Association conference management is a complex beast that standard event management software can’t adequately handle. Conference management software built for associations, on the other hand, addresses every association need, from abstract management to registration, post-event content delivery, and everything in between.
Though comparing generic conference management tools to association conference management software is a bit of an apples-to-oranges scenario, there are distinct differences that make association-specific software more suitable.
If you are currently using Whova, Cvent, or another event management or ticketing system and are considering your options, this article will provide you with the insight you need to make an informed choice.
What Does Conference Management Software Actually Need to Do for Associations?
Association conferences are fundamentally different from corporate or consumer events. They require abstract submissions and peer review, CE/CME credit tracking, multi-track session scheduling, tiered member pricing, exhibitor and sponsor management, and post-event content delivery. And despite the process’s complexities, these tasks are often managed by a small staff.
While general-purpose platforms can handle ticketing, they can’t handle the full scope of requirements without cumbersome workarounds, additional add-ons, or third-party solutions.
Why Do General Event Platforms Fall Short for Association Conferences?
Most event management platforms are built for simplicity and ticket sales, but that’s only part of the story when it comes to association events. These systems are not designed for the layered, lifecycle-driven complexity of association conferences, so while they may work well in a corporate event cycle, teams will face significant gaps.
For example, there is no native support for abstract management or CE tracking. Though many standard solutions integrate with mainstream CRMs, they do not connect reliably with AMS systems.
Multi-stakeholder workflow support is often inadequate, creating undue complexities throughout the association event management lifecycle.
Ultimately, your choice of conference event management software for associations should prioritize these key functions, as they are ongoing needs that staff must manage and that the right system can support.
How Does Eventscribe Handle the Full Association Conference Lifecycle?
Eventscribe, Cadmium’s event management system, is an end-to-end solution purpose-built for associations. As such, it addresses every conference management task, consolidating them into a single connected system to simplify the work and enhance data visibility.
Eventscribe’s ecosystem includes the following feature set:
- Abstract submission and peer review
- Speaker and presenter management
- Exhibitor and sponsor coordination
- Customizable registration with member-tier pricing
- Session and room logistics
- Post-event reporting and analytics
Eventscribe’s unique task-based workflow system enhances the user experience, keeping small teams aligned from pre-event planning through closeout, without adding headcount. All in all, it’s the only association conference management software you’ll need. And, critically, it connects to your AMS.
How Does Eventscribe Connect to Your AMS?
Association conferences have multiple layers. When an event management system doesn’t communicate with the AMS, associations end up spending an inordinate amount of time manually reconciling member records, attendance data, and CE history.
Eventscribe’s AMS connectivity with platforms like iMIS keeps data consistent across systems, eliminating data silos and automating much of the admin workload. Event data connects to the member database and updates in real time, enabling personalized experiences and data-informed long-term planning.
Essentially, if your conference management software does not offer this feature, you’re creating extra work for your already stretched team and taking their attention away from higher-value tasks.
How Does Eventscribe Turn a Conference into Year-Round Member Value?
The event-to-learning pipeline gives Eventscribe a distinct advantage over other conference management platforms.
Learning is a critical aspect of association conferences, as is capturing non-dues revenue after the event, and Cadmium’s suite of solutions delivers on both fronts.
With connections to Elevate or EthosCE and to Cadmium’s live-streaming and on-demand media solution, associations can capture conference sessions, convert them into on-demand CE courses, and deliver continuing education credits through simple, integrated workflows that drive value beyond the event itself.
Conferences do not end on the last day. Eventscribe helps association teams bridge the gap between events and education, feeding into a persistent learning community that will set your events apart from others in their class.
When you compare the same workflows using standalone event tools, there is no comparison: Eventscribe helps associations do more, more reliably, and with less friction than the most recognizable conference management tools on the market today.
Is Eventscribe The Right Conference Management Software for Your Association?
If you are an association running mid- to large-sized annual conferences, symposia, or education-heavy events, and you want abstract management, CE tracking, and AMS connectivity in one place, Eventscribe is the clearest fit.
However, if the organization is running simple one-off ticketed events, a lighter-weight tool may suffice.
Discover Eventscribe, Cadmium’s event management system: speak with an expert now..
