Have you ever tried juggling?
Not just balls or oranges, that's child's play, but the real hefty stuff - time, tasks, people - all the bits and pieces that go into pulling off a successful conference.
Maybe you've found yourself right in the thick of it, trying to keep everything aloft, fingers crossed that nothing slips through.
Or perhaps you're new to this, standing on the sidelines, eyes wide, wondering how in the world you're supposed to keep all those balls in the air.
Either way, you're probably looking for conference management software to make it all a bit more manageable.
But not just any will do.
You’re looking for the best of the best.
However.. to be honest…. going through all the options out there can be a nightmare.
Pages upon pages of features, reviews, and promises. It's enough to make your head spin, right?
Well, take a deep breath.
We've already gone through all that stuff for you. We've sifted through the options, evaluated the choices, and in this article, we’re pulling back the curtain to reveal the 11 best conference management software solutions available today.
Ready to find the one that’s just right for you?
Let’s get started.
What You Should Look For in The Best Conference Management Software?
Before we dive into our list of the top conference management software in 2024, let's pause for a second.
You might know that you need conference management software, but do you know what you should look for in one?
Just because we've got 11 great options doesn't mean each one will be a perfect fit for you.
Each software has its own set of strengths, designed to meet different needs.
So, as we walk through these choices, keep in mind what matters most for your conference.
Ready to see what you should be keeping an eye out for?
Let's take a look.
Functionality
When picking conference management software, you first need to consider your unique event needs.
You can’t find a perfect tool for the job if you don’t even know what the job is in the first place, right?
So, here are some key questions you should answer:
- What's the nature of the event? Is it an in-person, online, or a hybrid event?
- Are you planning something big, like a conference, or maybe it's something smaller, like workshops, seminars, or trade shows?
- Are you looking to find something that covers everything from start to finish of the event lifecycle, or just a tool for specific lifecycle parts like signing people up, marketing the event, planning the event, etc?
The better you understand what you need, the better choice you’ll make, and the better your future event will be.
Customizability and Flexibility
No two conferences are the same, and your management software should reflect that.
Customizability and flexibility allow you to tailor the software to fit the unique demands of your event.
From branding options to personalized registration forms, the ability to adjust features to suit your needs is crucial.
Here are a few things to consider:
- Can you build personalized registration journeys for different attendee types, including custom pricing, add-ons, upsells, fields, and questions tailored to each group?
- Does the software let you put your brand front and center?
- How about tailoring reports to see the event data you care about?
A one-size-fits-all solution rarely fits anyone perfectly.
That’s why you should look for flexible software that adapts to your event size, type, and changing requirements, ensuring that you’re always in control, regardless of the scale or scope of your conference.
User Experience Both for Admins and Attendees
Two experiences matter here: yours and your attendees.
For you, the software should be easy to use right out of the gate.
You don't want to wrestle with a complicated system when you have an event to run.
For attendees, their journey from registration to participation should be smooth and engaging.
This means you need software with features like easy registration and check-in, effortless agenda management with notifications, networking & engagement tools, and easy access to comprehensive event information (exhibitor profiles, venue maps, FAQ, etc).
Happy attendees make a successful event, and the right software plays a big part in that.
Premium Customer Support
Even the Rolls-Royce of conference management software can hit a speed bump now and then.
When that happens, you want to be sure there's a pit crew ready to jump into action.
Exceptional customer support is not a luxury, it's a necessity.
- Does the provider offer 24/7 support with fast response times? (in this industry that's 30 seconds or less)
- Do they offer access to dedicated account managers who know your event inside and out?
- Do they have extensive online resources when you need quick help and answers?
- Are onboarding materials and training available? They are very helpful in getting you up to speed with the platform and making the most out of it.
Remember, during your event, even minor issues can feel like emergencies.
You'll want a support team that treats them as such.
Integration Capabilities
Your event doesn't exist in a bubble.
It's part of a broader ecosystem of tools and data.
That's why your conference software should play nice with other tools you're using, like email marketing platforms, CRM systems, or social media.
These integrations can automate tasks, sync data, and provide a more cohesive experience for organizers and attendees.
This saves time and helps with event planning, marketing, management, and analysis.
11 Best Conference Management Software in 2024
Alright, now that we've covered what you should be looking out for in conference management software, it's time to get into the meat of it.
We've rolled up our sleeves, done the digging, and come up with a list of the 11 best conference management software in 2024.
These tools are the cream of the crop, designed to make your conference management smoother, your attendee experience richer, and your life a whole lot easier.
Whether you're organizing a smaller in-person conference or a massive international hybrid conference, there's something here for you.
Ready to see which tools made the cut?
Let's get into it.
1. Accelevents - Best event management software for large in-person and hybrid conferences
At the top of our list, we have Accelevents.
Accelevents is an all-in-one conference management software that removes the complexity and streamlines your event workflows.
It’s designed for event planners who need a seamless way to handle everything from pre-event marketing and registrations to post-event analysis.
Whether you need a platform for managing small in-person gatherings or large-scale international hybrid conferences, Accelevents has the features and capacity to make it happen.
What’s great about Accelevents and what makes it a go-to for event planners around the world is how easy it is to set up, configure, and use.
But let's start with one of the first things in the event lifecycle: registrations.
This is where the magic begins.
Imagine creating a stunning landing page that's all about your brand and attracts attendees like a magnet.
That’s what Accelevents offers with its advanced registration features.
It lets you:
- Create custom event websites (with a complete end-to-end branding option)
- Offer different ticket options,
- Add conditional registration questions so you can better understand and segment your audience for personalized follow-up
Plus, thanks to its integration with multiple payment gateways, you can offer different payment options, allowing attendees to choose their preferred payment method, making the ticket purchase process smooth.
Now, think about the day of the event.
You want a quick and easy check-in process, right?
Accelevents has got you covered.
They've made it super easy to manage badges and event check-ins, all from one platform.
Whether it's self-service kiosks or assisted check-in, your attendees will get into the event in no time.
And talking about badges, they're not just "hello my name is" stickers.
You can design them to be stylish, branded, and professional, making networking easy for everyone there.
And then there's the event agenda.
Event planners can easily set up complex multi-track conferences with a few clicks, complete with speaker bios and session details, while attendees can bookmark sessions to build their own personalized agenda.
For those looking to showcase their brand throughout the event, Accelevents offers the white-label option.
This means your conference can feature your branding everywhere, from the event website to communications, making sure your brand remains front and center.
They even walk you through the whole process with training, onboarding, and dedicated 24/7 support.
And, of course, we can't forget about the analytics.
Knowing how your event performed is crucial, and Accelevents gives you the tools to track everything - from ticket sales to attendee engagement.
This way, you can see what worked, what didn't, and how to make your next event even better.
Last but not least, Accelevents understands that your tools need to talk to each other.
Their deep integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and others mean that your data analysis and lead follow-up are as streamlined as can be. And for everything else, there's Zapier or the option to create custom connections via the Accelevents API.
In short, Accelevents is about making the complex task of conference management as easy as possible, giving you the tools to create engaging, well-organized events that both you and your attendees will love.
And, while Accelevents is great for all event types and sizes, it’s a top choice for hosting large in-person and hybrid conferences, particularly in the B2B sector.
Accelevents Scores:
Integrations: Marketo, HubSpot, Salesforce, Cvent, ActiveCampaign, Facebook Pixel, Google Analytics, and Intercom, just to name a few.
Pricing Plans:
- Professional: Starting from $5000
- Business: Starting from $12000
- Enterprise: Contact for a quote
- White label: Contact for a quote
2. Webex Events (formerly Socio) - Event management platform for any event
Webex Events, previously known as Socio, provides an end-to-end solution for organizing conferences. It supports events of any size, from intimate gatherings of 100 to large-scale conferences with up to 100,000 attendees.
The platform is notable for its ability to be customized to fit the unique style and requirements of your conference, while also providing insightful data on various aspects like attendee engagement and sponsorship effectiveness.
Key features include an intuitive agenda setup and digital guide, making it easy for attendees to navigate the event, access sessions, and interact with content, speakers, and sponsors.
Engagement tools like chat, Q&A sessions, and polls encourage active participation, while networking options, including video rooms and 1-on-1 chats, foster meaningful connections among attendees and sponsors.
Webex Events also focuses on inclusivity, offering features like live translations, closed captions, and support for over 30 languages, ensuring your conference is accessible to a global audience.
Additionally, the platform provides valuable data on attendee engagement and sponsorship ROI, empowering organizers to refine their conferences over time.
Webex Events Scores:
Integrations: Zoom, Salesforce, Marketo, HubSpot, TypeForm, Remo, Zapier, Cvent, RegOnline, Google Analytics, and Miro, just to name a few.
Pricing Plans (Pricing is based on the number of attendees per year, so we’ll cover only a few):
- 100: $999 annually
- 500: $4,500 annually
- 1,500: $10,500 annually
- 5.000: $22,500 annually
- 10,000: $35,000 annually
3. Stova - Event solution formed by the fusion of three brands
Next up, we have Stova, an end-to-end conference management software created by the convergence of three tools: MeetingPlay, Aventri, and Eventcore.
This platform is designed to handle any event, regardless of its size or location, making it a solid choice for organizers.
Stova allows you to create a registration site that mirrors your corporate identity, supporting the branding of your event.
It simplifies the event planning process by automating workflows, which can range from straightforward to complex, thus boosting productivity and enhancing the attendee experience.
This includes everything from content delivery to the overall journey of your attendees.
One of Stova's standout features is its Managed Services, offering round-the-clock support to ensure your event runs smoothly. The software also personalizes the attendee experience with recommendations through its smart match technology, making every participant's journey unique.
Moreover, Stova integrates hotel reservations and venue sourcing directly into your event project management toolkit, alongside secure payment processing for attendees' peace of mind.
Interactive tools bridge the gap between onsite and virtual attendees, with AI-powered matchmaking, one-on-one messaging, video chats, social walls, and networking rooms.
Additionally, Stova's customizable reporting provides essential metrics to stakeholders and sponsors, offering insights into event performance, session attendance, and resource downloads.
Stova Scores:
Integrations: API plus direct integrations with Hubspot and Salesforce
Pricing Plans: Contact for a quote
4. Whova - All-in-one event management software
Next in line is Whova, an all-in-one event management software suitable for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.
Whova is known for its mobile event app, designed to enhance attendee participation and networking opportunities.
The app provides attendees with instant access to event information, a personalized agenda, live polls, and a platform for sharing messages and photos.
For organizers, Whova simplifies many of the time-consuming tasks associated with event management.
Features such as an agenda center, speaker hub, name badge generation, and a check-in system allow you to spend less time on logistics and more on creating a memorable event experience.
Additionally, the software includes tools for making announcements efficiently.
Whova also aims to provide value to sponsors and exhibitors, offering them visibility through the event app and live slideshow. It equips them with lead generation tools like business card scanning and QR code scanning, among others, to help maximize their return on investment.
Whova Scores:
Integrations: Cvent, Eventbrite, RegFox, and other CRMs and tools via Zapier
Pricing Plans: Contact for a quote
5. Bizzabo - Event-planning software that helps with in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
Moving on, we have Bizzabo, an event planning software that supports in-person, hybrid, and online events.
With Bizzabo, you get event planning tools for every stage of event management, from planning and promotion to execution.
It offers dynamic registration options and multi-track agendas to create personalized attendee journeys, enhancing the overall event experience. And with its built-in marketing suite, code-free templates, and various integrations, organizers can tailor the event to their vision.
The platform also provides insights into event performance, engagement, and business impacts, helping organizers measure success effectively.
One of the unique features of Bizzabo is Klik Experiential, a wearable tech that transforms badges into interactive networking tools, increasing engagement among attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors while capturing live attendee data at the same time.
This tech also supports single-tap lead capture for sponsors and exhibitors, enhancing ROI while promoting sustainability with recyclable and reusable options.
Bizzabo Scores:
Integrations: Open API plus direct integrations with Hubspot, Marketo, and Salesforce
Pricing Plans:
- Essential: Contact for a quote
- Premium: Contact for a quote
- Unleash: Contact for a quote
- Enterprise: Contact for a quote
6. Eventbrite - Software that supports event organizers
Next on our list is Eventbrite, a platform known for supporting event organizers in creating engaging conferences.
Eventbrite stands out by offering access to a vast marketplace of 90 million active ticket buyers, helping you reach an audience tailored to your event's theme and interests. Its software is equipped with data insights, intelligent marketing tools, and the ability to create AI-powered, customizable event pages quickly.
The platform simplifies the attendee experience, ensuring smooth check-in processes through its Organizer app, which allows for on-the-spot registration and real-time data tracking. This ensures guests can enter your conference without any hassle.
Moreover, Eventbrite provides organizers with the tools to make informed, data-driven decisions about their events.
This includes insights into customer behavior, marketing channel effectiveness, and comprehensive reporting tools.
With these capabilities, Eventbrite not only helps in efficiently managing your conference but also in understanding and growing your attendee base over time.
Eventbrite Scores:
Integrations: API and Zapier integrations available
Pricing Plans
- Free: $0 per event for up to 25 tickets
- Flex:
- $9,99 per event for up to 100 tickets
- $24,99 per event for up to 250 tickets
- $49,99 per event for unlimited tickets
- Pro:
- $29 per month for up to 100 tickets
- $79 per month for up to 250 tickets
- $159 per month for unlimited tickets
- Customer: Contact for a quote
7. Eventify - Event management system for all types of events
Moving forward, we land on Eventify, an event management solution for all types of events.
Whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid, Eventify streamlines the organization process, offering tools for registration, ticketing, speaker management, and enhancing attendee engagement. It also provides metrics to evaluate your event's success, helping ensure it hits the mark.
The platform allows for full customization, enabling you to integrate your brand's unique elements like logos, event covers, and theme colors into your event's design. This ensures a consistent brand experience across all event materials.
Additionally, the platform offers customizable branded registration pages and a secure event ticketing system, complete with custom ticket types and promotional codes, all while ensuring a seamless information flow into your event's app and community.
Moreover, Eventify enhances communication with attendees through push notifications, support chat, and email notifications, making sure your audience stays informed and engaged throughout your event.
Eventify Scores:
Integrations: Zapier integrations plus direct integrations with Zoom and Stripe.
Pricing Plans:
- Business Single: $599/Event
- Business Annual: $1575/Year
- Enterprise Single: $1299/Event
- Enterprise Annual: $2499/Year
8. Cvent - Event industry giant
Now, let's take a look at Cvent, an event industry giant.
If you check any top event management software list, chances are you'll see Cvent on it, and for a good reason.
Cvent offers everything you would expect from an industry leader, from detailed event registration and marketing to comprehensive exhibitor and sponsor management.
It streamlines agenda building, enhances attendee engagement with the mobile event app, and simplifies onsite check-in and badge printing.
Cvent also facilitates deep integration with various CRMs and marketing tools, making it a robust choice for managing complex events.
However, it's important to acknowledge that Cvent's extensive features, while powerful, may present a challenge for some businesses.
The setup and customization process can be daunting, requiring significant time and resources to get it up and running.
Additionally, some users have mentioned that the user interface feels outdated and less intuitive, which could affect ease of use and overall satisfaction.
While Cvent excels in handling large-scale events with its wide range of features, its complexity and UI may not suit everyone's needs, especially those of smaller enterprises and those looking for simpler, more intuitive solutions.
Cvent Scores:
Integrations: Salesforce, Marketo, Zapier, Zoom, Eloqua, Slack, HubSpot, and tons of others.
Pricing Plans: Contact for a quote
9. Splash - Create, manage, and market events in 1 place
Turning our attention to Splash, this platform serves as a one-stop shop for creating, managing, and marketing events.
Splash is designed to keep events, regardless of their size or type - be it virtual, in-person, or hybrid - aligned with your brand and engaging for attendees.
The platform offers the flexibility to either use Splash’s built-in virtual event capabilities or integrate alternative technological solutions.
With Splash, organizers gain comprehensive control over each point of interaction with attendees, from the event webpage and email communications to registration and the check-in experience.
The platform simplifies the setup of registration paths and the ticket-selling process, making tasks more manageable.
Furthermore, Splash provides a straightforward check-in process with its Host app, which enables quick attendee check-ins and supports self-service registration options.
Information collected during the event is efficiently synchronized with the organizer's existing tech infrastructure, aiming for smooth event execution and a unified experience for both organizers and attendees.
Splash Scores:
Integrations: Salesforce, HubSpot, SugarCRM, Oracle, American Express, Zoom, BlueJeans Ingo, and many others.
Pricing Plans:
- Free
- Pro: Contact for a quote
- Enterprise: Contact for a quote
10. Rain Focus - For event planners who organize a wide range of event types
Diving a bit deeper, we bump into RainFocus, a handy platform for event organizers juggling a variety of event types.
RainFocus strives to bring together the management of hybrid, in-person, and online events under one roof.
It focuses on facilitating personalized experiences for a broad spectrum of events while also aiming to enhance marketing effectiveness through integrations.
The platform offers a structured approach to event organization, covering planning, management, delivery, and optimization. It includes tools for creating detailed registration workflows, managing submissions, and getting the word out about the event.
On the event management tools side, it helps in coordinating the interactions among attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.
As for the actual event days, whether they're happening live, virtually, or as a blend of both, Rainfocus leverages event technology to support engagement.
Additionally, it looks to improve event outcomes by integrating with marketing technologies and leveraging insights to inform strategies, all to support event planners in their organizational tasks.
RainFocus Scores:
Integrations: Marketo, Domo, Spreedly, DocuSign, Braindate, Slack, Walls.io, Zoom, and many other SaaS tools.
Pricing Plans: Contact for a quote
11. vFairs - Specialized event platform for interactive 3D environments
Lastly, we have vFairs, a platform that specializes in blending virtual and in-person event experiences.
vFairs focuses on creating immersive, real-time events that allow attendees to connect, regardless of their physical location. It uses interactive 3D environments and various engagement tools to foster networking and bring people together, no matter where they are.
For event registration, vFairs enables custom email updates and mobile-friendly landing pages to simplify sign-ups and boost attendance.
The virtual event platform mirrors onsite venues with custom 3D designs and offers search and chat features, live-streaming sessions, and interactive elements like Q&As and breakout rooms.
Additionally, vFairs' mobile app facilitates easy event check-in via QR codes, enables contact exchange, and integrates onsite and virtual attendees. This app also allows the creation of interactive sessions and detailed floor plans, further enhancing the event experience.
vFairs Scores:
Integrations: Stripe, PayPal, Kudo, Eloqua, HubSpot, ChatGPT, Slido, Restream, plus many other cloud-based tools.
Pricing Plans:
- Basic Annual License: Contact for a quote
- Premium Annual License: Contact for a quote
- Enterprise Annual License: Contact for a quote
- Customized Plans: Available for all event types and goals
Conclusion
And there you have it - the rundown of the 11 best conference management software options for 2024.
Like juggling, organizing a conference can seem daunting at first, with so many details to keep in the air at once.
But with the right software in your toolkit, it's not just about keeping things from falling - it's about creating an event that truly stands out, engages, and makes a lasting impression.
Each of these platforms brings something unique to the table. However, it’s important to remember that the best choice for you depends on your specific needs, the size and type of your event, and the kind of experience you want to create for your attendees.
So, take a moment, revisit your must-haves, and pick the one that aligns best with your needs and vision. With the insights and options we've explored together, you're more than equipped to make an informed decision.
Still not sure?
Give Accelevents a try.
The conference management software you are looking for might’ve been right in front of you the whole time!
