The best Cvent alternatives depend on the events you run: large B2B conferences need registration, badges and data in one place, trade shows need matchmaking and a good event app, and marketing teams running virtual events need video and content tools. Eleven platforms follow, and the right one depends on event size, format and how much you need to measure.
Event platforms often get chosen for one big conference and then stretched to cover everything else. That's when teams notice the gaps: a clunky attendee app, check-in queues, or reporting that takes days.
The eleven platforms below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, and every description comes from the company's own website, read this week. If you're planning sessions now, my guide to booking the right speaker helps fill the agenda.
Cvent alternatives compared
I checked the free plan column on each tool's own website, as of Oct 2026. Yes means the site names a free plan, a free version, a free account or an open source version. Trial only means a time-limited trial. Not stated means the pages I read named neither, even where there's a button inviting you to start for free, so check the provider's page before you sign up.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelevents | Event management software | Registration, check-in and badges in one | Not stated |
| Airmeet | AI video suite for events | Virtual events, podcasts and content | Trial only |
| Bizzabo | Event experience platform | B2B conferences | Not stated |
| EventsAir | Event management software | Associations and agencies running many events | Not stated |
| Eventtia | Event management and planning platform | Branded event pages with live registration | Not stated |
| Hubilo | Virtual event platform | Memorable virtual events | Not stated |
| RainFocus | Event management software | Large B2B event programmes | Not stated |
| Stova | Event management solutions | Measuring events with dashboards | Not stated |
| Swapcard | Event management platform | Matchmaking and networking at trade shows | Not stated |
| vFairs | Event management software | In-person, hybrid and virtual events | Not stated |
| Whova | Event app and management tools | An attendee app people use | Not stated |
Eleven event platforms to look at
Accelevents
Best for: Event teams who want registration, check-in, badge printing and engagement tools in one platform for professionals who sweat the details.
Airmeet
Best for: Marketing teams who want an AI video suite for virtual events, podcasts and content, starting with a free trial.
Bizzabo
Best for: B2B conference organisers who want an event experience platform with field event kits to prove return on investment.
EventsAir
Best for: Associations, agencies and corporate teams that want one platform for in-person and online audiences across many events.
Eventtia
Best for: Teams who want branded event pages with live registration, programme and speakers, plus forms and capacity controls.
Hubilo
Best for: Marketers who want a platform built to craft memorable virtual events with a layered, engaging attendee experience.
RainFocus
Best for: Large B2B event teams that want every event type managed with AI support and a data-first architecture.
Stova
Best for: Event teams who want websites, webinars and event intelligence dashboards with survey and feedback tools.
Swapcard
Best for: Trade show and conference organisers who want attendee matchmaking and a branded event app with top-rated support.
vFairs
Best for: Organisers who want to run an entire in-person, hybrid or virtual event, from abstracts to reporting, on one platform.
Whova
Best for: Conferences that want an award-winning event app with personal agendas and networking, plus badges, check-in and surveys.
Shortlist by event type
- Large B2B conferences: Bizzabo or RainFocus.
- Registration, check-in and badges: Accelevents.
- Trade show networking and matchmaking: Swapcard or Whova.
- Associations running many events: EventsAir or Stova.
- Branded event pages with live registration: Eventtia.
- Virtual and hybrid events: Airmeet, Hubilo or vFairs.
Accessibility is part of the platform choice
The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative's Making Events Accessible checklist says HTML material such as a conference website should meet WCAG at least at Level AA, and that audio and video should come with captions or transcripts.
Ask every platform how it handles captions, accessible registration pages and session recordings before you sign. It's much harder to fix after attendees have registered.
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For smaller events, take a look at free event planning software.
In-person, virtual or hybrid?
In-person events lean on registration, badges, check-in and a reliable attendee app. Virtual events lean on video quality, chat and on-demand content.
Hybrid events need both, plus a way to make online attendees feel included, and they're the hardest to get right. If you're running all three, pick one platform that handles each well rather than three separate tools.
Don't forget sponsors and exhibitors. They'll judge the event by the leads they take home, so check what lead capture and reporting they get, because that's often what decides whether they come back again.
If the main job is selling tickets rather than running a whole programme, our round-up of event ticketing platforms looks at options built for it.
Questions for the shortlist
- Does it handle registration, badges and check-in?
- Is the attendee app something people will use?
- Can sponsors and exhibitors see their leads?
- How does it caption sessions and recordings?
- Will it connect to our CRM and marketing tools?
- What reports will we have the day after?
Smaller events rarely need a conference platform, and our list of Eventbrite alternatives covers lighter registration tools.
Signs your event platform isn't working
- Check-in queues stretch out. Look at badge printing.
- Nobody opens the app. Pick one attendees like.
- Reports take days. Choose better analytics.
- Online attendees feel ignored. Improve hybrid tools.
Do you make event management software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on replacing Cvent
Run your next small event on the new platform before your flagship conference. You'll find the rough edges in registration, the app and reporting while the stakes are low. Since the attendee app is often the weak spot, it's worth comparing event apps for organisers before you commit.
Agree what success looks like first, whether it's attendance, leads or session ratings, and choose the platform that reports on exactly that. This event programming template helps you plan the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Cvent?
It depends on your events. Large B2B conferences, trade shows, association events and virtual events each favour different platforms.
Can one platform run in-person and virtual events?
Some can. Look for platforms that handle registration and check-in as well as video and on-demand content.
Do event platforms need to be accessible?
Yes. The W3C checklist says conference websites should meet WCAG at least at Level AA and that audio and video need captions or transcripts.
What features matter most in an event app?
Personal agendas, real-time updates and networking tools tend to decide whether attendees use the app at all.
Can event platforms connect to a CRM?
Many do. Check integrations with your CRM and marketing tools so leads flow through automatically.
How far ahead should we switch platforms?
Allow time to rebuild registration, test the app and train staff, ideally on a smaller event first.
