Looking for a simpler, more affordable alternative to Cvent for your event management needs? Cvent has long been a heavyweight in the event management space, but with enterprise-level complexity and hidden costs, it might not be the right fit for everyone.
Say hello to Sched, the event management platform that scales from grassroots workshops to full-blown conferences without overwhelming your team or draining your budget.
Whether you’re organizing a school professional development day, a hybrid summit, a university conference, or a community fundraiser, Sched gives you everything you need: transparent pricing, easy-to-use tools, and a fully branded mobile app experience.
Why You May Need a Cvent Alternative
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Cvent is packed with features, no doubt. But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect for your event, especially if you don’t have an enterprise-sized budget or a full-time tech team.
Here’s why organizers start exploring other options:
- Cvent Pricing is a black box: Cvent doesn’t list pricing publicly. Reports suggest anywhere from $3 to $12 per registrant, plus annual license fees, admin fees, and more. Budgeting gets murky, fast.
- It’s built for massive, complex events: Great if you’re planning a 10,000-person tradeshow. Not so great if you’re running a school conference or local festival.
- Setup can be overwhelming: Users report needing onboarding sessions, technical expertise, and a lot of time to get rolling.
- Update fatigue: Making changes in Cvent sometimes requires updating multiple backend systems. That’s time you can’t afford to lose.
- Steep learning curve: The platform is robust, but not always user-friendly.
If you’re craving simplicity, flexibility, and transparency, Sched might just be the switch you need.
Why Sched is the Best Cvent Alternative for Event Management Software
Sched was designed with real humans in mind, not just IT departments or marketing teams. It gives you the power of a pro-grade event platform without the confusion (or cost).
Let’s break it down:
| Feature | Sched | Cvent |
| Pricing | Transparent plans from $17/month; free for ≤50 attendees. | Quote-based; can be $12/registrant + other fees. |
| Free Trial | 14-day full-feature trial (no credit card required). | Demo only. |
| Ease of Use | Intuitive and beginner-friendly. | Steeper learning curve, more complex setup. |
| Event Types | In-person, hybrid, virtual. | In-person, hybrid, virtual. |
| Scheduling | Drag-and-drop, multi-track agendas. | Feature-rich, but can be time-consuming. |
| Check-in & Registration | QR-code check-ins, real-time updates. | Advanced tools, more admin overhead. |
| Mobile App | Fully branded, offline-capable (included). | App available, often at additional cost. |
| Engagement | Personalized schedules, session feedback. | AI chatbots, networking, attendee insights. |
| Reporting | Instant reports, CSV export. | Deep analytics, complex dashboards. |
| Integrations | Zapier, Eventbrite, calendar sync, and many more using the Sched API. | Salesforce, Marketo, HubSpot, etc. |
| Discounts | Schools, nonprofits, startups, switchers. | Not publicly advertised. |
Sched hits the sweet spot:
- No surprise charges: From $17/month to $417/month for full enterprise features, with unlimited events. Plus discounts for education and nonprofits.
- Full-featured trial: 14-day free trial to test everything before you commit. No credit card required.
- User-first design: Sched was built for everyone, not just pros. It’s clean, quick, and actually fun to use.
- Adaptable across industries: Perfect for PD days, academic conferences, community events, and hybrid meetups.
- Branded mobile app included: Offer a polished mobile experience with no extra cost or dev work.
Sched offers a streamlined experience and tools that actually make event planning easier without the high price tag.
Why Teams Are Switching From Cvent to Sched
Planners across industries are rethinking Cvent and making the switch to Sched. Here’s what’s driving the shift:
1. Sched is Easier to Use
Sched’s interface is built for speed and simplicity. You can build an entire event in minutes, import schedules via spreadsheet, and update on the fly. No advanced degree or tech consultant needed.
Here’s a demo to see Sched in action.
2. Sched is Budget-Friendly and Transparent
With Cvent, the pricing conversation starts after a sales call. With Sched, it starts on the website. Plans start at $17/month. Small events under 50 attendees? Totally free.
Sched even offers up to 20% off for educators, nonprofits, and multi-year commitments.
Explore Sched’s pricing and get started today.
3. Sched Offers a Free Trial. Cvent Doesn’t
Sched’s 14-day free trial gives you full access to everything. Build a sample event. Try the app. Invite a few teammates to collaborate. No demo pressure. No surprises.
Try Sched for free and see how easy it is to manage your event.
4. Sched is Built for More Than Just Enterprise
Sched is used by school districts, universities, nonprofits, and startups. Whether you’re hosting a 50-person seminar or a 5,000-person festival, Sched flexes with you. Cvent can feel too bulky (and pricey) for smaller-scale events.
Learn more about Sched for education & nonprofits.
5. Sched’s Branded Mobile App is Included
Sched’s app is fully branded, offline-friendly, and built into every plan. Attendees can check in, view their personal agenda, receive real-time alerts, and more—no WiFi needed.
Cvent offers a mobile app too, but it may come with extra charges and less customization.
Sched is a Great Event Management Solution for Any Industry
Sched is a favorite among educators and nonprofits, but that’s just the beginning. Corporations, government orgs, trade shows, and music festivals also trust Sched to make events run smoothly.
- Budget-flexible: Free for small events. Affordable as you grow.
- Flexible for any format: In-person, hybrid, virtual. Sched has your back.
- Constantly evolving: New features like session freezing, call for papers, and badge printing keep Sched ahead of the curve.
- No learning curve: Designed to be used by anyone, whether it’s your first event or your hundredth.
Sched delivers powerful tools without overwhelming your team or your wallet.
See how other organizations like yours have transformed their events with Sched.
Try Sched for free today and see why it’s the Cvent alternative so many event planners are switching to.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can Sched handle large events?
Absolutely! Sched is designed to scale with your needs, whether you’re running a small workshop or a multi day conference with thousands of attendees.
2. Does Sched offer a free trial?
Yes. A full-featured, no-credit-card-needed 14-day trial.
3. What makes Sched different from other event management platforms?
Sched focuses on ease of use, affordability, and stress-free setup, while still delivering the features you need.
4. Does Sched integrate with other platforms?
Yes! Sched integrates with calendar apps, ticketing systems, and other event tools to keep your workflow smooth. Start a free trial and ask about our API.
5. Who can get a discount on Sched?
Sched offers exclusive discounts for schools, nonprofits, startups, government agencies, and event organizers who host multiple events or sign multi-year agreements.
6. What is the starting price of Sched?
Plans start at just $17/month. Compare pricing and get started today.
