10 Best In-person Event Platforms in 2025

When it comes to finding the best in-person event platforms for 2025, event organizers and marketers like you are likely at a crucial crossroads. With so many options available, choosing the right software can feel overwhelming. 

Whether you’re eyeing the best event management platform for your needs or exploring various event software solutions, understanding the standout features of different event platforms is key. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the top onsite event technology solutions, so you can make an informed choice. From in-person event production to the best tools for event management software for small businesses, we’ve got the best event apps for you. 

Let’s explore what makes the best in-person event platforms tick and find the right fit for your next event!

A Round-up of The 10 Best In-Person Event Platforms

1. vFairs 

Best for: check-in, badge printing, lead capture, attendee engagement and networking

vFairs, one of the top in-person event platforms, provides robust tools tailored for trade shows, conferences, and more. Key features include a quick-setup badge printing app, efficient lead capture, and a user-friendly mobile app for on-site navigation and networking. 

With strong customer service and high ratings on platforms like G2, vFairs ensures a seamless and engaging in-person event experience. Recognized as a “Visionary” in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Event Technology, vFairs stands out for its in-person event capabilities.

vFairs enables organizers to seamlessly manage, and execute in-person events with features specifically designed for physical gatherings. Additionally, vFairs is renowned for its stellar customer service, making it the best in-person event platform.

Key Features

Badge Printing and Check-In

vFairs offers streamlined solutions for on-site attendee management, including badge printing and event check-in processes. The vFairs badge printing app is easy to set up and allows for quick and efficient printing of attendee badges directly at the event site. 

This ensures a smooth check-in experience, reducing wait times and improving overall event flow. The app also supports customization options, allowing you to tailor badges to your event’s branding and specific needs.

• Instant Badge Printing: Personalized badges can be printed on-site, featuring attendee details and QR codes for easy identification and networking.
• QR Code Check-In: Attendees can check in quickly by scanning a QR code, reducing wait times and improving the flow at entry points.
• Self-Serve Kiosks: Provide an option for attendees to print badges and check themselves in, enhancing convenience and reducing staffing needs.

Mobile App

A mobile app is essential among the top event management tools, and the vFairs all-in-one mobile app stands out as one of the best event management apps available. This app simplifies event organization and resource distribution for both attendees and speakers. 

Additionally, it enhances attendee engagement by making events more accessible and user-friendly. A significant focus of the vFairs mobile app is on networking, allowing attendees to easily connect and interact with each other, fostering meaningful relationships and maximizing the value of the event experience.

Key features include:

• Attendees can create personalized schedules by selecting sessions they’re interested in.
• Access to digital versions of resources such as brochures, videos, and presentations right from their phones.
• Engaging gamification options like a QR Scavenger Hunt.
• Easy sharing of contact information via QR codes and direct messaging.
• Specialized features for different event types, including exhibit booths, sponsor hubs, event feeds, silent auctions, and more.

Lead Capture

Lead capture apps play a crucial role in helping exhibitors gather attendee data that may not be provided by event organizers. These tools are particularly useful at trade shows, where companies set up booths to connect with prospects, build relationships, and generate leads that fuel sales pipelines. For more insights on event lead retrieval, check out this blog.

• Smart Badge Scanning: Quickly capture attendee information using badge scanning at booths or during sessions.
• Real-Time Lead Retrieval: Access and manage leads instantly through a centralized dashboard.
• Customizable Lead Forms: Tailor forms to capture specific data points based on your event’s needs.
• Seamless CRM Integration: Sync captured leads directly with your CRM for streamlined follow-up.

Comprehensive Registration Management

vFairs’ registration management system is designed to handle all aspects of attendee registration efficiently. 

If you’re hosting an event, vFairs is one of the best in-person event platforms that can help you streamline everything from user registration to badge printing and attendance tracking, giving you a clear picture of how your guests are interacting with your brand and the event.

This feature simplifies the administrative tasks associated with event planning and offers several benefits:

• Customizable Registration Forms: Organizers can tailor forms to collect specific data from attendees, such as preferences and personal details.
• Multiple Ticketing Tiers: Supports different pricing structures, allowing for customized ticket offerings.
• Secure Payment Processing: Integrates with major payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal for secure and convenient transaction handling.
• Automated Communications: Automated email responses and updates keep attendees informed throughout the registration process.

Networking Tools

To foster meaningful connections among attendees, vFairs offers a range of networking tools within the mobile app to enhance the event experience:

• Smart Matchmaking: Match attendees with similar interests, job expertise, etc., using form responses. Initiate a timed video call along with an icebreaker prompt. This facilitates targeted networking.
• Meeting Scheduling: Allows attendees to set up meetings with exhibitors or other participants, ensuring productive interactions.
• Interactive Maps: Helps attendees easily locate booths, ensuring they can navigate the event space with ease.
• Live Chat: Enables real-time conversations, making networking more accessible and efficient for all participants.

Real-Time Analytics and Reporting

One of the best in-person event platforms, our provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools to help organizers monitor and evaluate event performance:

• Real-Time Monitoring: Track metrics such as attendee engagement, session participation, and booth traffic live during the event.
• Detailed Reports: Post-event analytics provide insights into attendee behavior and event success, supporting data-driven decision-making for future events.
• Behavioral Insights: Analyze attendee interactions to understand preferences and optimize future event planning.

Attendee, Speaker & Exhibitor Management

For in-person events, vFairs offers a comprehensive suite of management tools designed to streamline the coordination and logistics of attendees, speakers, and exhibitors. The platform provides:

• Content Management for Exhibitors: Exhibitors can easily set up their booths with a choice of layouts and upload unlimited resources such as brochures, product information, and promotional materials. This ensures that all essential content is readily accessible to attendees.
• Speaker Hub: vFairs supports a centralized Speaker Hub, where organizers can upload detailed information about speakers, including bios, session descriptions, and schedules. This feature enhances the attendee experience by making it easy to find and engage with speaker content.
• Training and Support: The platform offers training videos, demos, and dedicated support to assist with the setup and management of event logistics. This includes guidance for exhibitors on booth setup and management, as well as support for attendees to ensure smooth access and participation.
• Attendee Support: vFairs provides robust customer service support for in-person events, ensuring attendees have a smooth experience. This includes assistance with badge printing, self check-in processes, event navigation, and resolving any technical issues that may arise on-site. This support helps attendees easily access event content and engage with the conference activities without hassle.

Pricing

vFairs provides two types of plans: annual and per event or product. The annual licenses are available in three tiers: basic, premium, and enterprise, each with distinct offerings. 

While the pricing page details what is included in each plan, you will need to contact the vFairs team directly to obtain specific cost information.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “I think vFairs’ Event Management Platform is extremely robust and extensive. I like that they have the internal processes and procedures in place to help facilitate our events “soup to nuts.” The coordination and integration between the website, mobile app, on-site representation, and backend support helped us elevate our brand and offer an enhanced experience for our clients and event attendees.” – Sandra D., Small-Business
• “vFaris was extremely easy to use, the system was intuitive and really took our annual event to the next level. The onsite badge printing solved so many prior years headaches for us.” – Darci P., Mid-Market

Cons

• “There were no major downsides to using vFairs. The price was very fair, the support was good, and my few recommendations after the event were noted and already in their queue for improvement based on other customers’ feedback.” – Corbin S., Chief Administrative Officer
• “The badge printing process was not optimal.” – Kunle A. Director, Product Strategy

2. SpotMe

Best for: attendee engagement, check-in and badge printing

SpotMe is an in-person event platform tailored to industries that require high levels of engagement, such as life sciences and pharmaceuticals. The platform provides tools to manage events, covering aspects like planning, registration, execution, and analytics. It includes CRM integrations that support data management and marketing.

SpotMe’s security features align with enterprise standards, making it suitable for large-scale events. The platform accommodates a variety of event types, aiming to offer a smooth experience for both organizers and attendees. Support services, including a project manager, are available to assist with setup and execution. While SpotMe offers some customization options, there may be restrictions in adapting templates or features to meet specific event needs. This limitation can affect how planners execute unique aspects of their events.

Key Features

Event Registration & Ticketing

SpotMe simplifies the registration process with custom-branded registration sites that provide comprehensive event information and facilitate a smooth registration experience. These sites allow for customizable fields, enabling organizers to collect specific attendee information.

Badge Printing and Check-In

Attendees can check in using QR code scanning, reducing wait times. The platform supports both assisted and self-service check-in options, catering to different event scales and formats. 

Networking and Engagement Tools

Spotme offers networking features like participant matching and Q&A functionality to help attendees connect.SpotMe includes interactive elements like polls and gamification features such as quizzes and word clouds to encourage participation. 

Real-Time Analytics and Reporting

Organizers can access detailed attendance tracking and key performance indicator (KPI) measurement, enabling the evaluation of event outcomes. The platform’s integration with CRM systems like Salesforce and HubSpot allows for seamless data transfer from the events platform. 

However, some users have reported difficulties in breaking down these reports for individual stakeholders, which can make it challenging to tailor insights to the specific needs of different audience segments. This limitation has been noted as a drawback by some users when considering the platform’s pros and cons.

Pricing

Their pricing structure is customized based on the specific needs and scale of the event, and there are no free trial options available. The cost covers a range of features including event registration, attendee management, badge printing, and real-time analytics. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “In each case the support we’ve gotten has made this well worth the effort and we’ve found Spot Me to be great for in person, virtual and totally customized hybrid events. This is also a very easy product to update. For example if we need to change wording, or a grammar mistake, it’s nearly an instantaneous update.” – Verified User in Staffing and Recruiting, Enterprise
• “They were quick to align an account person to us who was very proactive, engaging and great at challenging us in our objectives and able to provide the best solutions for our needs. Nothing was too much trouble and uploading a lot of our App content upfront really helped us to meet our deadlines and take the pressure off what we needed to deliver.” – Samantha K., Enterprise

Cons

• “The contract signing was long and painful process. Our sales person wasn’t there to listen to our needs. There are some features that we would have liked to have for the event but they were presented to us after the event.” – Genevieve D., Event Marketing Manager
• “Post event analytics reports could be easier, more comprehensive and easier to break down by sponsors/exhibitor assets.” – Laurence G., Small-Business

3. Eventdex

Best for: contactless event registrations, lead retrieval

Eventdex is an in-person event platform that supports various types of events, including conferences, trade shows, and corporate gatherings. The platform provides features like registration and ticketing, lead retrieval, event check-in, and attendee tracking. Networking is also facilitated through tools such as matchmaking and one-on-one meeting scheduling.

While Eventdex covers a broad range of event management needs, some users have experienced challenges with the user interface and have mentioned a desire for more customization options. Additionally, the platform’s setup process and initial learning curve can be demanding, particularly for those unfamiliar with event management software.

Key Features

Event Registration & Ticketing

Eventdex simplifies the event registration process with its user-friendly interface, allowing organizers to set up custom registration forms and ticketing options. The platform supports multi-currency payments and promotional codes, which facilitate a smooth and global registration process. Attendees can quickly register for events and receive confirmation emails, making the onboarding process efficient and hassle-free​​.

Badge Printing and Check-In

The platform offers on-site badge printing and check-in, providing an advanced system that significantly reduces wait times. Eventdex supports various badge printing options, including standard and custom sizes, and uses high-quality printers from brands like Zebra, Brother, and Epson. 

The check-in process is streamlined with QR code scanning and self-service kiosks, allowing attendees to quickly receive their personalized badges. 

Networking Tools

Eventdex offers robust networking tools to facilitate meaningful connections among attendees. The platform includes features for 1-on-1 networking, personalized attendee profiles, and interactive networking sessions. These tools help attendees engage and collaborate effectively, making the most of the event’s networking opportunities​.

Real-Time Analytics and Reporting

The platform provides real-time analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing organizers to track session attendance, attendee engagement, and other key metrics. These insights help in optimizing the event experience and making data-driven decisions for future events.

Integration Capabilities

Eventdex supports a wide range of integrations, enhancing the functionality and flexibility of the platform. It integrates with popular CRM systems like Salesforce, payment gateways such as PayPal and Stripe, and other tools for communication and live streaming. 

These integrations streamline various aspects of event management, from attendee data management to payment processing​.

Pricing

Eventdex structures its event management software pricing with your budget in mind. Customers only pay for the features they want, with no hidden charges. Eventdex provides flexible pricing options, including fixed prices or monthly payment plans based on the number of attendees, events, and products utilized.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “I like the product because it is extremely simple and intuitive. Furthermore, the people behind the product are always there to immediately address all issues and are so polite about it – outstanding customer support.” – Verified User in Information Technology and Services., Mid-Market
• “It is a platform that really facilitate managing an event, making sure that everyone is registered, sharing all information of the workshops, producing reports and all other issues related to organizing an event.” – Ana N., Events Services

Cons

• “Had to come up with a workaround for this. A bit difficult when it came to customizing the on-site printing fields & design compared to other vendors we’ve used before.” – Neil B., MD
• “Not able to customize and code multiple tickets/badges for multiple events. Had to come up with a workaround for this. A bit difficult when it came to customizing the on-site printing fields & design compared to other vendors we’ve used before. (We needed to print a variable number of badges per attendee, not just one with a QR code that could be scanned for every event the person attended.)” – Emily., Non-Profit Organization Management

4. Cvent

Best for: comprehensive event management, robust reporting and analytics

Next on our list is Cvent, widely known for in-person event management. This platform features designed to simplify event planning, execution, and analysis. It is suitable for various event types, including conferences, trade shows, and corporate meetings. 

While Cvent provides broad capabilities ranging from venue sourcing to post-event analytics users have reported some limitations. Some users note a steep learning curve, particularly with the platform’s extensive range of features. Customization, especially for event pages, can sometimes be limited, and the complexity of setup may require significant time investment.

Key Features

Event Registration and Marketing

The platform allows for dynamic, multi-track, and multi-session registration, accommodating diverse event structures. Organizers can customize registration pages with a variety of templates and integrate branding elements. Cvent also offers tools for lead capture and nurturing, essential for maximizing engagement and attendance.

Venue Sourcing and Management

It provides access to a global database of venues, allowing organizers to find and compare options based on specific criteria. This feature simplifies the negotiation and booking process, offering contract management and tracking to streamline venue selection. 

Mobile Event App

Cvent’s mobile event app offers real-time updates, interactive maps, and a personalized agenda feature, which allows attendees to plan their event schedules. The app supports networking through features like attendee messaging and appointment scheduling. 

Onsite Solutions

Cvent provides onsite solutions, including check-in, badging, and attendance tracking. The platform supports various check-in methods, including QR codes and RFID technology, which help streamline the attendee entry process. 

Badge printing can be customized and executed on-site, reducing wait times and enhancing security. 

Performance Analytics

Cvent offers performance analytics, providing detailed insights into attendee behavior and event success metrics. The platform’s reporting tools cover data points including registration trends, session attendance, and engagement levels. 

Pricing

Cvent offers customized plans for its  event management system based on your event’s scale and added features. However, if you want to learn more about how the product works and get details about their solutions, you can request a demo online. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “I love that all of our event registration information can be stored in one place that anyone in our team can access. This saves a lot of manpower hours in the pre-planning phase of events.“ – Justina H., Events Director
• “I love that the event app offers Live Q&A during sessions instead of having to run around with a microphone not knowing what attendees will say.” – Laura A., Event Manager

Cons

• “Some of the technology does not perform as intended. Support is available up to the event but on live days of support in the middle of an event it is hard to get problems solved in a timely fashion.” – User in Media Production., Small-Business
• “The reporting for website performance as well as data collection is not intuitive and is very limited. They tried to build custom reports but we still couldn’t get the information we needed.” – Administrator in Marketing & Advertising., Mid-Market

5. Eventbrite

Best for: event registration and ticketing, marketing and promotion

Eventbrite is more commonly known for event listing and event ticketing features. Event organizers can consider it for some aspects of event planning and event promotions especially if you are using it for capturing payments and registrations.

One notable drawback of using Eventbrite for in-person events is its recent change in payout policy. Previously, organizers could receive payouts regularly as tickets were sold. However, Eventbrite now holds funds until after the event concludes, which can pose cash flow challenges for organizers, especially for large events with significant upfront costs.

Key Features

Event Registration and Ticketing

Eventbrite simplifies the process of event registration with a streamlined, easy-to-use system. It supports both digital and printed tickets, offering flexibility in how attendees receive their tickets. The platform integrates secure payment processing options, making it easy for organizers to handle transactions. 

On-Site Solutions

For in-person events, Eventbrite offers features like event QR codes for contactless check-ins and mobile ticket scanning. The platform supports the integration of badge printing services, allowing for seamless on-site attendee management. 

Integration and Customization

Eventbrite integrates with various tools and platforms, including CRM systems like Salesforce, and marketing tools such as Mailchimp. This integration capability allows for efficient data management and targeted marketing efforts. 

Analytics and Reporting

Eventbrite provides analytics tools, offering insights into ticket sales, attendance, and overall event performance. These analytics are crucial for organizers looking to understand their audience and measure the success of their events. 

Pricing

• Essentials Plan: Charges 2% + $0.79 per paid ticket; provides basic event management tools.
• Professional Plan: Charges 3.5% + $1.59 per paid ticket; includes advanced features and customization options.
• Premium Plan: Offers a customizable pricing structure for large or complex events; grants access to all features and additional support services.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “Tech support is quick to respond + there are wonderful articles & videos to walk users through any issues, including examples from other users. Attendee engagement options are plentiful (chat/ polling/ Q&A/ gamification/ live display for in-person).“ – Tracy R., Mid-Market
• “I appreciate the set up of the Webex app and its ease for users of varying levels of tech experience. For our conference, the app provided an opportunity for in-person and virtual attendees to connect, access content, and share experience in live time.” – Jordan S., Mid-Market

Cons

• “We only had one issue with not being able to customize contact groups how we had hoped when sending email communications through the platform. We needed to have separate messages for in-person attendees vs. virtual attendees and could not because our ticket types were set up by college student, industry professional, etc. rather than just an in-person ticket and virtual ticket.” – Mackenzie K., Event Coordinator

6. Accelevents

Best for: comprehensive event management, engagement and networking

When managing in-person events, Accelevents provides a variety of tools designed to simplify the process. One useful feature is the mobile event app, which allows attendees to create personalized schedules, explore exhibitor booths, and participate in live interactions. 

The platform provides support throughout the entire event lifecycle, from initial registration and ticketing to real-time analytics and post-event follow-ups.

However, some users have noted that the analytics and reporting features can be challenging to navigate, making it difficult to quickly extract detailed insights from event data. This feedback highlights a potential area for improvement in the platform’s user experience.

Key Features

Event Registration and Ticketing

Event organizers to create and manage various ticket types. This includes options for early bird pricing, promotional codes, and multi-currency payments, making it accessible to a global audience. 

On-Site Solutions

For in-person events, Accelevents provides check-in processes and on-site badge printing. The platform supports contactless check-ins and self-service kiosks, which streamline the entry process and reduce wait times. 

Engagement Tools

Accelevents excels in offering engagement tools through their mobile app such as real-time chat, social media integration, and customizable branding options. These features are designed to enhance attendee interaction and engagement during the event. 

Analytics and Reporting

The platform provides robust analytics and reporting tools, offering insights into attendee behavior, session attendance, and overall event performance. These analytics help organizers understand the success of their events and make data-driven decisions for future improvements. 

Pricing

Accelevents’ pricing model is designed to accommodate various event management needs with packages available for single events and options for unlimited events. 

• The Professional Package, starting at $5,000 per event, is ideal for small to medium-sized organizations hosting single events, including 500 registrants, and offers unlimited registration types, custom fields, staff-managed or kiosk-based self-check-in and badge printing, and integrations. 
• The Business Package, starting from $12,000, targets growing organizations hosting multiple events with unlimited events, 2,000 registrants, an event listing page, cross-event reporting, and custom reporting. 
• The Enterprise Package, with custom pricing, is tailored for large organizations with unlimited events, 10,000 registrants, and features like approval workflows, call for speakers, API & webhooks, and unlimited organizer profiles.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “This is a powerful and versatile platform for hosting in-person and on-line events. It is very cost effective compared to other platforms. My favorite aspect of the platform is the engagement tools that combine gamification with great CRM applications.” – Bruce L., Vice President-Publisher
• “We chose Accelevents for its very reasonable price, lack of subscription fee or user fee and easy interface. Without the ability to spend a lot of time and staff to the auction, we set up the system and raised more money with Accelevents than with our in-person gala auction.” – Verified User in Research., Small-Business

Cons

• “The learning curve is steep if you have not used this kind of software before. Tech support is really great at walking you through anything you don’t get the first time.” – Bruce L., Vice President-Publisher
• “The only thing i would improve is the print speed.” – Ethan W., Director of Event Management Solutions

6. Whova

Best for: streamlined event management, attendee engagement

Whova’s event management platform caters to in-person events, ranging from large conferences to community gatherings. 

Whova mobile event app serves as a central hub for attendees to access event details, engage with other participants, and stay informed throughout the event. 

One notable drawback of Whova is its limited customization options for interface branding, which can be a limitation for events requiring a highly personalized look and feel.

Key Features

Engagement Tools

Whova enhances attendee interaction with features like gamification, polling, and social media integration. These tools are designed to keep participants engaged and facilitate networking opportunities, which are crucial for the success of in-person events.

Sponsor and Exhibitor Management

The platform offers robust support for sponsors and exhibitors, providing dedicated spaces for profiles, promotional content, and interactive maps to help attendees locate booths. This feature helps maximize the visibility and impact of sponsors and exhibitors during events.

Analytics and Reporting

Whova includes comprehensive analytics tools that offer insights into attendee behavior, session attendance, and engagement levels. These analytics are crucial for post-event evaluations and planning for future events.

Pricing

Whova offers a flexible pricing model tailored to the specific needs and size of the event. The platform’s cost depends on various factors, including the number of attendees, the duration of the event, and the specific features chosen by the organizers. 

Whova does not offer a publicly listed pricing structure; instead, they provide customized quotes based on the event’s requirements.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “Great connectivity to other attendees, good channel for reaching conference organizers, nice interface for presentations. It was a complex load to handle, and Whova does an impressive job. I used it two years ago when this conference was all remote-attendance, but this one was both in-person and remote, so much more complex.” – Verified User in Writing and Editing., Small-Business
• “I loved how easy it was to both find event information/communications as well as connect with exhibitors and other attendees alike. For me, being able to spend less time sharing contact information and more time communicating in person is one of the most valuable assets at a conference.” – Karamarie M., Marketing & Organizational Development

Cons

• “There was so much interaction on the app, it was almost hard to keep up with! There was some confusion over some features like “Share Your Moment” vs “Share Photos,” and some overlap in Q&A, Polls, etc. We probably just needed to streamline our usage a little better.” – Amy B., Marketing Consultant
• “Had trouble obtaining the initial invite code in both conferences (one in person and one virtual). It was of course available from the registration desk. It was only a real problem when I was in a virtual conference.” – Allen R., Business Development Manager

7. Bizzabo

Best for: event management, attendee engagement

For those managing in-person events, Bizzabo simplifies the process by offering features like registration, ticketing, and attendee engagement. The platform is known for being easy to navigate, which helps organizers ensure everything runs efficiently and attendees have a great experience.

One notable drawback for in-person events is the complexity of its on-site equipment setup. Users have reported occasional issues with on-site hardware, such as WiFi routers, printers, and tablets, which can disrupt the smooth execution of event check-ins and other logistics.

Key Features

Event Registration and Ticketing

Bizzabo facilitates seamless event registration and ticketing, supporting both online and on-site transactions. The platform allows for the customization of registration pages, making it easy to collect relevant attendee information and manage payments securely.

On-Site Solutions

The platform provides on-site solutions, including self-check-in kiosks and badge printing, which help streamline the check-in process and reduce wait times. This enhances the overall attendee experience by ensuring a smooth entry process.

Networking and Engagement

Bizzabo facilitates attendee engagement through integrated networking tools that enable participants to connect before, during, and after the event. 

These tools allow attendees to view profiles, schedule meetings in advance, engage in real-time interactions through features like live chat and session-based networking, and maintain connections after the event. 

This approach supports the development of meaningful interactions and helps attendees build and sustain relationships throughout the event lifecycle.

Pricing

Bizzabo offers a flexible pricing model tailored to accommodate a variety of event types and sizes. The platform is structured around an annual subscription model, starting at $499 per user per month, billed annually. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “Bizzabo is a platform stuffed full of features. We might not have used them all at Warwick but it was clear that if we wanted to expand to in person events the tools were all there.” – Richard H., Digital Platform and Channel Manager
• “We primarily use Bizzabo for our in-person conferences and virtual events, and it has proven to be a great platform. It’s fairly easy to use, making it simple to set up and manage our events. The support from the Bizzabo team, especially for our in-person conferences, is exceptional – they’re always available to assist and ensure everything runs smoothly!” – Verified User in Computer Software., Enterprise

Cons

• “1) It is not very user friendly for the individual creating/managing the event. Particularly if there are more detailed tasks you need to accomplish. 2) Would appreciate the name tag, registration functionality being available on the basic level and not requiring the higher level subscription. 3) Would be very helpful if they had a table/seating arrangement tool that could be integrated with the platform.” – Verified User in Information Technology and Services., Small-Business
• “Their virtual component was hard to manage with our in-person sessions, we were running behind schedule a bit for our live event, which delayed streaming on the platform – there wasn’t a functionality to update the stream link once the session was live, therefore, some of the virtual attendees missed portions of the sessions.” – Verified User in Information Technology and Services., Small-Business

8. Splash

Best for: event marketing and management, brand consistency and customization

Splash simplifies event planning by offering tools for creating, promoting, and managing events. It caters to various types of events, including conferences, product launches, and social gatherings. The platform provides features like event page design, guest list management, and automated communications, with on-site tools to ensure smooth execution.

However, some users find the templates limiting, as they may not allow for the level of customization required for unique branding needs, potentially posing challenges for organizers seeking more creative control over event materials.

Key Features

Customizable Event Pages

Splash offers highly customizable event pages that allow organizers to create branded experiences tailored to their specific event needs. These pages can include detailed agendas, speaker bios, and interactive elements, all designed to engage attendees and provide essential information.

Mobile Event App and On-Site Check-In

Splash provides a mobile app that supports seamless on-site check-in and attendee management. The app allows for contactless check-in using QR codes, self-registration, and real-time guest list updates. This functionality is crucial for managing attendee flow efficiently and ensuring a smooth entry process.

Badge Printing

The platform supports on-site badge printing, which helps streamline the check-in process and enhance security. This feature is particularly useful for large events, where managing attendee identification is critical.

Pricing

• Free Plan: Offers basic tools for event creation and management
• Basic Plan: Priced around $12,500 per year, suitable for small teams with essential event tools
• Pro Plan: Approximately $19,500 per year, includes advanced customization and branding capabilities for a more polished event experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “Splash is a great platform for event hosting, both in person and virtual. Easy to contact attendees by email and check in attendees at the event. The virtual event setup is also really easy to use and a good experience for users. I also appreciate how quickly their support responds to my tickets – I usually get a response in hours.” – Grace H., Enterprise
• “We use Splash for our event RSVPs and for check-ins at our diversity conferences. We love the ability to customize the pages so easily, keep with branding guidelines, copy templates, host virtual events. It’s been indispensable during the pandemic and will continue to be our main RSVP website for our in-person events too!” – Verified User in Computer Software., Enterprise

Cons

• “Difficult use case for our team to leverage Splash internally due to security concerns. Solutions appear to be overly complex such as SSO integration have been a constant back and forth. Given Splash’s capabilities in other areas, it would be ideal if security features would be just as simple vs. complex to implement.” – Verified User in Computer Software., Enterprise

9. Brella

Best for: event marketing and management, brand consistency and customization

Brella is designed to enhance networking and engagement at in-person events. The platform has AI-powered business matchmaking capabilities to connect attendees based on their interests and objectives, facilitating meaningful and productive interactions. 

This feature is especially valuable for large-scale conferences and trade shows, where effective networking is crucial. Brella also offers tools for scheduling one-on-one meetings, ensuring that attendees can efficiently arrange face-to-face interactions that maximize the value of their participation.

Specifically, users have noted that Brella’s mobile app functionality can be limited, which can impact the experience during on-site events. 

Additionally, there have been mentions of occasional technical issues, such as lags or difficulties in logging in, which can hinder smooth operations during live events​.

Features

AI-Powered Business Matchmaking

Brella’s AI-powered matchmaking feature is a cornerstone of its platform, particularly beneficial for in-person events. This tool uses intelligent algorithms to connect attendees based on their interests, professional goals, and networking preferences. 

Scheduling and Meeting Management

The platform provides a user-friendly interface for attendees to view available meeting slots and book appointments seamlessly. This functionality not only enhances the networking experience but also ensures that attendees can manage their time effectively, focusing on high-value interactions. 

Analytics and Reporting

For in-person events, Brella provides comprehensive analytics and reporting tools that offer insights into attendee engagement and meeting outcomes. These analytics help organizers understand the effectiveness of networking activities and overall event success. 

Data collected includes metrics on meeting counts, participant demographics, and engagement levels, which are crucial for demonstrating ROI to sponsors and refining event strategies for future editions​.

Pricing

Brella offers a custom pricing model tailored to the specific needs of each event, without publicly listed standard rates. The platform does not provide a free plan or a free trial, and pricing details are typically discussed directly with potential customers to ensure a tailored fit for their event requirements.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• “I use it for tradeshow events that I am attending to pre-book appointments for either before-the-show meetings or on-site. It’s great to see the attendance ahead of time. I had a login issue, and Support emailed me back in 3 minutes. After a couple of exchanges, they figured out the fix in under 10 minutes—very fast.” – Brendan S., Sales Rep
• “Brella is a one-of-a-kind tool to enable networking in your events among the attendees. It automates the networking experience and drives great results too. The product has evolved tremendously over the years and stepped up from the features standpoint.” – 

Nivas R., Angel Investor

Cons

• “The mobile app at the latest conferences didn’t work well. I had to use the web version, but the web was fine :)” – Matt S., Co-founder / CEO

Key Takeaway

If you’ve made it this far, you’re well on your way to finding the best in-person event platforms for 2025. Choosing the right event management software can feel like a daunting task with so many options and features to consider. 

Remember, it’s not just about finding the best in-person event platforms but also about ensuring it meets all your needs for seamless in-person events. 

Check out reviews on sites like G2 and Capterra, and make sure to schedule demos with your top picks to see them in action. This hands-on approach will help you choose the perfect event software solutions for your next big event.

Curious about what vFairs can bring to your events? Schedule a demo to see the best in-person event platforms features in action.