6 Best Alternatives to Bizzabo for Event Management

Published
July 20, 2023
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Event Technology
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Emily Rae
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6 Best Alternatives to Bizzabo for Event Management

What is Bizzabo?

Bizzabo is a leading event management software that helps organizers create, manage, and promote professional events. It provides a range of functionalities, from event registration, ticketing, and event website creation to agenda management, analytics, and more. 

Although Bizzabo is a solution that may be a good fit for some, there are reasons you may want to look at alternatives:

  • Bizzabo can make it challenging to edit event pages and lacks automation in places like email follow-up and creation.
  • Bizzabo only has five templates you can use for event creation, and those templates need a lot of customization to look modern. Expect to rely on someone proficient in CSS and HTML to get the job done.
  • Even though Bizzabo’s plans start around $15k, expect to pay even more if you need add-ons such as integrations or registration credits or if you want to unlock virtual events.

1. Splash

Splash is a specialized event management software solution that empowers organizers to create and execute immersive and engaging events. With our comprehensive suite of tools, Splash streamlines event planning, enhances attendee experiences, and provides valuable insights for future event success. Splash customers can get an event created and ready to promote in just a day - sometimes in as little as a couple of hours.

Repeatable event success

Splash's 2023 Events Outlook Report revealed that 81% of event marketers would hold more events if they had the technology to help them replicate their successes.

‍Splash’s event management platform offers features that help customers create repeatable, on-brand, programmatic success through events, so event marketers can focus on what matters most at events – human connections.

User-friendly automation

Splash enables you to automate many of the tedious processes of event management. Our platform includes a suite of integrations with tools like Salesforce, Slack, and many others. On top of that, Splash’s email functionality lets you segment attendee lists by different statuses, making it easy to send the right message, to the right audience, at the right time.

Pricing

The way Splash prices its plans is revolutionary in the event management industry. Regardless of your team’s plan, Splash does not charge per event or registration, and you don’t have to pay more to unlock virtual events. You can find more details on our plans and pricing page.

Key Features

Comprehensive event management software

Everything included in Splash’s platform makes it easy for your team to simplify your process, amplify your brand, measure your results, and grow your business with an event-led strategy.

Customizable event pages and templates

Splash stands out when it comes to event page design. All event touchpoints automatically follow the brand guidelines set by your team, ensuring brand compliance for everyone using the platform. Other highlights include cutting-edge templates, intuitive, easy-to-use tools, and automated steps for designing event pages, emails, and more.

Guest management, Email, and mobile app check-in

Splash allows you to organize guests by response, status, list, and tag, so reporting is always stress-free. And using Splash’s native email sender, you can segment your guest list by status so the right audience gets your message at the right time. Whether your event is virtual or in-person, check-ins are either tracked online or using Splash’s mobile app for in-person check-in. 

Example of the Splash Studio experience.

Virtual event platform and hybrid event capabilities

Splash Studio is a virtual event solution with built-in live streaming and audience engagement capabilities. And, if you already have a virtual solution, you can easily embed your existing tech into a fully branded and gated virtual venue. 

Pros

  • Ease of use and time savings
  • Robust guest list management tool and email sender
  • Integrations to Salesforce, Marketo, Slack, Hubspot, and more, making marketing and sales alignment seamless

Cons

  • Slight learning curve for page builder
  • Nominal charge for email white-labeling 
  • Company has less of a focus on 1:1 video calls and booth management 

Who is Splash best suited for? 

  • Those who want to easily create branded, repeatable, and compliant event programs.
  • Teams trying to grow without additional resources
  • Companies that don’t just host (or attend) one large tentpole event per year

2. Cvent

Key features

  • Event registration and management features - teams can customize event registration forms.
  • Networking and appointment setting
  • Large conference support and functionality
  • Venue management tools 
  • Attendee check-in and notifications

Pros

  • Large user community that you can visit for help
  • Support for mobile devices like phones and tablets
  • Custom reporting features

Cons

  • On top of a license cost, you pay for any extras that are essential to run events. And after that, you pay a per registrant/attendee cost (usually around $5-$6.5 per person).
    Registrant fees must be paid in advance, which means it's up to your team to guestimate how many people might come to all your events for the year. If you underestimate the number of attendees, you will pay more; however, if you overestimate, you'll pay for attendees that didn't come to your event.
  • If you want to unlock virtual events, it can cost several thousand dollars extra.

Who is Cvent best suited for? 

  • Teams with large event marketing budgets
  • Current customers locked into a multi-year contract
  • Teams with a dedicated resource for creating custom CSS, HTML, and Java

3. Hopin

Key features

  • 1. Virtual event management platform
  • 2. Tools for enhanced attendee engagement
  • 3. Free plan available 
  • 4. Support for virtual events
  • 5. Live streaming and interactive features

Pros

  • Most of Hopin’s features are focused on virtual events
  • Strong virtual event experience and engagement tools
  • Free plan available and competitive pricing

Cons

  • When a guest registers in Hopin that contact info is owned - and used - by Hopin
  • No support for in-person or hybrid events unless you buy an Advanced plan 
  • Limited customization options for email and event templates
  • Events with attendees exceeding 100 are charged extra per registrant

Who is Hopin best suited for? 

  • Businesses with no interest in running in-person event programs
  • Teams with dedicated resources for creating custom CSS, HTML, and Java

4. Eventbrite

Key features

  • 1. Online event registration and ticketing solution
  • 2. CRM integration for better event organization
  • 3. Event pages are discoverable to the public via their platform.
  • 4. Mobile app available for event management

Pros

  • Simple attendee checkout process
  • Large user base
  • An affordable option for events

Cons

  • Limited event data and reporting
  • Event templates lack customization
  • Integration options are minimal

Who is Eventbrite best suited for? 

  • Small businesses selling tickets for events
  • Teams who prioritize simplicity over customization

5. Whova

Key features

  • 1. Feature-rich event management app
  • 2. Virtual and hybrid event support
  • 3. Notifications and personalized event experience
  • 4. Integration with Salesforce and other CRM tools
  • 5. Event technology for large conferences

Pros

  • Whova provides a comprehensive suite of tools for event management.
  • Features to help attendees navigate events, connect participants, and access relevant information.
  • Networking features like discussion boards, direct messages, and attendee profiles.

Cons

  • Requires some effort to understand its functionalities, which could be a drawback for those seeking a quick and intuitive event management solution.
  • While Whova offers various features and customization options, some users may find its customization capabilities limited compared to more flexible event management platforms.
  • Mobile app can be challenging to navigate.

Who is Whova best suited for? 

  • Organizations needing an app specifically for  tradeshows or conferences
  • Whova's features can be helpful for streamlining event organizers work
  • Event experiences focused on professional networking

6. Webex Events

Key features

  • 1. Event registration and management capabilities
  • 2. Real-time virtual events and interactivity
  • 3. Q&A sessions, chat, and polling features
  • 4. Integration with CRM and sales tools
  • 5. Event recording and playback

Pros

  • Can handle large-scale virtual events
  • WebEx Events lets you record events, including webinars and virtual sessions.
  • Integrates with various third-party applications and platforms like Chrome

Cons

  • User interfaces can be complex, especially for first-time users.
  • Limited customization options
  • While WebEx Events offers basic interactive features like Q&A sessions and polling, it may lack some advanced engagement tools found in other platforms.

Who are Webex Events best suited for? 

  • Educational institutions
  • Professional training and workshops
  • Nonprofit organizations and associations

Other Bizzabo Competitors (Notable Mentions)

HubSpot

Although HubSpot actually recommends Splash for all-in-one events platform, you are able to use HubSpots online Form Builder to manage event registration. The drag-and-drop builder makes the process of designing registration forms fairly simple.

Here are other features that make it possible to use HubSpot for event management:

1. Onsite event management functionality

2. Online registration and ticket sales

3. Integration with Hubspot’s CRM and marketing automation

4. Attendee management and email marketing

5. User-friendly software solution for marketers and event planners

Salesforce

Salesforce has some tools that make it possible to manage event registration if you’re willing to piecemeal something together. They also have a large app ecosystem featuring event tools.

  • Event management capabilities within Salesforce app ecosystem
  • Integration with CRM and sales tools
  • Maximizing event experience through automation and personalization

Expo

Expo specializes in conference management and helps managers of large-scale events more easily manage registration, badging, lead retrieval, and expo management.

1. Attendee tracking

2. Streamlined event technology and automation

3. Real-time event data and reporting

4. Onsite event check-in

5. Enhanced exhibitor management 

Splash: The Ideal Bizzabo Alternative For Your Business

As you can see, there are plenty of Bizzabo competitors and options for your team’s event management needs. 

Choosing the right event management platform is essential. The event management software you use every day influences event success and impact by streamlining planning, promotion, attendee engagement, and data management. The ideal platform also enhances attendee experiences, increases event visibility, provides valuable insights, and simplifies event management, leading to overall success and effectiveness.

Why is Splash the best alternative to Bizzabo?

From pricing, plans, and support to user experience, Splash is the best Bizzabo alternative. 

The Splash team is a trusted partner when for your long-term event success, and will support you every step of the way. 

For starters, every Splash customer gets a Customer Support Manager (CSM). Only companies who buy the highest tier plan from Bizzabo get a dedicated CSM. 

Additionally, unlike Bizzabo, Splash doesn’t come with registration caps or extra fees when your event has more attendees than you anticipated.

Splash is a true all-in-one platform, and our pricing reflects that. When you join Splash, you already have everything you need to make virtual, in-person, or hybrid events successful. With Bizzabo, necessary add-ons can cost you tens of thousands of extra dollars.

Customers frequently mention Splash’s user interface and ease of use when they share how our event management platform is helping them scale their event programs with ease.

FAQs

How do Bizzabo competitors compare in terms of features and functionality?

Bizzabo's competitors vary in terms of features and functionality. Each competitor offers unique capabilities tailored to event management, including event registration, attendee engagement, marketing tools, and analytics. More importantly, selecting the platform that best aligns with your event needs and budget should be your top priority.

Are there any Bizzabo competitors that offer a similar pricing structure?

Most Bizzabo competitors' prices depend on the size and complexity of events. Many competitors' pricing plans require lots of add-ons for essential features. Splash has a straightforward pricing structure, with everything you need included to run a successful events program. It's essential to research and compare different competitors' pricing structures, features, and functionalities to find the best fit for your specific event needs and budget.

Can Bizzabo competitors handle events of all sizes, from small gatherings to large conferences?

Yes, Bizzabo competitors handle events of all sizes, including small gatherings and large conferences, providing scalable event management solutions to accommodate varying event scales. Choosing an event management platform that specializes in the types of events your business is looking to host is crucial.

Do Bizzabo competitors offer mobile event apps for Android and iOS like Bizzabo does?

Yes. Most event management platforms offer a mobile event app or event management app, but you’ll want to research and find out if it will solve the needs of your business.

Are there any Bizzabo competitors that specialize in a specific industry or type of event?

Yes, several Bizzabo competitors specialize in specific industries or types of events. Some examples include Cvent, which focuses on corporate events, and Eventbrite, which caters to a wide range of event types but also has industry-specific solutions. For example, Splash supports various event types and unlocks the ability to host repeatable, on-brand events at scale.

How do Bizzabo competitors differ in terms of user experience and interface?

User experience varies widely among Bizzabo's competitors. Some tools, like Cvent, are more complex. Others, like Splash, make event creation a simple and quick process.

Do Bizzabo competitors provide analytics and reporting tools to track event performance?

Yes, many Bizzabo competitors provide analytics and reporting tools to track event performance. These tools offer insights on attendance, engagement, ticket sales, and other metrics to help organizers measure the success of their events.

Can Bizzabo competitors integrate with other event management systems or third-party tools?

Yes, Bizzabo competitors often offer integration capabilities with other event management systems and third-party tools, allowing organizers to connect their preferred platforms seamlessly and leverage a broader ecosystem of tools for comprehensive event management.

Are there any Bizzabo competitors that offer multi-language support for international events?

Yes, Bizzabo competitors generally provide customer support and assistance throughout the event planning process. They offer various levels of support, including dedicated account managers, online help resources, and responsive customer service teams to assist organizers with their event-related needs and inquiries.

Do Bizzabo competitors provide customer support and assistance during the event planning process?

Yes, Bizzabo competitors generally provide customer support and assistance throughout the event planning process. They offer various levels of support, including dedicated account managers, online help resources, and responsive customer service teams to assist organizers with their event-related needs and inquiries.

Are Bizzabo competitors compatible with different ticketing and registration systems?

Yes, most Bizzabo alternatives offer some kind of ticketing solution. For example, Splash offers many ticketing options, including international multi-currency ticketing. 

What is the reputation and customer satisfaction level of Bizzabo competitors?

Customer satisfaction ranges widely depending on which Bizzabo alternative you’re looking at. We’d encourage you to look at multiple sources for customer reviews during your search for an event management tool.

Can Bizzabo competitors handle virtual or hybrid events, in addition to in-person events?

Yes, many Bizzabo alternatives are equipped to handle virtual or hybrid events in addition to in-person events. These platforms offer features and tools to facilitate online event hosting, live streaming, virtual attendee engagement, and hybrid event management to cater to diverse event formats.

Are there any Bizzabo competitors that offer social media integration and promotion features?

Yes, several Bizzabo competitors offer social media integration and promotion features. Platforms like Eventbrite can connect with social media platforms, promote events, share updates, and facilitate social engagement to enhance event visibility and reach.

Do Bizzabo alternatives provide networking and matchmaking capabilities for attendees?

Yes, many Bizzabo competitors offer networking and matchmaking capabilities for event attendees. These features enable attendees to connect, interact, and schedule meetings with each other, fostering networking opportunities and enhancing the overall event experience.

How do Bizzabo competitors handle event marketing and promotional activities?

Bizzabo competitors handle event marketing and promotional activities by providing a range of tools and features. These may include email marketing, customizable event websites, social media integration, analytics for tracking marketing performance, and various promotional features to help organizers effectively promote their events and drive attendee engagement — such as Splash’s email and guest management features.

Can Bizzabo competitors handle complex event agendas and scheduling requirements?

Yes, Bizzabo competitors are designed to handle complex event agendas and scheduling requirements. These platforms typically offer features such as session management, agenda-building tools, speaker management, and customizable scheduling options to accommodate the intricacies of events with multiple sessions, tracks, or complex scheduling needs.

Are there any Bizzabo competitors that offer event management solutions specifically for nonprofit organizations?

Although not listed in this guide, comparable tools exist specifically for nonprofit organizations. One example is GiveSmart, which provides event management tools for fundraising and donor engagement for nonprofit events. Another example is OneCause, which offers nonprofits event planning and fundraising solutions to maximize their event impact and donations.

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Written by
Emily Rae
Emily is a Demand Generation Marketing Manager at Splash, a next-generation event marketing platform. She is a data-driven marketer, obsessed with producing the podcast, Checked In with Splash, and loves digital marketing and content creation.

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