10 Best Event Planning & Management Software of 2024

Welcome to the world of cutting-edge event management software, your ultimate tool for orchestrating flawless and memorable events. With its user-friendly interface and powerful features, event management software takes the stress out of organizing gatherings, allowing you to focus on what truly matters - creating extraordinary experiences for your attendees.

Gone are the days of juggling spreadsheets and manual tasks. Event planning becomes a breeze as the software handles essential aspects like guest registration, ticketing, and resource management. Stay in complete control with real-time updates and seamless collaboration, ensuring your entire team is on the same page and working towards a shared vision.

The intuitive analytics and reporting tools empower you with valuable insights, allowing you to make data-driven decisions and optimize future events. Whether you're organizing a corporate conference, a social celebration, or a grand trade show, this software streamlines your workflow, saving you precious time and resources.

What is Event Management Software(EMS)?

EventManagement Software, commonly referred to as EMS, is a powerful digital tooldesigned to simplify and streamline the entire event planning process. Whether you're organizing a corporate conference, a wedding, a trade show, or a music festival, EMS can be your best friend in ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Here, I’ll break down the key aspects and functionalities of Event Management Software for you.

Types of Event Management Software

When it comes to event planning, I know firsthand that it's far from a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Whether you're organizing a grand conference, a cozy wedding, or anything in between, you need the right tools to make it all come together seamlessly.

Now that we have a good understanding of what an Event Management software actually is, I will walk you through the various types of Event Management Software available, helping you find the one that aligns perfectly with your unique event planning journey.

1. General Event Management Software

General EMS is a versatile and multifunctional solution that caters to a wide spectrum of events. It serves as an all-in-one platform for event planning, offering features such as event registration, ticketing, attendee management, agenda scheduling, and various engagement tools.

Suitable For: Event planners who organize a variety of event types, from corporate conferences to charity fundraisers, and need a flexible and comprehensive tool to manage them efficiently.

2. Conference and Convention Management Software

Designed specifically for conferences, conventions, and large-scale events, this type of EMS excels in managing the complexities of such gatherings. It typically includes features for session scheduling, speaker coordination, exhibitor management, and audience engagement.

Suitable For: Event professionals specializing in conference and convention planning, where intricate scheduling and session management are paramount.

3. Trade Show Management Software

Trade show management software is tailored for the unique requirements of trade shows and exhibitions. It offers tools for managing floor plans, booth assignments, lead retrieval, and seamless integration with exhibitor services.

Suitable For: Organizers of trade shows and expos, where precise booth management and exhibitor coordination are critical.

4. Event Registration Software

Event registration software simplifies the registration process for attendees. It provides customizable registration forms, various ticketing options, and secure payment processing features, ensuring a smooth and efficient registration experience.

Suitable For: Event planners who prioritize attendee registration and ticketing for their events, regardless of the event type.

5. Virtual and Hybrid Event Platforms

These platforms have emerged in response to the growing trend of virtual and hybrid events. They offer tools to create immersive online experiences, including virtual networking, live streaming, audience interaction, and analytics tailored for digital events.

Suitable For: Organizers navigating the digital landscape and hosting virtual or hybrid events, where engaging remote attendees is essential.

6. Wedding and Social Event Planning Software

This software is designed for wedding planners and those organizing social events. It focuses on tasks such as guest list management, RSVP tracking, seating arrangements, budget management, and other event-specific features.

Suitable For: Wedding planners and social event organizers seeking tools to manage the unique details of personal and intimate gatherings.

7. Nonprofit Event Management Software

Nonprofits often host fundraising events, and this software caters to their specific needs. It includes features for donor relationship management, ticket sales, fundraising campaign tracking, and seamless integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems.

Suitable For: Nonprofit organizations organizing fundraising events and in need of a solution to streamline donor management and event logistics.

8. Event Marketing and Promotion Software

While not strictly event management software, these tools play a crucial role in event promotion. They encompass email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and event listing websites, helping organizers reach a wider audience and maximize event attendance.

Suitable For: Event marketers and promoters aiming to effectively market and promote events to a broader audience.

9. Event Analytics and Reporting Software

Event analytics software provides in-depth insights into event performance, attendee engagement, and Return on Investment (ROI) assessment. It enables organizers to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve future events based on the data collected.

Suitable For: Organizers who value data-driven decision-making and want to gain actionable insights from their events.

10. Venue Management Software

Venue management software is dedicated to helping venue managers streamline bookings, scheduling, and logistical aspects of event spaces. It ensures efficient utilization of venue resources and supports smooth event operations.

Suitable For: Venue managers responsible for overseeing event spaces and ensuring optimal usage for various types of events.

11. Event App Builders

Event app builders empower organizers to create customized event apps. These apps enhance attendee engagement and communication by providing features like event schedules, interactive maps, networking tools, and integration with time tracking tools to manage event timelines effectively.

Suitable For: Organizers looking to offer a tailored and interactive experience to attendees through dedicated event apps.

12. Ticketing Platforms

Ticketing platforms specialize in ticket sales and management. While they may not offer extensive event management features, they excel at ticketing solutions, often integrating with CRM systems for efficient customer data management.

Suitable For: Organizers who primarily require ticketing solutions for various event types and seek a straightforward platform for ticket sales.

To put it simply, Event Management Software comes in various flavors, each designed for specific event needs. You should choose the one that fits your event like a glove, ensuring smooth planning and a successful outcome. Whether you're organizing conferences, weddings, trade shows, or virtual events, there's software waiting to make your job easier and your events unforgettable. It's like having a trusty sidekick on your event planning journey, simplifying everything and taking your event management to the next level. So, let's find the perfect match for your event!

How to Choose the Right Event Management Software

Choosing the right Event Management Software (EMS) is crucial for the success of your event. With a plethora of options available in the market, selecting the one that best suits your needs can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a guide on how to choose the right Event Management Software for your event planning endeavors:

1. Define Your Event Goals and Needs

Start by clearly defining the goals and objectives of your event. Are you organizing a corporate conference, a trade show, or a social gathering? Each type of event may have specific requirements.

Identify the key features and functionalities you need in an EMS, such as online registration, ticketing, attendee engagement, or data analytics.

2. Budget Considerations

Determine your budget for EMS. Prices can vary significantly based on features, scalability, and the number of attendees.

Consider the potential cost savings the software can offer through automation and efficiency.

3. Scalability and Flexibility

Ensure that the EMS can accommodate your event's size and complexity. It should be scalable to handle both small and large events.

Look for a flexible solution that allows customization to meet your specific event requirements.

4. User-Friendly Interface

The EMS should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface for both event organizers and attendees. Complicated software can lead to frustration and errors.

Test the software's user interface through a demo or trial to ensure it meets your needs.

5. Mobile-Friendly Compatibility

In today's mobile-centric world, ensure that the EMS has a responsive design, allowing attendees to access event information and registration from their mobile devices.

Mobile check-in capabilities can also streamline the event entry process.

6. Integration Capabilities

Consider how well the EMS can integrate with your existing tools and systems. This includes integration with your website, CRM, email marketing platforms, and payment gateways.

Seamless integration can improve efficiency and data accuracy.

7. Data Security and Compliance

Data security is paramount. Choose an EMS that follows industry-standard security protocols to protect attendee data.

Ensure the software complies with relevant data privacy regulations, such as GDPR, to avoid legal issues.

8. Customer Support and Training

Evaluate the level of customer support offered by the EMS provider. Responsive and knowledgeable support can be invaluable during event planning and execution.

Check if the provider offers training or resources to help you and your team make the most of the software.

9. Reviews and Recommendations

Read reviews and seek recommendations from industry peers or colleagues who have experience with the EMS you're considering.

Look for case studies or success stories related to the software to gauge its effectiveness.

10. Trial Period

Whenever possible, opt for EMS providers that offer a trial period. This allows you to test the software's features and compatibility with your event needs before committing.

Important Features to Consider While Selecting an Event Management & Planning Platform

There has never been a time when deploying the proper platform for your events was more important than it is now. This is the rationale behind the creation of this guide, which will help you select the best event planning software for your business.

1. Convenient and Flexible Online Ticketing 

The best event management tool streamlines the planning process right from the outset of the attendee experience, which starts with event registration. Look for an event management platform that enables convenient and adaptable online registration for your events. 

This can appear as follows:

• The capacity to import participant data from other platforms 
• The choice to send exclusive invitations
• Being able to create waitlists that automatically update 
• The ability to create unique registration forms for various pass types, such as regular, VIP, and media. 
• The capacity to link registrations to data points via platform integrations  

2. Advanced, Fully-Branded Website Builders 

If you want total control over your brand, regardless of whether your event is targeted at external or internal audiences, you will need a event management software that enables you to publish fully white-labelled event websites. 

This will give you complete creative control over how your website will look, as opposed to being forced to use a template that you can only make minor changes to or having your vendor's logos plastered everywhere. 

Access to a library of pre-built website templates, such as those for webinars or conferences, and the capability to build a fully customised website yourself, are features you should look for when choosing an event platform. 

3. Powerful Email Marketing Automation Tools 

Top event management software vendors should assist you in creating fully branded marketing emails by using templates and customization options, just like with event websites. Next, you will need your tool to support marketing email automation so that the platform can automatically send out emails for event registration confirmations, news and reminders in the run-up to the event, post-event surveys, and more. This will enable you to save a tonne of time. Simply configure your timelines in the dashboard, then let the tool handle the rest. 

4. Highly Customizable Agenda Management

The most effective scheduling tools, which can handle intricate schedules for big events, are what set them apart from other event planning tools. You will require a robust session slotter tool from your event management solution if you're holding a multi-day event across multiple sites or rooms.

Agenda management tools enable you:

• To ensure nothing is missed, visualise the timing and location of each of your sessions.
• Prevent double bookings and session conflicts. 
• Drag and drop your appointments into a thorough schedule. 
• Your sessions can be sorted by categories or speakers.
• Make waiting lists in one click

5. Scalability for Managing Multiple Events  

Depending on your plan, some corporate event management software will limit the number of events you can publish. Others may charge a fee for each participant.

If you intend to host a significant number of business conferences and events, the goal should be to manage more events with less expense, less work, and no unexpected costs. 

It is beneficial to select an event management platform that supports an infinite number of events of all shapes and sizes, whether physical, virtual, or hybrid events.

In this regard, Eventify’s business plan offers you the same feature, where you can host hundreds of events throughout the year. 

The top online event management software:

• Enables you to manage, publish, and create a wide range of events. 
• Manages multiple internal and external meetings more easily 
• Allows multiple team members and business units to publish
• Enables you to control various brands and business units from a single platform

In this blog, we have mentioned the top 10 emerging event management apps and platforms that will help you cover all aspects of an event in 360 degrees as well as the factors that you need to keep in mind, before picking any platform.

Best Event Management and Planning Software Comparison Table

10 Top Rated Event & Conference Management Software

Here are some top event management platforms you can test out for your upcoming event. Check out the list below:

Wrike

Wrike is an all-inclusive platform for event management. Its highly effective, structured approach to event planning is its main strength. To do this, divide the event plan into phases, give each task a deadline, and create a visual timeline that makes it simple to track development.

Wrike provides a wide range of tools to help you better plan, get ready for, and hold your events, including supplier coordination and resource optimization. It is designed to manage any event, from the most basic to the most elaborate gatherings. Event planners can better manage all crucial tasks thanks to its cool event planning Template.

Reasons for Choosing Wrike?

1. Preparing a calendar of events
2. Creating assignments with accountability
3. Centralized supplier management
4. Event marketing tools
5. Event technology for getting ready for upcoming events

ProjectManager

Another prestigious event management tool is Project Manager. It combines project management, event planning, and scheduling tools into an effective solution. 

It is intended to work efficiently with a centralized interface to seamlessly start new events, assign tasks, and perform other crucial event tasks. You can improve your event management skills with this clever event tool, giving your company a competitive edge over its rivals.

It also supports extensive customization to fit your brand and creative methods of doing things. Furthermore, because it is also a powerful event management tool, you can easily manage multiple events.

Reasons for Choosing ProjectManager?

1. Total event management solution
2. Designed for group collaboration
3. Compatibility with multiple devices
4. Dashboards in real-time

Eventify

Your search is over with Eventify if you are looking for user-friendly online event management software that will fit your pocket also. With the no-code white-label event app, this event management app offers an extensive mobile experience that is both optimized and dynamic. 

Every event organizer needs this application because it provides a wide range of the latest event technological features and tools. These ensure that each participant receives the kind of experience they want and expect.

This mobile event management tool is very straightforward to use and offers event planners high cost and resource savings while ensuring that all attendees actively participate in the event. 

Some of its features are event apps, analytics, real-time polls, networking, gamification, registration, and digital signage. This adaptable, integrated solution is popular with both event organizers and attendees.

Reasons for Choosing Eventify?

1. Effortless event app available on both Android and iOS Platform 
2. Gamification, leaderboard, matchmaking, and live chat for networking 
3. Survey and lead scanning tools for post-event activities
4. Quick event registration, event ticketing, and badge printing with an analytical tracking dashboard.
5. Ability to handle multiple events and schedule sessions in one place with multiple dashboards, followed by session ratings
6. Personalized exhibitor and sponsor pages with build-in ads
7. Excellent 24/7 customer service with transparent pricing
8. No bond to hold you back
9. Push notifications, polls, and Q&A sessions to boost engagement.
10. Private social network feed to share photos, and videos with the other attendees
11. Third-party CRM integration on request

Eventify's Tech Made Our Sustainability Decathlon A Breeze – Smooth Badge Printing, Budget-Friendly, And All-Encompassing Event Management - Kristina Lamb(Event Manager)

Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a flexible event management app that adapts the unique requirements of event organizers to guarantee a seamless event hosting experience. It comes with many user-friendly tools to help with event-related tasks, including marketing, ticketing, registration, and post-event activities.

Eventbrite encourages high levels of guest attendance, followed by time savings, improved performance, and profits. With the help of its smart event platform solution, you can manage events, from the most straightforward get-together to the most complicated ones, more effectively.

Reasons for Choosing Eventbrite?

1. It has a plethora of features that make event management easier.
2. Customizing event tracking and registration
3. Simple website integration of widgets
4. Eventbrite Spectrum, an application store
5. For iOS and Android, a free organizer app

Gather

The event planning software Gather is made to streamline event workflows effectively. This event solution, which is enabled by cloud-based access, aids event managers and planners in streamlining their duties, which typically involve laborious and prone-to-error tasks.

The platform helps cut down on mistakes and speeds up task completion, which results in significant time and resource savings for the business. Additionally, access to the vast listings in the Gather Booking Network will be appreciated by event managers, as it automatically increases their marketing reach.

Reasons for Choosing Gather

1. Enhanced lead form
2. Free Gather marketplace listings
3. Wonderful experience for guests
4. Real-time tracking of documents and forms
5. Widget for booking

Cvent

Cvent is a cloud-based conference management software that provides intuitive, integrated event management tools to maximize the impact of any event you host. 

It supports event professionals throughout the event cycle, from planning and marketing to onsite execution, audience engagement, and event outcome measurement and analytics. 

This solution can make performance measurement, guest engagement, event planning, and venue search processes easier. There are currently over 300,000 active users using it across more than 100 nations.

Reasons for Choosing Cvent?

1. Make experiences out of events
2. 24/7 top-notch customer service
3. Room block administration
4. A four-stage model for event planning
5. Innovative mobile event apps

Bizzabo

Bizzabo is an all-in-one event management app that provides event teams with every tool they need to create successful events and robust analytics to derive insights to drive continuous growth.

It supports the creation of marketing campaigns that increase event attendance and create a digital experience consistent with the brand. Additionally, it permits bringing people together through vibrant online communities.

Event planners can improve sponsorship opportunities and streamline their ticketing process with the help of this platform. Additionally, it aids in the improvement of networking efforts and avails organizers to use consumer data for report and analytics purposes.

Reasons for Choosing Bizzabo?

1. Over 700 third-party apps are integrated.
2. It has a large network community.
3. Registration and ticketing have been streamlined.
4. Analysis of user performance
5. Integrated channels for communication

XING Events

A platform for managing events called XING Events was created to assist event professionals in organizing spectacular events. It uses intelligent apps and process automation to increase efficiency and prevent the typical work burnout that affects event managers and teams.

Event planners can easily improve their event management skills without additional staff or training, thanks to user-friendly event management tools like Easy Entry and Ticketing Manager. It also gives event organizers access to a community of potential attendees, greatly boosting sales opportunities.

Reasons for Choosing XING Events?

1. Hold challenging events with ease.
2. Flexible and effective online ticketing
3. Bilingual ticketing
4. Integrating CRM

Monday.com

Organizers can plan, hold, and complete any event with the help of the industry-leading event management platform - monday.com- offering all the required features and tools. 

You can conveniently book venues, create budgets, sell tickets, and take care of all event-related issues with its features and tools, all accessible from a single central hub. It can be used by event planners from any sector to host entertainment performances, trade shows, sporting events, industry conference expos, etc. 

Similarly, this platform enables users to quickly and easily monitor every event detail and get a quick overview of the big picture. Teams can work more effectively together to ensure the success of an event through proven project management functionality.

Reasons for Choosing Monday.com?

1. Streamlines event planning
2. Useful, user-friendly event planning templates
3. Strong visual event management capability
4. Superior 24/7 customer service
5. Planning and marketing for integrated promotions

TicketSource

Ticket Source is an entirely free online event planning platform that supports event organizers in marketing, selling, and managing any event, from the smallest get-together to the largest convention. Creating event-branded user interfaces for ticket sales by attendees is a quick and easy process for event organizers.

Ticket Source provides a unified online event management software with the TicketShop app for convenient online ticket sales round-the-clock. It offers printed tickets and wristbands, wireless scanning kits, an app, and print-at-home e-Tickets. It also serves as a reliable BI tool for producing reports and analytics. Last but not least, booking fees are only applied to actual attendees.

Reasons for Choosing TicketSource?

1. Online ticketing system
2. Personalization of event details
3. Tracking audience behavior and outcomes
4. Postal service
5. Dedicated client assistance

Conclusion

Before choosing a new event management platform, it is critical to consider your business goals, the features you are looking for, and the current industry trends, and read unbiased comparisons of the best platforms.

Keep in mind that it is not just beneficial to have sufficient knowledge of the event platform you intend to invest in. It is also very helpful, particularly when the events you host have the potential to make or break your marketing efforts.

Why not try one of our top-chosen platforms from the aforementioned lists if you already have a shortlist of some of the best event management platforms for your venue? You will save time and effort.

In this situation, the leading and fastest-growing event planning platform, Eventify, comes highly recommended. Additionally, you can get in touch with them to request a free trial of their platform's features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eventify event management software?

Event management software is a comprehensive tool or platform that helps event organizers plan, execute, and manage various aspects of events, conferences, meetings, trade shows, and more. Platforms like Eventify, typically includes features for event registration, ticketing, attendee management, scheduling, communication, analytics, and reporting.

How can event management system streamline event planning?

Eventify streamlines event planning by centralizing all event-related tasks and data in one platform. For eg:  organizers can efficiently manage registrations, communicate with attendees, automate tasks, track finances, and generate real-time reports to assess event performance.

Is Eventify event planning software suitable for both small and large events?

Yes, event management software is designed to cater to events of all sizes. Like in Eventify whether it's a small corporate meeting, a medium-sized conference, or a large-scale trade show, it can adapt to various event requirements and the scalability is smooth and billing equally transparent.

Can Eventify event management platform handle virtual or online events?

Yes, many event management software platform have adapted to the growing demand for virtual events. For eg. Eventify offers features like virtual attendee registration, live streaming integration on schedules, virtual exhibitor booths, and interactive online networking capabilities using messaging, community, video conferencing etc.

What are the benefits of using Eventify event management tool for organizers?

Event management tool offers several benefits for organizers, including:- Improved attendee experience through streamlined registration- Time and cost savings from automated processes- Enhanced event organization and communication- Access to real-time data and analytics for better decision-making- Integration with other tools for seamless event management.

Is event management software secure for handling sensitive attendee data?

Event management software providers like Eventify, prioritize data security and use encryption and secure servers to protect sensitive attendee information. Additionally, Eventify also enforces the GDPR consent before allowing any networking activities between attendees. Organizers should choose platforms with robust security measures and compliance with data protection regulations.

What are event management tools?

Event management tools refer to software applications or platforms that provide specialized features to help event organizers plan, organize, and execute events more efficiently. These tools can include event registration, attendee management, ticketing, communication, and analytics functionalities.

What is corporate event management software?

Corporate event management software is designed specifically to meet the needs of organizing corporate events, such as conferences, seminars, team-building events, product launches, and shareholder meetings. It often includes features tailored to corporate event planning and attendee management.

Are there any event management app options designed specifically for small businesses?

Yes, Eventify event management app offers solutions even for small businesses. These solutions often have affordable pricing plans and features suited for smaller events.