Top 8 Event Management and Online Registration Tools
When you’re planning your next nonprofit event, finding the best event management software is one of the biggest steps. You want something cost-effective with the capabilities to register guests and manage the back-end components of the event so you can make sure your event goes smoothly and your guests have a great time! What is the good news? There are effective, inexpensive nonprofit event software solutions to make your life easier!
Factors to Consider
So, what do you need out of an event software? It’s important to consider a few specific things to help you make your decision.
Learning Curve | Some software that is more in-depth and extensive also comes with a huge learning curve. If your staff is less tech-savvy, they may get frustrated and the software will be largely ineffective and end up hurting you rather than helping. Test out the system with a demo before you commit and make sure that your team can learn it quickly and use it efficiently during a event. |
Support availability | Is there someone you can call if you have an issue? When signing up will you receive a indebt demo on how to use the software? Does support cost extra? Will they provide real-time support during the event? These are all important questions as you think about switching to a new software. Even if you think you have all the bases covered always be prepared for what could happen. You want your event to come off as organized as possible to your guests and making sure you have all the support and answers you need will help. |
Cost | While this is a no-brainer, make sure you think through all the angles. Some services charge per user, some per registration, and some charge processing fees off every transaction. These each have pros and cons but consider how you use your software and what kind of overhead the solution will add—processing fees can take large chunks of sponsorships and large donations made through your new tool. Consider what your organization can afford and if it will be worth it in the end. |
These considerations will help guide your decision on what software to go with. See below for the top event management and registration tools!
Events.org
Pros: Similar to other tools like Eventbrite, Events.org features your nonprofit event in a larger marketplace in addition to your specific branded page. This creates more advertisements for your event. With low costs of $1 per registrant, you’ll keep your event overhead small and save your attendees excessive fees. Events.org also allows for OneClick Registration so your guests can register with ease and even check in to the event on their phones. There is no need for a check-in line in person, this allows for no rush at the beginning of the event.
IBid is also a feature that can be added to your event if you are running an auction, this is an easy way to have your attendees bid.
Cons: You are not using it yet!
Eventbrite
Pros: One of the most broadly recognized names in the industry, most of your guests have used Eventbrite before and will find the interface intuitive. This also integrates with Facebook, allowing for a seamless promotional experience for your social media audience. And, the simple setup process will make this easy for your guests.
Cons: A tiered pricing structure means premium features like multiple ticket types come with an increased cost. This adds up as you consider all the features that would be added to help run your event smoothly.
Cvent
Pros: Complex registrations allow you to create different paths in a form depending on the answer a user gives, this creates a more customized experience for your guest. The tool also allows you to create a branded event website allowing you to use it for advertising.
Cons: A la carte pricing can make this a more expensive solution to get all the helpful features, and it does have a bit of a learning curve. Some of the design interfaces when using graphics can be tedious or clunky, too, some users note.
OneCause
Pros: OneCause integrates with BidPal, a silent auction mobile giving solution, and also allows for custom registration, event websites, and live support.
Cons: Users report a slightly higher cost than average and difficulty with slow processes for check-in and check-out. This can make your attendees agitated by long waiting times.
Doubleknot
Pros: DoubleKnot includes custom forms, mobile tickets, and allows you to send emails to attendees before, during, or after your event.
Cons: Users note that DoubleKnot can involve a pretty steep learning curve and a big time investment for implementation.
Fonteva
Pros: Fonteva integrates easily with Salesforce—if you currently use Salesforce and want to integrate data easily, this is by far the most helpful feature of Fonteva.
Cons: A single monthly fee per administrator and implementation costs mean this may be a pricier option if you only run a few events sporadically.
Events.com
Pros: Offers ticket insurance for customers.
Cons: Prices go up based on your selling ticket price. If selling Merchandise or non-ticket add-ons, they add a flat 6% fee. As well as an additional payment processing fee of 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction plus their own flat rates for each ticket. This can add up quickly, taking away from your earnings.
ePly
Pros: With ePly, you can use their app for your event—it can be customized to match your brand.
Cons: The $4 per registrant cost can add up quickly for larger events, and first-time setup has a bit of a learning curve.
This guide will give you some insight into what tools might work best for you and your organization to run a successful event!
Fundraising 
Your All-in-One Event Management Platform
Host Events with Ease! Events.org's comprehensive event management platform makes it easy to optimize, automate and maximize your organization's entire charitable event calendar.Events.org Benefits:
✓ Simple, Affordable Pricing for Paid Events: $1 per Transaction!
✓ FREE Events are always FREE
✓ Host & Manage Any Event
✓ Dedicated Customer Support
✓ Branded Event & Donation Pages
✓ Donor and Contacts Management (CRM)
✓ Membership Management
✓ Conference Management
✓ Volunteer Management
BONUS: Free access to the iBid's Mobile Auction AutoPilot™ - This automation tool saves you time & stress while streamlining auction tasks. Manage auction items and payment processing, including express checkout & digital receipts!
