We Created a List of the Best Software for Conferences
Managing a successful conference is no easy task. From coordinating registrations and speaker schedules to keeping attendees engaged and gathering post-event insights, there’s simply a lot to do.
That’s where conference management software comes in.
It simplifies the entire process, making it easier for you to create a smooth, successful event. Having used and tested many platforms (and built our own), we’ll be sharing the best conference software options to consider in this EventsAir article.
But first…
What Is Software for Conferences?
Conference management software is a digital tool designed to simplify planning, organizing, and executing successful events. It streamlines tasks from registration to post-event analysis for in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences.
These platforms typically offer features for:
- Automating registration and ticketing
- Creating and managing event schedules
- Creating event and registration websites
- Coordinating speakers and sessions
- Streamlining abstract management
- Engaging attendees through interactive tools
- Analyzing event performance with detailed metrics
By centralizing these functions, conference software reduces manual work, enhances attendee experiences, and provides valuable insights for future events.
Our Picks for the Best Software for Conferences
- EventsAir
- A2Z Events
- ZoomEvents
- Cvent
1. EventsAir
EventsAir offers a complete event management platform. It handles everything from pre-event planning to post-event reports for in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences.
With 30+ years of industry know-how, we provide tools for:
- Attendee management
- Attendee engagement
- Event automation
- Comprehensive tools for in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences
Our platform offers powerful native tools for attendee management, integrated marketing, and event websites, reducing the need for external integrations. However, we also offer integrations with key CRMs and marketing platforms to complement our comprehensive solution
So far, we’ve powered over 350,000 successful events worldwide. A prime example of our capabilities is our work with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) for their 61st annual Congress.
The event brought together over 1,200 in-person attendees and featured a variety of sessions, plenaries, and interactive formats. EventsAir allowed the organizing team to manage registrations, create a dynamic event schedule, and facilitate real-time engagement through live polling and Q&A sessions.
Key Features
- Attendee Management: Effortlessly handle attendee data, registrations, and check-ins with intuitive tools.
- Abstract Management: Automate abstract submissions, reviewer assignments, and session scheduling for proper tracking and thorough reviews.
- Member-based Registration: Customize registration for members, non-members, and special categories, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Customizable Event Websites: Build fully branded event websites with tailored ticketing and registration options.
- Engagement Tools: Maximize attendee interaction through real-time polls, Q&A sessions, social media integration, and gamification.
- Events Apps: Empower organizers and attendees with features like networking, gamification, and interactive agendas.
- Event Integrations: Our Open API empowers event planners to seamlessly integrate EventsAir with other technology platforms, such as your CRM, accounting software, membership management, and more.
- Virtual & Hybrid Event Capabilities: Stream live sessions, host on-demand content, and enable remote attendees to experience events in real-time.
Pricing
We offer flexible pricing depending on the scale and type of event, from virtual to in-person. We tailor your quote to the specific needs of your event, making it best suited for large-scale and enterprise-level events.
Contact our sales team for a demo and customized quote.
Pros
- Offers a comprehensive toolset covering all aspects of conference management
- Hybrid and virtual conference support
- Suitable for conferences of all sizes
- Offers extensive branding and engagement options
- Detailed, real-time insights to help you make data-driven decisions
- Post-event review and analysis support
Cons
- The entire feature set may take some time to get used to
2. A2Z Events
A2Z Events provides a versatile, end-to-end conference management solution tailored for large-scale events. Its tools simplify conference management by handling attendee registration, agenda planning, speaker coordination, and even real-time engagement analytics.
The platform also has a user-friendly “call for proposals” module and supports virtual and in-person events.
Key Features
- Session Configuration: Create custom session calendars with easy-to-use workflows and forms to organize content and speakers.
- Intuitive Interface: Provide a smooth experience for speakers and attendees with profile tracking, session management, and a searchable calendar.
- Attendee Engagement and Matchmaking: Offer easy profile setup and platform tours to help attendees explore and connect before the event.
- Activity Reports: Track session engagement with tools for speaker profiles, attendee questions, and detailed attendance reports.
Pricing
A2Z Events runs a custom pricing system based on event size and features.
Pros
- Easy to navigate
- Strong customization options
- Excellent customer support
Cons
- Limited integration with some marketing tools
- Might be an overkill for smaller events
3. Zoom Events
Zoom Events is an event management solution from the well-known video conferencing platform (Zoom). Built on Zoom’s reliable video conferencing technology, it lets organizers manage multi-day, multi-session virtual events with simple-to-use tools.
The platform includes tools for event registration, networking, and branding to provide a seamless experience for attendees.
Key Features
- Hybrid Event Setup: Easily set up and host hybrid events with various ticketing options, attendee types, and venue maps.
- Expo Floor: Enable attendees to interact with sponsors, engage in live conversations, and explore content within customizable virtual Expo booths.
- Event Hubs: Organize all events and recordings in one place, with options to make content public or private and collaborate with colleagues.
- Event Networking: Allow attendees to view other participants, discover key individuals, and make valuable connections before and during the event.
Pricing
Zoom Events has three plans:
- Zoom Webinars (starting at $690 per year for 500 participants)
- Zoom Sessions (starting at $990 per year for 100 attendees)
- Zoom Events (starting at $1,490 per year for 100 attendees)
Webinars and Sessions are just for virtual events, while Events supports hybrid events as well. All of Zoom Events’ plans require standard Zoom licenses to work, so make sure you factor that into your cost analysis.
Pros
- Designed to blend virtual and in-person experiences
- Built on Zoom’s trusted platform, making it easy to use
- Includes networking features to enhance attendee interaction
Cons
- Integration with third-party tools can be challenging
- Not suitable for in-person conferences
- Branding options may be more restricted compared to other options
4. Cvent
Cvent is a cloud-based event management platform designed to streamline the entire conference planning process, from registration to post-event analytics.
It’s trusted globally for managing virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, offering a suite of tools for online registration, venue sourcing, attendee engagement, and data-driven reporting.
Key Features
- Registration: Create custom, branded registration sites that offer a seamless and visually appealing experience for attendees.
- Check-In and Badging: Streamline the check-in process with on-demand badge printing and quick attendee verification.
- Cvent Webinar: Host interactive webinars using a robust platform that promotes attendee engagement.
- Attendee Hub: Manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events from a centralized platform.
- Integrations: Easily capture and integrate data with CRM, marketing, and analytics tools.
Pricing
Cvent offers custom pricing based on the size of your event. You’ll need to reach out to sales for a quote.
Pros
- Offers highly customizable reporting tools for tracking metrics
- Suitable for small events to large, multi-day conferences
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Some users report that the interface requires time to learn
- Limited flexibility in customizing event webpages and templates
Power Your Next Conference With EventsAir
In this guide, we reviewed top conference management software, highlighting EventsAir, A2Z Events, Zoom Events, and Cvent.
EventsAir stands out with its comprehensive tools for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events thanks to our intuitive event management workflows and powerful marketing and analytics tools. Want to see EventsAir in action?
