Best Event Management Software in 2026
Event registration, ticketing, app and virtual event platforms: Cvent, Eventbrite, Bizzabo, Whova, Swapcard, Airmeet, Swoogo, Accelevents, Goldcast and Eventzilla.
- Verified 11 Nov 2026Every profile shows where facts came from
- Unknowns labelledGaps are stated, never guessed
- No paid placementNo affiliate links, ratings or reviews
- Not a rankingAlphabetical by default; fit notes, not scores
What is Event Management Software?
Event management software helps organisers plan and run events: registration and ticketing, event websites, attendee apps, networking, check-in and badges, virtual sessions and reporting. Enterprise suites add venue sourcing and CRM-connected analytics.
Event platforms are priced in very different ways: per-ticket fees, per registration, per user, per event or by enterprise quote. The cheapest option depends on ticket prices, event count and attendee volume.
This category covers enterprise suites (Cvent, Bizzabo), ticketing and registration (Eventbrite, Eventzilla, Swoogo), networking and event apps (Whova, Swapcard), virtual and hybrid platforms (Airmeet, Goldcast) and all-in-one tools (Accelevents).
The profiles below summarise dated 2026 sources and are research aids, not rankings.
Best event management, registration and ticketing software by need.
Shortlists built from what each sourced profile documents, listed alphabetically, not ranked. Open a profile for limits, prices and sources.
Best free event management, registration and ticketing software
2 of 14 profiles document a free plan.
Event management, registration and ticketing software for small businesses
1 of 14 profiles are documented mainly for small and mid-size teams.
Event management, registration and ticketing software for enterprises
9 of 14 profiles are documented for large enterprises.
Event Management Software compared: browse and filter
Search and filters update this list on the page and do not create new URLs, so every profile stays crawlable and linkable.
Accelevents
Accelevents · All-in-one event platform
An all-in-one virtual, hybrid and in-person event platform with published pricing from $7,500 (Professional, one event).
- Paid plans
- Per event or annual
- Cloud
- All-in-one events
- Independent sources
Best for Teams wanting published pricing for in-person and hybrid events
Key capabilities- Professional
- Business
- Enterprise / White Label
- Hours
PricingProfessional $7,500 (one event); Business $13,500 (unlimited events); Enterprise and White Label by quote.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyAirmeet
Airmeet · Virtual events and webinars
A virtual event and webinar platform, with Premium Webinars at $167 a month billed annually (100 attendees) and event plans by quote.
- Paid plans
- Monthly or annual
- Cloud
- Virtual events
- Independent sources
Best for Teams running interactive virtual events and webinars
Key capabilities- Premium Webinars
- Events
- Managed / Agency
- Scaling
PricingPremium Webinars $167 a month annual ($199 monthly; 100 attendees); Events, Managed Events, Agency by quote.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyBizzabo
Bizzabo · Event experience OS
An event management platform for in-person, virtual and hybrid events at $499 per user a month billed annually, with a three-user minimum.
- Paid plans
- Per user
- Cloud
- Hybrid events
- Independent sources
Best for B2B event teams wanting a polished all-in-one platform
Key capabilities- Per user
- Minimum
- Events
- Streaming
Pricing$499 per user a month billed annually, 3-user minimum (~$17,999 a year floor).Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyCvent
Cvent · Enterprise event management
An enterprise event management suite covering registration, venue sourcing, attendee apps and reporting, priced by quote from roughly $19,550 a year (research estimate).
- Quote-based
- Annual contract
- Cloud
- Enterprise events
- Independent sources
Best for Enterprises running large multi-event programmes
Key capabilities- Low end
- Full programme
- Attendee Hub
- Venues
PricingNot published; research cites ~$19,550 a year at the low end, $79,000+ for full programmes, $7-12 per registrant for Attendee Hub (estimates).Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyEventbrite
Eventbrite · Ticketing and event discovery
A self-serve ticketing and event discovery marketplace, free for free events and 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket plus 2.9% processing (US).
- Free to publish
- Per-ticket fees
- Cloud
- Ticketing
- Independent sources
Best for Organisers selling public tickets who want discovery
Key capabilities- Service fee
- Processing
- Free events
- Premium
PricingFree events free; paid tickets 3.7% + $1.79 plus 2.9% processing (US); Premium $69 a month or $708 a year.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyEventzilla
Eventzilla · Registration and ticketing
An event registration and ticketing platform with simple published fees from $1.50 per registration, free for free events.
- Free for free events
- Per registration
- Cloud
- Registration
- Independent sources
Best for Organisers wanting simple, transparent registration fees
Key capabilities- Basic
- Pro
- Plus
- Price
PricingBasic $1.50 per registration; Pro 1.9% + $1.50; Plus 2.9% + $1.50; annual plan from $1,999 a year (500 registrations, no per-registration fees).Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlyGoldcast
Cvent · B2B event marketing platform
A B2B event marketing platform for webinars and virtual events with Starter, Pro, Premium and Enterprise tiers priced by annual quote.
- Quote-based
- Annual flat fee
- Cloud
- B2B event marketing
- Independent sources
Best for B2B marketing teams running polished webinars and virtual events
Key capabilities- Starter
- Pro
- Premium
- Price
PricingStarter, Pro, Premium and Enterprise by quote; one annual flat fee per customer.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly-
Hubilo
Hubilo · Webinar and virtual event platform (enterprise)
A webinar and virtual event platform for B2B marketers, sold on annual contracts reported from about $15,000 a year.
- Cloud
- Independent sources
Best for B2B marketing teams running webinar programmes
Key capabilities- Webinars
- Virtual events
- Hybrid
- Polls and Q&A
PricingAbout $15,000 a year (reported).Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly -
KonfHub
KonfHub Technologies · Event ticketing and management (India)
An Indian event ticketing platform for tech meetups, conferences and community events, free for free events with a Lite platform fee of 2.5% per paid ticket.
- Free plan
- Cloud
- Independent sources
Best for Tech meetups and conferences
Key capabilities- Ticket types
- AI ticketing
- Coupons
- Attendee management
PricingFree; Lite 2.5% per paid ticket plus GST.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly Swapcard
Swapcard · Event engagement and matchmaking
An event engagement and AI matchmaking platform with a self-service starting price of $610 a year, metered by event contacts.
- Paid plans
- By event contacts
- Cloud
- AI matchmaking
- Independent sources
Best for Trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors
Key capabilities- Engagement Platform
- Registration
- Metering
- Exhibitor networking
PricingEvent Engagement Platform from $610 a year (self-service); Registration & Management custom; exhibitor add-ons unpriced.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directlySwoogo
Swoogo · Event registration and websites
An event registration and website platform with unlimited events on Professional at $11,800 a year.
- Paid plans
- Annual
- Cloud
- Registration
- Independent sources
Best for Event teams needing flexible, branded registration
Key capabilities- Professional
- Users
- Enterprise
- Logic
PricingProfessional $11,800 a year (1 full user + 1 reporting user, unlimited events and registrations); Enterprise quote.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly-
Townscript
Townscript · Event ticketing and registration (India)
An Indian event ticketing and registration platform with a free version for free events and per-ticket fees on paid tickets.
- Free plan
- Cloud
- Independent sources
Best for Indian workshops and meetups
Key capabilities- Online tickets
- Discount codes
- Print-at-home tickets
- Custom forms
PricingFree for free events; fees on paid tickets.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly Whova
Whova · Event app and networking
An event app and management platform known for attendee networking and engagement, priced by quote with free registration for free tickets.
- Quote-based
- Per event
- Cloud
- Event app
- Independent sources
Best for Conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement
Key capabilities- Model
- Free tickets
- Paid tickets
- App
PricingQuote only (demo required); registration has no fees on free tickets.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly-
Zoho Backstage
Zoho Corporation · Event management for in-person, virtual and hybrid events
Zoho’s event management platform with event websites, 0% commission ticketing, webcasting and check-in, with a free plan and paid plans from INR 7,900 a month.
- Free plan
- Free trial
- Cloud
- Independent sources
Best for Companies running user conferences
Key capabilities- Website builder
- Agenda and speakers
- Event cloning
- Webcasting
PricingFree; Essentials INR 7,900 a month.Figures reported by independent sources; vendor page not reviewed directly
No listings match these filters.
Listings are ordered alphabetically by default. They are not ranked, and there are no user ratings or paid placements.
Event Management Software compared on key criteria.
Summaries come from each profile; open a profile for sources and caveats.
| Product | Pricing model | Starting price | Free plan | Event type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accelevents | Per event / annual | $7,500 (one event) | No | In-person, virtual, hybrid | Published pricing |
| Airmeet | Tiers + quote | $167/mo (annual) | No | Virtual, hybrid | Interactive virtual events |
| Bizzabo | Per user (annual) | $499/user/mo | No | In-person, virtual, hybrid | B2B event teams |
| Cvent | Quote | ~$19,550/yr (est.) | No | All (enterprise) | Large programmes |
| Eventbrite | Per-ticket fee | Free (free events) | Yes | Public ticketed | Ticket sales |
| Eventzilla | Per registration | $1.50/registration | Free events | Registration, ticketing | Simple fees |
| Goldcast | Quote (flat annual) | Quote | No | Virtual, webinars, field | B2B marketing |
| Swapcard | By event contacts | $610/yr (self-service) | No | Trade shows, conferences | Matchmaking |
| Swoogo | Flat annual | $11,800/yr | No | In-person, virtual | Registration |
| Whova | Quote | Quote | Free tickets only | Conferences | Networking |
Which Event Management Software option fits which situation.
- AcceleventsMay suit Teams wanting published pricing for in-person and hybrid events
- AirmeetMay suit Teams running interactive virtual events and webinars
- BizzaboMay suit B2B event teams wanting a polished all-in-one platform
- CventMay suit Enterprises running large multi-event programmes
- EventbriteMay suit Organisers selling public tickets who want discovery
- EventzillaMay suit Organisers wanting simple, transparent registration fees
- GoldcastMay suit B2B marketing teams running polished webinars and virtual events
- SwapcardMay suit Trade shows and conferences focused on networking and exhibitors
- SwoogoMay suit Event teams needing flexible, branded registration
- WhovaMay suit Conferences wanting strong attendee networking and engagement
Based on each profile's documented strengths and limits. These are fit notes, not rankings: test options against your own requirements.
Key features and capabilities of Event Management Software.
The capabilities that define the category. Not every product offers all of them, and depth varies a lot between entry-level and enterprise tools.
Registration and ticketing
Sell and manage tickets.
Event websites
Branded event pages.
Agenda management
Sessions and speakers.
Attendee app
Schedules and networking.
Check-in and badges
Smooth on-site entry.
Virtual and hybrid
Online sessions.
Sponsor management
Manage exhibitors.
Event analytics
Attendance and ROI.
How businesses use Event Management Software.
- 01
Conferences
Run multi-day events.
- 02
Trade shows
Manage exhibitors.
- 03
Customer events
Engage customers.
- 04
Internal events
Organise company gatherings.
- 05
Hybrid events
Combine in-person and online.
Who uses Event Management Software and what problems it solves.
Event and field marketers
Run conferences and roadshows that feed pipeline.
Community organisers
Sell tickets and fill public events.
Associations
Run annual meetings, trade shows and education.
Agencies
Manage many client events on one platform.
What Event Management Software changes in practice.
Practical outcomes teams report when the category is implemented well. Results depend on adoption, data quality and process, so we do not quote percentages.
Less admin
Automated registration.
Better attendee experience
Apps and check-in.
Sponsor value
Lead capture for sponsors.
Measurable ROI
Data on outcomes.
Features and criteria to evaluate in Event Management Software.
Pricing model
Ticket fees, registrations, users or events.
Event formats
In-person, virtual and hybrid.
Registration flexibility
Logic, approvals and group bookings.
Attendee app and networking
Matchmaking, agenda and messaging.
Onsite tools
Check-in, badges and lead capture.
Integrations
CRM, marketing automation and payments.
How to choose Event Management Software: a step-by-step approach.
- 1
List your event calendar
Count events, formats and attendees per year.
- 2
Model total fees
Ticket fees versus subscriptions.
- 3
Map the attendee journey
Registration to follow-up.
- 4
Check onsite needs
Badges, scanning and kiosks.
- 5
Test CRM sync
Registrations and engagement data.
- 6
Pilot one event
Run a smaller event first.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What does ticketing cost per registration?
- Does it support hybrid events?
- How is on-site check-in handled?
- Which CRM integrations exist?
Common mistakes when choosing Event Management Software.
Ignoring ticket fee stacking
Service and processing fees add up on cheap tickets.
Buying an enterprise suite too early
Cvent-class tools suit many events a year.
Forgetting exhibitor add-ons
Lead capture and booths can cost extra.
Underestimating onboarding
Large platforms take months to master.
Skipping renewal terms
Many contracts auto-renew annually.
Event Management Software key terms explained.
- Registration
- Collecting attendee details and payments.
- Hybrid event
- An event with in-person and online audiences.
- Matchmaking
- Suggesting people or exhibitors to meet.
- Lead capture
- Exhibitors scanning attendee badges.
- Room block
- Hotel rooms reserved for attendees.
- Service fee
- A platform charge per ticket sold.
Event Management Software comparisons.
10 side-by-side comparisons with a feature table, pricing, strengths and limits, and best-fit scenarios. No winner is declared in any of them.
Alternatives to popular event management, registration and ticketing software.
Every product in this category has a guide comparing its main alternatives and competitors on pricing, free plan, features and fit.
Event Management Software questions and answers
What is the best free event management, registration and ticketing software?
2 of the 14 event management, registration and ticketing software profiles here document a free plan: Eventbrite and Eventzilla. Free plans and tiers usually cap users, records or usage, so check each profile for limits. The list is alphabetical, not a ranking.
What is the best event management, registration and ticketing software for small businesses?
Products documented mainly for small and mid-size teams include Eventzilla. Eventzilla may suit organisers wanting simple, transparent registration fees. The best fit depends on your sales or work process and budget, so trial two or three.
Which event management, registration and ticketing software suits large enterprises?
9 profiles are documented for large enterprises: Accelevents, Airmeet, Bizzabo, Cvent, Eventbrite, Goldcast, Swapcard, Swoogo and 1 more. Larger rollouts should also check SSO, permissions, audit logs, data residency and contract terms on each profile.
Where can I find alternatives to a specific event platform?
Every product in this category has its own alternatives guide, for example Accelevents alternatives, Bizzabo alternatives and Cvent alternatives. Each guide compares the main competitors on pricing, free plan, features and fit.
What is the best event management software?
Cvent and Bizzabo suit enterprise programmes; Eventbrite and Eventzilla suit ticketing; Whova and Swapcard suit networking; Airmeet and Goldcast suit virtual events. This list is not a ranking.
How much does Eventbrite charge?
In the US, 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket plus 2.9% processing; free events are free.
Which event platforms publish pricing?
Bizzabo ($499 per user a month), Swoogo ($11,800 a year), Accelevents (from $7,500) and Eventzilla (from $1.50 per registration).
What happened to Hubilo?
Brandlive acquired Hubilo in September 2025 and relaunched it as Virtual PRO in January 2026, according to an August 2026 Rework guide.
Narrow your Event Management Software shortlist.
Open a profile for sources and pricing, read an alternatives guide, or talk to Stack18 if off-the-shelf is not the answer.
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