10 Best Event Scheduling Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 19 tools reviewed.
Managing events in the hotel industry can be a real headache. You're juggling guest bookings, coordinating staff, and keeping everything running smoothly. Event scheduling software can make your life easier by organizing these tasks efficiently.
In my experience reviewing these tools, I've found some top picks that cater specifically to the needs of hotel managers. These solutions help you manage schedules, allocate resources, and improve communication.
I'll walk you through the best options on the market, highlighting their features and benefits. My aim is to provide you with an unbiased, well-researched review so you can make an informed decision for your team.
Why Trust Our Software Reviews
Best Event Scheduling Software Summary
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for small to mid-sized hotel businesses | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for independent hotel owners | Free demo | From $150/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for maximizing hotel room sales | 14-day free trial | From $40/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for boutique and lifestyle hotels | Not available | From $120/user/month | Website | |
| 5 | Best for real-time hotel management solutions | Not available | From $100/user/month | Website | |
| 6 | Best for scheduling efficiency in the hospitality industry | Not available | From $12/user/month | Website | |
| 7 | Best for personalized guest experience management | Not available | From $200/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 8 | Best for reducing labor costs | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for team resource planning and tracking | Not available | From $14/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 10 | Best for easy-to-navigate employee scheduling | 14-day free trial. | From $2/user/month | Website |
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roommaster
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2 -
Little Hotelier
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Minihotel
Visit Website
Best Event Scheduling Software Reviews
Little Hotelier stands as a dynamic platform specifically tailored to small to mid-sized hotel businesses. By offering room scheduling, front desk operations, online registration, and RSVP, it provides a comprehensive solution for hospitality management. Its tailored features for smaller-scale operations make it a fitting choice for small to mid-sized hotel businesses.
Why I Picked Little Hotelier: When judging various scheduling tools, I chose Little Hotelier for its niche focus on smaller hotels. Its tailored approach, encompassing various hotel operations within a single platform, sets it apart from other more generalist tools. I determined it's "Best for small to mid-sized hotel businesses" due to its thoughtful amalgamation of features that cater specifically to the unique needs of these businesses.
What do you get for free?
Little Hotelier does not offer a permanent free plan. However, it does provide a free demo upon request to help prospective users understand its functionality and value proposition.
Standout features & integrations:
Little Hotelier houses a number of noteworthy features like an interactive calendar for room scheduling, an online booking engine, and a front desk system. It also offers a channel manager that effectively distributes your room inventory across various booking platforms. As for integrations, it links up well with leading OTAs, GDSs, and meta-search platforms to broaden your reach and boost direct bookings.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective distribution via channel manager
- Comprehensive room scheduling and booking system
- Tailored features for small to mid-sized hotels
Cons:
- Pricing information isn't readily available
- Might not be suitable for large hotel chains
- No permanent free plan, only a demo
InnRoad is a property management solution that targets independent hotel owners, providing them with an all-in-one event management software to handle reservations, billing, floor plan, check-in, and guest management. It's designed to streamline operations for small to medium-sized independent hotels, making it an ideal choice for these businesses.
Why I Picked InnRoad: I chose InnRoad for its focus on independent hotels, a segment that can often get overlooked by larger, more generic systems like Bizzabo and Cvent. The unique aspects of managing an independent hotel require a tailored approach, which InnRoad offers. The integrated functionality and the specific features designed for independent hotel owners make it stand out in the crowd.
What do you get for free?
InnRoad does not offer a free plan. However, they do provide a free demo of their product to allow potential users to explore its features and capabilities before making a commitment.
Standout features & integrations:
InnRoad offers robust features such as online booking, front desk operations, group management, and a unified reservation system. The system can be integrated with major OTAs (Online Travel Agents), which broadens the reach of the hotel to potential guests.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can integrate with major OTAs
- Offers a unified reservation system
- Specially designed for independent hotels
Cons:
- Some features may not be needed for extremely small hotels
- Pricing is a bit high for very small establishments
- No free plan or tier available
SiteMinder is a platform dedicated to helping hotels increase their visibility and extend their reach to potential guests, ultimately leading to maximized room sales. It connects hotel rooms to a vast network of online booking sites, delivering real-time availability and pricing, which makes it ideal for maximizing hotel room sales.
Why I Picked SiteMinder: I selected SiteMinder because of its extensive network of booking channels and effective room distribution capabilities. The platform stands out with its real-time management of rates and availability across multiple channels. This level of optimization and control over room distribution makes it my pick for "Best for maximizing hotel room sales."
What do you get for free?
SiteMinder does not offer a free tier or plan. However, they do provide a free trial period for new users to understand how the platform can benefit their business.
Standout features & integrations:
SiteMinder is noteworthy for its channel manager, booking engine, and global distribution system (GDS) connectivity. In terms of integrations, it connects with multiple property management systems (PMS), central reservation systems (CRS), and revenue management systems (RMS), helping hoteliers streamline their operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integration with various hotel management systems
- Real-time management of rates and availability
- Extensive network of booking channels to maximize room sales
Cons:
- Some users may find the cost prohibitive
- The platform may be complex for new users to navigate
- No free tier or plan available
Life House is a hotel management platform primarily designed to cater to the needs of boutique and lifestyle hotels. It offers an all-in-one software solution that includes property management, social media integration, and revenue management.
Why I Picked Life House: I selected Life House because of its specialty in handling boutique and lifestyle hotels, which usually have unique requirements compared to large hotel chains. The platform provides a tailored approach to managing these types of hotels, offering features that address their specific needs. Hence, I judged it to be the best option for boutique and lifestyle hotels.
What do you get for free?
Life House does not offer a free tier or trial. However, prospective users can request a demo to familiarize themselves with the platform's capabilities.
Standout features & integrations:
Life House provides numerous features, including reservation management, integrated online booking, and dynamic pricing. It also integrates well with popular travel agencies, review sites, and payment gateways, providing a cohesive system for boutique and lifestyle hotel management.
Pricing:
Pricing for Life House is available upon request. As they tailor their services to each client, costs can vary depending on the specific requirements of each boutique or lifestyle hotel.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides integrations with popular travel agencies and review sites
- Offers a comprehensive suite of management tools
- Tailored to the specific needs of boutique and lifestyle hotels
Cons:
- May not be suitable for large hotel chains
- No free tier or trial period
- No disclosed pricing available
RoomKey PMS is a comprehensive property management system that offers a suite of tools designed for the hospitality industry. Focusing on real-time updates and operational transparency, it excels at providing users with up-to-the-minute information about various aspects of their hotel business.
Why I Picked RoomKey PMS: I chose RoomKey PMS because it brings a unique perspective to hotel management solutions. Its strength lies in real-time data processing, which empowers hoteliers to make informed, timely decisions. This focus on real-time information management makes it stand out and is why I consider it the best choice for those seeking real-time hotel management solutions.
What do you get for free?
RoomKey PMS doesn’t offer a free tier of their service, but they do provide a demo upon request, allowing potential customers to explore the platform's features and interface before making a purchasing decision.
Standout features & integrations:
RoomKey PMS boasts a host of useful features, including real-time reservations, integrated online booking, guest communication, and comprehensive reporting. It integrates with a range of other platforms and services, including popular global distribution systems (GDS), credit card processing services, and revenue management systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide array of integrations
- Comprehensive range of features
- Real-time data processing for up-to-date information
Cons:
- Additional costs for setup and other services
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives
- No free plan available
TCP Hospitality is a cloud-based solution that is designed to streamline workforce scheduling and labor management for the hospitality industry. By providing a user-friendly interface and real-time updates, it aims to make scheduling more efficient and less time-consuming for hospitality businesses.
Why I Picked TCP Hospitality: In choosing TCP Hospitality, I focused on its robust scheduling and labor management capabilities. These features, coupled with industry-specific functionalities, set it apart from other solutions. I believe it's "Best for scheduling efficiency in the hospitality industry" due to its focus on real-time updates and the ability to manage schedules remotely, which is pivotal for this fast-paced industry.
What do you get for free?
TCP Hospitality does not offer a free tier or plan. However, a free demo is available upon request, enabling prospective users to explore its functionalities before committing to a purchase.
Standout features & integrations:
TCP Hospitality offers detailed labor forecasting, real-time alerts, and comprehensive scheduling tools. Furthermore, it provides integrations with key payroll systems, enhancing its utility in workforce management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with major payroll systems
- Provides detailed labor forecasting
- Tailored features for the hospitality industry
Cons:
- May be overkill for smaller hospitality businesses
- Pricing information is not transparent
- No free tier or plan available
Seven Rooms is a guest experience and retention platform that focuses on delivering personalized service to each guest. It aids businesses in the hospitality sector, including hotels, restaurants, and clubs, in deepening guest relationships and driving repeat business.
Why I Picked Seven Rooms: I picked Seven Rooms for its unique focus on creating a customizable guest experience. Its CRM capabilities, coupled with marketing automation, help businesses stand out in a crowded market by delivering personalized service. This uniqueness and the attention it pays to guest experience management led me to judge it as the "Best for personalized customer lifecycle management."
What do you get for free?
Seven Rooms does not offer a free tier or plan. However, businesses can request a demo to experience the platform before making a purchasing decision.
Standout features & integrations:
Seven Rooms stands out for its comprehensive guest profiles, automated marketing capabilities, and robust reservation system. It provides valuable integrations with other key hospitality systems, including POS, property management systems (PMS), and marketing tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Robust integrations with other key hospitality systems
- Automated marketing capabilities for improved guest retention
- Comprehensive guest profiles enhance personalized service
Cons:
- The learning curve may be steep for some users
- Pricing information is not publicly disclosed
- No free tier or plan
Hotel Effectiveness offers a comprehensive labor management system designed for hotels and resorts. It optimizes staff scheduling, tracks labor costs, and monitors staff performance, providing an efficient solution for hospitality businesses looking to streamline their operations and cut costs. These labor optimization capabilities underline its effectiveness in reducing labor costs.
Why I Picked Hotel Effectiveness: I selected Hotel Effectiveness out of numerous other platforms due to its distinctive focus on labor cost management. Its unique selling point lies in its optimization features that target the most significant expense in the hospitality industry - labor. My determination that it's "Best for reducing labor costs" stems from its detailed monitoring and analysis capabilities, aiding in more cost-effective scheduling and improved labor utilization.
What do you get for free?
Hotel Effectiveness does not offer a free plan. However, you can request a free demo to gain an understanding of the software's capabilities and whether it meets your needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Hotel Effectiveness stands out with features like labor forecasting, intelligent scheduling, time & attendance tracking, and detailed labor analytics. These functionalities empower hotels to optimize labor usage and thereby minimize costs. For integrations, Hotel Effectiveness offers connections with several Payroll and HRIS systems, which allows for seamless data transfer and even more comprehensive workforce management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integration with Payroll and HRIS systems
- Intelligent scheduling for optimized staff utilization
- Detailed labor cost management
Cons:
- Pricing information is not transparent
- Might be over-complex for smaller hotels
- No free plan, only a demo
Resource Management by Smartsheet is a comprehensive tool for managing resources, streamlining project planning, and promoting team collaboration. With its robust features, you can easily plan, track, and allocate your team's resources, making it an ideal solution for organizations seeking a comprehensive team resource management tool.
Why I Picked Resource Management by Smartsheet: I picked Resource Management by Smartsheet for its broad range of features that deliver efficient resource planning and tracking for teams of all sizes. What sets this software apart is its integration with the larger Smartsheet platform, offering an array of additional capabilities. Its best-for status as a "team resource planning and tracking" tool results from its superior capacity to allocate resources, balance team workload, and track project progress.
What do you get for free?
Smartsheet does offer a free 30-day trial. However, the full suite of Resource Management features is only available with a paid plan.
Standout features & integrations:
Smartsheet offers standout features like workload view, resource allocation, real-time reporting, and Gantt charts. These features offer comprehensive visibility into team capacity and project progress. As for integrations, Smartsheet offers connections with a wide range of tools such as MS Office, Google Workspace, Salesforce, Jira, and more, enhancing its resource management capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time reporting and analytics
- Integration with a wide range of other tools
- Comprehensive resource planning and tracking
Cons:
- Might not be suited for smaller teams or enterprises
- The interface might be complex for new users
- Full resource management features only available with paid plan
ZoomShift emerges as a remarkably intuitive solution to all your employee scheduling needs. Acting as a powerful platform, it facilitates creating, sharing, and altering work schedules in real time, keeping your entire team on the same page. This easy-to-navigate aspect is crucial for bustling event planners who value simplicity and efficiency.
Why I Picked ZoomShift: In the diverse pool of event management systems, I chose ZoomShift for its award-winning user-friendly interface and feature-rich capabilities. Compared to other software in this space, it offers a more streamlined approach to handling schedules, making it less of a chore for all involved. It's the best for easy-to-navigate employee scheduling primarily because it focuses on simplicity without compromising functionality.
What do you get for free?
ZoomShift does offer a limited free version. This tier includes essential scheduling and time clock functionalities suitable for small businesses or teams. However, upgrading to a paid plan is necessary for more advanced features such as timesheet approvals and detailed reports.
Standout features & integrations:
With ZoomShift, event exhibitors can look forward to features like drag and drop shift, time-off requests, and time clock with GPS tracking, among others. Moreover, its rich reporting tools offer insights to manage your team better. As for integrations, ZoomShift plays well with payroll platforms like QuickBooks, Eventbrite, and Gusto, ensuring seamless data synchronization and accurate payroll processing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports integrations with popular payroll platforms
- Robust reporting tools offer actionable insights
- User-friendly interface simplifies scheduling
Cons:
- May not suit large-scale event marketing teams
- Limited customization options
- Advanced features locked behind the paid plan
Other Event Scheduling Software
- Agendrix
For all-round workforce management needs
- Cloudbeds
For unified reservation and property management
- Deputy
Good for effective shift planning in hospitality
- When I Work
Good for streamlined scheduling in the hotel industry
- Workforce.com
Good for workforce optimization in hotels
- Sling
Good for communication and task management in lodging
- Celayix
Good for reducing labor costs in the hospitality industry
- ConnectTeam
Good for managing hotel operations on a mobile app
- Hyre
Good for on-demand staffing in hospitality
Event Scheduling Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best event scheduling software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing overlapping bookings and ensuring real-time updates. 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:
- Schedule events and appointments
- Send automated reminders
- Manage multiple calendars
- Support group bookings
- Integrate with existing tools
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Customizable booking pages
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Multi-language support
- Mobile app availability
- Custom branding options
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Quick access to key features
- Minimal learning curve
- Consistent performance across devices
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
- Support from chatbots
- Webinars for new users
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Response time to inquiries
- Access to a knowledge base
- Live chat support
- Availability of phone support
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing plans
- Features included in basic plans
- Flexibility in pricing tiers
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- Free trial or demo availability
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
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Frequency of updates and improvements
- User feedback on customer support
- Ease of use experiences
How to Choose Event Scheduling 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:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Will the software grow with your needs? Consider if it can handle more events as your business expands. Look for tools that offer flexible plans and can support more users. |
| Integrations | Does it work with tools you already use? Ensure compatibility with your calendar, email, and other systems to avoid extra manual work. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to your workflow? Check if you can adjust settings, templates, and views to fit your specific needs. |
| Ease of use | Is it user-friendly for your team? Look for intuitive interfaces and straightforward navigation to reduce training time and increase adoption. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Assess the availability of resources like tutorials and support to ensure a smooth transition. |
| Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans and check for hidden fees. Consider the value offered relative to the cost. |
| Security safeguards | Are your data protected? Look for encryption, compliance with data protection laws, and regular security updates to safeguard sensitive information. |
| Support availability | Can you get help when needed? Consider the availability of customer support, including hours and channels like chat or phone support to assist you promptly. |
What Is Event Scheduling Software?
Event scheduling software is a tool that helps organize and manage bookings, appointments, and events. Professionals like hotel managers, event planners, and coordinators use these tools to improve efficiency and reduce scheduling conflicts. Features like calendar integration, automated reminders, and group booking support help with managing schedules, ensuring timely updates, and coordinating resources. Overall, these tools simplify the process of scheduling and managing events.
Features
When selecting event scheduling software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Calendar management: Allows you to organize and view all event dates in one place, making it easier to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- Automated reminders: Sends notifications to attendees, reducing the chances of missed appointments or events.
- Online booking: Enables clients or team members to book events directly, saving time and minimizing administrative work.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with existing tools like email and calendars for seamless information flow.
- Customizable templates: Provides pre-made layouts that can be tailored to fit specific event types or branding needs.
- Mobile access: Offers the ability to manage events on-the-go, ensuring flexibility and convenience.
- Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into event performance, helping you make data-driven decisions.
- User-friendly interface: Ensures easy navigation and quick adoption by team members, reducing training time.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive data with encryption and compliance with data protection laws.
- Support availability: Offers various channels for customer assistance, ensuring help is at hand when needed.
Benefits
Implementing event scheduling software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved organization: Centralized calendar management helps you keep track of all events and appointments without missing a beat.
- Time savings: Automated reminders and online booking reduce manual tasks, giving you more time to focus on other priorities.
- Increased efficiency: Integration capabilities ensure data flows smoothly between tools, minimizing duplication and errors.
- Enhanced flexibility: Mobile access allows you to manage your schedule anytime, anywhere, keeping you connected on-the-go.
- Better decision-making: Analytics and reporting provide valuable insights into event performance, helping you make informed choices.
- Reduced conflicts: Customizable templates and user-friendly interfaces make it easier to set up events correctly, avoiding scheduling mishaps.
- Data protection: Security safeguards ensure your information stays safe, giving you peace of mind.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting event scheduling 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 scheduling software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Event Scheduling Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic calendar management, limited event creation, and basic support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$15/user/month | Calendar sync, automated reminders, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $20-$50/user/month | Online booking, integration with other tools, and advanced analytics. |
| Enterprise Plan | $60-$100/user/month | Customizable templates, dedicated account manager, and enhanced security features. |
Most Common Questions Regarding Event Scheduling Software (FAQ's)
How do I integrate event scheduling software with my existing tools?
Most event scheduling software offers integration options with popular tools like Google Calendar, Outlook, and CRM systems. You’ll typically find these in the settings or integration section of the software. Check if the software supports your current tools to ensure a smooth workflow.
Can event scheduling software handle recurring events?
Yes, many event scheduling tools allow you to set up recurring events. This feature lets you schedule meetings or events that happen regularly without having to manually enter each one. Look for options to customize the frequency and duration to match your needs.
How customizable is event scheduling software?
Customizability varies by tool. Some software lets you tailor booking pages, notifications, and user permissions. Consider what aspects you need to customize and choose a tool that offers flexibility in those areas to better fit your brand and workflow.
Is there support available for onboarding new users?
Many providers offer resources like tutorials, webinars, and customer support to help new users get started. Look for software that provides interactive guides or dedicated onboarding specialists to ease the transition and maximize the tool’s value from the start.
How do I assess the cost-effectiveness of event scheduling software?
Compare the features offered at different pricing tiers and see if they align with your needs. Consider any hidden fees and the overall value provided. Look for free trials or demos to test the software before committing financially.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching event scheduling software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
