Best Event Management Software for Planning & Execution
Emma Larj
January 14, 2026
Emma Larj
January 14, 2026
Organizing an event involves a lot of spinning plates.
Experienced event planners know that finding an event management software platform that supports the entire event lifecycle is priority number one to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
The problem is that many platforms focus on just a couple aspects, only offering event registration and ticketing or focusing exclusively on venue selection and vendor communications, forcing event organizers to juggle (and pay for) multiple tools.
In this article, we’ll explore eight of the best event management software solutions that streamline event management across the entire lifecycle so you can choose a single solution to manage all things event planning and promotion.
A solid event management platform isn't just about ticketing boxes. It helps simplify complex planning processes, reduce manual work, and deliver a seamless and immersive event experience for attendees.
Here’s what sets the best apart from the rest:
Designed for end-to-end flow: The best tools support every phase of event management, from early planning to post-event analysis. They create a unified experience, integrating with specialized tools like email marketing solutions, should event planners wish to use them.
Intuitive and easy to use: Great event software offers a user-friendly interface for both event teams and attendees. An intuitive platform minimizes the learning curve for first-time users, speeds up adoption, and prevents complex functionality from going unused.
Adaptable to different event types: A strong event platform works for a range of event types, from conferences and trade shows to fundraisers and corporate parties. The best event management tools support not only in-person events but also virtual events and hybrid events.
Backed by responsive support: If there’s one thing that’s true in event planning, it’s that not everything goes according to plan. The same applies to software tools, but the best providers have responsive customer support teams should you need assistance.
Built to scale with you: As your event program grows, so should the functionality of your software. A great platform supports your needs and fits your budget today but offers options to access more complex features later—if and when needed.
EventCreate is an all-in-one event management platform designed for small and mid-sized event planners. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to build event pages, manage ticket sales, and track attendee data—no technical expertise required. EventCreate provides the tools to streamline planning so you can spend less time on logistics and more on creating an unforgettable experience.
Key features:
Powerful event registration: Our event registration tool allows you to set up custom forms to capture critical attendee details, from meal preferences to expected arrival times.
Seating chart creator: Help your attendees get seated quickly and prevent queues at the door with an easy-to-read seating chart.
Built-in QR code scanner: Every ticket sold with EventCreate comes with a dedicated QR code that you can scan at the door with our free event check-in app.
RSVP tracking: Send event invites and track responses in real time with our RSVP tracking dashboard.
Pricing:
Get pricing for EventCreate here.
Limitations
EventCreate was designed to help small and mid-sized event organizers plan events and sell tickets. Larger event planners may find it lacks advanced features, such as single sign-on, that serve enterprise-grade needs.
Cvent is a comprehensive event management platform built for professional event organizers managing conferences, trade shows, and enterprise-level events.
Key features:
Advanced registration tools: Cvent has helpful tools to streamline registration workflows, collect complex attendee data, and segment participants based on role, ticket type, or engagement history.
Event marketing suite: Automate email campaigns, create branded landing pages, and integrate with your CRM or marketing tools.
Reporting and analytics: Cvent has a solid event reporting suite that lets you track engagement, attendance, ROI, and session popularity.
Pricing:
Cvent doesn’t advertise pricing. However, Vendr data shows the typical Cvent buyer pays around $15,000 a year.
Limitations:
Cvent is one of the more expensive event management solutions around.
The interface can feel a bit outdated compared to more modern options.
Whova is an event management system with features for all types of events, though it's particularly popular among conference and academic event organizers.
Key features:
Agenda management: In Whova, you can build detailed, multi-track agendas with session descriptions, speaker bios, and personalized schedules.
Mobile event app: The platform offers a customer-facing app with attendee engagement functionality, allowing ticket buyers to view agendas, connect with others, and receive real-time updates.
Event ticketing: Whova has built-in support for ticket sales, with customizable ticket options (such as VIP passes) and integrated credit card payment processing.
Pricing:
Whova’s pricing information is not publicly available. However, some sources state that Whova charges based on the number of attendees and the length of the event. For example, a two-day event with 500 attendees will cost around $1,500.
Limitations
Compared to other platforms, Whova offers limited branding and customization options.
Eventbrite is a popular platform for finding local events. For planners, it also offers features to support attendee management and the broader event planning process.
Key features:
Event promotion tools: Eventbrite helps planners reach a wide audience through built-in SEO, social sharing tools, and optional paid ads.
Integrations: Eventbrite has a massive range of integrations with programs like Mailchimp, Zoom, Salesforce, and over 100 others to manage marketing, virtual events, and CRM sync.
Embedded checkout: Eventbrite offers an embed feature to allow ticket buyers to go through the registration process directly on your website, Facebook page, or blog instead of redirecting them to another site.
Pricing:
Eventbrite doesn’t charge to use its event planning tools, but it does take a big cut on ticket sales. Users pay 3.7% + $1.79 service fee per ticket and a 2.9% payment processing fee per order.
Limitations
Ticketing fees are quite high compared to other options.
vFairs is a comprehensive event management platform that supports virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. It offers robust tools for attendee registration and badge printing.
Key features:
Custom event websites: vFairs allows planners to build branded event landing pages and registration portals with drag-and-drop tools and customizable themes.
Event mobile app: The platform comes with an attendee-facing app for agenda viewing, networking, live Q&A, push notifications, and more.
Analytics and reporting: Event organizers can track attendee behavior across sessions, booths, and touchpoints to measure ROI and improve future events.
Integrated badge printing and check-in: vFairs includes self-check-in kiosks, QR code scanning, and custom name badges.
Pricing:
vFairs does not advertise its exact pricing, though it does mention that it charges based on the number of registrations.
Limitations:
vFairs is extremely feature-rich, which can create a steep learning curve. It may offer more complexity than is necessary for smaller or simpler events.
Bizzabo is a well-equipped event management platform tailored to mid-market and enterprise-level organizations. It offers tools for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
Key features:
Registration and ticketing: The platform supports multiple ticket types, secure payment processing, and smooth on-site check-in using mobile apps or badge scanners.
Marketing and email automation: Organizers can set up automated email campaigns, segment audiences, and use templates to drive registrations and engagement.
Attendee engagement tools: Bizzabo includes networking features, personalized agendas, interactive sessions, and audience engagement tools like polls and Q&A.
Pricing:
Pricing for Bizzabo starts at $499 per user per month (with a three-user minimum) when billed annually.
Limitations:
Users report a steep learning curve, particularly when customizing event websites and using advanced features.
Bizzabo is one of the more expensive options available.
Accelevents offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline event planning, enhance attendee engagement, and provide insightful analytics.
Key features:
Custom event websites: Accelevents enables organizers to create branded event landing pages using a drag-and-drop builder, ensuring a cohesive and professional online presence.
Built-in ticketing: The platform supports customizable registration forms, multiple ticket types, promotional codes, and secure payment processing, facilitating a smooth registration experience.
Embeddable registration widgets: Accelevents allows you to embed registration forms directly on your website so attendees can sign up without being taken to a separate page.
Pricing:
Pricing for Accelevents starts at $7,000 for a one-off event.
Limitations:
Accelevents is quite costly for single events.
Planning Pod is a standard event management platform with features to support various event types, from conferences to weddings.
Key features:
Onsite check-in: Planning Pod offers both assisted and self-service check-in options, including kiosk mode with QR code scanning, to speed up attendee entry.
Event mobile app: The Planning Pod mobile app allows attendees to access event information, personalized agendas, networking opportunities, and interactive features, enhancing their event experience.
Agenda and speaker management: Organizers can build detailed event agendas and manage speaker profiles, ensuring seamless coordination and communication.
Pricing:
Planning Pod’s pricing starts at $59 per month when billed annually.
Limitations
Planning Pod offers limited marketing and attendee engagement features.
The user interface is a little dated compared to other options.
Here are the most important features that an event management solution should offer to help you put on a successful event.
A good event platform lets attendees register easily while allowing you to create multiple ticket types and develop automated purchase confirmations.
Built-in email marketing, branded event pages, and social media integrations help increase awareness and reach.
Keep in touch with ticket buyers during the lead-up to the event using email, SMS, or even in-app notifications, ensuring attendees stay informed.
Enable quick check-in on the big day with QR-coded tickets. Consider a platform that offers name badge printing for corporate or networking events to make entry even easier.
If you’re putting on a conference or workshop-style event, look for tools that let attendees browse and choose between sessions and build a personal schedule.
Seek out strong reporting features, such as the ability to monitor sign-ups, track traffic sources, and measure ROI.
Prevent double data handling and manual errors by choosing an event management software solution that offers native integrations with the tools you already use, like your CRM or email marketing solution.
EventCreate is an all-in-one event management platform designed to help small and mid-sized event organizers access crucial event planning features at an affordable price.
With built-in registration, ticketing, engagement, and analytics tools, EventCreate eliminates the need for multiple apps.
Get started for free today.
Highly-rated and thousands of reviews worldwide, EventCreate is independently ranked a top event management platform.
