Generally, the best event registration platforms are solutions that are part of a full event management software. These tools are designed to handle various event types, allowing organizations to tailor processes to fit specific needs.

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Event management software, also called an event management system (EMS), is a digital tool that helps manage event planning, organization, and execution. It can handle many tasks like registration, speaker management, logistics, and attendee engagement. A good platform also helps collect event data that can inform future decisions and improve processes.

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Some organizations may consider purchasing a standalone event registration tool, but that’s not always the most efficient choice for first time and professional event planners. Adding extra software can increase costs and introduce unnecessary complexity. The last thing you want is to juggle multiple tools or struggle with integration issues while trying to manage your event smoothly.

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Therefore, the ideal event registration software for nonprofits and associations with limited budgets and staff will be part of an all-in-one EMS that handles many tasks in one platform. 

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Cadmium's EMS, Eventscribe, can help with this. It’s a complete event management solution that handles all the crucial tasks of event planning and management, including providing a smooth online registration process.

Event registration software costs can vary quite a bit by company. Event registration companies will usually use subscription-based pricing models or a flat fee as a percentage of each ticket sale. On average, subscription-based options range from $15-100+ per month, and flat-fee options will range from 1-4% per ticket sale. 

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Either way, the costs can add up, whether you’re paying a monthly subscription or a flat fee for a single event. Therefore, buying event management software that provides many features on a single platform, including registration, is usually better than a standalone registration software that costs a sizable amount to handle just one task.

You may also see companies that offer event registration software for free. These solutions provide basic registration features that may be suitable for some events. However, most associations and nonprofits find free registration options are limiting in the long term. 

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Some common limitations of free registration options are: 

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• Limited options for customizing branding and personalizing each event
  
  
• Restrictions on the number of attendees under a free account
  
  
• Reduced scalability for growing organizations or multi-location events
  
  
• Higher risk of technical issues and limited access to support
  
  
• A registration process that may be confusing or difficult for attendees
  

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Given limitations like these, it’s usually better to opt for paid options that are part of a well-rounded event management software. Solutions like our Eventscribe EMS are much more customizable, capable of hosting events of any size, and scalable as your association or nonprofit grows. This also helps ensure you can engage attendees effectively and consistently.

You may also hear about open-source registration software. While these options are highly customizable, they also tend to have bigger learning curves and more potential for technical difficulties for the average person planning events. 

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That’s why choosing software that strikes the right balance between customizability and ease of use is often the best route for most organizations. For example, Eventscribe isn’t fully open-source, but it still offers a wide range of customizability options to tailor to your brand and each event you host while using an intuitive interface. The ability to create a flexible registration form is one of many useful features.

Cvent, vFairs, and Eventscribe are some of the best event management software options. However, while vFairs and Cvent are good general options, they aren’t tailored to the specific needs of nonprofits and associations. 

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For instance, Associations and their members often have specialized needs when it comes to event planning, especially those focused on continuing education. Additionally, nonprofit events have specific needs, like coordinating both volunteers and regular staff members in one place. 

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Eventscribe is built for those unique needs:

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• Easily coordinate and onboard both staff and volunteers from a centralized platform
• Manage core tasks for learning-based events, including submissions, reviews, certificate distribution, and on-demand content
• Add quizzes and evaluations to event activities, or integrate seamlessly with one of our learning management systems
• Automate key processes like registration and logistics planning—helping associations with limited staff work more efficiently

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All of these benefits make Eventscribe a great all-in-one choice for associations and nonprofits that need easy solutions to manage the complexities of event planning and deliver a high-quality event experience. 

Setting up a dedicated event registration website is a great way to make the process easy to manage for your staff and attendees. Your website can allow guests to indicate they’re planning to attend, fill out any details you need to know, or submit applications for consideration. 

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You can even host some early on-demand content or information about the event on the website to get attendees excited about the upcoming experience after registering. 

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Eventscribe offers the ability to create an event website and app catered to your needs. That includes using it for registration, highlighting event activities, hosting ePoster galleries, and more. 

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Eventscribe from Cadmium Helps You Manage Event Planning and Registration

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Eventscribe is a well-rounded EMS that provides everything associations and nonprofits need for effective event planning and management. From registration and logistics planning to speaker coordination, attendee engagement, and sponsor management, Eventscribe streamlines every aspect of event planning. It’s packed with features that help you deliver a seamless experience for both your team and your attendees. Click here to learn more.