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Event management software streamlines tedious, manual tasks like scheduling, budgeting, and attendee coordination, which frees up your team to focus on crafting unforgettable event experiences. Managing shifting client expectations and last-minute changes can be challenging, but the proper support can increase your efficiency and help ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

In this article, I compare and review the best event management tools to support your buying decision.

Best Event Management Software Summary

Best Event Management Software Reviews

Best for a user-friendly interface and robust integrations

  • From $200/user/month, (min 5 seats, billed annually)
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Rating: 4.9/5

Swoogo is an event management tool known for its user-friendly interface and robust integration options. It enables event organizers to manage and monitor their events with ease, making it an ideal choice for those who value intuitive design and seamless connectivity with other tools.

Why I Picked Swoogo: I picked Swoogo for this list primarily due to its blend of simplicity and power. The platform's emphasis on a user-friendly interface, combined with its comprehensive integration capabilities, sets it apart. I believe Swoogo is the best tool for those who seek an easily navigable platform that does not compromise on integration capabilities.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include event registration and ticketing, interactive event websites, project management, invoicing features, and a rich analytics suite.

Integrations include a plethora of tools, including but not limited to, CRM systems like Salesforce, marketing tools like Mailchimp, and payment processors like Stripe.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive event management features
  • Robust integration capabilities
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Might be overkill for small events or beginners
  • No free tier or trial available
  • High starting price

Best for integrating marketing automation within events

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.7/5

Hubilo is a comprehensive platform for hosting virtual and hybrid events. It allows event organizers to not only design and manage their events but also integrate marketing automation for a seamless experience. This makes Hubilo particularly useful for those who wish to weave together event planning and marketing strategies.

Why I Picked Hubilo: I picked Hubilo for this list because of its strong focus on marketing automation within the event platform. It's unique in its ability to combine event management with marketing, enabling event organizers to achieve better engagement and conversion rates. In my assessment, it stood out as the ideal choice for those seeking a unified solution for events and marketing.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include marketing automation, virtual networking lounges, and a unified dashboard for event management.

Integrations include a range of marketing tools including Mailchimp, Salesforce, Eventbrite, and Marketo, further solidifying its place as an event platform with robust marketing capabilities.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Unified event management dashboard
  • Extensive marketing integrations
  • Integrated marketing automation

Cons:

  • Might be complex for those seeking a simple event platform
  • Higher starting price than some competitors
  • No free plan available

Best for its robust suite of event marketing tools

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.3/5

Cvent excels as a comprehensive event management platform, equipped with an impressive range of marketing tools to drive a successful event. It offers a complete solution for planning, marketing, and managing both in-person and virtual events, standing out as the best option for event marketing needs.

Why I Picked Cvent: In the selection process, I had my eyes set on Cvent for its all-encompassing suite of marketing tools. Its standout offerings lie in its advanced marketing features, from detailed event analytics to customizable event websites. That's why I believe Cvent is the best choice for event marketing, because it can take your event promotion to a whole new level.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include event ticketing, registration, session tracking, and event analytics.

Integrations include a host of popular CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and social media platforms, enabling a seamless workflow between your event management and marketing activities.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive event analytics
  • Great integration capabilities
  • Extensive suite of event marketing tools

Cons:

  • The user interface may seem complex for beginners
  • Pricing can be high for smaller events
  • No free tier or trial

Best for delivering engaging hybrid events with a human touch

  • Free demo available.
  • Pricing upon request.
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Rating: 4.7/5

Zuddl is an innovative platform that creates an engaging, human-centric experience for your hybrid events. It adeptly blends in-person and virtual interactions to create a seamless hybrid event ecosystem, justifying its tag of being the best for delivering engaging hybrid events with a human touch.

Why I Picked Zuddl: In my quest for the best event management software, Zuddl stood out due to its dedication to the human element in hybrid events. Its capability to foster authentic connections between attendees, regardless of their location, sets it apart. I chose it as the best for hybrid events because it balances the virtual event platform and physical, ensuring an engaging, humanized experience for all participants.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include virtual meeting rooms, an interactive stage, and extensive networking opportunities. It supports live streaming, 1:1 chats, and group discussions, offering a personalized event experience.

Integrations include major social media platforms, CRMs, and analytics tools, providing a comprehensive event management solution.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides seamless integration with various tools
  • Offers extensive networking opportunities
  • Supports hybrid events with a focus on human engagement

Cons:

  • May require a learning curve for first-time users
  • A free trial comes with notable limitations
  • Pricing might be steep for small-scale events

Best for attendee engagement and mobile event management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

Whova is a leading event technology platform, offering solutions for both virtual and hybrid events. Its core strength lies in facilitating robust attendee engagement and providing a user-friendly mobile interface for event management, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize these elements in their events.

Why I Picked Whova: I selected Whova for this list due to its extensive features that encourage active attendee participation and its superior mobile event app interface for event organization. Whova has received several award-winning titles in the event management software category. Whova's distinct strength lies in its ability to foster attendee engagement, a key determinant of an event's success. The mobile event management capability also stood out to me, as it offers flexibility for planners on the go.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include an customizable event pages, check-in options, a floor plan feature, RSVP feature, and networking opportunities through a community board.

Integrations include various platforms like Zoom and Vimeo, allowing for a more flexible event experience.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integration with popular platforms like Zoom and Vimeo
  • User-friendly mobile event management
  • Strong attendee engagement features

Cons:

  • Might not be the best fit for simple, small-scale events
  • Pricing is not transparent; you need to request a quote
  • No free tier

Best for leveraging AI to boost networking opportunities

  • Free plan available for one year.
  • Pricing upon request.

Swapcard harnesses the power of Artificial Intelligence to transform event networking experiences. It helps you create impactful connections using AI-driven matchmaking, making it a top pick for maximizing networking opportunities.

Why I Picked Swapcard: In comparing numerous event management software options, Swapcard emerged as a standout with its robust AI-driven networking. I chose it for this list due to its unique ability to foster meaningful connections. This makes Swapcard the best tool for leveraging AI to boost networking, as it optimizes attendee interaction, creating value-added experiences.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include AI-powered matchmaking, messaging feature, notification feature, an intuitive event app, and comprehensive analytics. Its AI technology recommends personalized connections based on attendee profiles.

Integrations include various CRM and marketing automation platforms, offering seamless event data exchange.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates well with CRM and marketing platforms
  • Offers comprehensive analytics
  • Utilizes AI to enhance networking opportunities

Cons:

  • Could be more complex than other platforms for basic event management needs
  • Might require some learning to use AI capabilities
  • No free plan or transparent pricing is available

Best for customizable event experiences sans coding

  • Pricing upon request

All In The Loop is a versatile event management platform that offers highly customizable experiences without requiring any coding skills. It makes the process of designing unique, interactive event experiences accessible and intuitive, which makes it an optimal choice for those wanting customization without the technical hassle.

Why I Picked All In The Loop: I chose All In The Loop for its focus on providing a platform that allows comprehensive event customization without the need for any programming knowledge. This balance of customization and ease of use sets it apart from other tools in the space. In my opinion, All In The Loop is the best tool for crafting unique event experiences without needing to know how to code.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include its interactive event app with networking tools, live polling, and Q&A capabilities. The platform also provides robust event analytics to help organizers optimize their events.

Integrations include social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, aiding in social reach and engagement for events.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good range of social media integrations
  • Robust event analytics
  • Intuitive, coding-free customization

Cons:

  • May require some time to learn due to its wide range of features
  • Absence of a free tier or trial
  • No publicly disclosed pricing

Best for creating interactive, branded event apps

  • From $500/user/month, (billed annually).

SpotMe is a comprehensive platform that aids in creating highly interactive, fully branded event applications. It is specifically designed to offer personalized and immersive experiences for attendees, making it the go-to solution for event organizers aiming to maintain brand consistency across their events.

Why I Picked SpotMe: SpotMe caught my attention due to its impressive ability to create custom, branded event applications. This level of customization allows for a unique and consistent representation of the organizer's brand, setting it apart from other event management tools. In my judgment, SpotMe's dedication to interactivity and brand consistency justifies its place as the best tool for this purpose.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include live polling, gamification feature, and a range of networking tools.

Integrations include a number of CRMs, marketing automation tools, and learning management systems, including Salesforce, Marketo, and Moodle, ensuring a more streamlined event management process.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Robust integrations with CRMs and marketing tools
  • Interactive attendee engagement tools
  • Custom, branded event app creation

Cons:

  • Can be more complex to use due to the range of customizable options
  • Pricing can be opaque and variable
  • No disclosed free tier or pricing

Best for immersive 3D virtual event experiences

  • Free demo available.
  • Pricing upon request

vFairs is a platform that allows you to organize and host online virtual events with an engaging 3D experience. It offers a variety of tools to create a virtual space that closely mimics the physical world, making it ideal for organizations seeking a more immersive digital event experience.

Why I Picked vFairs: I selected vFairs for this list because of its distinctive capability to provide a 3D virtual environment for events. This feature sets it apart from the majority of event management tools, as it offers a unique, immersive experience for attendees. In my opinion, if you're looking for a tool to create rich, interactive virtual events, vFairs is an excellent choice.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include 3D virtual environments, customizable virtual booths, chat and interaction tools, and detailed analytics.

Integrations include a number of other tools such as Zoom for webinars, Salesforce for CRM, and Google Analytics for additional event insights.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with popular tools
  • Extensive customization options
  • Unique 3D virtual environment

Cons:

  • May be more complex than other options
  • Pricing isn’t transparent
  • No free tier or plan

Best for recreating physical events in a virtual environment

  • From $99/event, (minimum purchase of 5 events)

Hopin provides a platform where users can design online events that mimic the interactive nature of in-person gatherings. Its tools empower you to craft a virtual experience that mirrors a physical event, making it the top choice for reimagining real-world gatherings in a digital space.

Why I Picked Hopin: I chose Hopin because of its innovative approach to online events. The platform sets itself apart with its ability to emulate real-life event experiences, complete with stages, networking areas, and exhibition booths. That's why I think Hopin is the best tool for recreating physical events in a virtual environment. Its focus on interactivity really stood out to me during the comparison.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include multi-host capabilities, networking tools, mobile-app feature, cloud-based feature, and interactive sessions.

Integrations include popular platforms such as Stripe, Salesforce, and Mailchimp, providing a cohesive experience across your event management tasks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Multi-host capabilities
  • Variety of integrations with popular platforms
  • Successfully recreates physical events virtually

Cons:

  • Pricing can be steep for small event organizers
  • Can be overwhelming for first-time users due to the numerous features
  • No free plan available

Other Event Management Software

Below is a list of additional event management software that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

  1. Webex Events

    For secure, scalable global virtual events

  2. Agilysys

    For comprehensive hospitality event management

  3. Goldcast

    Good for demand generation events

  4. Sched

    Good for event schedule customization

  5. Bizzabo

    Good for end-to-end event planning

  6. Joyn

    Good for community-building features

  7. Airmeet

    Good for large-scale virtual events

  8. Eventzilla

    Good for all-in-one event management

  9. EventX

    Good for hybrid event management

  10. Eventene

    Good for small to mid-sized events

  11. Eventtia

    Good for B2B networking events

  12. Zoho Backstage

    Good for seamless integration with Zoho suite

  13. Canapii

    Good for global event coordination

  14. Certain

    Good for advanced lead capture

  15. Fonteva Events

    Good for Salesforce integration

  16. AnyRoad

    Good for experience-based events

  17. Attendease

    Good for multi-session event management

What is Event Management Software?

Event management software is a digital platform that helps plan, organize, and run events from start to finish. It’s used by event planners, marketers, and organizations to streamline tasks like registrations, scheduling, budgeting, and communications—reducing manual work, errors, and last-minute chaos.

Event Management Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best all-in-one event management software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing attendee engagement and simplifying event registration. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Event registration management
  • Ticketing and payments
  • Agenda scheduling
  • Attendee communication
  • Reporting and analytics

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Virtual event hosting capabilities
  • AI-powered networking suggestions
  • Customizable event landing pages
  • Real-time polling and Q&A
  • Multi-language support

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Accessibility features

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates
  • Live webinars or workshops
  • Responsive chatbots for guidance

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 support availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Knowledgeable support staff
  • Quick response times
  • Comprehensive help center

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Features offered for the price
  • Flexible pricing plans
  • Discounts for annual subscriptions
  • No hidden fees

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on ease of use
  • Comments on feature effectiveness
  • Opinions on customer support
  • User stories and case studies

How to Choose Event Management Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityCan the software grow with your events? Ensure it can handle increasing attendees and complexity without performance issues.
IntegrationsDoes it connect with your existing tools like CRM or marketing platforms? Check for seamless data flow to avoid manual work.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor the software to fit your specific event needs? Look for flexible options to adjust settings and features.
Ease of useIs the software intuitive? A simple interface reduces training time and helps your team get up to speed quickly.
Implementation and onboardingHow long does it take to set up and train your team? Efficient onboarding ensures you can start using the tool without delays.
CostDoes the pricing fit your budget? Consider all costs, including setup fees, monthly charges, and any additional features you might need.
Security safeguardsDoes it protect your data? Verify encryption, data backups, and compliance with regulations like GDPR if applicable.
Support availabilityIs help available when you need it? Check for 24/7 support, multiple contact methods, and the quality of assistance provided.

Features of Event Management Software

When evaluating each event management system, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Registration management: Simplifies event attendees sign-up, ensuring a smooth registration process during online registration.
  • Ticketing and payments: Facilitates ticket sales and payment processing, making it easy to handle financial transactions securely.
  • Agenda scheduling: Allows you to organize event sessions and speakers, helping attendees know where to be and when via solid event scheduling.
  • Attendee communication: Provides tools for sending updates and reminders, keeping attendee management organized.
  • Reporting and analytics: Offers insights into the entire event performance, helping you make data-driven decisions for future events.
  • Customizable event pages: Access a tailored event website builder, enhancing branding and providing key information to attendees.
  • Virtual event capabilities: Supports hosting online events, expanding your reach to a global audience.
  • Networking tools: Encourages interaction among attendees with features like chat and virtual meetups.
  • Security safeguards: Ensures data protection with encryption and compliance with regulations, giving you peace of mind.
  • Integration options: Connects with other software like CRM and marketing tools, ensuring a cohesive workflow.

Benefits of Event Management Software

Implementing event planning software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Time savings: Automates repetitive tasks like registration and ticketing, freeing up time for more strategic planning process.
  • Improved organization: Centralizes all event-related information, making it easy to access and manage details efficiently.
  • Enhanced attendee experience: Offers features like agenda scheduling and communication tools, ensuring participants have all the information they need.
  • Data-driven insights: Provides analytics and reporting, helping you understand event success and areas for improvement.
  • Greater reach: Supports virtual events, allowing you to connect with a global audience without geographical limitations.
  • Cost efficiency: Reduces the need for multiple tools by integrating various functions into one platform, saving on software expenses.
  • Brand consistency: Allows customization of event pages and communications, ensuring your branding is consistent and professional.

Costs and Pricing of Event Management Software

Selecting event management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in event management software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Event Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic registration, limited event pages, and email support.
Personal Plan$10-$30/user/monthRegistration management, basic analytics, and email marketing tools.
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthAdvanced analytics, customizable event pages, and integrations with other tools.
Enterprise Plan$60-$100/user/monthFull customization options, dedicated support team, and advanced security features.

Event Management Software FAQ

Here are some questions people also ask me about event management software, or event planning more generally.

What are the 5 C's of event management?

The 5 C’s of event planning—Concept, Coordination, Control, Culmination, and Closeout—are crucial components that translate strategic concepts into actionable event plans. They guide you in creating engaging events and ensure smooth execution. Understanding these can help you plan more effectively and address challenges that arise.

What are the 7 P's of event management?

The 7 P’s in service marketing for event management include Product, Price, Place, Promotion, Physical Evidence, People, and Process. These elements are vital for growing your service, reaching your goals, and meeting objectives. Consider each P when planning your events to ensure comprehensive coverage of all aspects.

How do you measure event success?

Event success can be measured through metrics like attendee satisfaction, engagement levels, and return on investment (ROI). Surveys, feedback forms, and analytics tools provide insights into what worked well and where improvements are needed. Regularly evaluating these metrics helps you refine future events.

How do you handle an event going over budget?

Managing an event over budget involves assessing where costs exceeded estimates and identifying areas to cut back. Prioritize essential elements and consider alternative solutions or vendors. It’s important to communicate with stakeholders and adjust plans to align with financial constraints.

Other Event Management Software

Here are some other useful tools for event planning and management.

What Next?

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Cory Masters
By Cory Masters

Cory Masters is a dynamic professional with 10+ years of experience working across hotel and hospitality management, accounting, financial management, office management, and operations. She's passionate about elevating other professionals in the community, using her 4 years as an Assistant Hotel Manager at Four Seasons to share the lessons she's learned about managing guest interactions, reservations, hotel staff, hotel services, hotel management systems, and more.