Why we'd pick Swoogo:
Swoogo is ideal for organizers that need high customization for their registration forms including integration with hotel bookings. With great customization in event website, organizers can provide clean and enticing designs to attract attendees.
Why Swoogo might not be the best option:
While Swoogo provides beautiful designs, Swoogo has its limitations. The event app has been reported to have issues including crashes. Organizers will also have limitations in tools to manage exhibitors. Lastly, the pricing model might fit organizers who manage multiple events throughout the year.
Pricing:
Contact Swoogo for ticket fee pricing. The plan can have a starting price from $11,800 per user, per year.
6. Vfairs
Rating: 4.75 (2277)
Reliable: ❌ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Vfairs is a visually appealing platform for hybrid and virtual attendees to engage throughout the event. Despite its attractive design, customers have complained about the lack of features and technical issues on the mobile app.
Image credit to Vfairs
Vfairs focuses heavily on virtual and hybrid events, especially offering a unique immersive 3D experience for trade shows and conferences. The product aims for organizers to provide visually appealing and memorable events.
Features users love:
- 2D or 3D immersive virtual environment
- Customer support
- Branded and customizable event webpage
- Online registration
Why we'd pick Vfairs:
If you have a high emphasis on how your event looks, Vfairs can provide the virtual tools to engage in-person and virtual attendees equally. Customizable registrations, webpages and 3D venues can integrate virtual attendees seamlessly into your event.
Why Vfairs might not be the best option:
Organizers with smaller size events might not benefit from the features and pricing models. Additionally, the platform might not provide an all-in-one solution as it might lack features in its backend.
Pricing:
For tickets, no registration fees up to 500 attendees. Contact Vfairs for detailed pricing.
7. Bizzabo
Rating: 4.03 (666)
Reliable: ❌ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Bizzabo is an accessible event management software to expand your event marketing and ticket sales. The lack of comprehensive event management features and the subscription based pricing model might not be ideal for event organizers looking for an all-in-one solution.
Image credit to Bizzabo
Bizzabo is a user-friendly event management software that allows marketers and organizers to manage events with any size or format. The platform is designed for flexibility and scale for virtual and in-person events.
Features users love:
- Event Registration
- Room Block Management
- Email Marketing
- Calendar Management
Why we'd pick Bizzabo:
Bizzabo has a strong comprehensive tool set for event marketing which includes email campaigns, branded event websites and integration with third party marketing automations. Also its unique smart badge increases attendee engagement through easy contact exchange, check-in and session tracking.
Why Bizzabo might not be the best option:
Bizzabo which focuses mostly on marketing and branding elements of your event might not be a comprehensive event management tool. Also events with a tight budget might not benefit from their subscription based pricing model.
Pricing:
No information on ticket fee pricing. Starting price of $17,999 flat rate, per year.
8. eShow
Rating: 4.4 (51)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ❌ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: eShow offers solutions for virtual, hybrid and in-person events with tools for registration, event website creation and conference management. The platform may not be as intuitive or provide a wide range of tools as other platforms.
Image credit to eShow
eShow provides web-based tools and solutions for event management teams, such as registration, event websites, and abstract collection. It integrates with some AMS and CRM, and also offers a basic mobile app.
Features users love:
- Interactive floormap
- Lead retrieval
- Meeting logistics
Why we'd pick eShow:
eShow is a web-based event management software mainly used by trade shows.
Why eShow might not be the best option:
Its interface may not be as intuitive as some other better rated platforms.
Pricing:
Contact eShow for pricing.
9. Slido
Rating: 4.7 (572)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ❌
Key Takeaway: Slido is a well known application that can help collect attendee questions and get feedback. Organizers looking for more event planning features might benefit from an all-in-one platform.
Image credit to Slido
A well-known Q&A and live polling tool, Slido enables users to crowdsource top questions in order to drive meaningful conversations.
If you are hesitant to adopt Slido only for QA/live polls, first check whether your event app already offers these features. For example, all-in-one event management tools will display results on a big screen, provide numerous live poll question templates for easy setup, or support question ranking, auto-reminders, embedding Q&A into speakers' slides, etc.
Features users love:
- Real time Q&A
- Live polls and quizzes
- Surveys & feedback
Why we'd pick Slido:
Slido has a specialized mobile app that can collect attendees' questions or get feedback through live polling.
Why Slido might not be the best option:
If you need one versatile app providing other features as well (personalized agenda, announcement, networking, gamification, document/photo sharing, etc), Slido won't be able to handle that.
Pricing:
From $0 basic plan of up to 100 participants to $200/month enterprise plan of up to 5,000 participants.
10. Poll Everywhere
Rating: 4.5 (92)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: PollEverywhere is a reliable software to manage questions and live responses during activities. Its limited features concentrated only on polls might limit its potential usage during events.
Image credit to Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere is also an audience response software suitable for events. Attendees can use their smartphones to submit live responses to your activities. The platform includes a web app, mobile app, and integrates with PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Keynote.
Features users love:
- Live polling
- Multiple choice questions
- Q&A sessions
- Anonymous participation
Why we'd pick Poll Everywhere:
Poll Everywhere is a powerful tool for enhancing audience interaction and engagement across various settings.
Why Poll Everywhere might not be the best option:
Similar to Slido, this is a specialized software focused on polling. If you need more comprehensive event platform, check out some other options.
Pricing:
From $0 Intro plan to $84/month Teams plan. Contact Poll Everywhere for a Custom plan.
11. Tripleseat
Rating: 4.4 (496)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Tripleseat is a comprehensive hospitality & event management software mainly focused for restaurants, hotels, and event venues. While the software can be a perfect fit for those types of events, some specific financial and reporting features may be lacking.
Image credit to Tripleseat
TripleSeat is an event management software designed for the hospitality industry. As a direct event booking platform, it caters to on-premise private events, off-premise catering, and large party reservations. It offers accurate and detailed event mapping, access to in-depth reports and analytics, customizable branding, and credit card payment processing.
Features users love:
- Booking and CRM
- Calendar management
- Client portal
Why we'd pick TripleSeat:
If you are in the hospitality industry and need to keep the chef, manager, and staff up-to-date, TripleSeat is for you.
Why TripleSeat might not be the best option:
For regular event organizers who do not own or manage venues, this platform will not be a fit.
Pricing:
Need to contact directly for exact pricing.
12. Zoom Events
Rating: 4.5 (5,934)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Zoom Events is a great fit for virtual events or webinar series that require heavy reliability in online video services. On the other hand, it lacks other event planning features such as exhibitor management or networking tools.
Image credit to Zoom Events
Chances are you're already familiar with Zoom and how to use it, making their virtual event/webinar system, Zoom Events, an intriguing option. The platform is meant to help organizers run events online, such as hosting sessions via streaming, helping share events and manage ticketing, and more.
However Zoom Events has mostly been focused on smaller courses and webinar series. It also lacks some of the more advanced features other platforms might have, like digital booths for sponsors and exhibitors, so if you're planning a bigger conference or event, this may not be the right fit.
Features users love:
- Q&A sessions
- Polls
- Live streaming and chat
Why we'd pick Zoom Event:
Zoom Events combines a few different steps of the virtual event planning process, and is worth considering if you’re planning a small-scale virtual event that won’t need all the features that all-in-one event planning software can provide.
Why Zoom Event might not be the best option:
If you’re running a large in-person event, consider platforms that allow you to handle more complicated tasks such as attendee engagement, survey and mobile event app.
Pricing:
Monthly subscriptions, yearly subscription or pay per attendees plans ranging from $149/month (100 attendees) to $26,490/year (3,000 attendees).
13. RingCentral Events
Rating: 4.4 (952)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ❌ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ❌
Key Takeaway: RingCentral Events has an engaging product that caters virtual and hybrid events with tools in video conferencing, attendee engagement and registration. But its heavy bandwidth in virtual tools can sometimes result in glitches and performance issues.
Image credit to RingCentral Events
RingCentral Events (formerly Hopin) is an event management software for organizers to create, host and manage virtual events. Its virtual venue connects attendees with live video, helping them learn and interact remotely. It also offers an event registration and ticketing component.
Similar to Zoom Events, RingCentral Events was built for virtual events and webinars. Based on the reviews on G2 and Capterra, some customers have reported that the ease of use and customer service are not as good as other platforms.
Features users love:
- Webinars and livestreams
- Virtual events
- Virtual lounges
Why we'd pick RingCentral Events:
It is a good option for virtual events.
Why RingCentral Events might not be the best option:
With most professional conferences being in-person events, this platform lacks sophisticated event specific tools such as web page generation, check-in, badge, and certificates generation.
Pricing:
From $1490/year for 100 attendees to $9,490/year for 1,000. For 2,000+ attendees, contact RingCentral Events directly.
14. BrightTALK
Rating: 4.0 (134)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ❌
Key Takeaway: BrightTALK has a robust platform for webinars and virtual events. It might not be the best choice for in person events with a lot of event management features missing.
Image credit to BrightTALK
BrightTALK is a technology platform businesses use to host webinars, virtual events, and episodic series. The robust platform is geared towards lead generation and works best if you want to generate revenue from recorded virtual sessions.
Features users love:
- Webinars
- Virtual events
- Lead generation
Why we'd pick BrightTALK:
This is a great tool to maximize revenue, and best suited to corporations or educational institutions that provide knowledge workshops or seminars - similar to the MasterClass Online Classes platform.
Why BrightTALK might not be the best option:
This platform lacks comprehensive features for in-person events.
Pricing:
From $500/month to $1000/month. Contact BrightTALK for custom pricing.
15. Airtable
Rating: 4.6 (4,266)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Airtable is a collaboration platform that focuses in event planning and task management. Event organizers looking for a more complete platform to manage their event might find this product too simple.
Image credit to Airtable
Airtable is a cloud-based collaboration platform that allows individuals and teams to organize and manage information in a spreadsheet-like database. It combines the ease of use of a spreadsheet with the power of a database to help users organize, track, and manage their work in a flexible and customizable way.
Airtable can be used for a variety of purposes, such as event planning, project management, customer relationship management (CRM), inventory management, and more. It also integrates with various other tools and services, such as Zapier, Slack, and Google Drive, to further enhance its functionality.
Features users love:
- Workflow automation
- Third party integrations
- Readily available templates
Why we'd pick Airtable:
Airtable can be useful for certain event management tasks in your planning process. Many event planners choose to use both Airtable and event management tools such as Whova for the best efficiency.
Why Airtable might not be the best option:
For organizers who need more specific event planner software, AirTable might be a bit too general, as it lacks features such as check-in, badging, event schedule, etc.
Pricing:
From $0 for basic features to $45/month for the business plan. Contact Airtable for Enterprise scale plans.
16. Slack
Rating: 4.5 (55,930)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Slack is a great communication tool that can help coordinate your event planning team as well as allow attendees to connect with each other. Like previous mentioned platforms, it does not provide a complete set of tools for event management.
Image credit to Slack
This popular resource for team communication has also been used for session interaction within events. Slack allows you to create different channels for various topics within one workspace; so you can have private channels for your team to communicate, or public ones for attendees to use as discussion topics throughout the event.
In addition to group conversation, users can also message each other one-on-one, make video and voice calls, and share files through the app.
Features users love:
- Group conversations
- File sharing
- Communication channels
Why we'd pick Slack:
A great way to get in touch in the moment for event organizers, especially during the planning process and at the event day. Some small events also create a channel for attendee communication.
Why Slack might not be the best option:
Using Slack alone will be hard to keep any back-end planning organized. It can also be annoying for attendees to switch between platforms. You may want to consider a platform like Whova that can integrate communication features within the event participants.
Pricing:
From $0 for basic features to $15/month for Businses+ plan. Contact Slack for an Enterprise Grid plan.
17. ProjectManager
Rating: 4.1 (432)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ❌ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: ProjectManager is a project management software that can help organize schedules and tasks despite not being specifically designed for event management.
Image credit to ProjectManager
ProjectManager.com is a cloud-based project management software, scalable to teams and businesses, that provides an approach to organizing, collaborating, and accelerating project delivery. For those in search of a solution that focuses on team efficiency and project organization, ProjectManager is definitely an option worth considering.
While ProjectManager is not designed specifically for events, it offers a centralized interface of tools for event organizers to manage schedules, tasks, and collaboration.
Features users love:
- Gantt charts
- Real-Time dashboards
- Task management
Why we'd pick ProjectManager:
It's a great option for project management needs. If you’re new to the event planning field, a tool like ProjectManager can help you keep organized and track your progress at any time.
Why ProjectManager might not be the best option:
It does lack a comprehensive set of features in comparison to other event management software solutions. If you're specific event management tools for registration, event engagement, or abstract submission, check out the other options on this list.
Pricing:
From $13/month for Team plan to $24 for Business plan. Contact ProjectManager for Enterprise pricing.
18. BaseCamp
Rating: 4.1 (19,732)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Similar to ProjectManager, BaseCamp also provides a project management software that might not necessarily be fit for event planning but can help organize to-do lists and coordinate tasks using calendars.
Image credit to BaseCamp
Basecamp is another powerful project management software useful for event planning teams. It combines message boards, calendars, to-do lists, documents & file storage, and more into one single streamlined and organized place. Every event staff will know what to do.
Features users love:
- To-Do lists
- Message boards
- Document and file storage
Why we'd pick Basecamp:
Basecamp is another useful project management tool for your event planning team to get things organized and well coordinated. Most organizers use it together with other platforms such as Whova to manage their logistics tasks as well as deliver a full experience for their participants.
Why Basecamp might not be the best option:
Basecamp lacks the interface for participants (such as attendees, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors) to access information.
Pricing:
From $15/month for BaseCamp plan to $299/month for Pro Unlimited plan.
19. Trello
Rating: 4.4 (36,752)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ✓
Key Takeaway: Trello can be a lightweight project management software that can help streamline your event tasks through different stages until they reach completion.
Image credit to Trello
Trello (by Atlassian) uses a "card-design" to help you manage your event tasks. Users love how easy it is to start using this software when compared to other more heavyweight event planner software. Trello's design and user-friendly interface makes this software not only extremely effective, but also visually pleasing.
Features users love:
- Kanban boards
- Card customization
- Collaboration tools
Why we'd pick Trello:
Trello is a lightweight project management software with an easy to use interface. Its unique card design helps you define different stages of tasks and keep track of event logistics. It is overall a useful tool to keep your tasks organized and synced.
Why Trello might not be the best option:
Similar to ProjectManager and Basecamp, it does not provide interfaces for your participants to access information, such as the event app and web pages. It also lacks other event specific tools such as check-in and name badge generation.
Pricing:
From $0 for Free plan to $17.50 for Enterprise plan.
20. Asana
Rating: 4.3 (22,794)
Reliable: ✓ Easy to Use: ✓ All in One: ❌ Quality Support: ❌
Key Takeaway: Asana is a management tool that connects work and automates workflows to ultimately reach company goals. As an event organizer, you can utilize this platform to integrate with communication tools, CRMs and even emails to automate attendee management and event marketing.
Image credit to Asana
Asana’s flagship service is a web and mobile “work management platform” that creates a main project board where you can track tasks and deadlines and collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
This software company offers pre-made templates for common event types, like workshops and virtual events, to ensure consistent and cohesive planning. Asana also integrates with popular apps like Outlook, Slack, and Gmail, so you can turn messages and emails into actionable tasks.
Features users love:
- Task management
- Project views
- Workload management
Why we'd pick Asana:
As PCMags 2023 Business Choice Award winner for project management, Asana’s real-time tracking and delegation features make it an excellent choice for event planners who need a tool that seamlessly integrates with their existing management applications.
Why Asana might not be the best option:
Asana lacks event specific tools such as an event app, event web pages, check-in and name badge generation.
Pricing:
From $0 for Personal plan to $30.49/month for Advanced plan.
Next Steps - Live Demo & Trial Account
As you can see, there is a wide variety of tools and softwares that can assist your event planning process. You must first assess what your event needs and then allow yourself to explore more opportunities that can lead to a bigger event success.
The most recommended ones are the all-in-one softwares such as Whova since as an event organizer, you will require help in more than just simple registrations or task management. But keep in mind that the "best" event software isn't the same for everyone.
Try out our trial account or request a demo so that you can truly see for yourself how your event can take off with the help of Whova.
Click here to request a live demo & a trial account from Whova.
FAQ
- Registration and Ticketing: Online registration forms, ticket sales, and attendee management
- Attendee Management: Safely and efficiently manage check-ins, personal information, and session attendance
- Event Marketing: Assistance in marketing tools will increase your event's visibility and success
- Integration Capabilities: Connection with other platforms will help maintain your current processes seamlessly
- Customer Support: High quality customer support is necessary to get assistance before, during and even after the event
- Usability: The platform should be easy to use for anyone on your team
There are some key aspects where Whova stands out compared to other event planning tools:
- Cost-effective: Whova does not charge expensive subscriptions or fees per administration account. Organizers will get an affordable set price for only the features that they need to complete and succeed in their event
- Easy To Use: With a low learning curve and intuitive user experience, the platform can be used by any member of the organizing team with minimal training
- All-in-One platform: The platform offers features in various aspects of event management including registration, marketing, attendee management, engagement & networking and analytics
- High quality customer support: Organizer will be assisted with a customer support team that will always look to bring the best outcome from any problem
- Award winning app: Aside from the backend platform, the free Whova app will allow organizers to manage their event in their pockets and attendees to fully explore the event
Appendix: Full List of Event Management Software Features
Below is a comprehensive list of event management tools to look out for:
- Registration & Ticketing
- Event App
- Event Website
- Abstracts/Speaker Submissions
- Agenda Management
- Attendee Profiles & Attendee Management
- Speaker Profiles
- Badge Design & Printing
- Mobile Check-in
- Self Check-in
- Push Notifications
- Real-Time Updates
- Email Blast
- Lead Capture/Retrieval
- Exhibitor Booth Profiles
- Sponsor Banners
- Exhibit/Vendor Management
- Exhibitor/Sponsor Tiers & Payment
- Appointment Scheduling
- Waiver/Release Form
- Event Maps
- Social Media Promotion
- Messaging Between Attendees
- Matchmaking
- Speed Networking
- Attendee Ride-Sharing
- Business Card Scanning
- Volunteer Support
- Survey/Poll Management
- Certificates
- Posters / Pitches / Art Galleries
- Gamifications
- Virtual Event
- Hybrid Event
- Community
- Offline Access
- Attendance Tracking
- Reporting/Analytics
- Session Cap (Seat Limit)
- Session-Based Survey/Feedback