Choosing event management software requires associations to consider many variables, such as each tool's Association Management System (AMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and customization capabilities.
The best event management software for associations combines everything into a workflow. This ensures associations don't need to juggle vendors and can update event details from just one place.
This guide will explore the best event management software of 2027, including Cadmium's event management system, Eventscribe.
What Should Associations Look for in Event Management Software?
The best event management software hinges on each association's unique needs. Many of the most popular options include the following features:
- Centralized data and workflows
- Simplified abstract and peer review processes
- Automatic tracking for continuing education (CE) credits and certifications
- AMS synchronizations
- User-friendly interfaces that don't require much training to use
How Is Association Event Software Different From Corporate Event Software?
Association and corporate event software use different pricing tiers, data models, and designs. Corporate software is more focused on marketing and lead generation, so it's not well suited for association events.
Which All-in-One Event Management Systems Work Best for Associations?
Some of the best event management software contains everything you need in a single workflow. A comprehensive system reduces staff workload and the risk of overlooked data or steps.
Eventscribe (Cadmium)
Eventscribe is an interactive, task-based event management system for associations covering the full event cycle. This includes abstracts, peer review, speaker tasks, registration, the event app, exhibitors and sponsors, evaluations, and post-event content and certificates.
Eventscribe stands out because it gives associations fewer vendors and workflows to manage, so staff only has to update event details once. The system also connects CE tracking to Elevate and EthosCE and integrates with AMS systems, such as iMIS.
Cvent
Cvent is an AI-powered, enterprise-grade event management tool that supports multi-track conferences, member engagement, venue sourcing, and onsite check-ins. Its all-in-one workflow centralizes registration, outreach, and session tracking into one system while synchronizing with HubSpot, Salesforce, and other CRM tools. Though the system streamlines technical steps, Cvent's complex setup requires specialized training.
Stova
Stova is an end-to-end event technology tool predominantly used for annual conferences, multi-track meetings, trade shows, and tech events. It streamlines processes such as registration and session tracking into a unified workflow, while allowing associations to easily "clone" previous events for ongoing member opportunities. However, its technical setup often takes time and external support to onboard successfully, and its high cost may be unnecessarily high for associations primarily managing single-day, virtual events.
EventsAir
EventsAir's comprehensive design simplifies complex, large-scale events, such as international conferences or medical congresses. The all-in-one conference management software supports speaker management, attendee outreach, engagement, accounting, and housing while adapting to association-specific needs. Still, its complex setup often comes with a steep learning curve and can limit customization.
RainFocus
RainFocus is an enterprise-grade association event management software that stands out for its deep analytics. In addition to centralizing essential event management features, RainFocus compiles event data into one database that elevates event planning, member engagement, and executive-level decisions. However, its enterprise-grade system requires a few months of training to implement and may be too expensive and overbuilt for small-scale events and associations.
PheedLoop
PheedLoop's event registration software generally suits academic institutions, associations, corporate groups, and mid-to-large organizations. It centralizes attendance history, multi-tier ticket upgrades, CE credit tracking, session feedback, and more into an easy-to-access attendee record. Unfortunately, some of PheedLoop's customization capabilities and features require additional add-ons, which can drive up costs beyond initial expectations.
Dryfta
Dryfta is a conference management software that covers abstract submissions, peer reviews, badge building, ticketing, networking, and CRM. Its academic and research workflow is designed specifically to support academic, scientific, medical, and nonprofit association events. However, this specialization can also create challenges with onboarding, sharing schedules, and grouping tickets.
What Are the Best Event Apps and Engagement Tools for Association Events?
The best event apps for associations support attendee engagement and accessibility while centralizing data and optimizing staff capabilities, such as event customization.
Whova
Whova is a popular event management app for mid-market and academic associations because of its easy-to-use attendee interface. It supports registration, schedules, attendee engagement, agenda management, networking, and follow-up communication. That said, users often report its interface as cluttered and hard to navigate, especially because of excessive push notifications.
EventMobi
This highly-rated event app for associations centralizes registration, attendee directories, communication, and more for conferences, trade shows, and hybrid events. Features such as live polling, Q&A surveys, social walls, gamification challenges, and live displays drive higher attendee engagement. However, the app's design can create challenges and delays when planning events, such as by allowing only one administrator to update the event at a time. |
Bizzabo
Bizzabo is an all-in-one event management tool that combines its mobile app with registration and in-person engagement tech, such as smart badges. Its intuitive app setup makes it easy for attendees to network and make the most of industry and business-to-business (B2B) conferences. That said, Bizzabo's features are mostly limited to event workflows, so it may not meet associations' broader or unique needs.
Swoogo
Swoogo's overall event management software stands out for its flexible registration and event workflows, making it easy for associations to make changes to their specific needs. It's often used for high-volume roadshows, multi-track conferences, hybrid meetings, and employee training events. However, user reviews report that Swoogo's mobile app feels inadequate, with frequent technical issues and minimal event features.
Accelevents
Accelevents is an enterprise-grade, all-in-one event management software for associations handling in-person, virtual, or hybrid events. Its centralized workflow consolidates attendee information, registration, ticketing, live streaming, email marketing, credit tracking, live polls, and other event essentials. Despite this, G2 reviews indicate that the interface is challenging for both staff and attendees to use, limiting event engagement and customization. |
Which AMS and CRM Tools Include Event Management Features?
Your association may not need fully dedicated event management software. Many of the best Association Management Systems and Customer Relationship Management tools include dedicated event capabilities or synchronize with other solutions, such as Salesforce and Microsoft Azure.
Fonteva Events
Fonteva Events is an all-in-one AMS and CRM event tool built natively on Salesforce, the world's leading CRM platform. This allows it to combine member data, payments, registration, collaboration capabilities, and other essential event features into one workflow. It's well suited for multi-day conventions, conferences, and nonprofit events, though its expensive licensing model and additional setup and customization costs can pose limitations.
Blackthorn Events
Blackthorn Events is also built directly into Salesforce, bringing attendance data, communication, payment, and event registration into associations' existing workflows. This makes it easy for associations to customize the interface, plan events, and track engagement and performance data. However, its AMS features focus mainly on events and lack the membership and customization capabilities of other tools, such as Fonteva Events.
Nimble AMS
Also native to Salesforce, Native AMS merges enterprise-level customer relationship management with event registration, member insights, and other association-specific features. Associations can implement automated renewals, self-service member portals, and fundraising campaigns while leveraging Salesforce's data analytics and cloud infrastructure. That said, these complex features can make the AMS challenging to implement. |
iMIS
This cloud-based AMS and Engagement Management System (EMS) is native to Microsoft Azure and purpose-built for trade associations, unions, nonprofits, and regulatory bodies. It centralizes registration, member data, accounting, reporting customization, and fundraising while automating communication workflows. This design is complex and sometimes requires external consultation to implement effectively.
MemberClicks
MemberClicks is an all-in-one AMS and CRM tool that combines member profiles, registration, dues tracking, email outreach, and conference logistics. The software stands out for its user-friendly interface and strong customer support, making it easy for staff to drive member relationships. Though MemberClicks was built for small-to-mid-size associations, it lacks the customization and third-party integrations that some associations may need.
WildApricot
WildApricot brings central CRM features, a membership database, email marketing, and event management capabilities into a powerful cloud software. Its streamlined setup automates renewal workflows, checks member data, and automates payments to simplify steps for everyone. However, it lacks enterprise-grade event features, such as credit tracking and deep data analytics.
Glue Up
As an all-in-one cloud platform, Glue Up combines AMS and CRM capabilities with event invoicing, email marketing, ticketing, and other event essentials. Its end-to-end event support handles both in-person, virtual, and hybrid events with live attendance metrics and post-event reports designed to help staff improve member retention. Similar to other platforms on this list, Glue Up can be challenging to implement and may not meet associations' specific customization needs.
Neon One
Built specifically for nonprofits, charities, and membership organizations, Neon One prioritizes member, donor, and constituent relationships, making it especially ideal for fundraising. Its all-in-one event management tools handle registration and ticketing, while its built-in CRM capabilities streamline communication and outreach so staff can focus on building community. However, Neon One can be time-consuming to fully set up, and its lack of a mobile app limits accessibility.
How Do You Choose the Right Event Management Software for Your Association?
To choose the right event management software for your unique association, consider the events you'll plan and your specific CRM or AMS needs. For instance, enterprise-grade software can offer every feature you need and more, but it may be unnecessarily costly and complicated if you only need hybrid event software or event registration software.
What Questions Should You Ask Event Software Vendors?
Consider asking the following questions (and writing your own questions) to see how well each association management software can adapt to your unique needs:
- What unique features does your software offer?
- Can the software sync with my existing tools and workflows, or will it replace my current systems?
- Are there user or attendee capacity limits?
- Is the system user-friendly and mobile-friendly?
- How long will your customer support team typically take to respond if I need help?
Eventscribe, Cadmium's event management system, covers the full event cycle for a simplified workflow with AMS integration and automatic CE credit tracking. Learn more about why Eventscribe is a top event management software for associations. Ready to take the next step? Speak with an expert here.
