Introduction
Event management software helps teams plan, organize, promote, run, and measure events from one place. It supports workflows such as registration, ticketing, agenda planning, speaker management, attendee communication, check-in, engagement tracking, and post-event reporting. In simple terms, it reduces manual coordination and helps event teams deliver a smoother experience for attendees, sponsors, speakers, and internal stakeholders.
This software is important because events are no longer just one-time gatherings. Many organizations now run webinars, conferences, field events, internal meetings, customer summits, and hybrid experiences as part of their marketing, sales, training, and community strategy. Teams need speed, reliability, attendee data, and clear reporting. Buyers should evaluate registration flexibility, event formats supported, attendee engagement tools, sponsor workflows, mobile app quality, analytics depth, integrations, usability, scalability, support quality, and overall value.
Best for: marketing teams, event agencies, HR and internal communications teams, associations, training organizations, and enterprises running recurring events.
Not ideal for: teams hosting only occasional small meetings where a basic form tool and simple calendar invite are enough.
Key Trends in Event Management Software
- Hybrid event support is now a standard expectation, not a premium extra.
- AI-assisted content generation is helping teams write agendas, emails, and attendee communications faster.
- Personalized attendee journeys are improving engagement through segmented schedules and recommendations.
- Sponsor and exhibitor analytics are becoming more detailed, helping prove event ROI.
- Mobile-first event experiences are growing, including on-site networking and session participation.
- Deeper CRM and marketing automation integrations are now a major buying factor.
- More teams want one platform for webinars, field events, conferences, and internal events.
- On-site badge printing, check-in speed, and queue management remain critical for large events.
- Data privacy, access control, and permission management are more important in enterprise buying decisions.
- Event reporting is shifting from attendance counts to pipeline influence, engagement quality, and retention signals.
How We Selected These Tools (Methodology)
- Selected tools with strong recognition across enterprise, mid-market, and growing teams.
- Included a mix of conference-focused, hybrid-focused, and flexible event platforms.
- Evaluated registration, agenda, speaker, exhibitor, and attendee management depth.
- Considered on-site operations support such as check-in and badge workflows.
- Reviewed ecosystem strength, integrations, and extensibility for real business workflows.
- Balanced ease of use with advanced capabilities for larger event programs.
- Included tools suitable for different budgets and event complexity levels.
- Prioritized platforms with reliable multi-event program support and reporting capabilities.
Top 10 Event Management Software Tools
1 — Cvent
Cvent is a widely used event management platform designed for organizations running conferences, meetings, and large event programs. It is especially strong for enterprise teams that need scale, process control, and broad event operations coverage.
Key Features
- Registration and attendee management with customizable workflows
- Agenda, session, and speaker management for complex events
- On-site check-in and badge-related event operations support
- Venue sourcing and meeting workflow support in broader event programs
- Reporting and analytics for event performance tracking
- Multi-event program management for large organizations
Pros
- Strong feature depth for enterprise event teams
- Good fit for large-scale and recurring event programs
- Broad operational coverage beyond simple registration
Cons
- Can feel complex for small teams or simple events
- Setup and configuration may require more planning
- Premium capabilities may increase overall cost
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile support for event experiences, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Cvent is often chosen by organizations that need event operations plus stronger process control across multiple teams. It typically fits into larger marketing and enterprise systems.
- CRM and marketing ecosystem connectivity in many deployments
- API and data flow options for reporting and synchronization
- Tools for attendee communication and operational coordination
Support and Community
Strong enterprise support presence and onboarding options; learning curve depends on event complexity.
2 — Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a popular platform for ticketing, registration, and event promotion, commonly used by creators, communities, and small to mid-sized teams. It is known for accessibility and fast setup.
Key Features
- Ticketing and registration workflows for public events
- Event listing and discovery support for audience reach
- Basic attendee management and check-in tools
- Promotion tools for event pages and campaigns
- Reporting for registrations and sales tracking
- Flexible setup for recurring and one-time events
Pros
- Fast onboarding and easy event setup
- Strong fit for ticketed public events and communities
- Good option for smaller teams and independent organizers
Cons
- Advanced enterprise workflow depth is limited compared to larger platforms
- Some customization needs may require workarounds
- Better for straightforward event flows than highly complex programs
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile support, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Eventbrite works well for teams prioritizing quick launch and ticketing simplicity. It is often used by organizers who need promotion and registration in one place.
- Basic integrations for marketing and workflow needs
- API options for selected use cases
- Common connections for attendee communications and tracking
Support and Community
Large user base and broad documentation footprint; support experience varies by plan and event size.
3 — Bizzabo
Bizzabo is a modern event experience platform focused on conferences, hybrid events, and marketing-led event programs. It is often selected by teams that care deeply about attendee engagement and event-driven growth.
Key Features
- Event registration and branded event experiences
- Hybrid and virtual event workflows with engagement tools
- Agenda, speaker, and session management
- Networking and attendee interaction features
- Event analytics and reporting for performance insights
- Program support for recurring branded events
Pros
- Strong attendee experience and engagement focus
- Good fit for marketing and demand-generation event teams
- Useful for hybrid and modern event formats
Cons
- May be more than needed for small simple events
- Pricing and packaging can be a factor for smaller teams
- Setup quality depends on process planning and internal ownership
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile app experiences, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Bizzabo is commonly used by teams that want event execution tied to marketing outcomes and attendee engagement data.
- CRM and marketing workflow integration support
- Analytics and data export options for performance reporting
- API and ecosystem connections for broader stack alignment
Support and Community
Strong vendor-guided onboarding for many customers; support quality can depend on account tier and event scale.
4 — Whova
Whova is an event management and engagement platform known for attendee mobile experience, session organization, and networking features. It is widely used for conferences, associations, and professional events.
Key Features
- Registration support and event agenda management
- Mobile app experience for attendees and speakers
- Networking and community-style attendee interactions
- Session engagement tools such as polls and Q and A features
- Sponsor and exhibitor visibility options
- Event analytics and participation tracking
Pros
- Strong attendee engagement and mobile event experience
- Useful for conferences and association-style events
- Practical balance of features and usability
Cons
- Custom enterprise workflow requirements may need validation
- Very large complex programs may compare broader platforms first
- Exact feature depth can vary by package and event type
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile app, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Whova is often selected when attendee interaction and mobile event experience are core priorities.
- Common event workflow integrations depending on plan
- Data export and reporting support for post-event analysis
- Sponsor and exhibitor support within event engagement workflows
Support and Community
Generally known for practical usability and event team adoption; support experience varies by plan.
5 — RingCentral Events
RingCentral Events is a platform for virtual, hybrid, and webinar-style events, with tools for registration, stage management, and attendee engagement. It is a strong choice for organizations running digital-first event programs.
Key Features
- Virtual event and webinar production workflows
- Registration and attendee journey management
- Session stages, tracks, and scheduling support
- Engagement tools for chat, networking, and interaction
- Sponsor and expo-style virtual experiences
- Analytics for attendance and engagement performance
Pros
- Strong fit for virtual and hybrid programs
- Useful for teams running frequent digital events
- Good feature set for interactive online event delivery
Cons
- On-site logistics depth may be lighter than conference-first platforms
- Best value appears when virtual or hybrid is a major priority
- Teams may need process adaptation for complex field events
Platforms / Deployment
Web, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
RingCentral Events is often used by teams that want repeatable digital event production with measurable engagement.
- Marketing and attendee data workflow integrations
- Export and reporting support for event analysis
- Ecosystem fit depends on existing webinar and marketing stack choices
Support and Community
Solid vendor support for platform setup and event production guidance; adoption improves with repeat event usage.
6 — vFairs
vFairs is an event platform used for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, with notable strength in virtual expo experiences, branded environments, and attendee engagement workflows.
Key Features
- Virtual and hybrid event management capabilities
- Branded event spaces and exhibitor experiences
- Registration and attendee communication workflows
- Agenda, session, and speaker management
- Networking and engagement tools for participants
- Analytics for event and exhibitor performance
Pros
- Strong visual event experiences for expos and hybrid programs
- Good option for organizations needing branded environments
- Useful for conferences, fairs, and showcase events
Cons
- Some teams may find configuration effort higher for simple events
- Best fit depends on event format and design expectations
- Smaller teams may not use all advanced capabilities
Platforms / Deployment
Web, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
vFairs is frequently considered by teams that want stronger virtual expo and sponsor presentation experiences.
- Integration options for attendee and marketing workflows
- Data export and reporting for stakeholder summaries
- Event branding and engagement ecosystem support
Support and Community
Typically vendor-supported implementations for many customers; support needs can increase with event complexity.
7 — Accelevents
Accelevents is an event management platform supporting in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, with a balance of usability and feature breadth. It is often chosen by growing teams that need flexibility without enterprise-level complexity.
Key Features
- Registration, ticketing, and attendee management
- Virtual and hybrid event support with engagement tools
- Agenda and speaker management capabilities
- Sponsor and exhibitor support workflows
- Check-in and event operations support for on-site events
- Reporting and analytics for event outcomes
Pros
- Good balance of capabilities and usability
- Suitable for many event types and team sizes
- Practical option for growing event programs
Cons
- Some advanced enterprise requirements may need deeper evaluation
- Custom process needs may vary by plan and setup
- Teams with very complex global programs may compare larger platforms
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile support, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Accelevents is often used by teams that want one platform for multiple event formats without heavy operational overhead.
- Common business and marketing workflow integrations
- API and data export options for analysis and synchronization
- Flexible ecosystem fit for mid-market event stacks
Support and Community
Generally considered approachable for teams with limited technical support resources; support tiers vary.
8 — EventMobi
EventMobi is an event management platform with strong mobile event app capabilities, attendee engagement, and support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. It fits organizations focused on attendee experience and communication.
Key Features
- Event app and attendee communication tools
- Registration and event management workflows
- Agenda, speaker, and session organization
- Engagement tools for polls, networking, and participation
- Sponsor and exhibitor support options
- Analytics and post-event reporting tools
Pros
- Strong attendee mobile experience and engagement features
- Good fit for conferences and association events
- Practical for teams that prioritize in-event communication
Cons
- Feature depth for highly complex enterprise operations should be validated
- Configuration choices may affect admin experience
- Some organizations may prefer broader meeting-program tools
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile app, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
EventMobi is often chosen for attendee engagement and communication-driven event execution.
- Integration support for marketing and attendee workflows
- Data export and reporting for stakeholders
- Ecosystem suitability depends on event program complexity
Support and Community
Known for helping event teams operationalize mobile event experiences; support quality varies by package.
9 — Stova
Stova is an event technology platform used by organizations running conferences, meetings, and large event programs. It is often considered by teams needing operational depth and enterprise event workflow support.
Key Features
- Registration and attendee lifecycle management
- Session, speaker, and agenda management for complex events
- On-site event operations support including check-in workflows
- Reporting and analytics across event programs
- Support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid event needs
- Program-level event management for recurring initiatives
Pros
- Strong operational depth for larger event teams
- Good fit for complex events and structured processes
- Broad event lifecycle support
Cons
- May be too complex for smaller teams and simple events
- Setup and process ownership are important for success
- Budget fit should be evaluated carefully for smaller programs
Platforms / Deployment
Web, mobile support, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Stova is often evaluated by organizations that need control and consistency across multiple event types and teams.
- Integration support for marketing and attendee systems
- API and data workflow options for enterprise reporting
- Ecosystem alignment depends on deployment scope and use case
Support and Community
Enterprise-oriented support expectations with onboarding and implementation guidance; complexity affects adoption speed.
10 — Splash
Splash is an event marketing and event page platform that helps teams create branded event registration experiences and manage event programs. It is a strong option for marketing teams running recurring field and campaign events.
Key Features
- Branded event pages and registration workflows
- Event program management for marketing teams
- RSVP and attendee data capture tools
- Template-based event creation for consistency
- Reporting and event performance visibility
- Team workflows for recurring campaign events
Pros
- Strong for branded event marketing execution
- Useful for teams running repeatable field or campaign events
- Helps standardize event page creation across teams
Cons
- May not offer the same operational depth as conference-first platforms
- Complex expo or large conference needs may require broader tools
- Fit depends on marketing-led event use cases
Platforms / Deployment
Web, Cloud
Security and Compliance
Varies / Not publicly stated
Integrations and Ecosystem
Splash is commonly chosen by marketing organizations that need speed, consistency, and branded event workflows across campaigns.
- Integration options for marketing and CRM workflows
- Data export and reporting for campaign analysis
- Useful for organizations standardizing event brand governance
Support and Community
Strong fit for marketing teams with repeatable event processes; support and onboarding vary by plan.
Comparison Table
| Tool Name | Best For | Platform(s) Supported | Deployment | Standout Feature | Public Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cvent | Enterprise conferences and event programs | Web, mobile support | Cloud | Large-scale event operations depth | N/A |
| Eventbrite | Public ticketed events and quick setup | Web, mobile support | Cloud | Fast ticketing and event launch | N/A |
| Bizzabo | Marketing-led conferences and hybrid events | Web, mobile app experiences | Cloud | Attendee engagement and modern event experience | N/A |
| Whova | Conference engagement and mobile attendee experience | Web, mobile app | Cloud | Strong attendee networking and event app experience | N/A |
| RingCentral Events | Virtual and hybrid event programs | Web | Cloud | Digital event production and engagement workflows | N/A |
| vFairs | Virtual expos and branded hybrid experiences | Web | Cloud | Branded virtual expo environments | N/A |
| Accelevents | Flexible multi-format events for growing teams | Web, mobile support | Cloud | Balanced features across event types | N/A |
| EventMobi | Mobile-first conference engagement | Web, mobile app | Cloud | Attendee communication and event app strength | N/A |
| Stova | Complex meetings and enterprise event operations | Web, mobile support | Cloud | Structured event lifecycle management | N/A |
| Splash | Marketing event pages and recurring field events | Web | Cloud | Branded event marketing workflows | N/A |
Evaluation and Scoring of Event Management Software
Weights
Core features 25 percent
Ease of use 15 percent
Integrations and ecosystem 15 percent
Security and compliance 10 percent
Performance and reliability 10 percent
Support and community 10 percent
Price and value 15 percent
| Tool Name | Core | Ease | Integrations | Security | Performance | Support | Value | Weighted Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cvent | 9.5 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 6.5 | 8.08 |
| Eventbrite | 7.5 | 9.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.73 |
| Bizzabo | 8.8 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 6.8 | 8.3 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 8.02 |
| Whova | 8.2 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.3 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 7.88 |
| RingCentral Events | 8.3 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 6.5 | 8.2 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.89 |
| vFairs | 8.4 | 7.4 | 7.6 | 6.5 | 8.0 | 7.9 | 7.4 | 7.79 |
| Accelevents | 8.1 | 8.4 | 7.7 | 6.2 | 7.9 | 7.7 | 8.2 | 7.92 |
| EventMobi | 8.0 | 8.2 | 7.4 | 6.2 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.73 |
| Stova | 8.9 | 7.1 | 8.4 | 6.8 | 8.4 | 8.2 | 6.8 | 7.97 |
| Splash | 7.8 | 8.6 | 8.0 | 6.4 | 7.9 | 7.6 | 7.9 | 7.82 |
These scores are comparative and designed to help with shortlisting, not to declare one universal winner. A platform with a slightly lower total may still be the best fit if it matches your event format, team size, and process maturity. Core and integrations usually matter most for long-term scalability, while ease and value matter most for smaller teams and fast deployment. Always validate your shortlist with a pilot event, a test registration flow, and a reporting review.
Which Event Management Software Tool Is Right for You
Solo or Freelancer
If you run small public events, workshops, or community meetups, Eventbrite is often the easiest starting point because setup is fast and ticketing is simple. If your focus is branded event pages and campaign-style experiences for clients, Splash can also be a strong option. Keep your stack simple and choose a tool that reduces admin work.
SMB
Small and growing businesses usually need flexibility across event types without heavy operational complexity. Accelevents is a practical choice when you want one platform for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Whova and EventMobi are good options when attendee engagement and the mobile experience are high priorities.
Mid-Market
Mid-market teams typically care about branding, integrations, and repeatability across multiple events. Bizzabo is a strong fit for marketing-led event programs with engagement and reporting goals. RingCentral Events works well for teams running frequent digital or hybrid programs. Splash is useful when field marketing and event page standardization matter.
Enterprise
Enterprise teams often need approval workflows, operational consistency, and support for complex conferences and event portfolios. Cvent and Stova are strong candidates when program scale, process control, and event operations depth matter. If branded hybrid and attendee experience are central, Bizzabo and vFairs may also fit depending on event design requirements.
Budget vs Premium
Budget-conscious teams should prioritize ease, fast setup, and value. Eventbrite and Accelevents often offer a faster path to execution without major implementation overhead. Premium programs with large events, many stakeholders, and on-site complexity usually benefit from Cvent or Stova, where process depth and scalability matter more than simplicity.
Feature Depth vs Ease of Use
If you need complex event workflows, advanced logistics, and multi-team governance, tools such as Cvent and Stova offer stronger depth but may require more setup. If your team values speed and cleaner onboarding, Eventbrite, Whova, and Splash may drive faster adoption. Choose based on operational reality, not just feature count.
Integrations and Scalability
For organizations that rely on CRM, marketing automation, and post-event reporting pipelines, integrations should be a top decision factor. Bizzabo, Cvent, and Stova are often evaluated for broader enterprise ecosystem fit. Smaller teams can still benefit from integration options, but should avoid overbuying features they will not use.
Security and Compliance Needs
Security evaluation should include user permissions, event admin access controls, attendee data handling, and how data moves into other systems. When public details are limited, treat security and compliance items as not publicly stated and validate them directly during procurement. For regulated organizations, internal review with legal and security teams should happen before final selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is event management software used for
It is used to plan, run, and measure events in one system. Common tasks include registration, ticketing, agenda setup, attendee communication, check-in, engagement tracking, and reporting.
2. Is event management software only for large conferences
No. Many tools support small meetups, webinars, workshops, and field events. The best platform depends on event complexity, attendee volume, and internal process needs.
3. What is the difference between event ticketing tools and full event management platforms
Ticketing tools focus mainly on registration and payments. Full event platforms usually add agenda management, speakers, exhibitors, engagement, mobile apps, on-site operations, and analytics.
4. How do I choose between a simple tool and an enterprise platform
Start with your event types, team size, and workflow complexity. If you need speed and basic registration, choose simplicity. If you need governance, integrations, and multi-event control, choose deeper platforms.
5. Are hybrid event features still important
Yes, because many organizations still mix on-site and digital participation. Even when events are mostly in-person, virtual sessions, remote speakers, and digital engagement can still matter.
6. What integrations should I check before buying
Check CRM, marketing automation, attendee communication tools, analytics workflows, and any internal reporting system. Also confirm how attendee and engagement data can be exported or synced.
7. What common mistakes do teams make when selecting event software
They often overbuy features, ignore admin usability, or skip testing the registration flow. Another common mistake is not validating reporting output with the teams who need post-event insights.
8. How important is the mobile app experience
It is very important for conferences and networking-heavy events. A strong mobile experience can improve session attendance, communication, networking, and sponsor visibility.
9. Can one platform handle all event types for one organization
Sometimes yes, but not always. Some teams standardize on one platform, while others use one for conferences and another for simple field events or webinars.
10. What is the best way to test a platform before finalizing
Run a pilot using a real event workflow with registration, agenda setup, attendee communications, and reporting. Involve marketing, operations, and leadership so all stakeholders can review the output.
Conclusion
The right event management software depends on the kind of events you run, how often you run them, and how complex your internal workflows are. Teams focused on large conferences and structured operations may get more value from Cvent or Stova. Marketing-led teams may prefer Bizzabo or Splash for branding and program execution. Organizations running virtual and hybrid programs should carefully evaluate RingCentral Events and vFairs, while Whova, EventMobi, and Accelevents offer strong flexibility for many event formats. A practical next step is to shortlist two or three tools, test one real event flow end to end, and compare ease, reporting quality, and integration fit before committing.