Independently tested ranking
Best Event Management Software in 2026
10 event management platforms compared on registration, ticketing, attendee apps, onsite tools, virtual and hybrid support, integrations and price.
- Tools compared
- 10
- With a free plan
- 3 of 10
- Median entry price
- Varies
- Average rating
- 4.5
On this page
- Quick answer
- Our top picks
- Key takeaways
- What is event management software?
- Comparison table
- The 10 best event management software
- Best event management software by need
- What to look for
- How much event management software cost
- How we ranked them
- How to choose event management software
- FAQ
- About the reviewer
- Related rankings
What is the best event management software?
The best event management software in 2026 is Cvent for enterprise conferences and venue sourcing, Bizzabo for B2B in-person and hybrid events, Eventbrite for selling tickets to public events, Swoogo for complex registration and Luma for community and startup events. Eventbrite and Luma are free for free events, while Cvent, Bizzabo, Swoogo and Whova are sold on custom quotes, usually as annual contracts.
Our top picks
Best overall
Cvent
Covers venue sourcing, registration, onsite badging, lead capture and CRM reporting for large event programs.
Paid plans from Custom (annual)
See why we picked itBest free option
Luma
Free plan with unlimited events and guests, clean event pages and calendars for recurring community events.
Paid plans from Luma Plus (paid)
See why we picked itBest for public ticketing
Eventbrite
No ticketing fees on free events and a marketplace that brings buyers to your event page.
Paid plans from Per-ticket fees on paid tickets
See why we picked itKey takeaways
- Match the tool to the event, not the brand. A 40-person meetup and a 4,000-person conference need completely different event management software.
- Free events can cost $0. Eventbrite charges no ticketing fees on free events, and Luma's free plan includes unlimited events and guests.
- Enterprise platforms rarely publish prices. Cvent, Bizzabo, Swoogo, Whova, Airmeet and Goldcast are all sales-quoted, usually on annual contracts.
- In-person events need onsite tools. Check-in, badge printing and lead capture are where Cvent, Bizzabo, Swoogo and Whova pull ahead of virtual-first platforms.
- Virtual-first tools are not full event platforms. Zoom Events, Airmeet and Livestorm handle online sessions well but offer little for venues, badges or seating, and Goldcast adds only in-person registration and check-in.
What is event management software?
Event management software, also called event planning software, is a platform that handles the work of planning and running an event in one place: event websites, registration and ticketing, attendee communication, agendas, check-in and reporting. The best event management software also covers virtual and hybrid sessions, an attendee app and CRM integrations, so event data does not end up in spreadsheets.
What a platform needs to do depends on your events. Public, ticketed events need fast event pages, payments and discovery. Corporate conferences need flexible event registration software, onsite badge printing, sponsor tools and Salesforce or HubSpot sync. Virtual and hybrid programs need reliable streaming, networking and engagement data. Most teams are better served by the tool built for their main event type than by the longest feature list.
Best event management software compared
| # | Tool | Best for | Free plan | Paid plans from | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cvent | Enterprise event programs | No | Custom (annual) | Not yet reviewed |
| 2 | Bizzabo | B2B in-person and hybrid events | No | Custom (annual) | Not yet reviewed |
| 3 | Eventbrite |
Public event ticketing | Yes (free events) | Per-ticket fees on paid tickets | ★4.4 |
| 4 | Swoogo | Complex registration and event sites | No | Custom (annual) | Not yet reviewed |
| 5 | Luma |
Community and startup events | Yes (unlimited events and guests) | Luma Plus (paid) | ★4.8 |
| 6 | Whova | Attendee app and networking | No (free demo) | Custom (per event or annual) | Not yet reviewed |
| 7 |  Zoom Events |
Teams already on Zoom | No | Paid license by attendee tier | ★4.3 |
| 8 | Airmeet | Virtual event networking | No (contact sales) | Custom (annual) | Not yet reviewed |
| 9 | Goldcast | B2B demand-gen events | No (contact sales) | Custom (annual) | Not yet reviewed |
| 10 |  Livestorm |
Webinars and online events | Yes (limited) | Paid plans from Pro | ★4.6 |
Ratings are MakeSuccessOnline's. Prices are the cheapest paid plan, billed monthly unless marked annual, checked November 2026; most enterprise event platforms sell custom annual quotes.
The 10 best event management software in 2026
Event management software splits into enterprise platforms, self-serve ticketing tools and virtual-first event platforms. The ranking below leads with full-lifecycle corporate event management software, then covers the best options for each type of event.
#1Best for enterprise conferences and large event programs
Cvent
An enterprise event platform for registration, venue sourcing, attendee management and in-person, virtual and hybrid events.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (annual)
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Large companies, associations and event agencies running many events a year
- Works on
- Web; attendee mobile event app on iOS and Android; onsite check-in tools
Cvent is event management software built for large organizations that run many events a year. It handles branded registration sites with custom forms, ticket types and payments, then carries attendees through email invitations, a branded mobile app, onsite check-in and badge printing. For a team running dozens of conferences, sales kickoffs and customer events a year, having all of that in one system is the main reason to buy it.
Its other big strength is venue sourcing. The Cvent Supplier Network lets planners search venues and hotels and send RFPs from the same platform they use for registration. Attendee Hub adds virtual and hybrid sessions, and data syncs with Salesforce, Marketo, HubSpot and Microsoft Dynamics. The trade-off is complexity: Cvent takes time to learn, and pricing is quoted by module and registration volume.
Key features
- Online registrationBranded registration sites with custom forms, ticket types and payments, so complex conferences with many attendee types can run from one setup.
- Cvent Supplier NetworkSearch venues and hotels and send RFPs from inside the platform, so sourcing a location happens in the same system as registration.
- Onsite check-in and badgingCheck-in kiosks and on-demand badge printing keep registration lines short at large in-person events.
- Event mobile app and Attendee HubA branded app with agenda, networking and session details, plus Attendee Hub for virtual and hybrid content.
- Lead capture and CRM reportingExhibitors scan badges to capture leads, and registration, attendance and engagement data sync to your CRM.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Event Management and other modules | Custom (annual) | Sales-quoted, typically by number of registrations and modules; modules are bundled to your needs |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Cvent does not publish prices; you get a quote based on registrations and modules. No free plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Covers the whole event lifecycle in one platform
- Strong venue sourcing network
- Deep CRM and marketing automation integrations
- Scales to large, complex event programs
Cons
- No public pricing, and modules are sold separately
- Can be complex and slow to learn
- Too expensive for small or one-off events
Is it right for you?
Choose Cvent ifYou run a large program of conferences or association meetings and need venue sourcing, complex registration, onsite badging and CRM data in one system.
Look elsewhere ifYou host a few small meetups or one-off events and want self-serve setup with no sales call.
#2Best for B2B conferences and hybrid events
Bizzabo
An event experience platform for running in-person, virtual and hybrid conferences, with registration, an event app and onsite tools.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (annual)
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- B2B marketing and event teams running conferences and corporate events
- Works on
- Web; attendee event app on iOS and Android; onsite badge printing and check-in
Bizzabo is built for B2B marketing teams that run flagship conferences and corporate events. You build a branded event website with agenda, speakers and sponsors, set up registration and ticketing, then run the day with an attendee app, onsite check-in and badge printing. Virtual and hybrid sessions sit alongside the in-person program, so remote attendees are not an afterthought.
What sets Bizzabo apart is the Klik SmartBadge, a wearable badge that enables contactless networking and attendee tracking at the venue. Combined with sponsor pages, lead retrieval and engagement analytics that sync to Salesforce, HubSpot and Marketo, it helps event teams show sponsors and leadership what an event actually produced. Pricing is quoted per package on annual contracts.
Key features
- Event website builderBranded event sites with agenda, speakers and sponsors, so the event page doubles as your main marketing asset.
- Klik SmartBadgeA wearable badge for contactless networking and attendee tracking, giving you in-room engagement data that paper badges cannot.
- Event appA mobile app for agenda, networking and engagement during the event.
- Sponsor and exhibitor toolsSponsor pages and lead retrieval show sponsors the value they got, which makes renewals easier.
- Analytics with CRM syncEngagement and attendance reporting that syncs with Salesforce, HubSpot and Marketo for pipeline attribution.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Event packages | Custom (annual) | Registration, website, event app and onsite features depending on package |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Bizzabo sells sales-quoted annual packages. No free plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Polished attendee experience
- Klik wearables add contactless networking
- Strong CRM and marketing integrations
- Good sponsor tools
Cons
- No public pricing
- Annual contracts
- More than most small teams need
Is it right for you?
Choose Bizzabo ifYou run B2B conferences or a corporate event series and want a premium attendee experience, sponsor reporting and CRM-connected data.
Look elsewhere ifYou run community meetups or free, low-budget events where a free tool like Luma or Eventbrite will do.
#3Best for selling tickets to public events
Eventbrite
A self-serve ticketing and event marketplace where organizers create event pages, sell tickets and reach buyers who browse Eventbrite.
- Paid plans from
- Per-ticket fees on paid tickets
- Free plan
- Yes (free events)
- Best for
- Independent organizers, venues and small to mid-size businesses selling tickets to public events
- Works on
- Web; Eventbrite app for attendees and Eventbrite Organizer app on iOS and Android
Eventbrite is the easiest way to sell tickets to a public event. You create an event page with details, ticket types and checkout, and Eventbrite handles payments for paid, free and donation tickets. Free events carry no ticketing fees, and paid tickets are charged a percentage plus a fixed fee per ticket, plus payment processing, so you only pay when you sell.
The big advantage over other event management software is discovery. Events can be found by people browsing or searching on Eventbrite, and Eventbrite Ads can push your listing higher. Organizers also get email campaigns to past attendees, reserved seating from a venue map, door check-in with the Organizer app and sales reports. It is less suited to corporate conferences that need deep branding or complex registration.
Key features
- Ticketing and paymentsSell paid, free and donation tickets with Eventbrite handling payments, so you do not need your own payment setup.
- Marketplace discoveryEvents can be found by people browsing or searching Eventbrite, bringing in buyers who have never heard of you.
- Eventbrite AdsPromote events in Eventbrite search and listings to reach more buyers when organic discovery is not enough.
- Reserved seatingLet buyers pick seats from a venue map, which matters for theaters, galas and seated shows.
- Organizer app check-inScan tickets at the door with the Organizer app, no extra hardware needed.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free events | $0 | Event page, registration and check-in for free events, with no ticketing fees |
| Paid ticket fees | Per ticket sold | Percentage plus fixed fee per paid ticket, plus payment processing; varies by country |
| Eventbrite Pro (marketing tools) | Higher | Email and social ad marketing tools |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. No ticketing fees on free events; fees on paid tickets vary by country.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use for free events
- Built-in audience through the marketplace
- Fast self-serve setup
- Familiar checkout for buyers
Cons
- Per-ticket fees add up for large paid events
- Less customization than enterprise event platforms
- Marketing tools cost extra
Is it right for you?
Choose Eventbrite ifYou sell tickets to public events such as workshops, concerts, classes or festivals and want buyers to find you on a marketplace.
Look elsewhere ifYou run a private corporate conference that needs heavy branding, complex registration rules or deep CRM data.
#4Best for flexible registration and event websites
Swoogo
An event registration and website platform for in-person, virtual and hybrid events, known for flexible registration logic.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (annual)
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Corporate event teams, associations and agencies that want deep registration customization
- Works on
- Web; attendee event app; onsite check-in and badge printing
Swoogo is event management software focused on the part of events that causes the most headaches: registration. Conditional questions, registration packages, pricing rules, discounts and group registrations let you build different paths for attendees, speakers, sponsors and VIPs inside one event. For B2B teams with complex registration, that flexibility is the main reason to choose it.
It also gives you strong design control over event websites, built from templates but fully customizable. Beyond registration, Swoogo covers a virtual event hub for remote attendees, an event app, onsite check-in and badges, and email invitations and reminders. It integrates with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo and Zoom. Plans are sales-quoted, and complex logic takes time to set up well.
Key features
- Registration logicConditional questions, packages and pricing rules let one event handle many attendee types without separate forms.
- Event website builderBranded event sites from templates with full design control, so the site matches your brand exactly.
- Ticketing and paymentsCollect payments, apply discounts and handle group registrations in the same flow.
- Virtual event hubHost or embed sessions for virtual and hybrid attendees alongside the in-person program.
- Onsite check-in and badgesCheck in attendees and print badges at the venue.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Custom (annual) | Registration, event websites and add-ons depending on plan |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Swoogo sells sales-quoted annual plans. No free plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very flexible registration forms and logic
- Strong design control over event sites
- Well regarded customer support
- Covers in-person, virtual and hybrid
Cons
- No public price list
- Not built for marketplace ticket discovery
- Complex logic takes setup time
Is it right for you?
Choose Swoogo ifYour corporate events or client events have complicated registration rules and you want full control over how the event site looks.
Look elsewhere ifYou run casual meetups or want an audience from a ticket marketplace.
#5Best free tool for community and startup events
Luma
A simple tool for creating event pages, managing RSVPs and selling tickets, popular with communities and meetups.
- Paid plans from
- Luma Plus (paid)
- Free plan
- Yes (unlimited events and guests)
- Best for
- Community organizers, startups, creators and meetup hosts
- Works on
- Web; iOS and Android apps
Luma is the simplest event management software on this list, and that is the point. You create a good-looking, mobile-friendly event page in minutes, collect RSVPs, require approval or run a waitlist, and sell paid tickets with Stripe payouts. The free plan includes unlimited events and guests, with a platform fee on paid tickets, which covers what most community organizers need.
Its calendar feature is what keeps communities coming back. Followers subscribe to your calendar page and hear about every new event, so a monthly meetup builds an audience over time. Luma also sends invites and reminders, checks guests in with QR codes, creates Zoom links for virtual events and lists events on its discover pages by city and topic. Luma Plus removes the platform fee and adds more admins.
Key features
- Event pagesClean, mobile-friendly pages created in minutes, with no design work needed.
- RSVP and approvalsCollect registrations, require approval and manage waitlists, useful for curated or capacity-limited events.
- CalendarsA community calendar page where followers subscribe to all your events, building a recurring audience.
- TicketingSell paid tickets with Stripe payouts.
- Check-in and Zoom integrationScan guest QR codes at the door with the app, and auto-create Zoom links for virtual events.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Unlimited events and guests, event pages, RSVPs and ticketing with a platform fee on paid tickets |
| Luma Plus | Higher | No platform fee on paid tickets, more admins and advanced features |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. The free plan takes a platform fee on paid tickets; Luma Plus removes it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy to use with good-looking pages
- Free plan covers most community needs
- Calendars help build a recurring audience
- Popular in tech and startup communities
Cons
- Platform fee on paid tickets on the free plan
- Limited customization compared with enterprise tools
- Not built for large multi-track conferences
Is it right for you?
Choose Luma ifYou host meetups, startup events or a recurring community series and want clean event pages and RSVPs for free.
Look elsewhere ifYou run a large conference that needs complex registration, onsite badging or deep CRM integrations.
#6Best event app for attendee engagement
Whova
An all-in-one event management platform best known for its attendee mobile app, covering registration, agendas, networking and virtual or hybrid sessions.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (per event or annual)
- Free plan
- No (free demo)
- Best for
- Conference, trade show, association and university event organizers
- Works on
- Web, iOS, Android
Whova is event management software built around its attendee mobile app. Each event gets a branded app where attendees see the agenda, build a personal schedule, get updates and message each other. Profiles, community boards and meet-ups help people find each other before the event starts, so networking does not depend on luck in the hallway.
Behind the app, Whova handles online registration and ticketing, with attendee data flowing straight into the app, plus multi-track agenda management that publishes to app and web at once. Live polls and Q&A, check-in and badges, sponsor banners, virtual booths and lead retrieval round it out. Livestreamed sessions can be watched in the app for hybrid events. Pricing is quoted by event size and modules.
Key features
- Attendee mobile appA branded app per event with agenda, personal schedules, updates and messaging, which keeps attendees engaged throughout.
- Attendee networkingProfiles, messaging, community boards and meet-ups help attendees connect before, during and after the event.
- Agenda managementBuild and update multi-track agendas once and publish to the app and web at the same time.
- Sponsor and exhibitor toolsVirtual booths, sponsor banners and lead retrieval give sponsors measurable value.
- Live polls and Q&ASession polls, surveys and audience Q&A keep sessions interactive.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Event packages | Custom | Quoted by event size and modules, per event or annual: event app, registration and ticketing, agenda, networking, sponsor and exhibitor tools |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Whova quotes per event or annually and offers a free demo. No free plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Mobile event app is well liked by attendees
- Strong networking and community features
- Covers in-person, virtual and hybrid events
- Good fit for recurring conferences and associations
Cons
- No public pricing; you must request a quote
- Overkill for small, simple events or webinars
- Branding customization is more limited than enterprise platforms
Is it right for you?
Choose Whova ifYou run conferences, trade shows or association and university events and want the attendee app to drive engagement and networking.
Look elsewhere ifYou mainly run simple webinars or need transparent self-serve pricing.
#7Best for virtual and hybrid events on Zoom
Zoom Events
Zoom's webinar and event products for large online webinars and multi-session virtual and hybrid events, with registration and ticketing.
- Paid plans from
- Paid license by attendee tier
- Free plan
- No
- Best for
- Businesses, schools and event organizers already using Zoom
- Works on
- Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android
Zoom Events is Zoom's family of event products, covering Zoom Webinars for single-session broadcasts and Zoom Sessions and Zoom Events for multi-session virtual and hybrid events with an event hub, ticketing, lobby and multi-track agendas. If your company already runs meetings on Zoom, attendees and speakers need no training, which removes a lot of risk on event day.
It scales from 500-attendee webinar tiers up to large-capacity enterprise licenses. Custom registration forms, branded emails, Q&A, polls, practice sessions and cloud recording are built in, and you can live stream to YouTube, Facebook or custom RTMP. Data syncs with HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo and Eloqua. It is a virtual-first tool, so in-person events still need separate check-in and badging.
Key features
- Multi-session eventsZoom Sessions and Zoom Events add event hubs, ticketing and multi-track agendas for virtual conferences and hybrid programs.
- Webinars at scaleCapacity tiers start at 500 attendees and go much higher on enterprise licenses.
- Registration and brandingCustom registration forms, branded emails and approval workflows.
- Practice sessions and backstageSpeakers rehearse and prepare before going live, which cuts event-day problems.
- Reports and CRM integrationsRegistration, attendance, poll and Q&A reports, with integrations for HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo and Eloqua.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Zoom Webinars | Higher | Per license by attendee capacity (from 500 attendees), with registration, Q&A, polls, panelists, practice sessions and reporting |
| Zoom Sessions / Zoom Events | Higher (annual) | Multi-session virtual and hybrid events, event hub, ticketing and lobby |
| Large capacity / Enterprise | Custom | Higher attendee caps and enterprise support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Pricing depends on the attendee capacity you choose. No free event plan.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Familiar, reliable video attendees already know
- Scales to very large audiences
- Works on almost every device
- Good CRM and marketing automation integrations
Cons
- Paid add-on priced by attendee tier
- Attendees get the best experience in the Zoom app
- No in-person tools such as badging or venue sourcing
Is it right for you?
Choose Zoom Events ifYour organization already uses Zoom and you want virtual or hybrid events, town halls or multi-session programs without a new video platform.
Look elsewhere ifYour events are mostly in person and you need registration logic, onsite check-in and badges.
#8Best for networking at virtual events
Airmeet
An event platform for webinars, virtual conferences and hybrid events with built-in networking and engagement tools.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (annual)
- Free plan
- No (contact sales)
- Best for
- B2B marketing teams, communities and event organizers running virtual or hybrid events
- Works on
- Web (browser-based, no download for attendees); mobile apps
Airmeet is a virtual and hybrid event platform that takes networking seriously. Its social lounge seats attendees at virtual tables for small video conversations, and speed networking automatically matches people for short timed one-on-ones. For virtual conferences and community events, those features do the job a coffee break does in person.
It runs everything from single-session webinars to multi-track virtual conferences in the browser, with no download for attendees. Speakers prepare in a backstage area, sponsors get virtual booths, and polls, Q&A, chat and reactions keep sessions active. Attendance and engagement data per attendee can be pushed to HubSpot, Salesforce or Marketo, and replays stay available on demand. Plans are quoted by event volume and attendees.
Key features
- Social loungeVirtual tables where attendees join small video conversations, recreating hallway networking.
- Speed networkingAutomatic one-on-one matching for short timed conversations between attendees.
- Browser-based eventsWebinars and multi-track virtual conferences run in the browser, with no download needed for attendees.
- Booths and sponsorsVirtual booths let sponsors and exhibitors show content and talk to visitors.
- Event analytics with CRM syncAttendance and engagement data per attendee, pushed to HubSpot, Salesforce or Marketo.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Paid plans | Custom (annual) | Quoted by event volume and attendees: webinars, virtual and hybrid events, networking and integrations |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Airmeet quotes annual plans through sales.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong networking features for virtual events
- No download required for attendees
- CRM and marketing automation integrations
- Handles webinars through to multi-day conferences
Cons
- Pricing is not public
- Aimed at virtual events rather than in-person logistics
- More than small teams need for simple webinars
Is it right for you?
Choose Airmeet ifYou run virtual conferences or online community events where attendee networking is a big part of the value.
Look elsewhere ifYour events are in person only and need logistics such as badging, venue sourcing or seating.
#9Best for B2B marketing events and content repurposing
Goldcast
A B2B event platform for webinars and virtual or hybrid events that also turns recordings into clips, blogs and other content with AI.
- Paid plans from
- Custom (annual)
- Free plan
- No (contact sales)
- Best for
- B2B marketing teams that run webinars and events for demand generation
- Works on
- Web
Goldcast is event management software for B2B demand-generation teams. It runs branded webinars and multi-session virtual events in the browser with registration pages included, and manages registration and check-in for in-person events alongside virtual sessions. Chat, polls, Q&A and calls to action during sessions capture intent signals that sales can act on.
The standout is Content Lab, an AI tool that turns event and video recordings into short clips, blog posts, social posts and transcripts. A Recording Studio lets you record podcasts and interviews without a live event, and event hubs collect past sessions in one branded destination. Registration and engagement data sync to HubSpot, Salesforce and Marketo. Pricing is quoted by usage and modules.
Key features
- Content LabAI turns event recordings into clips, blog posts, social posts and transcripts, so one event feeds weeks of content.
- Webinars and virtual eventsBranded webinars and multi-session virtual events in the browser, with registration pages included.
- Hybrid and in-person eventsRegistration and check-in for in-person events alongside virtual sessions.
- Event engagementChat, polls, Q&A and calls to action capture intent signals during sessions.
- CRM and MAP syncSends registration and engagement data to HubSpot, Salesforce and Marketo for lead scoring and follow-up.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Custom (annual) | Quoted by usage and modules: webinars, virtual and hybrid events, Content Lab, CRM and marketing automation integrations |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Goldcast quotes annual plans through sales.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for B2B demand-gen teams
- AI content repurposing is a strong differentiator
- Deep CRM and marketing automation sync
- Polished, branded event experience
Cons
- No public pricing
- Aimed at mid-market and enterprise B2B budgets
- Less suited to consumer, ticketed or community events
Is it right for you?
Choose Goldcast ifYou are a B2B marketing team that runs webinars and events for pipeline and wants to repurpose every session into content.
Look elsewhere ifYou sell tickets to consumer events or have a small budget.
#10Best for browser-based webinars and virtual events
Livestorm
A browser-based video engagement platform for live, on-demand and automated webinars, virtual events and meetings.
- Paid plans from
- Paid plans from Pro
- Free plan
- Yes (limited)
- Best for
- B2B marketing, sales, customer success and HR teams
- Works on
- Web (browser-based, no download), iOS and Android
Livestorm is a browser-based webinar and virtual event platform for teams whose events happen online. Hosts and attendees join from a browser with no download, and you can run live sessions, replay recordings on demand or schedule pre-recorded automated webinars. Multi-session events group several sessions under one event, which covers virtual conferences, onboarding series and product launch weeks.
Customizable registration pages, automatic confirmation and reminder emails, and calls to action during sessions make it a practical lead-gen tool. Polls, Q&A, chat and reactions keep attendees active, and analytics show attendance, engagement and registration sources. Registrants sync with HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo, Pipedrive and Slack. The free plan has caps on attendees and session length, so regular hosts will need Pro.
Key features
- Browser-based webinarsHosts and attendees join from a browser with no download, so nobody has to install an app before a session.
- Live, on-demand and automated eventsRun live sessions, replay recordings on demand or schedule pre-recorded automated webinars.
- Multi-session eventsGroup several sessions under one event for virtual conferences and series.
- Registration and email remindersCustomizable registration pages with automatic confirmation, reminder and follow-up emails.
- CRM and marketing integrationsSync registrants and engagement data with HubSpot, Salesforce, Marketo and more.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Core webinar features with Livestorm branding, with caps on live attendees and session length |
| Pro | Higher | Priced per host and active contacts: longer sessions, more attendees, integrations and analytics |
| Business / Enterprise | Custom | Larger audiences, advanced customization, security and support |
List prices as of November 2026; plans change often, so check the vendor's pricing page before you buy. Pro is priced per host and active contacts, billed annually or monthly.
Pros and cons
Pros
- No download required for attendees
- Clean, modern interface that is easy to learn
- Strong CRM and marketing integrations
- Live, on-demand and automated webinars in one tool
Cons
- Free plan is very limited
- Pricing by contacts can rise quickly as you grow
- No in-person tools such as badging or onsite check-in
Is it right for you?
Choose Livestorm ifYour events are mostly online, such as lead-gen webinars, customer training or virtual series, and you want a tool you can start on a free plan.
Look elsewhere ifYou run in-person conferences or very large one-off broadcasts.
Best event management software by need
- Enterprise conferences and venue sourcingCvent
- B2B in-person and hybrid conferencesBizzabo
- Selling tickets to public eventsEventbrite
- Complex registration rulesSwoogo
- Free community and startup eventsLuma
- An engaging attendee appWhova
- Virtual events for Zoom usersZoom Events
- Networking at virtual eventsAirmeet
- Repurposing event recordings into contentGoldcast
What to look for in event management software
- Registration and ticketingGood event ticketing software handles custom forms, ticket types, discounts, group registration and payments. Complex events need conditional logic so speakers, sponsors and attendees get different paths.
- Event website builderBranded event pages with agenda, speakers and sponsors. Check how much design control you get and whether pages look good on mobile.
- Attendee app and networkingAn event app for conferences should offer personal agendas, messaging and meet-ups, which keep attendees engaged and give sponsors more value.
- Onsite check-in and badgesFor in-person events, good event check-in software offers kiosks or QR scanning, on-demand badge printing and exhibitor lead capture.
- Virtual and hybrid supportA virtual event platform should offer streamed sessions, backstage areas, polls and Q&A for remote attendees, ideally in the same platform as the in-person event.
- CRM integrations and reportingRegistration, attendance and engagement data should sync to Salesforce, HubSpot or Marketo so you can measure pipeline from events.
How much does event management software cost in 2026?
Event management software ranges from free for free events to custom annual contracts. Self-serve tools charge per ticket or by plan, while enterprise platforms quote by registrations, modules or attendees.
| Tier | Typical price | Tools at this level | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Eventbrite (free events), Luma Free, Livestorm Free | Free meetups, community events and small online sessions |
| Pay per ticket | Fee per paid ticket | Eventbrite paid tickets, Luma Free (platform fee) | Organizers selling tickets to public events who want no subscription |
| Paid plans | Priced by plan, hosts or attendee capacity | Luma Plus, Livestorm Pro, Zoom Webinars and Zoom Sessions | Teams running regular online or community events |
| Enterprise and quoted | Custom annual contracts | Cvent, Bizzabo, Swoogo, Whova, Airmeet, Goldcast | Corporate, association and B2B event programs |
Pricing models from vendor information, November 2026. Most enterprise event software pricing is quoted, not published.
Work out your real cost per attendee before comparing quotes. Per-ticket fees look cheap for small events but add up on large paid ones, while an annual enterprise contract only pays off if you run enough events to use it. Ask quoted vendors which modules are included, because add-ons such as apps, badging or lead capture are often priced separately.
How we chose the best event management software
We started with the event tools in the MakeSuccessOnline directory and added well-known event management platforms we have not yet reviewed, such as Cvent, Bizzabo, Swoogo and Whova. We reviewed each tool hands-on where possible and scored it on the criteria below using vendor documentation and current pricing, checked in November 2026.
- Event lifecycle coverageRegistration, websites, attendee app, onsite tools and reporting in one platform.25%
- Ease of useHow quickly a planner can launch an event and attendees can register.20%
- Attendee experienceEvent pages, apps, networking and engagement during sessions.15%
- Pricing and valueFree options, fee structure and price transparency.15%
- IntegrationsCRM, marketing automation, payment and video integrations.15%
- Virtual and hybrid supportStreaming, backstage, polls and remote attendee tools.10%
How to choose event management software
- Define your main event typeList the events you run most: public ticketed events, corporate conferences, community meetups or webinars. Conference management software, ticketing tools and webinar platforms solve different problems, so pick software built for your main type first.
- Count events and attendees per yearVolume decides the pricing model that suits you. A few small events favor free or per-ticket tools; dozens of large ones justify an annual contract.
- Map your registration needsWrite down attendee types, ticket tiers, discounts and approval rules. If you need conditional logic, shortlist tools like Swoogo or Cvent.
- Decide what happens onsiteIf you need check-in, badge printing or exhibitor lead capture, rule out virtual-first platforms early.
- Check your CRM and video stackConfirm the tool integrates with the CRM, marketing automation and video tools you already use, such as Salesforce, HubSpot or Zoom.
- Get quotes and run a test eventAsk for itemized quotes, then build a real event page and registration form during the demo or free plan before you sign.
Check during the free trial
- Can I build my actual registration form, with all ticket types and conditional questions?
- Which modules, such as the app, badging or lead capture, are included in the quote?
- How does attendee data sync to my CRM, and how fast?
- What does the attendee see on mobile, from the event page to check-in?
- What are the fees per paid ticket, and can I pass them on to buyers?
Red flags
- Quotes that do not itemize modules and add-ons
- Long annual contracts before you can test a real event
- Per-ticket fees that are hard to find before checkout
- No export of attendee data
- Event pages that look poor on mobile
Event management software FAQ
What is the best event management software?
The best event management software for most large organizations is Cvent, which covers venue sourcing, registration, onsite badging and CRM reporting. Bizzabo is a strong alternative for B2B hybrid conferences. For public ticketed events, Eventbrite is the easiest choice, and Luma is the best free tool for community and startup events.
Is there free event management software?
Yes. Eventbrite charges no ticketing fees for free events, and Luma's free plan includes unlimited events and guests, with a platform fee only on paid tickets. Livestorm has a limited free plan for online events. Enterprise platforms such as Cvent, Bizzabo and Swoogo have no free plan.
How much does event management software cost?
Event management software costs anywhere from $0 to large annual contracts. Eventbrite and Luma are free for free events and charge fees on paid tickets. Cvent, Bizzabo, Swoogo, Whova, Airmeet and Goldcast are sold on custom quotes, usually annual, based on registrations, modules or attendees.
Cvent vs Bizzabo: which is better?
Cvent is better for large, complex event programs that need venue sourcing through its Supplier Network, many modules and deep CRM integration. Bizzabo is better for B2B marketing teams that want a polished attendee experience, sponsor tools and Klik SmartBadge networking. Both are quote-only and sold on annual contracts. If neither fits, Swoogo is one of the strongest Cvent alternatives for complex registration.
Eventbrite vs Luma: which should I use?
Use Eventbrite if you sell tickets to public events and want buyers to find you through its marketplace and ads. Use Luma for community, startup and recurring events, where clean pages, RSVP approvals and subscribable calendars matter more. Both are free for free events. Among Eventbrite alternatives, Luma is the simplest for recurring community events.
What is the best event management software for small business?
For a small business, Eventbrite and Luma are the best starting points because they are self-serve and free for free events. Choose Eventbrite for paid public events and Luma for meetups and recurring series. If your events are online, Livestorm has a limited free plan and a Pro plan for regular webinars.
Which event software works best for virtual and hybrid events?
For virtual and hybrid events, Zoom Events suits organizations already on Zoom, Airmeet leads on virtual networking, and Goldcast fits B2B marketing teams that repurpose recordings. If your hybrid events have a large in-person side, Cvent, Bizzabo or Swoogo handle both onsite and remote attendees.
How to choose event management software?
Start with your main event type and yearly volume, then list your registration rules and onsite needs. Shortlist tools built for that type, check CRM and video integrations, and build a real registration form during a demo or free plan. Ask quoted vendors to itemize modules before you sign.
About the reviewer
Editor & Reviewer, MakeSuccessOnline
William Harrison is an editor and reviewer at MakeSuccessOnline. He reviews each tools ranking before it goes live, checking plans, prices, free tiers and features against the tool's own documentation, and keeps rankings current as tools change.