Summary
- Comprehensive Comparison: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of two leading event management software apps, Sched and Bizzabo, to find the best fit for your needs.
- Ease of Use: Learn why Sched might be a better choice for those new to event planning due to its intuitive interface and mobile app, while Bizzabo may require more tech-savviness.
- Technology Integration: Discover how both platforms support a range of events, from in-person to virtual, with tools like Bizzabo’s on-site software and wearables, and Sched’s effective attendee management.
- Pricing Details: Explore the clear, upfront pricing model of Sched, including discounts for education and non-profits, and compare it with Bizzabo’s unlisted pricing that requires direct contact for details.
- Customer Experience: Delve into user reviews and case studies to assess the real-world effectiveness of each platform, highlighting Sched’s ease of use and Bizzabo’s high-tech features.
- Practical Application: Utilize the article’s comparison formula to assess other event management tools, equipping you with a methodology to make informed decisions beyond just these two options.
- Trial Offers: Consider trialing Sched for free through their demo, webinar, or live trial options to experience the software firsthand before committing.
The market for event planning software is booming. And with so much choice, choosing the right product can be a headache. Today we put two of the biggest names in the game up against each other: Sched and Bizzabo.
We will weigh up Sched as an alternative to Bizzabo by comparing the companies’ offerings. We’ll also assess the all-important Bizzabo pricing to see how it compares to Sched.
Read on and discover which solution is a better fit for your event planning needs!
Sched vs. Bizzabo – An overview of features
When considering whether Sched is one of the strongest Bizzabo alternatives, you need to think about user experience.
Sched’s event management software is perfect for novice organizers. Everything is intuitive, while reviews suggest Bizzabo is more complex.
Despite this, both Sched and Bizzabo excel in hybrid, in-person, and online environments. Meanwhile, Bizzabo offers some innovative solutions including on-site software and wearables.
Here is how the two companies compare.
Sched’s primary features
Sched’s key features include:
- Scheduling: Sched’s scheduling tool can be accessed on mobile or the web. This makes it perfect for any type of event, whether that’s hybrid, in-person, or virtual.
- Managing attendees: Sched’s attendee management tool covers all aspects of event planning. This includes invitations to registrations and sign-ins on the day. Sched’s intuitive dashboard displays comprehensive data clearly. This allows organizers to adjust their plans depending on demand and audience engagement.
- Mobile app: Sched’s mobile app can easily be customized to your needs and brand. It is also very easy to use on the conference floor, enabling seamless management of your event.
All of Sched’s key features are highlighted in this handy seven-minute demo.
Bizzabo’s primary features
- Your entire event can be run on one platform, regardless of event type. Customized virtual and in-person experiences are available. Meanwhile, customer journeys can also be personalized.
- Bizzabo’s customized and dynamic registration engine makes lead collection easy. Furthermore, the ability to integrate with popular CRMs allows you to understand what makes your attendees tick. Intent data can also be generated. This accelerates the sales pipeline and provides robust ROI information.
- Bizzabo’s check-in software empowers attendees with their own personalized agenda and navigation tools. It also connects them with event organizers, exhibitors, and sponsors. Attendee networking is enhanced through Bizzabo’s trademarked Klik SmartBadge function. Meanwhile, attendee behavioral data can also be captured by organizers in near real-time.
Why Do Event Planners Love Sched? from Sched Support on Vimeo.
Sched vs. Bizzabo – Pricing comparison
There is no point denying that price is an important factor when it comes to choosing any product.
Therefore, this should be key when considering Sched as an alternative to Bizzabo. The Bizzabo pricing model is somewhat different from Sched’s.
This means it’s important to work out which one is right for you depending on your needs. Here is a basic breakdown:
Sched’s Pricing:
Sched’s pricing plans give you the freedom to plan more, for less. Every plan includes unlimited events and free small events for up to 50 attendees.
Sched’s pricing starts from:
- Launch: $600
- Boost: $1,500
- Ultra: $5,000
Inviting more attendees? Only pay for what you need; Sched lets you tailor your plan with attendee bundles.
Sched also offers generous discounts for specific organizations:
You may also be eligible for a discount if you already use event management software. Save up to 20% with Sched’s switching discount.
This could be a cost-effective option, making it one of the best EventMobi alternatives.
Bizzabo’s Pricing:
Bizzabo does not state its pricing on its website. This means you will have to contact a sales representative for details.
Sched vs. Bizzabo – Pros and Cons
Sched and Bizzabo are both good choices, regardless of the type of event you run. However, there are key differences between the two platforms. These are important to consider when you are looking for viable Bizzabo alternatives.
Sched’s pros:
- Sched’s platform is very straightforward and requires no in-depth technological knowledge
- High-tech tools for optimizing event planning, like the Call for Papers feature.
- The mobile app is particularly easy to use and is a great tool on the conference floor
- Data synchronization with Sched is seamless. Reports can be generated in a range of formats
- Built-in AI features like event session titles and description writers.
- Sched offers three ways you can try the product for free – A Free Demo, Live Webinar, or Live Trial
- Transparent up-front pricing with no hidden fees. Billing is straightforward. There are no hidden costs and a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied
- Attractive discounts are available for non-profit and educational organizations
- Sched is compatible with all major social media networks
Sched’s cons:
- Exhibitor management features could be improved
- The only language supported currently is English
Bizzabo’s pros:
- Comprehensive offering with everything you need on the same platform
- Excellent and engaged customer service
- Reporting and analytics are transparent while data exporting is seamless
- The software is flexible. It can be embedded into existing websites or used as a stand-alone service
- Offers innovative solutions including on-site software and wearable tech
Bizzabo’s cons:
- Prices are not stated on the site, meaning you need to speak to a salesman. Review sites suggest the service is costly for basic purposes. There are no discounts on offer either
- The product is initially difficult to use. This makes event set-up quite time-consuming, but it does become more intuitive
- User experience is poor
- Streaming platforms need improvement
- Plagued by technical difficulties, according to many reviews (source Capterra)
Sched vs. Bizzabo – Case Studies
A Sched case study
The STEMxYouth Summit is a student-organized conference that lasts one day. Thought leaders, influencers, trailblazers, growth hackers, pathfinders, students, and educators are invited to debate the future of STEMx.
Initially, a free virtual event called the Global Student Technology Conference, it became an in-person event in the three years before the pandemic. In 2020, the switch back to virtual was a necessity.
Bringing students and teachers together with STEMx researchers and professionals so they could converse in a virtual or physical space was a key challenge. A secondary challenge was ensuring the students could manage the project well.
Sched aided the registration process through its integration with Eventbrite. Sched also ensured Zoom access was available to all speakers and attendees. Q&A sessions in real-time helped to boost engagement. As a result of Sched’s involvement, the attendance of the summit doubled.
“In short, my students coordinated and ran a six-hour virtual event FLAWLESSLY! I may have set up the account on Sched as well as all the Zoom links, but the success of the event belongs to the student coordinators. We doubled attendance from 2019 and drew attendees from across the United States. We drew a more diverse group of speakers from across the United States as well; the virtual format made it easy for speakers to participate. We even had Dr. Deborah Birx, US Global AIDS Coordinator and Coordinator of the White House Coronavirus Task Force as our closing speaker!”
Eric Walters, Director of STEM Education at Marymount School of New York
A Bizzabo case study
Agora is a company that builds APIs. These empower developers to embed real-time engagement technology into their applications. This includes voice, video, and messaging. The company wanted to unite its virtual and in-person audiences in real time for the eighth edition of its RTE conference. This meant Agora needed a hybrid model.
Agora had struggled with its previous supplier. This was because the platform was difficult to navigate. There were significant technical issues too. The Bizzabo platform met the company’s needs. This was partly because Agora uses Marketo and this could be integrated into the Bizzabo system. This allowed for data to be uploaded automatically to the Marketo database. This made leads easier to follow as well as enhanced customer engagement.
The 2022 edition of RTE passed smoothly. Around 150 people attended in San Francisco and 2,500 joined remotely. Agora employed an AV company to broadcast the event live. The video streams were piped through Bizzabo to virtual attendees in real-time.
“When we saw Bizzabo had strong capabilities for both in-person and virtual audiences, it was a major factor in our decision. We tried a few different companies that were a bit smaller, and they didn’t perform as well.”
“Whether they were virtual or in-person attendees, people could connect on the Bizzabo app and comment and interact with each session. That part of the platform worked very well for us.”
Claudia Oliva – Senior Manager of Creative Design and Production – Agora
Sched vs. Bizzabo – User Reviews
User reviews are an excellent way to assess how well a product performs on the ground. Here are some real-world reviews of both Sched and Bizzabo’s software.
Sched’s reviews
“Sched provided a user-friendly, “neat” way of organizing the event, even for a beginner. I could focus on other aspects of the event and have complete peace of mind about scheduling. Favorite thing about Sched was the layout and customization of the landing page and automatic feedback/messaging from attendees.”
Aanand Pandey – Supply Chain Analyst & Lead – The Academic Team at AIMMS
“We decided to move to a paperless conference and wanted to find a program that could meet our needs and be affordable. Sched exceeded our expectations. We appreciate that our attendees have access to materials after the conference ended.”
Dr. Nathan Harrison – Host School for the 2022 CEASD Conference
Bizzabo’s reviews
“Bizzabo equips event managers with the tools to do their job effectively and efficiently, it’s like adding more people to your team.
“We partnered with Bizzabo because we knew the in-person experience needed to be damn-near flawless – and that’s exactly what we got.”
Emily Wolfe – Senior Manager, Events & Experiences – Riskalyze
“We wanted the easiest platform to use. We’re not coders. Our customers aren’t coders. Although many (EMS platforms we evaluated) did a lot of different things well, only Bizzabo did almost all of them.”
Dominick Fitzgerald – Director, Virtual & Hybrid – Vidionix
The takeaways
Sched and Bizzabo are both great options in the event management software space. It is clear that both companies have many satisfied customers. Both also offer top-quality products.
Choosing the right company for you can be tricky. Sched has significant experience in the education and non-profit sectors. Check out the company’s case studies in the Sched Blog section as Sched has worked with many other clients too.
As the Bizzabo pricing model is not clear, it’s hard to make a comparison with Sched.
But you’ve done enough reading for one day. Learn by doing, and try Sched for free now!