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Your association is planning a series of conferences over the next year. You anticipate hundreds of in-person participants, plus others who will join via livestream. You've got the speakers and locations lined up, but one thing is missing: event management software. You've heard Bizzabo is pretty good, and Eventscribe ranks well, too. But you're not sure which one to go with.
Both systems offer strong features, but they're built for different customers. Making the right purchase decision between Bizzabo vs. Eventscribe boils down to whether your event involves abstract review and credit-bearing education.
Bizzabo vs Eventscribe At A Glance
Here's a quick comparison overview of Eventscribe and Bizzabo:
Eventscribe's standout feature is its support for abstracts and continuing education, which aren't available with Bizzabo. However, Bizzabo leads in AI networking features, which match attendees based on their career focus and interests.
Who Each System Is Built For
Bizzabo and Eventscribe provide association event management software that's targeted to different audiences.
Bizzabo's Focus On B2B Conferences
Bizzabo is built primarily for B2B conferences and B2B event leaders. Its customers include HubSpot, Customer Management Practice (CMP), and Phenom, which use Bizzabo to manage in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.
Eventscribe's Focus On Association And Education Workflows
Eventscribe serves associations, higher education providers, healthcare organizations, and professional societies that use events for continuing education. Customers include Duke University, Medical Library Association, Society for Vascular Surgery, and the U.S. Green Building Council.
At many associations, a single team oversees the annual meeting and education program. Eventscribe provides event management and learning management tools to support both.
Where Bizzabo's Associations Page Stops Short
Bizzabo counts associations among its target market, but its focus is on community, attendee engagement, retention, and networking. Support isn't available for abstracts, review cycles, AMS integration, or continuing education.
Abstract Submissions, Review Cycles, And Continuing Education Credits
Association events frequently use continuing education opportunities to attract attendees. However, having someone speak generally isn't enough to qualify for credit. Content must be submitted and reviewed by committee heads before the association will approve it for credits. Without continuing education and abstract management software support, associations must rely on third-party tools.
Collecting And Reviewing Submissions
Eventscribe provides tools to manage abstracts, scholarships, and awards in one place. Authors can submit their abstracts to approved reviewers, and a notification system keeps everyone updated with the current status. Teams can create custom awards with scoring criteria, and the scholarship feature provides a straightforward workflow for submissions, reviews, and selection.
Currently, Bizzabo doesn't provide equivalent support for these features. Associations may need to rely on third-party tools for abstracts, which requires extra effort and organization.
Turning Accepted Content Into A Program
Eventscribe's logistics features include a calendar where you can organize the entire venue by room. Add speakers, catering, AV equipment, staff, and volunteers, and the system will send you a notification if it identifies any conflicts. Users can access content for each speaker, including their bios and presentations.
As G2 reviewers note, corrections made on Eventscribe carry through to the website, schedule, and mobile app, saving time while minimizing errors.
Issuing Credits And Certificates After The Event
With Eventscribe's post-event engagement module, attendees get access to on-demand session recordings. It also supports certifications and continuing education credit tracking, with extra features available when you connect Eventscribe with Cadmium's LMS products.
Bizzabo's capabilities don't extend to continuing education credits or certifications.
How Each System Connects To Your Existing Data
Bizzabo boasts over 2,500 integrations, plus an open API that allows you to connect compatible systems. Eventscribe's integrations are primarily limited to AMS and AV tools, although it does have a REST API that teams can take advantage of.
Member Data Versus Marketing Data
Bizzabo's integrations center around marketing tools. That's important for B2B organizations that use events to capture new leads and clients.
Eventscribe's integration support leans toward AMS and member systems. Associations can use them to measure member value, set tiered pricing, and inform members of upcoming events.
Pricing Models And What Drives Total Cost
Eventscribe follows a custom pricing model, with cost driven by event size, feature requirements, and other factors. This means you'll get a tailored price based on your needs, instead of paying a flat rate for features you may not require.
Bizzabo also offers custom pricing, but teams can opt for a per-seat subscription at a set price.
How Bizzabo's Per-Seat Model Works
Bizzabo pricing starts at $499 per monthly user with a three-user minimum, billed annually. It defines a user as someone with system access, not actual attendees. There is no option to purchase Bizzabo for individual events.
The base plan includes the standard features you need to organize a conference. However, its AI networking tools, Klik SmartBadges, and third-party integrations are only available with the custom-priced plan or as an add-on.
What To Ask When Comparing Quotes
Event software varies a lot from one provider to another. Talking to the sales team can give you clarity about a product's features and benefits. Good questions to ask include:
- Are prices driven by the number of users with system access?
- Are there any discounts for single annual meetings versus year-round support?
- Is abstract review and credit issuance included in the subscription, or is it an add-on?
- Is AMS integration included automatically, or is it a paid feature?
Attendee Engagement And Networking
At many events, networking is a key focus. Visitors, exhibitors, and speakers want to meet other people in their industry to build connections, get leads, or share expertise. Eventscribe and Bizzabo offer tools that support engagement, but Bizzabo is the standout in this area.
Where Bizzabo Leads
Bizzabo offers three key features to support expo-driven and lead-generation networking:
- An AI matchmaking engine that locates attendees with similar interests and goals
- The Bizzy AI copilot, which helps attendees organize their agendas and navigate event logistics
- Klik SmartBadge wearables that instantly share contact details
Eventscribe lacks AI matchmaking, but it does offer chat and support for event appointments.
Where Eventscribe's Engagement Tools Fit Association Sessions
Eventscribe provides tools that support your event's education workflow. They include an event website and app, an Audience Response System that supports questions and answers, session scanning for continuing education credits, quizzes and evaluations, and ePosters for note-taking.
Choosing The Right Event Management System For Your Association
If your association runs its events based on abstract reviews and continuing education credits, you need a system that can handle the entire process from end-to-end. A pipeline-driven corporate event system like Bizzabo may not be the right fit.
Eventscribe, Cadmium's event management system, is the Bizzabo alternative for associations that need to make their next annual association meeting a success. Click here to speak with an expert.
