Astley Cervania
Content Contributor, HeySummit
We've all been there – staring at our screens, desperately trying to keep attendees engaged while battling technical glitches and awkward silences.
It's no secret that hosting an engaging event takes a lot of work!
But with the right virtual event platform you can quickly turn this lengthy process into an immersive experience that boosts attendee engagement.
We've done all the research so you don't have to. We've found the best virtual event software and included everything you need to know so you can take the right steps for your next virtual event.
From key features to pricing and even a pros and cons list, both newbies and experienced event planners can learn more about these platforms.
Virtual event platforms are the ultimate online solutions for hosting virtual events in a digital space.
Do you actually need it? The short answer is yes!
Not only do they provide a hosting space for your gathering, but they are a centralized hub where you can manage all the aspects of the event, from registration and ticketing to live streaming and post-event analytics.
Here's why you might need virtual event software:
Recent statistics show that 87% of marketers have reported that virtual events have positively impacted their business.
However, you can't simply throw a live event and expect meaningful interactions with your attendees. You have to make sure all aspects of your event are optimized for such interactions. And what better way to do this than with a virtual event hosting platform?
With interactive features like live Q&A, polls, and breakout rooms, you can take advantage of various engagement tools to make your event more exciting!
Ultimately, these platforms make it easier to create engaging experiences for participants.​
Event branding is one of the most important aspects of an event. It is all about creating a strong brand identity through names, symbols, colors, messaging, and imagery that make your event stand out from the rest.
Understandably, personalizing every detail of your event can feel overwhelming. But don't worry - virtual event platforms are here to save the day!
Creating a strong brand doesn’t have to be so difficult. With features like tailored content delivery and themed environments, you can easily automate much of the work and focus on what really matters.
Want to learn how to create an event brand that truly outshines the competition? Discover more about event branding!
You can't improve your future events if you don't know what went wrong (and well).
Online event platforms come packed with advanced features that let you see how your events are doing.
For example, you can track attendee behavior to see which sessions are most popular or you can look at attendance rates and retention times to assess how successful your event is.Â
With custom reports and real-time dashboards, you get all the data you need to make informed decisions and improve future events.
While Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams are some of the first options that come to mind when you think of virtual conferences, they are in fact very different from a virtual event platform.
Their features are limited when it comes to doing more than just a meeting as they lack functionalities that allow you to manage registrations and sponsorships. Moreover, they're not optimized for networking events or hybrid events like some of the virtual conference platforms we've listed in this article.Â
Now, that's not to say you shouldn't use Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams…Â
It's possible to run an online event without a virtual events platform. One big exception though is that you'll need to operate on multiple platforms since everything won't be in one place. For instance, use ActiveCampaign to run your email marketing sequences and Eventbrite to handle ticket restrictions.Â
On the other hand, using a virtual events platform enables you to centralize all the tools you're using so that everything is easier to manage.Â
Let's take a look at the differences between video conferencing software like Zoom and virtual event software like the ones we will explore in this article:
Video conferencing software offers limited customization, as it prioritizes connecting with people quickly but not the personalization aspects that can make your user conferences stand out.
Virtual event software lets you customize every aspect of event planning. This includes everything from themed exhibition halls to personalized attendee paths.
Video conferencing software only offers basic networking capabilities, including breakout sessions and basic chat functions.
Virtual event software is built with sophisticated networking functionality to create the most immersive events. Beyond the basic breakout rooms, they often include a virtual lobby where attendees can join conversations based on their interests, virtual business card exchanges, and gamification elements like polls and Q&As.
Video conferencing software is better suited for simple video calls and team meetings, as they’re easy to set up and user-friendly.
Virtual event software is ideal for larger-scale virtual and hybrid events (but also physical events) such as conferences, trade shows, and virtual expos, as they can easily handle thousands of participants.
Now that we've covered why you definitely need a virtual event platform, it is time to explore our favorite picks that are sure to elevate your event planning to the next level.
HeySummit is an all-in-one virtual event platform designed to streamline the creation, management, and marketing of online events. It simplifies the event planning process, making it accessible for solopreneurs, small businesses, and large companies alike.
Talk Management: Easily manage live and pre-recorded sessions, automatic replays, real-time chat, and custom URLs.
Speaker Dashboards: Provide speakers with dedicated dashboards to manage their profiles and presentations.
Ticketing Tools: Set up various ticket types and pricing tiers to manage sales effectively.
Landing Page Builder: Create and customize landing pages to attract and register attendees.
Marketing & Viral Tools: Promote events through integrated marketing tools and drive engagement.
Attendee Registration Flow: Streamlined registration process for a smooth attendee experience.
Software Integrations: Connect with other tools and platforms to enhance functionality.
Speaker Directory: Manage and showcase event speakers efficiently.
Reporting and Analytics: Gain insights into event performance and attendee engagement with detailed analytics.
Starter Plan: $49/month (includes 1 active summit per month and up to 200 registrations)
Growth Plan: $203/month (expanded features and higher registration limits)
Success Plan: $349/month (comprehensive features and maximum flexibility)
Free Trial: 14-day free trial available
User-Friendly: Easy to set up and manage events with a step-by-step process.
Cost-Effective: Variety of plans to suit different needs and budgets.
Advanced Features: Includes a wide range of tools for event creation, marketing, and analytics.
Community building: With a variety of community-building tools, it is perfect for those who prioritize growing an online community.
Strong Support: Responsive customer support and continuous platform improvements.
Customization: While customization options for landing pages and event layouts might not be as extensive, the existing templates are designed to be user-friendly and professional, ensuring a polished look for your event without the hassle of extensive design work.
Learning Curve: Although some features may require a bit of time to master, the platform offers comprehensive support and resources to help you get up to speed quickly.
Daniel used HeySummit and maximized each of the features available. This led to nothing short of success – over $26,000 in revenue and 3,000 attendees. You can read Daniel's full story here.Â
We also ran a quick survey and asked 19 of our users at random why they decided to sign up for HeySummit, a virtual event platform. Here's what we learned:
Want to see how HeySummit can improve your virtual events? Sign up for a free 14-day trial today.
Cvent is a comprehensive event management software designed for end-to-end management, particularly suited for larger companies. It seamlessly integrates into existing corporate workflows, making it an ideal choice for large-scale events and complex event planning needs.
Event Registration and Ticketing: Customize registration forms and manage ticketing efficiently.
Event Marketing: Integrated tools for email marketing, social media promotion, and audience engagement.
Onsite Solutions: Tools for check-in, badge printing, and lead retrieval to streamline onsite event management.
Mobile Event Apps: Customizable mobile apps to enhance attendee engagement and provide real-time updates.
Venue Sourcing: Tools to find and book venues, manage RFPs, and negotiate contracts.
Event Budget Management: Comprehensive budgeting tools to track expenses and optimize spending.
Surveys and Feedback: Collect and analyze attendee feedback to improve future events.
Reporting and Analytics: Detailed reports and dashboards to measure event performance and ROI.
Cvent does not make its pricing plans available on its website. It offers custom pricing based on the specific needs and scale of your events.
Comprehensive Solution: Covers all aspects of event management, from planning and marketing to execution and analysis.
Integration Capabilities: Easily integrates with existing corporate systems and workflows.
Scalability: Suitable for large-scale events and complex planning needs, making it a robust choice for large corporations.
Advanced Features: Offers advanced features like venue sourcing and budget management that are particularly beneficial for large events.
Cost: Pricing is not transparent and may be on the higher side, making it less accessible for small businesses or individual professionals.
Complexity: The extensive range of features might be overwhelming for beginners or those with simpler event planning needs.
Learning Curve: Requires a significant amount of time to learn and master, which may be a hurdle for smaller teams without dedicated event planners.
Cvent is a powerful platform with a suite of features available. It's effective for event planners in the hospitality industry focused on end-to-end management. However, it may not be the best solution for beginners.
vFairs specializes in creating immersive virtual events using virtual reality (VR) technology. This platform is ideal for hosting lifelike events where both speakers and attendees can engage as they would at in-person events. Overall, it's a good choice for events that benefit from a highly interactive and visually engaging format.
Immersive Virtual Environments: Use VR to create lifelike event spaces that replicate the physical experience.
Interactive Booths: Customizable virtual booths are great for interactive workshops, where attendees can interact with exhibitors, view videos, and download materials.
Networking Tools: Facilitate networking through virtual meeting rooms, chat functions, and one-on-one video calls.
Live Webinars and Sessions: Host live presentations, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions within the virtual environment.
Gamification: Engage attendees with gamified elements such as leaderboards, scavenger hunts, and contests.
Event Analytics: Track attendee behavior, engagement levels, and other key metrics to evaluate event success.
Custom Branding: Fully customizable environments to reflect your brand’s identity and theme.
Mobile Access: Mobile-friendly platform ensuring attendees can participate from any device.
vFairs does not list its specific pricing plans on its website. Pricing is tailored based on the specific needs and scale of your event.
Immersive Experience: Provides a highly interactive and engaging experience through VR technology.
Comprehensive Features: Offers a wide range of tools for creating, managing, and analyzing virtual events.
Customizable: A high degree of customization is available for branding and event layout.
Engagement Tools: Gamification and networking features to boost attendee interaction and engagement.
Cost: Custom pricing can be high, which might not be suitable for small businesses or simpler events.
Complexity: The immersive and detailed nature of VR events can require more effort and technical expertise to set up.
Learning Curve: Attendees and organizers may need time to become familiar with navigating the virtual environment.
It can be a great solution for networking events thanks to their use of VR technology to emulate the physical experience. However, if VR is not part of your event space, there might be better-suited alternatives for your needs.
Airmeet is a versatile online event platform known for its extensive features tailored for large-scale events. It stands out with its MarTech integrations, comprehensive reporting tools, and a unique social lounge feature that facilitates networking in virtual venues.
MarTech Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with marketing technologies to boost event promotion and management.
Social Lounge: Virtual networking spaces where attendees can interact and connect, simulating in-person networking.
Customizable Event Spaces: Design and brand event spaces to reflect your organization’s identity.
Real-Time Engagement: Interactive features like live Q&A, polls, and chat to keep attendees engaged.
Event Analytics: Detailed analytics and reporting tools to track event performance and attendee engagement.
Mobile Access: Fully accessible from mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience for on-the-go attendees.
Session Recording and Replays: Record sessions and provide replays for attendees to watch at their convenience.
Airmeet offers a free version for basic use. For more advanced features and capabilities, paid plans start at $500 per month.
Advanced Networking: The social lounge feature provides an innovative way for attendees to interact at a networking event.
Comprehensive Features: Includes a wide range of tools for event management, from MarTech integrations to detailed analytics.
User-Friendly: Designed to be intuitive and easy to use for both organizers and attendees.
Cost: Paid plans start at $500/month, which might be on the higher side for small businesses or individual users.
Learning Curve: Some advanced features may require time to master, particularly for users new to virtual event platforms.
Resource Intensive: Large-scale events with heavy interaction features may require significant bandwidth and technical resources.
Airmeet is a platform focused on delivering a memorable experience. It can be a good choice for marketing professionals who are well-versed in using events to help a business scale. However, for smaller events or those on a tighter budget, other platforms might offer a more cost-effective solution.
Hopin is an excellent platform for hosting highly interactive virtual events. It offers a range of features that allow organizers to create engaging experiences that closely emulate in-person events. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive tools, Hopin is suitable for various event types, including conferences, expos, and webinars.
Virtual Stages: Host live and pre-recorded sessions on multiple stages, accommodating large audiences and diverse content.
Networking Tools: Enable one-on-one meetings, group sessions, and networking lounges to facilitate attendee interactions.
Interactive Expo Areas: Create virtual booths where exhibitors can showcase products, interact with attendees, and share resources.
Event Analytics: Access detailed analytics to track attendee behavior, engagement, and overall event performance.
Custom Branding: Customize the event environment to reflect your brand’s identity and theme.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with various third-party tools and platforms to enhance event functionality.
Event Recording: Record sessions for on-demand viewing, allowing attendees to catch up on missed content.
Mobile Access: Fully accessible from mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees on the go.
Hopin offers a free version with limited features. For more advanced features, paid plans start at $99 per month.
User-Friendly: Intuitive interface that makes it easy to set up and manage events.
Interactive Features: Robust networking and engagement tools that replicate the feel of in-person events.
Scalable: Suitable for events of all sizes, from small webinars to large conferences.
Comprehensive Analytics: Detailed insights into attendee behavior and event performance.
Cost: While the free version is available, advanced features in paid plans may be costly for some professionals.
Learning Curve: Some users may need time to familiarize themselves with all the features and capabilities.
Resource Intensive: Large, interactive events may require significant technical resources and support.
One of Hopin's key features includes interactive tools that prompt the participation of event attendees. However, smaller organizations or those with limited budgets may find the costs high.
PheedLoop is a popular event management software designed to automate the process of managing online events and conferences. It offers seamless integrations with popular software like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier.
Automation Tools: Automate registration, ticketing, session management, and more to save time and reduce manual effort.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with HubSpot, Salesforce, Zapier, and other popular tools for enhanced functionality.
Virtual Expo Halls: Create virtual exhibit spaces where vendors can interact with attendees and showcase their products.
Networking Features: Facilitate attendee networking through virtual lounges, chat functions, and scheduled meetings.
Custom Branding: Customize event spaces to reflect your brand’s identity, ensuring a cohesive look and feel.
Real-Time Engagement: Interactive features like live polls, Q&A, and chat to keep attendees engaged.
Comprehensive Analytics: Track and analyze event performance with detailed reporting tools.
Mobile Access: Ensure attendees can access the event from any device, providing a seamless mobile experience.
PheedLoop offers highly competitive pricing, with paid plans starting from as low as $1. However, additional fees can apply for features such as advanced analytics, increased attendee capacity, or premium support.
Pros
Automation: Reduces manual workload through extensive automation features.
Integration: Excellent integration capabilities with major CRM and marketing tools.
Customizable: Offers significant customization to align with your branding and event needs.
Complexity: The range of features may be overwhelming for beginners or those hosting smaller events.
Learning Curve: Some users may need time to fully understand and utilize all the platform’s capabilities.
Potential Hidden Costs: While the starting price is low, additional features and higher capacity can quickly increase the overall cost.
PheedLoop's strong automation capabilities and integrations with popular software make it a highly efficient tool for streamlining event processes. However, the complexity of its features might pose a challenge for beginners, and the additional costs for advanced features can add up, making it essential to evaluate your specific needs and budget before committing.
InEvent is a professional event management platform designed to create and run high-quality events tailored to various industries and event types. With extensive customization options, it provides a comprehensive solution for managing both virtual and in-person events.
Customization: Tailor your event to fit your industry and specific needs with extensive customization options.
Live Streaming: High-quality live streaming capabilities for engaging presentations and sessions.
Networking Tools: Facilitate attendee networking through virtual lounges, one-on-one meetings, and interactive sessions.
Event App: Customizable mobile app to enhance attendee experience with real-time updates and engagement tools.
Advanced Analytics: Detailed analytics and reporting tools to track event performance and attendee engagement.
Registration Management: Streamlined registration process with customizable forms and ticketing options.
Integrations: Seamless integration with popular CRM and marketing tools like Salesforce and HubSpot.
Security Features: Robust security measures to protect attendee data and ensure a safe event environment.
InEvent offers an annual subscription plan starting at $9,990.
Professional Quality: Designed for high-quality, professional events with extensive customization options.
Industry-Specific Tailoring: Ability to customize events based on industry needs and event types.
Strong Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular tools like Salesforce and HubSpot for enhanced functionality.
High Cost: The starting price of $9,990 per year may be too high for smaller businesses or individual professionals.
Learning Curve: The extensive range of features can be overwhelming and may require time to master.
Complexity: Managing all the features effectively can be challenging without dedicated staff or experience in event planning.
InEvent is worth it if your events are a core part of your marketing strategy and you want to continue scaling on your existing success by running them at a larger scale. However, the high cost and complexity might not be suitable for smaller businesses or those new to virtual event planning, as the learning curve and financial investment can be significant.
SpotMe is a virtual event platform designed for enterprises looking to host interactive and engaging events. It offers a range of features including interactive elements, personalized agendas, and mobile app integrations, making it a versatile choice for managing large-scale virtual events.
Interactive Elements: Enhance attendee engagement with live polls, Q&A sessions, and real-time feedback tools.
Personalized Agendas: Create customized schedules for attendees to tailor their event experience based on interests and preferences.
Mobile App Integrations: Provide attendees with a seamless mobile experience through customizable event apps.
Content Management: Manage and distribute event-related content such as presentations, videos, and documents.
Networking Tools: Facilitate networking through virtual lounges, one-on-one meetings, and chat functions.
Advanced Analytics: Track and analyze attendee behavior and engagement to measure event success.
Custom Branding: Tailor the platform to reflect your brand’s identity and ensure a cohesive event experience.
Security Features: Ensure a secure event environment with robust data protection measures.
SpotMe does not disclose specific pricing on its website.
Highly Interactive: Offers a range of interactive tools to enhance attendee engagement.
Personalized Experiences: Ability to create customized agendas for a more tailored attendee experience.
Mobile Integration: Strong mobile app support ensures a seamless experience across devices.
Comprehensive Content Management: Robust tools for organizing and distributing event materials.
Cons
Cost Transparency: Lack of upfront pricing information can make budgeting difficult for potential users.
Complex Setup: The extensive range of features might require time to set up and fully utilize.
High Investment: As with many enterprise solutions, the cost may be high, particularly for smaller organizations or less frequent users.
SpotMe is particularly worth it for enterprises looking to host highly interactive and personalized virtual events. However, it's not ideal for those who need a more versatile platform for all types of online events.
Bevy is a virtual event platform designed to build and foster communities through online conferences and gatherings. It emphasizes creating personal connections among attendees, making it ideal for community-driven events.
Community Building: Focused on fostering community engagement through interactive online events.
Scalable Event Management: Manage events of various sizes, from small meetups to large conferences.
Custom Branding: Customize event spaces to align with your brand’s identity.
Networking Tools: Facilitate attendee networking through breakout sessions, chat functions, and one-on-one meetings.
Analytics and Reporting: Detailed analytics to track engagement, attendance, and overall event performance.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with popular tools like Slack and CRM platforms.
Mobile-Friendly: Ensure a seamless experience across all devices with mobile app integration.
Speaker Management: Tools to manage and support speakers, including scheduling and session coordination.
Bevy does not disclose its pricing plans on its website.
Community Focus: Excellent for building and engaging communities through interactive events.
Scalability: Capable of managing a wide range of event sizes and types.
High-Profile Clients: Trusted by industry leaders like Twitch and Slack, indicating strong performance and reliability.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates with various tools to enhance event functionality.
Cost Transparency: Lack of upfront pricing information can complicate budget planning.
Complexity: May require a learning curve to fully utilize its community-focused features.
High Investment: Potentially high costs for advanced features, which might not be suitable for smaller organizations or individual users.
Bevy is particularly worth it for organizations that want to host virtual conferences with community building in mind. However, the lack of transparent pricing and the potential complexity of its features may be drawbacks for smaller businesses or those with limited budgets.
EventMobi is a well-known event management software that enables users to create interactive and professional corporate events. It offers a customizable mobile app to improve the user experience for both organizers and attendees. The platform is designed to streamline event planning, execution, and engagement, making it ideal for professional and corporate events.
Customizable Mobile App: Provide attendees with a seamless experience through a fully customizable event app.
Interactive Features: Engage attendees with live polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive event agendas.
Networking Tools: Facilitate networking through virtual lounges, chat functions, and one-on-one meetings.
Real-Time Analytics: Track attendee engagement and event performance with detailed real-time analytics.
Event Registration and Ticketing: Streamlined registration process with customizable forms and ticketing options.
Content Management: Manage and distribute event-related content such as presentations, videos, and documents.
Custom Branding: Customize the event environment to reflect your brand’s identity and ensure a cohesive event experience.
Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate with popular CRM and marketing tools to enhance event functionality.
EventMobi’s paid plans start at $1,458.
Professional Quality: Ideal for creating high-quality, professional events with extensive customization options.
Interactive and Engaging: Offers a range of interactive features to keep attendees engaged.
Strong Mobile Integration: Enhances attendee experience with a customizable mobile app.
High Cost: A starting price of $1,458 may be too high for smaller businesses or individual users.
Complexity: The extensive range of features may require time to master and fully utilize.
Budget Constraints: Smaller brands or those new to event marketing may find it beyond their budget.
EventMobi is particularly worth it for firms and corporations looking to host professional and corporate-level events. However, the high cost may not be within the budget of smaller brands or event marketing beginners.
Hubilo is a virtual event platform designed to host events that drive business results. It focuses on increasing audience engagement and enabling users to create events that convert attendees into customers or leads.
Audience Engagement: Tools like live polls, Q&A sessions, and chat functions to keep attendees engaged.
Custom Branding: Customize the event interface to reflect your brand’s identity, ensuring a cohesive and professional look.
Networking Tools: Facilitate networking with one-on-one meetings, breakout sessions, and virtual lounges.
Analytics and Reporting: Detailed analytics to track engagement, conversions, and overall event performance.
Event Registration and Ticketing: Streamlined registration process with customizable forms and ticketing options.
Content Management: Manage and distribute event-related content such as presentations, videos, and documents.
Integration Capabilities: Integrate seamlessly with popular CRM and marketing tools to enhance functionality.
Mobile Access: Ensure a seamless experience across all devices with mobile app integration.
Hubilo offers paid plans starting at $650 per month.
Pros
Business Focus: Designed to drive business results and conversions through effective virtual events.
High Engagement: Emphasizes audience engagement with interactive tools.
Customizable: Offers extensive customization to align with your branding and event needs.
Comprehensive Analytics: Provides detailed insights to measure event success and ROI.
Cons
Cost: Starting at $650/month, the pricing may be high for smaller businesses or individual users.
Learning Curve: The range of features may require time to master and fully utilize.
Resource Intensive: Larger events with high engagement features may require significant technical resources and support.
Hubilo has a sleek format that allows users to create a custom virtual booth. This makes it a good option for events involving sponsors and exhibitors. However, the cost may be a barrier for smaller businesses or those new to virtual event planning, as the investment required might be significant.
The ideal virtual event platforms are the ones that are capable of meeting your most unique needs. While there are many great solutions to explore from this list, HeySummit is a flexible all-in-one virtual event platform that works for all content creators and businesses.Â
We recommend giving HeySummit a go especially if you're new to the event industry or looking to build an online community. Users can easily create an online event and generate leads and revenue with zero headaches because the entire process is simplified to a step-by-step formula. Â
Don't believe us?Get started with HeySummit for free and upgrade every aspect of your event from a single dashboard!
HeySummit is the easiest way for creators and educators to grow their audience, authority and revenue with professional online events created in minutes, not weeks.
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