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Event management software is an essential tool for associations to simplify event workflows, automate repetitive admin tasks, boost member engagement, and help staff move away from manual processes and spreadsheets.
If you’ve been wondering what the best solution is for your organization, you may be weighing the benefits of Eventscribe vs. WildApricot association event management software, so that’s what we’ll dive into today.
Eventscribe vs. WildApricot: What Is Each Platform Actually Built To Do?
At a high level, WildApricot is membership management software designed for smaller associations, clubs, and nonprofits. The platform offers basic event management tools as a feature of the software, while Eventscribe is purpose-built event management software for associations.
Another difference between Eventscribe and WildApricot is that Eventscribe is an enterprise solution built for credential-heavy associations that manage member education and CE. WildApricot is designed for smaller nonprofits and clubs, focusing on member management and CRM rather than complex CE administration and credentialing.
Is WildApricot Primarily an Event Management Tool?
WildApricot leads with membership management and handles renewals, member directories, and dues collection, with event registration layered on top.
According to some third-party reviews, WildApricot is well-suited for small-scale events but may struggle with the needs of large conferences, especially those that require session tracking or CE credits.
Larger, multi-branch associations with a strong focus on CE may find it challenging to manage these workflows entirely within WildApricot, as additional third-party tools will be necessary.
How Does Each Platform Handle Complex Association Events?
Running a multi-day annual conference is much different than organizing a simple member meetup.
While Eventscribe and WildApricot share several features, Eventscribe handles speaker management, abstract submissions, exhibitor logistics, scheduling, session evaluations, and more, consolidating these complex workflows into a single interface for efficiency.
WildApricot does an excellent job of managing registrations, member communication, and event marketing, but it does not offer native tools for learning management or CE tracking.
What Happens When Your Conference Outgrows Basic Registration?
Associations often start as small groups with simpler needs. At the outset, they may choose more affordable all-around tools to manage the day-to-day, but as they grow, needs evolve, and systems may need an upgrade.
If needs go beyond basic registration, new third-party apps may need to be added to the tech stack, or the association may consider migrating to a new platform with extended capabilities.
Eventscribe’s capabilities include:
- Abstract submission
- Session scheduling
- Speaker management
- Resource assignment
- Exhibitor management
For comparison, WildApricot’s event setup includes registration, waitlists, Zoom integration, and basic payments, but does not natively support many of the back-end admin tasks that large association events require.
Do Either Platform Connect Events to Continuing Education?
WildApricot lacks native CE or LMS functionality, which is a foundational need for medical associations, professional certification bodies, and any organization that offers CE credits.
Eventscribe connects with Elevate LMS and EthosCE (for medical CE) via Cadmium’s workflow. If CE credit and session tracking are part of your mandate, Eventscribe provides the features you need to manage these tasks easily, taking the complexity out of compliance.
Within the Eventscribe platform, recorded sessions can be easily converted into on-demand courses to re-engage with members and boost post-conference revenue, with certifications and credits tracked and accredited across events.
Can You Repurpose Event Content as On-Demand Learning?
Repurposing event content for on-demand learning is an excellent way to boost the value of your events and the educational content produced.
Associations using Eventscribe can easily leverage recorded event content for post-event monetization and continued learner engagement with Elevate, Cadmium’s learning management system.
Elevate is part of Cadmium’s integrated suite of products and is purpose-built for associations. Cadmium’s livestreaming and on-demand media solution supports session recording and post-event delivery and connects with your AMS to bring more meaning to your metrics, all from within Eventscribe.
WildApricot does not offer these features, so recording and transforming session content into on-demand learning must be managed off the platform in another app.
Which Platform Fits Better With Your Existing Association Systems?
Ultimately, your association event management software should be holistic, enabling teams to manage every aspect of an event and its workflows from a single platform.
When evaluating your options, AMS integration is critical, as it ensures seamless data flow and a consistent member experience across systems.
While WildApricot integrates with some third-party tools, like WordPress, Zapier, and QuickBooks, it is primarily a closed ecosystem.
Eventscribe is compatible with many AMS platforms, including iMIS. It includes Single Sign-On (SSO), which maintains consistent member login credentials across the event website and mobile app and handles the entire event workflow, from registration to post-event content delivery and monetization.
Which Platform Is Right for Your Association?
If you’re still pondering the Eventscribe vs. WildApricot event management for associations question, let’s break it down to a few simple concepts.
WildApricot is a reasonable choice for small associations with simple, recurring events and a primary need for membership management.
Eventscribe is purpose-built for larger associations that run annual conferences and manage multi-session events, speaker-driven programming, or continuing education.
Request a demo today to explore Eventscribe, Cadmium’s event management system.
