7 Cvent Alternatives: Specialized Event Management Solutions for Every Budget and Use Case In 2026

Cvent has earned its place as an industry leader in enterprise event management, and for good reason. The platform offers an impressive array of tools, from venue sourcing across nearly 340,000 properties to comprehensive registration management, attendee engagement apps, and detailed analytics. For large corporations and associations managing complex, multi-track conferences, it remains a powerful choice.

But as your event needs evolve, you might find that a comprehensive enterprise platform is more than you need, or perhaps not quite specialized enough in the areas that matter most to your business. Cvent's steep learning curve (some users report spending weeks before becoming proficient), quote-based enterprise pricing, and emphasis on corporate conferences and enterprise events may not align with every organization's requirements.

That's where this guide comes in. Whether you're looking to:

1. Maximize ticket revenue with low-cost or fee-free ticketing and built-in marketing tools
2. Access enterprise-grade features without the enterprise-grade complexity
3. Enhance attendee engagement with award-winning mobile experiences
4. Reach new audiences through marketplace discovery
5. Manage strategic meetings and venue sourcing at a more accessible price point
6. Create beautiful, brand-consistent event marketing without technical expertise
7. Launch community events quickly with modern, lightweight tools

We'll explore dedicated alternatives that excel in these specific areas. Some businesses might use these tools alongside Cvent for specialized functions, while others might find a complete replacement that better fits their needs. This isn't about finding a "better" platform; it's about finding the right fit for your unique situation.

Let's dive in and find the perfect event management solution for your needs.

The Best Cvent Alternatives 

What is Cvent?

Cvent is a comprehensive software-as-a-service platform for managing meetings, events, and hospitality. 

Founded in 1999, the company has grown to over 5,000 employees and was acquired by Blackstone in 2023 for $4.6 billion. The platform caters to all aspects of the event lifecycle for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.

Its key features include:

• Cvent Supplier Network: Access to nearly 340,000 venues worldwide for RFP submission and bid comparison
• Event Registration: Customizable registration forms, payment processing, and automated communications
• Event Marketing: Drag-and-drop website builder, email campaigns, and social media integration
• Mobile Event App: Personalized schedules, AI-powered networking recommendations, live polling, and Q&A
• Onsite Solutions (OnArrival): Check-in management, on-demand badge printing, session tracking, and LeadCapture for exhibitors
• Analytics and Reporting: Customizable dashboards, engagement scoring, and ROI calculation
• Budget Management: Expense tracking, financial reporting, and integration with expense management systems

When an attendee interacts with a Cvent-powered event, everything connects through a unified platform. Registration data flows into the mobile app, session attendance gets tracked automatically, and detailed analytics help organizers prove ROI.

Cvent excels for mid-to-large organizations hosting complex corporate conferences, association meetings, and multi-track events. Its enterprise focus means deep integrations with CRM and marketing automation platforms, robust security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS), and comprehensive support.

However, this comprehensiveness comes with tradeoffs. 

User reviews consistently describe the learning curve as "steep," with some reporting weeks of exploration before achieving proficiency. The quote-based pricing model for its core platform requires sales conversations, and the platform is explicitly designed for organizations with "complex needs." 

For event creators outside the enterprise sphere, particularly those running music festivals, sports tournaments, or entertainment venues, or those prioritizing simplicity and cost efficiency, more specialized alternatives may be the better fit.

Looking for a ticketing platform that maximizes your profits while driving more sales? PromoTix offers fee-free ticketing options with annual subscriptions, plus the most advanced Ambassador program on the market, patented viral contest tools, and secure streaming. Create your event for free today.

How We Curated Our List of Cvent Alternatives

After testing Cvent and researching the event management market, we found that its comprehensive enterprise approach doesn't align with every organization's needs. While Cvent excels for large corporations managing complex conferences, businesses often need more specialized tools for:

• Maximizing ticket revenue without enterprise-level costs or complexity
• Accessing sophisticated marketing tools designed to drive ticket sales
• Creating engaging attendee experiences without steep learning curves
• Reaching new audiences through marketplace discovery
• Managing events with modern, lightweight platforms
• Building beautiful, brand-consistent event marketing without technical expertise
• Hosting virtual events with secure, monetized streaming

Each tool on this list demonstrates strength in one of these areas. You might use them alongside Cvent for specific functions, or as a complete replacement depending on your event type and organizational needs.

1. PromoTix — Best Alternative for Event Creators Seeking Marketing-Powered Ticketing That Drives Sales

PromoTix is a comprehensive event management platform built by event creators, for event creators. 

Founded by Will Royall, who has extensive experience producing music festivals and operating venues, the platform was designed specifically to address the high fees and limited marketing capabilities that frustrate event organizers using traditional ticketing platforms. 

Royall experienced firsthand how other ticketing platforms promised marketing help but never delivered; PromoTix was built as a marketing software product first, originally serving as an Eventbrite Spectrum partner offering marketing tools to Eventbrite customers before developing its own ticketing capabilities. 

This unique origin validates that when PromoTix says it has marketing tools that drive sales, they truly deliver.

Its key features include:

• Fee-Free Ticketing: Professional subscription plans offer 0% + $0 per-ticket service fees, allowing organizers to keep more revenue
• Integrated Marketing Suite: The most advanced Ambassador program on the market with access to 6,500+ influencers in the network, patented viral contest registration pages, and detailed customer insights
• Secure Live Streaming (PromoTix Streaming): Hybrid event ticketing with patented secure URLs that prevent unauthorized sharing—every viewer must purchase a ticket
• Custom Branded Mobile Apps: No-code mobile app creation for both iOS and Android
• Spotify Artist Insights: Unique data showing which artists your ticket buyers listen to on Spotify, helping save tens of thousands in mis-spent booking fees
• Resale Marketplace: A marketplace with 1M+ users where organizers control the secondary market for their tickets with fraud protection
• RFID Technology: Access control, cashless payments, and sponsor activation for events of 3,000+ attendees

For small business conferences, music festivals, concerts, sports tournaments, youth sports events, theaters, and entertainment venues where maximizing revenue and driving ticket sales are paramount, PromoTix provides a dedicated solution that Cvent's enterprise-focused, corporate conference platform simply doesn't address.

Why Choose PromoTix Over Cvent for Event Ticketing and Marketing

While Cvent offers robust tools for large corporate conferences and enterprise events, PromoTix excels for event creators who need to maximize profitability and actively market their events. Here's where PromoTix stands out:

Fee-Free Ticketing: Keep More of Your Revenue

The most striking difference between PromoTix and Cvent lies in their pricing philosophies. 

Cvent operates on quote-based enterprise pricing with annual license fees plus per-registrant charges, a model designed for corporations with dedicated event budgets. PromoTix takes the opposite approach: their professional subscription plans offer 0% + $0 per-ticket service fees.

Source: PromoTix

For event organizers, this difference compounds dramatically. Consider a 10,000-attendee festival with $50 average ticket prices: traditional platforms charging 3-5% service fees would take $15,000-$25,000 from your revenue. With PromoTix's professional plan, that money stays with the organizer (minus standard payment processing fees).

Even their pay-as-you-go option (3% + $1.49, paid by attendees) represents significant savings compared to many competitors. And unlike Cvent's pricing that requires sales conversations, PromoTix publishes their fee structures transparently on their website. 

PromoTix's largest client sells more than 1.5 million tickets annually, proof that the platform scales for high-volume events while maintaining its value proposition.

⚡ PromoTix in Action: For example, consider a regional business conference that switches from a traditional ticketing platform to PromoTix's professional annual subscription plan. With 3,000 tickets sold at $750 average, they could retain more than $21,000 that would have gone to service fees. That additional revenue could fund an extra key-note speaker or attendee perk, which might drive even more ticket sales the following year. There's no comparison in the value you get from PromoTix's fee structure.

Ambassador Program Management: Turn Fans Into Salespeople

Where Cvent focuses on registration management for known attendees, PromoTix was built to help you sell more tickets in the first place. 

The platform's Ambassador program, the most advanced on the market, transforms your most enthusiastic fans into a commission-based sales force, with access to a network of 6,500+ influencers.

Source: PromoTix

The system includes:

• Automated task tracking for online and offline promotion activities
• GPS verification for physical promotional activities like poster distribution, displaying exactly where materials are placed
• Commission-based rewards with payouts via direct deposit
• Mobile app for Ambassadors to sell tickets directly with built-in POS
• Leaderboards to foster friendly competition among promoters
• Dedicated Ambassador Program Managers who help consult, build, recruit, and run your program

Cvent offers exhibitor management and sponsor portals, but these serve existing stakeholders rather than helping you recruit new promoters to expand your reach. PromoTix's Ambassador program has driven upwards of 18% growth for clients; these aren't third-party add-ons but native, patented features that grow your event.

⚡ PromoTix in Action: For example, a community festival could recruit 50 Ambassadors through PromoTix's platform. Each Ambassador receives a unique referral link and is assigned tasks like sharing social posts and distributing flyers. The GPS tracking verifies poster placements, and the leaderboard creates competition. In such scenarios, Ambassadors can drive a significant percentage of total ticket sales, with top performers earning commissions while the festival expands its reach into new markets. No other platform offers this level of Ambassador program sophistication.

Patented Viral Contest Registration Pages: Build Your Marketing Database Before Tickets Go On Sale

PromoTix's patented viral contest feature creates gamified pre-registration campaigns that build buzz and capture leads before tickets are even available. Participants earn points by completing actions like following social accounts, sharing the contest, and referring friends through unique links.

The system builds a comprehensive database of interested attendees with names, emails, phone numbers, social media follows, social shares, and Spotify listener data, all before tickets go on sale. 

This data can be used for email campaigns, SMS, social ads, and retargeting ads. When tickets finally become available, you can automatically notify all contest participants, often generating a significant initial sales surge.

The system includes a fan leaderboard that tracks points and helps you identify your most influential fans for future campaigns. Because PromoTix owns the patents on viral contest features, they aren't available elsewhere.

⚡ PromoTix in Action: For example, a new concert series could launch a viral contest three weeks before tickets go on sale. Participants compete for VIP upgrades and meet-and-greet packages by earning points through social shares and referrals. By launch day, such contests can generate thousands of email signups, and the automated email to contest participants at ticket launch can drive a substantial portion of first-day sales.

Secure Live Streaming: Monetize Virtual Events Without Link Sharing Problems

PromoTix's PromoTix Streaming technology addresses a problem that plagues virtual event monetization across all platforms: unauthorized link sharing. While Cvent offers virtual event support through their Attendee Hub, PromoTix holds a patent covering systems for hybrid event ticketing that combines in-person and virtual attendance within a single checkout.

Source: PromoTix

The system works through "virtual front gates." Each ticket generates a unique, one-session-viewable URL. If a second device attempts to access the stream using the same ticket, the new viewer is blocked with a message prompting them to buy their own ticket; the original purchaser continues watching uninterrupted. This prevents the common scenario where a few tickets are purchased but the link gets shared widely.

PromoTix Streaming supports multiple broadcast options:

• Simple webcam streaming directly from the dashboard
• Professional OBS integration for multi-camera productions
• SD, HD, and 4K quality options
• Ultra-low latency (approximately one second) for near real-time experiences
• Integrated live chat for audience engagement

This feature is particularly valuable for business conference keynotes and breakouts, educational seminars, youth sports tournaments, pageants, and multi-day events where family members want to watch remotely, possibly across state lines. Every viewer will have purchased a ticket, guaranteeing organizers don't lose income from unauthorized viewership.

⚡ PromoTix in Action: For example, a comedy club could begin offering virtual tickets to their weekend shows. Initially using a standard video platform, they might notice viewership often exceeds ticket sales by 3-4x due to link sharing. After switching to PromoTix Streaming, each ticket generates a secure, single-use viewing link, which can significantly increase virtual ticket revenue because viewers who previously watched shared links now purchase their own tickets. PromoTix's secure streaming ensures you monetize every view.

Spotify Artist Insights: Book Talent Your Audience Actually Wants

For music events, PromoTix offers a distinctive feature not commonly found on enterprise event platforms like Cvent: Spotify Artist Insights. The system aggregates data on which artists your ticket buyers and contest registrants are listening to and following on Spotify.

This transforms talent booking from guesswork into data-driven decision making. 

Instead of booking acts based on general popularity or booking agent recommendations, you can see exactly which artists resonate with your specific audience, helping save tens of thousands in mis-spent artist booking fees by identifying which artists deliver the best ROI and spotting deals on booking fees from agents.

Source: PromoTix

⚡ PromoTix in Action: For example, a mid-size festival deciding between two potential headliners with similar booking fees could use Spotify Artist Insights to see which artist has more followers among their ticket buyer database. Booking the artist with stronger audience connection and promoting the announcement to their existing audience could drive exceptional ticket sales.

Dedicated Support That Actually Helps You Grow

Unlike enterprise platforms where support is often inaccessible unless you're selling tens of thousands of tickets, PromoTix assigns dedicated Client Success Managers who help consult on growth tactics to drive new ticket sales, increase revenues, and identify sponsorship opportunities. 

Attendees receive 24/7 phone and chat support with a maximum 4-hour email response time for issues like missing tickets or misspelled email addresses.

NOTE: We evaluated other ticketing platforms focused on cost efficiency, including Ticket Tailor and TicketSpice. While both offer competitive fee structures, the savings from budget platforms often get spent on other marketing tools elsewhere to grow your event. PromoTix's combination of fee-free options plus sophisticated marketing tools (Ambassador programs, patented viral contests, Spotify insights, secure streaming) provides a comprehensive solution for event creators who want to both save money and drive more sales.

PromoTix Pricing (Ticketing + Marketing)

PromoTix offers flexible pricing that accommodates both occasional event organizers and high-volume professionals.

Ticketing + Marketing (Free for Organizers)

• 3% + $1.49 per ticket (paid by attendees)
• No subscription or monthly fees
• All core features included: ticketing, guest lists, discount codes, embedded checkout
• Patented viral contest registration pages and basic marketing tools
• Integration with Google, Facebook, and AdRoll tracking pixels

Professional Enterprise

• Customized annual subscription with 0% + $0 per-ticket fees
• Dedicated Client Success Manager
• Full Ambassador network access with GPS tracking and commission payouts
• Dedicated Ambassador Program Manager
• Custom branded mobile app
• Reserved seating and season tickets
• Lower credit card processing with PromoTix Processing Pro (starting at 2.75% + $0.25)
• RFID wristband fulfillment and cashless payments optional
• Daily payouts available with Stripe, PayPal, or your own merchant account

Additional Costs (Both Plans)

• Secure streaming: $0.99-$1.99 per viewer (depending on quality) + $5 setup fee
• Push notifications (Enterprise): $0.01 per notification + $50 setup
• Ambassador transactions (Enterprise): 10% fee solely on ambassador sales

PromoTix does not require long-term contracts or exclusive ticketing agreements.

Who Should Use PromoTix?

Choose PromoTix if:

• You produce small to medium size business conferences or tradeshows, music festivals, concerts, sports tournaments, youth sports events, or entertainment venues where maximizing ticket revenue directly impacts your ability to book better speakers, musicians or talent, improve production, and grow your event year over year. PromoTix is particularly strong for sports events (their biggest vertical), music events and festivals (their second largest), theaters, pageants, and religious gatherings.
• You want to actively market your events, not just manage registrations and need built-in tools like the industry's most advanced Ambassador program and patented viral contests to drive ticket sales rather than relying solely on advertising spend.
• You monetize virtual or hybrid events and need secure streaming that guarantees every viewer has purchased a ticket—especially valuable for youth sports and pageants where family members watch remotely.
• You find Cvent's enterprise complexity designed for much larger corporate conferences misaligned with your needs. PromoTix's minimal learning curve and published pricing let you launch events quickly without sales conversations or extensive training, and dedicated Client Success Managers help you grow.

Ready to keep more of your ticket revenue while selling more tickets? PromoTix combines fee-free ticketing with the most advanced Ambassador program and patented marketing tools that actually drive sales. Create your event for free today, or contact us to discuss your event.

2. Bizzabo — Best Alternative for Modern Enterprise Event Management

Bizzabo is an Event Experience Operating System that provides enterprise organizations with a comprehensive platform for managing in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Unlike Cvent's platform, which has evolved through numerous acquisitions over two decades, Bizzabo was built as a unified system from its 2011 founding. Its key capabilities include:

• Unified Platform Architecture: All components (registration, websites, mobile apps, virtual venues, analytics) share a cohesive design and data layer
• Klik SmartBadges™: Wearable technology enabling contactless information exchange between attendees
• Deep CRM Integration: Native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and Oracle Eloqua, with bi-directional sync available for key platforms
• Analyst Recognition: Named a Leader in both The Forrester Wave™ and Gartner Magic Quadrant for Event Management Platforms
  

Why Choose Bizzabo Over Cvent for Modern Enterprise Event Management

Bizzabo stands out compared with Cvent in several significant ways:

1. Unified Architecture vs. Acquisition-Built Complexity 
   Cvent's platform has evolved through numerous acquisitions, resulting in what users describe as a "dense" interface requiring substantial training.
   Bizzabo's unified platform means a more consistent user experience across all touchpoints. User reviews consistently describe Bizzabo as "intuitive" and "easy to navigate, even for those without extensive technical expertise."
2. Proprietary SmartBadge Technology 
   While Cvent offers onsite check-in and badge printing through OnArrival, Bizzabo's Klik SmartBadge™ enables any attendee-to-attendee contact exchange with a single tap. Each interaction generates data that syncs immediately to the mobile app, creating real-time connection graphs. 
   Research indicates SmartBadges can increase exhibitor-captured leads by nearly 400% compared to traditional methods, although this same functionality is also easily achieved with standard RFID wristbands that also offer admission validation and cashless payments to attendees on systems like PromoTix.
3. AI-Powered Matchmaking 
   Bizzabo's AI engine analyzes hundreds of data points from registration, content engagement, and session attendance to suggest relevant connections and sessions. While Cvent has introduced CventIQ with AI capabilities, Bizzabo has invested significantly in AI matchmaking capabilities over multiple product releases.

🏅 NOTE: We also evaluated RainFocus (excellent for large-scale enterprise conferences) and Stova (strong budget management). Bizzabo offers the most accessible enterprise experience for teams needing comprehensive functionality without Cvent's implementation overhead.

Bizzabo Pricing

• Event Experience OS: Starts at $17,999 per year (includes 3-user minimum) or $499/user per month billed annually
• Unlimited events and registrations included in base pricing
• Klik SmartBadge™: Custom pricing based on event requirements
• Premium Add-ons: Virtual Production Suite, advanced onsite tools, CRM integrations, custom-branded mobile app 

Source: Bizzabo

Who Should Use Bizzabo?

Choose Bizzabo if:

• You need enterprise-grade capabilities without enterprise complexity and your team has expressed frustration with traditional platform learning curves
• In-person networking measurement is a strategic priority for conferences where relationship-building is a primary objective
• Your marketing stack demands deep integration with Salesforce, HubSpot, or Marketo for event attribution

3. Whova — Best Alternative for Award-Winning Attendee Engagement and Conference Management

Whova is an all-in-one event management platform that offers a compelling alternative to Cvent for organizations seeking enterprise-level attendee engagement without enterprise-level complexity. 

Founded by Dr. Yuanyuan Zhou to address networking challenges at professional events, the platform emphasizes creating meaningful connections. Its key capabilities include:

• Award-Winning Mobile App: Recognized by the Event Technology Awards for nine consecutive years, including multiple "Best Event App" wins
• Robust Networking Suite: SmartProfile technology, direct messaging, virtual meet-ups, and speed networking features
• Abstract Management System: Built-in tools for academic conferences managing call-for-speakers workflows
• Flexible Pricing: Per-event model more accessible than Cvent's enterprise contracts

Why Choose Whova Over Cvent for Attendee Engagement

Whova stands out compared with Cvent in several important ways:

1. Superior Mobile App Recognized by Industry 
   G2 user reviews rate Whova's attendee networking features significantly higher than Cvent's equivalent functionality. Nine consecutive years of industry recognition isn't subjective opinion; it's sustained excellence.
   Features like AI-powered matchmaking, Community Board discussions, and anonymous feedback options create engagement that Cvent's logistics-focused app doesn't prioritize.
2. Dramatically Lower Complexity 
   Cvent users report spending weeks exploring before becoming proficient. Whova positions ease of use as a core differentiator, with reviews describing it as "intuitive" and offering a minimal learning curve. For organizations without dedicated event technology staff, this difference is substantial.
3. Built-In Abstract Management 
   Whova includes comprehensive abstract management handling the entire call-for-speakers workflow: submission portals, peer review management, acceptance notifications, and automatic agenda integration. For academic and association conferences where this workflow is central, Whova's purpose-built implementation reduces manual reconciliation.
4. More Transparent Pricing 
   Whova's ticketing fees (approximately 3.0% + $0.99 per paid ticket) provide more predictable per-event costs than Cvent's quote-based enterprise model.

🏅 NOTE: We also evaluated PheedLoop (comprehensive all-in-one) and EventMobi (high customization). Whova offers the most proven track record for attendee engagement excellence for conferences that find Cvent's complexity prohibitive.

Whova Pricing

• Quote-Based Model: Custom pricing based on event format, duration, and attendee count
• Ticketing Fees: Approximately 3.0% + $0.99 per paid ticket
• Demo Available: 20-minute live demo upon request

Source: Whova

Who Should Use Whova?

Choose Whova if:

• You run academic conferences or association events where networking outcomes matter and you need abstract management for peer-reviewed submission workflows
• Your organization finds Cvent's complexity excessive and you don't need extensive venue sourcing capabilities
• Attendee satisfaction and engagement metrics are your primary success indicators

4. Eventbrite — Best Alternative for Accessible Self-Service Ticketing with Basic Marketplace Discovery

Eventbrite is a global self-service ticketing platform that functions as a two-sided marketplace connecting organizers with potential attendees. Where Cvent serves B2B enterprise needs, Eventbrite provides consumer-facing discovery that can help organizers reach generic audiences. Its key capabilities include:

• Discovery Marketplace: A large user base engaging with the platform
• Free for Free Events: Zero fees for events without admission charges
• Quick Setup: Intuitive interface with AI-powered event creation
• Mobile Organizer App: QR code scanning, at-the-door sales, and offline functionality
• Embedded Checkout: Sell tickets directly from your website

Why Choose Eventbrite Over Cvent for Accessible Self-Service Ticketing

Eventbrite stands out compared with Cvent in several ways:

1. Consumer-Facing Marketplace for Generic Events 
   The fundamental difference: Cvent is built for managing corporate attendee lists; Eventbrite is built for reaching generic audiences through its marketplace.
   However, it's worth noting that marketplace discovery primarily benefits generic event types. For specialty or niche audiences (such as specific music festivals, youth sports, or targeted entertainment events), most traffic comes from Google searches where attendees already knew about the event and landed on Eventbrite pages. 
   Additionally, competing events are advertised directly on your event page, potentially losing you sales to similar offerings.
2. Accessible Pricing with Important Caveats 
   Cvent requires sales conversations to learn pricing. Eventbrite publishes fees clearly: free events cost nothing, paid events follow 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket plus 2.9% per order for payment processing. 
   However, instant payouts cost an additional 3% of revenue, bringing total fees to approximately 9.6% per ticket if you need quick access to your funds. Standard payouts are held until 5-7 days after the event. For self-service plans, no contracts or minimum commitments are required.
3. Minimal Learning Curve 
   While Cvent users report weeks of exploration before proficiency, Eventbrite's "plug and play" nature allows event creation within minutes. AI assistance can generate event descriptions automatically, further reducing setup time.
4. Virtual Event Limitations 
   Eventbrite integrates third-party streaming services (Zoom, YouTube, etc.) and can gate access behind attendee-only Online Event Pages. However, streaming links on partner platforms remain unsecured if shared, potentially resulting in more viewers than tickets sold, a revenue leak that platforms with secure streaming technology address.

🏅 NOTE: We also evaluated Ticket Tailor (lower flat-rate fees) and TicketSpice (highly customizable checkout). Eventbrite offers the most accessible marketplace for organizations targeting generic audiences, though specialty events may find more value in platforms with dedicated marketing tools.

Eventbrite Pricing (Ticketing Only)

• Free Events: Zero fees
• Paid Events: 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket (service fee) + 2.9% per order (payment processing)
• Instant Payouts: Additional 3% fee (bringing total to approximately 9.6%)
• Standard Payouts: Held until 5-7 days after the event
• Eventbrite Pro: Starting at $15/month for increased email limits and 24/7 support
• Large Events: Custom pricing with dedicated advisor

Source: Eventbrite

Who Should Use Eventbrite?

Choose Eventbrite if:

• You run generic events where marketplace discovery provides value and you don't mind competing events being advertised on your event page
• You want immediate access without sales conversations and appreciate pay-as-you-go pricing, understanding that instant payouts add significant fees
• You run occasional free events rather than continuous paid programs and benefit from zero fees on free event registrations
• Marketing tools aren't a priority and you plan to drive traffic through your own advertising rather than relying on built-in sales-driving features

5. Stova — Best Alternative for Full-Service Platform with Venue Sourcing and Meetings Management

Stova is a comprehensive event technology platform formed from the 2022 merger of MeetingPlay, Aventri, and Eventcore. It serves as a strong alternative to Cvent for organizations requiring integrated venue sourcing and strategic meetings management. Its key capabilities include:

• Integrated Venue Sourcing: RFP management with reported 92% bid response rates within 24-48 hours
• Strategic Meetings Management: Portfolio-level spend tracking and forecasting
• Multi-Format Support: Virtual, in-person, and hybrid events with modular tools
• Technology-Enabled Services: On-site specialists for check-in, badging, and lead retrieval
• Enterprise Security: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and PCI DSS compliance

Why Choose Stova Over Cvent for Venue Sourcing and Meetings Management

Stova stands out compared with Cvent in several ways:

1. Partnership-Oriented Service Model 
   A frequent Cvent criticism is steep learning curves and support responsiveness challenges. Stova positions itself as a technology partner, emphasizing dedicated account managers, on-site support specialists, and structured onboarding with regular health checks. For organizations frustrated with feeling "abandoned after the sale," this relationship model offers a different experience.
2. Unified Platform from Purpose-Built Acquisitions 
   While Cvent's platform grew organically and through acquisitions over 25 years, Stova deliberately combined three specialized platforms: Aventri's registration capabilities, MeetingPlay's virtual engagement technology, and eventcore's bespoke event management expertise. This intentional combination can offer depth in specific areas.
3. Competitive Pricing Structure 
   Stova's four-tier structure (Starter, Core, Pro, Enterprise) with publicly available feature comparisons provides more transparency than Cvent's Professional/Enterprise model. Stova's Starter tier targets "smaller or simpler events," suggesting entry points potentially more accessible than Cvent's enterprise positioning.

🏅 NOTE: We also evaluated Bizzabo (strong attendee engagement) and Eventbrite (accessible pricing). Stova offers the most comprehensive venue sourcing and strategic meetings capabilities for enterprise teams needing portfolio-level oversight.

Stova Pricing

• Quote-Based Model: Four tiers (Starter, Core, Pro, Enterprise) with features scaling accordingly
• Starter: For smaller or simpler events
• Pro: Global venue sourcing for up to 25 events, advanced analytics, dedicated account manager
• Enterprise: Unlimited venue sourcing, advanced BI, strategic account management
• Free Trial: Exclusive trial option available

Who Should Use Stova?

Choose Stova if:

• Your organization manages complex portfolios of corporate meetings needing strategic visibility into spending patterns and venue relationships
• You require integrated venue sourcing rather than managing RFPs through separate processes
• You value partnership relationships with dedicated account managers and regular strategic health checks

6. Splash — Best Alternative for Brand-Focused Event Marketing Teams

Splash is a comprehensive event marketing platform that prioritizes design and marketer accessibility. While Cvent focuses on logistics and enterprise operations, Splash was built for marketing teams who need to create beautiful, brand-consistent event experiences without technical expertise. Its key capabilities include:

• Design-First Templates: Drag-and-drop builder with professional business templates
• Presentation Support: Upload and display slide decks during virtual events
• Native CRM Integration: Integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and Eloqua, with bi-directional sync for Salesforce and Marketo
• Unlimited Events and Attendees: All paid plans include unlimited registrations
• Brand Governance: Centralized brand library ensuring consistency across teams

Why Choose Splash Over Cvent for Brand-Focused Event Marketing

Splash stands out compared with Cvent in several important ways:

1. Designed for Marketers, Not Event Professionals 
   Cvent's comprehensive nature means a dense interface requiring significant training. Splash was built for marketers who may lack technical expertise. The drag-and-drop interface allows quick creation without heavy reliance on design or development resources.
2. Superior Design and Brand Governance 
   Cvent offers customization, but Splash places design at its core. Centralized brand libraries store approved logos, color palettes, and fonts that automatically apply across all event assets. For enterprise organizations managing global programs across multiple teams, this governance capability prevents fragmented, off-brand experiences.
3. Marketing Stack Integration for Revenue Attribution 
   Cvent integrates with CRM systems, but Splash's integrations prioritize marketing attribution. Bi-directional Salesforce integration allows data to flow both ways: adding leads to Salesforce Campaigns can automatically add them to corresponding Splash events. This enables precise attribution modeling connecting attendance to the sales pipeline.

🏅 NOTE: We also evaluated Bizzabo (robust attendee engagement) and Eventbrite (marketplace discovery). Splash offers the most seamless brand governance and marketing automation integration for teams needing scalable, on-brand event programs.

Splash Pricing

• Pro Plan: Quote-based annual pricing, core design and template features, CRM integrations, unlimited events
• Enterprise Plan: Quote-based, advanced governance capabilities, event request workflows, flexible user licensing with unlimited Crew licenses
• User Licenses: Builder, Host, and Crew roles available

Source: Splash

Who Should Use Splash?

Choose Splash if:

• Your marketing team, not a dedicated events department, owns event execution and needs intuitive tools without weeks of training
• Brand consistency across high-volume repeatable events is critical for field marketing, roadshows, or regional programs
• Your tech stack centers on Salesforce or Marketo and you need bi-directional integration for revenue attribution (HubSpot integration is one-way)

7. Luma — Best Alternative for Modern Free Platform for Community and Networking Events

Luma is a modern event management platform designed for community events, networking meetups, and professional gatherings. 

Founded in 2020 by Danqing Liu, a former designer at YouTube and Uber, along with co-founder Victor Pontis, it emerged from helping a friend host yoga classes online during the pandemic. This origin shapes its DNA: simplicity and creator accessibility rather than enterprise complexity. Its key capabilities include:

• Unlimited Free Events: Free tier supports unlimited events and guests with no subscription
• Beautiful Modern Design: 40+ customizable themes with mobile-optimized layouts
• Seamless Video Integration: Automatic Zoom and Google Meet meeting creation
• Newsletter and Community Tools: Built-in subscriber management and guest chat
• QR Code Check-In: Mobile app with Express Mode for high-traffic scenarios

Why Choose Luma Over Cvent for Community and Networking Events

Luma stands out compared with Cvent in several significant ways:

1. Genuinely Useful Free Tier 
   Cvent requires sales conversations and enterprise pricing. Luma offers unlimited events and unlimited guests for free. The only cost is a 5% platform fee on paid tickets (plus Stripe processing). For community organizers running free meetups, Luma costs literally nothing. Even Luma Plus at $59/month eliminates platform fees entirely.
2. Modern, Intuitive Interface 
   Cvent users report weeks of exploration before proficiency. Luma's clean, mobile-first design offers a streamlined experience for community organizers. The drag-and-drop interface and 40+ pre-designed themes mean community organizers focus on events, not software.
3. Community-Building Focus 
   Cvent targets corporations, associations, and event agencies managing conferences. Luma was built for community building. Features like guest chat, visible guest lists creating social proof, and newsletter functionality reflect a philosophy of fostering relationships rather than just managing logistics.
4. Tech-Forward Features 
   Luma includes token-gated events for Web3 communities and cryptocurrency wallet collection during registration, features not available on Cvent's enterprise platform.

🏅 NOTE: We also evaluated Eventbrite (larger marketplace) and Meetup (recurring groups). Luma offers the most seamless combination of beautiful design, generous free tier, and community-building features for modern networking events.

Luma Pricing

• Luma Free: $0/month, unlimited events and guests, 5% platform fee on paid tickets, 500 weekly email sends
• Luma Plus: $59/month (14% discount annually), 0% platform fee, 5,000 weekly emails, Zapier/API access
• Luma Enterprise: Custom pricing, SSO, advanced integrations, role-based access control 

Source: Luma

Who Should Use Luma?

Choose Luma if:

• You run free community events, meetups, or networking gatherings and Luma's unlimited free events with no subscription makes it ideal for organizers who occasionally charge for workshops
• You prioritize beautiful, modern design and your tech-savvy audience expects polished digital experiences
• You want community-building tools like newsletters, guest chat, and subscriber calendars for ongoing cultivation

The Final Verdict

While Cvent excels as an enterprise event management platform for large corporations and complex conferences, different organizations have different needs. Based on our research, here are the best alternatives:

• PromoTix for event creators seeking fee-free ticketing options (with professional subscription) and the most advanced marketing tools on the market, including patented Ambassador programs, viral contests, secure streaming, and Spotify insights, especially for small to medium size business conferences, tradeshows, music festivals, sports events, theaters, and entertainment venues where driving ticket sales and maximizing revenue matter most
• Bizzabo for modern enterprise event management with unified architecture and easier implementation than Cvent's acquisition-assembled platform
• Whova for award-winning attendee engagement and conference management, particularly for academic and association events
• Eventbrite for accessible self-service ticketing with basic marketplace discovery for generic event types, understanding that specialty audiences may find more value in dedicated marketing tools
• Stova for full-service venue sourcing and strategic meetings management comparable to Cvent with potentially more accessible pricing
• Splash for brand-focused event marketing teams needing beautiful design and seamless CRM integration
• Luma for modern, free community and networking events with beautiful interfaces and community-building focus

Remember, you don't have to choose between Cvent and these alternatives exclusively. Many organizations successfully use Cvent for enterprise conferences while employing specialized tools for specific event types. Consider your specific needs, budget, and technical capabilities when deciding which solution works best for you.

Looking to maximize your event revenue while driving more ticket sales? PromoTix combines fee-free ticketing with the most advanced Ambassador program on the market, patented viral contest tools, and secure streaming that ensures every viewer purchases a ticket. Create your event for free today, or contact us to discuss your event needs.