An event management platform that meets all the goals of your event, sets it up for success, right from the beginning. Narrowing down on the right event management platform that ticks all the boxes can make or break your event’s performance. That being said, what the right event management platform should not do is break your bank.
Most event organizers will admit that not all platforms fit your budget. Some cost too much for what they offer. In 2025, your budget may be limited, but your market options are not.
In this guide, let’s take a brief look at 10 cost-effective event management platforms that still give you all the features you need.
1. Dryfta: Designed for Academic and Professional Events
Dryfta is made mostly for universities and associations. It helps with managing paper submissions and reviews. You don’t need extra software for that. Dryfta also works well for virtual and hybrid events. They have mobile apps so attendees can stay updated.
Dryfta’s abstract management and conference management system supports a multitude of academic functions, including paper reviews, automatic session scheduling, and attendee messages. It keeps everything organized in one place. This saves time and cuts down on confusion.
Pricing: Dryfta’s prices start at $1,499 a year for events with 100 people or fewer. If you have a bigger event, you can get a custom quote.
2. Eventbrite: Easy to Use with Huge Reach
Eventbrite is one of the simplest platforms around. It is good for smaller to mid-sized events. You can create tickets quickly and sell them online. Eventbrite also helps you promote events through social media and email.
The event platform also has an app to help with check-ins on the day of the event. They display your event in their extensive directory for greater public visibility.
Pricing: Eventbrite charges nothing if your event is free. For paid events, you pay 3.7% plus $1.79 per ticket sold. They also take around 2.9% from the transaction itself. This setup works if you want to avoid high upfront costs and only pay when you sell tickets.
3. Whova: Great for Attendee Engagement
Whova helps attendees connect and network during events. They offer a mobile app with schedules, live polls, Q&A, and messaging. The software can even suggest people to meet using AI.
Whova supports virtual booths and live streaming too, which is good for hybrid or online events. If your event focuses on getting people to talk and network, Whova is solid
Pricing: You pay per person, approximately 3% plus $0.99 fee for each ticket. This can add up for big events, but the extra interaction might be valuable. However, Whova’s quote-only pricing is what determines the final figure.
4. Eventzilla: Clear Prices and Simple Features
Eventzilla is a no-fuss platform. They offer tools like custom registration forms, QR code check-in, and email reminders.
The interface of Eventzilla and its user setup is fairly simple to navigate. It does not demand much tech skill. This platform fits well if you want core event tools without paying for things you don’t use.
Pricing: Its basic plan charges $1.50 per registration. They also have monthly plans for bigger events with fewer extra fees. Additionally, Eventzilla has a comprehensive unlimited offering for a one-time payment of $4999/year.
5. Bizzabo: For Large Corporate Events
Bizzabo is built for big companies and big events. It lets you create event websites, send marketing emails, and get detailed reports on how the event went.
Bizzabo works best when you want all your event data linked to your company’s marketing system. If you plan many events or want top-quality support, Bizzabo helps.
Pricing: Pricing is not fixed. Usually, it starts around $17,999 a year or $499/ user on a monthly basis. This costing is high in comparison to other competitors in the market on average. However, EventsBizzabo justifies this figure with its offer of several add-on services.
6. Cvent Express: Enterprise Tools at Lower Cost
Cvent Express offers main event features but for less money than Cvent’s main platform. You can use it for registration, check-in, and basic reports.
This platform works well if you want trusted enterprise software but do not have the budget for all the miscellaneous costs in bigger plans. Smaller companies or those running many different events around the year may benefit from this approach.
Pricing: Cvent does not publicize its pricing upfront. The organization offers a quote only upon request from event organizers.
7. Hopin (RingCentral Events): Virtual Event Support
Hopin, now known as RingCentral, is designed mainly for online and hybrid events. You can create virtual stages, meeting areas, and exhibitor booths. The interface lets folks join sessions and talk to each other.
Pricing: They have a free plan with limits and paid plans starting at around $99 to $299 a month, which is charged annually. Larger plans let you have unlimited attendees. If you need a platform just for virtual events, Hopin does the job well.
8. Splash: Focus on Event Design and Marketing
Splash helps you build attractive event web pages and send email campaigns. It does not have many sophisticated event management features, but it makes your event look professional online.
This platform works well for events prioritizing marketing, as well as smaller events where the overall look and feel is a top priority.
Pricing: Splash offers plans in two denominations, pro and enterprise. The pricing for each of these plans is at the discretion of the company and is quoted upon request.
9. Accelevents: All-rounder for Hybrid and Virtual Events
Accelevents offers virtual, hybrid and in-person event management for all types of events. One of their standout features is an app that lets you send push alerts about sessions.
Other notable features include ticketing, networking tools, live streaming and sponsor/exhibitor management.
Pricing: The pricing starts at about $7,000 for large-scale business and enterprise events. Additionally, Accelevents also offers pay-as-you-go and monthly enterprise plans for smaller events.
10. Eventtia: Flexible for Different Needs
Eventtia offers a wide range of features. It works for conferences, corporate events, and associations. You can create custom websites and run virtual sessions.
Eventtia incorporates artificial intelligence to match its attendees to events on the basis of their interests. This platform is a chance worth taking if your event is generic in genre or if you run many different types of events.
Pricing: Pricing is by quote and often starts near $1,500 per event. Larger packages come with more tools and app access, and the cost can climb up to $3500 billed annually.
Picking the Right Event Management Platform
All of the above event management platforms offer several pricing models for their potential clients. Some charge monthly or yearly fees, whereas others charge per attendee. Sometimes you pay a fee per ticket sold.
Look at the features you need. Check your budget. Also, think about how easy the platform is to use. Some platforms need tech skills or a team to operate.
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- If your events are small and rare, platforms with low startup costs like Eventbrite or Eventzilla might work best.
- For academic or research events, Dryfta’s paper management saves time.
- If you want to improve networking, Whova and Accelevents offer good apps.
- For virtual events, Hopin is built just for online and hybrid formats.
- Bizzabo and Cvent are better if you want powerful features and can pay more.
- Splash is great if you want eye-catching event pages and strong marketing tools.
Making Event Management Cost-Effective
All of the above-mentioned 10 platforms offer good value depending on what you want from your event management system. Choose one that fits your budget and event goals.
Cost is only one factor in a larger pool. Ease of use and features also matter considerably. Therefore, be on the lookout for a platform that best suits your event size, type and technical capabilities.
Don’t settle for less and do not choose too soon. Scrutinize, compare, contrast and then commit.