Top Event Management Software for Small Businesses and NPO/ NGO
Erik Chen
Event management and registration:
| Platform | Key Features | Best For | Pricing Model |
| Cvent | Comprehensive event management, venue sourcing, mobile apps, virtual/hybrid events | Enterprise events, large conferences | Quote-based, enterprise pricing |
| Eventbrite | Ticketing, registration, promotion tools, payment processing | Public events, festivals, workshops | Free for free events + per-ticket fees |
| Bizzabo | All-in-one platform, networking tools, analytics, hybrid events | B2B conferences, corporate events | Custom pricing |
| Whova | Mobile event app, networking, agenda management, virtual features | Academic conferences, associations | Tiered pricing starting ~$500 |
| Hopin | Virtual/hybrid focus, networking, expo areas, streaming | Virtual and hybrid events | Plans starting from $99/month |
| Aventri | End-to-end management, strategic meetings management, budget tracking | Corporate meetings, complex events | Custom enterprise pricing |
| RegFox | Simple registration, custom forms, payment processing | Small to mid-size events | Flat fee per registration ($0.99-$1.99) |
| Splash | Event marketing, branded experiences, attendee engagement | Marketing events, brand experiences | Starting at $7,200/year |
| Accelevents | Hybrid/virtual events, networking, exhibitor management | Trade shows, virtual conferences | Starting at $5,000/year |
| Attendease | Multi-event management, website builder, automation | Event series, multi-day conferences | Custom pricing |
| Airmeet | Virtual events, social lounges, speed networking, backstage | Webinars, virtual summits | Free tier + paid from $50/month |
| vFairs | Virtual event platform, 3D environments, exhibit halls | Virtual trade shows, job fairs | Custom pricing |
| EventMobi | Event apps, registration, virtual streaming, engagement tools | Conferences, corporate meetings | Starting at $3,000/event |
| Hubilo | Hybrid events, engagement features, networking, analytics | Large conferences, trade shows | Custom pricing |
| PheedLoop | Virtual/hybrid events, mobile apps, streaming, exhibitor management | Conferences, expos | Starting at $1/registration |
| Eventzilla | Registration, ticketing, payment processing, custom forms | Small to medium events | Free + 2% transaction fee |
| Wild Apricot | Membership management, event registration, website builder | Associations, nonprofits, clubs | $48-$530/month |
| Ticket Tailor | Ticketing, box office, seating charts, no per-ticket fees | Theater, concerts, festivals | Flat fee per ticket sold |
| EventCreate | Event websites, registration, email marketing | Corporate events, galas | $79-$399/month |
| Remo | Virtual networking platform, floor plans, interactive tables | Virtual networking events | Starting at $350/month |
| Socio | Hybrid event platform, live streaming, engagement, lead retrieval | Trade shows, conferences | Custom pricing |
| Grip | AI-powered networking, matchmaking, meeting scheduler | B2B events, trade shows | Custom pricing |
| Brella | Networking-focused, AI matchmaking, sponsor tools | Business events, summits | Starting at €990/event |
| 6Connex | Virtual environments, hybrid events, persistent venues | Enterprise virtual events | Custom enterprise pricing |
| ON24 | Webinar platform, content hubs, engagement analytics | Digital marketing events, webinars | Custom pricing |
| BigMarker | Webinars, virtual events, summits, automated events | Online conferences, training | $79-$799/month |
| Goldcast | B2B events, field marketing, content repurposing | B2B marketing events | Custom pricing |
| InEvent | Hybrid platform, broadcasting, sponsor management | Corporate events, associations | Custom pricing |
| Swapcard | AI networking, hybrid events, lead generation | Trade shows, B2B events | Custom pricing |
| Stova | Event management suite, attendee hub, exhibitor management | Conferences, corporate events | Custom enterprise pricing |
Key Considerations When Choosing:
Budget: Options range from free (Eventbrite for free events) to enterprise-level pricing
Event Type: Virtual-only, in-person, or hybrid capabilities
Event Size: Some platforms better suited for small gatherings vs. large conferences
Features Needed: Registration, networking, mobile apps, virtual environments, marketing tools
Industry Focus: Some platforms specialize in specific sectors (associations, B2B, entertainment)
The best platform depends on your specific requirements, expected attendance, budget constraints, and whether you need specialized features like AI-powered networking, 3D virtual environments, or comprehensive membership management.
Tools offer NPO Discount
I'll search for current information about nonprofit discounts offered by these event management platforms.Based on my research, here are the event management platforms that offer discounts or special pricing for nonprofit organizations (NPOs):
| Platform | NPO Discount/Offer | Details | How to Apply |
| Eventbrite | 50% off Pro plan | 50% off Pro plan for extra marketing emails and 24/7 chat support for free events; Lower fees on donation tickets | Contact for NPO pricing |
| Givebutter | Free platform | Free fundraising events on Givebutter thanks to optional tips from donors | Sign up directly |
| Zeffy | Zero fees | Zero-fee nonprofit fundraising platform, with tools for event ticketing and donation management | Sign up directly |
| Wild Apricot | 10-15% discount | 10% discount for 1-year subscription and 15% discount on 2-year billing on all plans | Already built into pricing |
| The Events Calendar | 25% discount | 25% off The Events Calendar Pro, Event Tickets Plus, and any add-ons | Apply through their nonprofit program |
| RSVPify | 20% discount + reduced fees | 20% discount to all annual plans for free events; NPOs only pay 1.7% + $.78 per ticket sold | Apply for nonprofit status |
| Cvent | Special NPO rates | Cvent is proud to extend special rates to non-profit organizations | Request custom quote |
| Remo | 15% discount | Charities, non-profits, and high educational institutions are given a 15% discount on both monthly and annual plans | Contact for NPO pricing |
| Timely | 15% first-year discount | 15% discount for nonprofits for the first year of subscription | Apply with .org domain |
| Sched | NPO discounts available | Sched also offers generous discounts for specific organizations | Contact for pricing |
| GoFundMe Pro/Classy | NPO-focused pricing | Platform specifically designed for nonprofits with tailored pricing | Contact sales |
| CiviCRM | Free (open-source) | Free, open-source constituent relationship management (CRM) platform | Download and install |
| Qgiv | NPO pricing | Free plan, and paid plans start at $25 per month | Contact for NPO rates |
| Whova | Standard pricing | No specific NPO discount mentioned, but serves many nonprofits | Request quote |
| PheedLoop | Per-registration pricing | Starting at $1/registration | Standard pricing applies |
Key Points for NPOs:
Best Free/Low-Cost Options: Givebutter, Zeffy, and CiviCRM offer completely free or donation-based models specifically for nonprofits
Highest Discounts: The Events Calendar (25%), RSVPify (20%), and Wild Apricot (15% for 2-year plans) offer substantial percentage discounts
Enterprise Solutions: Cvent, Aventri, and Bizzabo offer custom NPO pricing but require direct contact for quotes
Verification Required: Most platforms require 501(c)(3) status verification (US) or equivalent charitable status in other countries
Multi-Chapter Discounts: Some platforms like Wild Apricot offer additional volume discounts for organizations with multiple chapters
To access these discounts, nonprofits typically need to provide proof of their tax-exempt status and apply through the vendor's nonprofit program or contact their sales team directly.
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