We Tried the Best Registration Software for Events

Planning an event and dreading the registration process? You’re not alone. Whether you’re organizing a conference, workshop, or networking event, managing registrations can be a time-consuming headache. 

But it doesn’t have to be.

Event registration software has revolutionized how organizers handle sign-ups, payments, and attendee information. With the right tool, you can automate tedious tasks, reduce errors, and create a smooth experience for both you and your attendees.

For this EventsAir article, we put the top three event registration platforms to the test—we compared features, ease of use, and overall value to help you find the perfect option.

What Is Event Registration Software?

Event registration software is a digital tool designed to streamline the registration process for event organizers and attendees. It goes beyond simple sign-ups (although that is a key component)—registration software also offers:

• Online registration forms and ticket sales
• Payment processing
• Attendee data management
• Event marketing tools
• Check-in and badge printing
• Reporting and analytics

Event registration software automates these tasks, reducing manual work, minimizing errors, and freeing up time for organizers to focus on other critical aspects of event planning. It also enhances the attendee experience by making the process smoother and less confusing…

…if you choose the right software.

What to Look for in Event Registration Software 

When choosing your event registration software, consider these features:

• User-friendly interface: Easy for both you and your attendees to use.
• Customizable forms: Tailor registration forms to fit your event’s needs.
• Payment processing: Securely handle payments and refunds.
• Analytics and reporting: Provide insights into attendance and engagement.
• Integration capabilities: Work well with other tools like email marketing platforms or CRM systems.
• Dynamic registration forms with conditional logic: Create personalized registration experiences based on individual responses.

Top Registration Software for Events

1. EventsAir
2. Cvent
3. Whova

1. EventsAir

EventsAir is designed to centralize end-to-end event planning for professional organizers. We offer a set of native, fully integrated tools that simplify every stage of the process, from registration to post-event analysis.

Focusing on registration, we offer tools that let you build beautiful, responsive event sites, customize registration forms, sync attendee info, and more. Plus, our native payment processor, EventsAir Pay makes collecting payments and managing transactions simple.

Key Features

• Event Websites: Create responsive event websites without any technical knowledge using templates and drag-and-drop tools.
• Registration Flows & Forms: Create different registration flows for different types of attendees and customize forms to collect the information you need from each.
• Onsite Services: Support your on-site team with badge printing, self check-in kiosks, and attendee tracking—all integrated with your event management platform.
• Event Apps: Treat organizers and attendees to event apps that support networking, gamification, interactive agendas, and more.
• EventsAir Pay: Process payments safely and securely with EventsAir Pay and avoid third-party integration (and fees).
• Advanced Reporting: Our strong data analytics and reporting tools track event performance and attendee involvement.
• Integrations: We work with various CRMs and marketing platforms to streamline data handling and communication.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Customizable registration forms and workflows
• Wide range of features
• Real-time management of registrations and on-site services
• Native tools—not a collection of integrated third-party apps
• Great support

Cons

• Setup might require some training
• Pricing isn’t publicly disclosed
• Subscription includes unlimited registrations.

2. Cvent

Cvent is a popular choice among event planners for its versatility and powerful features. It offers a bunch of tools that support event registration, like customizable forms and workflows, digital assets, agendas, and more.

Cvent’s platform can handle events of all sizes, ensuring a smooth experience for both organizers and attendees.

Key Features

• Branded Registration Pages: Create personalized, branded registration pages that reflect the event’s theme and your organization’s identity.
• Flexible Forms: Design registration forms with custom fields to capture the information you need, including attendee preferences, session selections, and payment options.
• Group Registrations: Allow multiple attendees to register at the same time with group discounts or packages.
• Registration Dashboards: Build shared dashboards that allow different stakeholders to access key registration data quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great customization for registration forms and event websites
• Responsive support and extensive training resources
• Lots of third-party integrations

Cons

• Costly for smaller events
• Integrations between features aren’t always great
• Occasional service issues
• Additional cost per registration may apply

3. Whova

Whova is an event management platform and event app builder that stands out for its user-friendly design and wide-ranging set of features. It simplifies the registration process by giving organizers control over important details like ticket types, pricing, discounts, and flows.

Key Features:

• Event Registration & Ticketing: Offers customizable registration forms for both members and non-members, various ticket types, and payment processing.
• Attendee Engagement: Features like live polls, Q&A sessions, surveys, and networking opportunities encourage attendee participation during the event.
• Analytics & Reporting: Real-time analytics and post-event reports provide insights into registration numbers, attendee engagement, and overall event success.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Easy user interface
• Combines registration, engagement, and promotion tools in one place.
• Networking opportunities and interactive features 

Cons

• Limited customization options
• Pricing not disclosed
• Initial learning curve

Looking to Streamline Your Event Planning Process? 

EventsAir, Cvent, and Whova each offer unique features that cater to different needs. Understanding what each offers helps you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

At EventsAir, we offer a suite of registration tools with next-level customization, automation, and support. And beyond registration, we support organizers with tools for every stage of event planning—from planning to analysis. Contact us or request a demo today to learn more about how EventsAir can help.