5 Best Event Management Tools
As anyone who plans and coordinates events can tell you, a lot of work goes into making a memorable moment seem effortless.
Event management is a time-consuming endeavor, with countless moving parts, conflicting deadlines, and communication obstacles to master. In some cases, you almost need to be a magician to pull things off – but with the right event management tools, you can do what seems impossible.
The Impact of Events
According to Statista, the total size of the "party and event planner sector" in the United States was $4.08 billion U.S. dollars in 2021, and it's still recovering from the major shock of the pandemic. That's a sizable growing market, and with relatively low barriers to entry, it can be a promising industry for entrepreneurs to break into – especially if you have a knack for spectacular brunches or over-the-top birthdays even adults leave smiling.
One of the major challenges to entering event management has always been juggling all the components of the business – but there's help for that.
What Needs Do Event Management Tools Fulfill?
Event management tools come in two basic forms, all-in-one or purpose specific. And basically, they can be anything that helps streamline the work of creating and running an event of any scale.
Some things to consider when choosing event management tools include:
- Do you need an event website or mobile app?
- How will you promote the event?
- Do attendees need to register or get tickets?
- Will you need to create and update schedules?
- Will there be exhibitors or vendors?
- Will the event be in person, virtual, or a hybrid event?
Once you know what you need, choosing the correct tool or platform will be a cinch.
The Best Event Management Software
1. Cause Machine
Cause Machine is different from other event management tools. It's an all-in-one platform, allowing you to do everything from managing complex hybrid/virtual events and email marketing to restricted membership content. Cause Machine allows planners to start with a blank slate and build the event management solution that's right for them – all in one place. No need to juggle five different apps or pay for five different services.
Pros
- Drag & Drop Website Builder.
- eCommerce Store.
- Virtual or Hybrid events are easy to run and manage.
- All-in-one solution for scalability.
- Online Course Builder.
- Dynamic event management from registration, email communications, event tickets, and more.
- Custom membership options.
Cons
- Limited front-end design customization.
- Setup can take time, depending on the needs.
It's not easy to create and run the perfect event, but with event management tools like Cause Machine, it can go a little smoother. Set up a free demo on Cause Machine.
2. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is one of the best-known event management tools out there. If you've gone to an event that you needed to RSVP for in the last few years, chances are you've used it. The platform makes setting up registration or e-tickets easy, and with automated e-mail confirmations, it can give your small-to-medium-sized event a sense of professionalism. But it's important to note: Eventbrite doesn't do everything.
Pros
- Ease of use and familiarity.
- Create custom tickets and registration pages.
- Email reminders for attendees.
Cons
- Eventbrite only helps get plan the event – it's not designed to help with day-of needs.
- Relatively high fees.
3. Cvent
Cvent is an easy-to-use event management software that helps manage event registration and engagement. The platform can automate tasks like data analytics, event marketing, event registration, etc. to save time. You can manage attendees and build event reports to navigate every aspect of the event process.
Pros
- Plan and promote your event.
- Engage attendees.
- Capture leads and track ROI.
Cons
- Features can be time-consuming during setup.
- Clunky reporting.
4. A2Z Events
As its name implies, A2Z Events can help you handle almost every aspect of behind-the-scenes event management, from floorplan design and staff coordination to creating exhibitor and vendor portals. Its scale makes it ideal for large events like trade conferences or big weddings, but it's not as useful for smaller events, and does not include any public-facing features.
Pros
- Create the perfect event layout.
- Great for larger teams.
- Good for conferences and other big events.
Cons
- Lacks attendee-facing tools like a registration portal, event map.
- Overkill for most events.
5. Zoom Events
Zoom Events is a great video-conferencing tool that has taken Zoom's original purpose of virtual meetings to the next level with the ability to run dynamic events. With Zoom Events, you can host virtual/hybrid events, webinars, digital panel discussions, online courses, and more. Most people find it easy to navigate, and e-mail confirmations keep everyone on the same page.
Pros
- Easy and familiar to use.
- Host multiple virtual sessions at once.
- Connect your audience.
Cons
- Free version comes with time limits.
- Limited screen-sharing functionality.
Start Cause Machine
Starting with a community engagement strategy is the secret to building a successful organization in the long term. Cause Machine helps organizations build the plan of engaging a community well and then begin mapping out the technology to help support that strategy. We're certain that you'll find some great resources and powerful tools in Cause Machine to better engage your community. Learn how it can work for you here.
Related Content
Comments