Planning an event in 2025 comes with a long to-do list: building schedules, managing speakers, tracking attendance, and delivering a memorable experience.
Event planning software helps make the job easier. But too many of them feel bloated, confusing, or come with pricing that’s impossible to find without booking a demo.
This blog breaks down five of the best event planning platforms to consider in 2025 based on usability, features, and value for organizers. We’ll cover:
- Sched: Best for K-12 school events and healthcare CME training and corporate learning and development
- Whova: Good for audience engagement and in-app networking
- Cvent: Enterprise-level solution with broad customization
- Eventbrite: Great for ticketing and public events
- Bizzabo: Solid option for hybrid and large-scale experiences
What To Look For In Event Planning Software
Before you pick event planning software, make sure it covers the basics, such as scheduling, communication, and attendee support.
1. Simple Scheduling and Agenda Tools
The most important job of any event software is to help you build and adjust your schedule quickly. Look for tools that let you create multi-track agendas, add speakers and descriptions, and make last-minute updates. Bonus if attendees can filter the schedule by interest or role.
2. Attendee Access That Works on Any Device
Attendees should be able to view and interact with your event from a classroom, conference room, or laptop at home. Reliable web and mobile access (especially through a branded app) helps participants stay informed and engaged.
3. Built-in Communication Tools
You shouldn’t have to use another platform just to send updates. Look for tools that let you share schedule changes, speaker updates, or reminders in real time. A great platform keeps attendees engaged with interactive features like live Q&A, session feedback, and built-in messaging for easy networking.
4. Easy Speaker and Session Management
If you’re managing a Call for Papers or an internal speaker signup, you’ll want a system that tracks proposals, session drafts, and approvals in one place.
5. Check-In and Attendance Tools
For both virtual and in-person events, you need to know who actually shows up. Look for real-time check-in dashboards and QR code options.
6. Post-Event Data
To evaluate what worked, you need clear insights that help make next events better. Choose software that tracks attendance, session popularity, and engagemen, ideally accessible while the event is still happening.
7. Customization & Branding
Your event should feel like your own. The right software lets you customize event pages, personalize attendee experiences, and showcase your branding.Now let’s explore the top 5 event planning software platforms in 2025 and what makes them stand out.
The 5 Best Event Planning Software Platforms In 2025
1. Sched – The Best Event Software For K-12 School Events & Professional Development Events
Common Challenges:
Schools and districts often struggle with organizing school events and professional development (PD) days, coordinating sessions, tracking attendance, and keeping educators engaged. At the same time, they have to make sure training is always relevant and accessible.
Why Teams Choose Sched:
- Gives attendees clear, personalized schedules without tech barriers.
- Replaces scattered spreadsheets with a simple, all-in-one dashboard.
- Tracks attendance and engagement in real time.
- Call for Papers is built in, so you can manage speaker submissions from the same place.
- Lets you run fully branded events on a budget (with discounts up to 20% for schools).
That’s exactly why Chicago Public Schools, LAUSD, and other K-12 schools rely on Sched to manage their events. As Craig Lawson, Director of Digital Learning and Media at Pender County Schools puts it:
"I love the ability to filter by type of PD, see what’s available, and look at the calendar. It makes everything simple. I think it’s the closest to a tool that could be the ONE tool for professional development.”
2. Whova – Best For Corporate Events, Conferences & Trade Shows
Common Challenges:
Corporate event planners arrange multiple sessions, exhibitor booths, and networking opportunities. It becomes difficult to keep everything organized and maximize attendee engagement.
Why Teams Use Whova:
- Offers in-app networking and gamification to increase participation.
- Built-in sponsor lead capture tools help track exhibitor ROI.
- Supports hybrid delivery with streaming and session recordings.
3. Cvent – Best For Enterprise Event Management & Venue Sourcing
Common Challenges:
It’s hard to coordinate large, complex events across multiple locations. Large organizations need to find and book the right venues to accommodate their sponsors, vendors, and attendees. At the same time, they need to manage event budgets, sponsorships, and exhibitor ROI.
Why Teams Use Cvent:
- Includes hotel booking, vendor management, and a venue sourcing marketplace.
- Tracks detailed budget data and sponsor performance.
- Offers end-to-end support for large-scale corporate events.
Thinking about Cvent for your events? See how it compares to Sched and which one fits your needs best.
4. Eventbrite – Best For Ticketed Events and Festivals
Common Challenges:
Selling tickets, managing registrations, and promoting events can quickly become overwhelming without the right tools. With so many events competing for attention, standing out and driving attendance requires a strong marketing and ticketing strategy. On top of that, organizers need an effective way to handle payments, refunds, and check-ins without creating unnecessary friction for attendees.
Why Teams Use Eventbrite:
- Built-in payment and refund tools make registration smooth.
- Supports promo codes, discounts, and mobile ticketing.
- Works well for one-off concerts, festivals, or fundraisers.
Did you know you can connect Eventbrite with Sched? Find out how.
5. Bizzabo – Best for High-Budget Hybrid Experiences
Common Challenges:
Managing both in-person and remote attendees in a single platform has become increasingly challenging. Many event organizers struggle to create engaging experiences that keep virtual participants involved beyond just watching a live stream. Virtual events can easily feel lacking in connection for many.
Why Teams Use Bizzabo:
- Combines livestreaming, breakout rooms, and AI-powered networking.
- Offers customizable branding and session-level analytics.
- Ideal for high-end marketing or customer experience events.
Which Event Planning Software Fits Your Team?
Every event is different, and so are the tools needed to manage them. The key is finding a tool that fits your specific needs and makes planning easier.
This chart breaks down what each tool does best, and where it may fall short.
Event Planning Software Comparison Chart
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| Best For | K-12 School Events & Professional Development | Corporate Events, Conferences & Trade Shows | Enterprise Event Management & Venue Sourcing | Ticketed Events & Festivals | Hybrid & Online Events |
| Ease of Use | Very user-friendly, perfect for non-tech users | Moderately easy, but requires setup | Complex interface, requires training | Very easy to use, minimal setup **integrates with Sched! | Requires training, more complex setup |
| Registration & Ticketing | Simple attendee registration & schedule personalization | Event registration & ticketing with built-in payments | Advanced registration & ticketing with payment processing | Seamless ticketing & payment processing | Online registration with hybrid event options |
| Agenda & Session Management | Centralized scheduling with session filtering | Multi-track agenda with interactive features | Robust agenda & session management for large events | Limited agenda management features | Supports hybrid event agendas & speaker scheduling |
| Attendee Check-in | QR code-based check-ins, customizable badge printing & attendance tracking | Check-in with QR codes & badge printing | Check-in tools & badge printing | Barcode-based attendee check-in | Virtual & in-person check-in with badge printing |
| Speaker & Content Management | Call for Papers feature for easy speaker submissions | Speaker profiles & session management | Speaker content management & session assignments | No dedicated speaker management tools | Speaker content management for hybrid events |
| Custom Branding | Custom event website, mobile app, and branded badges | Branded event pages & app customization | White-labeled event branding options | Basic branding customization for event pages | Custom branding & white-labeling options |
| Networking & Engagement | QR codes for instant networking & personalized schedules | Virtual networking, attendee matchmaking, and community boards | AI-powered networking & exhibitor management | Minimal networking features available | Strong virtual networking & AI matchmaking capabilities |
| Reporting & Analytics | Detailed, real-time insights into attendance & engagement | Engagement tools like live polls, Q&A, and gamification | Advanced event analytics & lead capture | Basic reporting & sales tracking | Deep analytics for in-person & online engagement |
| Mobile App | Fully customizable no-code mobile app on App Store & Google Play | Integrated reporting tools and post-event reports | Custom mobile apps for enterprise clients | Mobile ticketing & attendee management app | Hybrid event mobile & desktop experiences |
| Customer Support | Fast, responsive support team with maximum 24-hour response time | Reliable support but slower response time | Enterprise-level support, slower response times | Basic customer support, varies by plan | Higher-tier plans offer dedicated customer support |
Don’t Let Event Planning Burn You Out. Try Sched for Free
Most event tools pile on features that sound impressive but you’ll probably never use. Sched is built for organizers who want a tool that works the way they do: with clarity and control. It lets you focus on running a great event rather than figuring out how to navigate the platform.
As Dr. Travis Brandy, President of COBA says:
“Sched has transformed the way we plan. It’s a tool that every organization should consider.”
Start using Sched for free today and see how easy event planning can be.
