Summary

  • Ease of Decision-Making: With a plethora of options in the market, the article aims to simplify the decision-making process for event organizers by comparing the pros and cons of Sched and Cvent. It guides readers through determining their specific event needs and how each platform aligns with those, making it easier to choose the right software.
  • Transparent Pricing and Flexibility: The comparison sheds light on the pricing models of Sched and Cvent, with Sched offering clear, upfront pricing plans and discounts for various sectors like education and non-profits. This transparency and flexibility can be a significant advantage for organizers with strict budgets or specific financial considerations.
  • User-Friendly Design vs. Feature Richness: The article contrasts Sched’s user-friendly interface and straightforward pricing with Cvent’s comprehensive features and 24/7 customer support. This comparison can help readers prioritize what matters most for their events, whether it’s ease of use and cost efficiency or advanced features and support.
  • Real-World Insights from User Reviews: Incorporating user reviews provides practical insights into the real-world application of both platforms. Potential users can gain a better understanding of each software’s strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of other event organizers, aiding in a more informed decision-making process.

When it comes to event planning software, the glory of competition is in the innovation. However, the downside is the headache of too much choice. 

It’s easy to get confused. There are so many strong contenders on the market so choosing the right one can be a challenge.

Sched and Cvent are two of the top names in event management software. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of both. 

Sched vs. Cvent – The Basics

Sched Vs. Cvent: Example Of Sched'S Conferene Management Software Control Panel
Sched vs. Cvent: Example of Sched’s Conferene management software control panel

Both Sched and Cvent offer similar things, but there are a few key differences too. Here is the breakdown.

Sched vs. Cvent – Similarities

  1. Both companies’ software can be used for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
  2. Registrations can easily be captured. Personalized sites can be created to reflect your brand. Check-in procedures are seamless.
  3. Both companies’ mobile apps are strong. This provides greater engagement, particularly on the conference floor.
  4. A Free Trial is offered by both companies, while you can request a demo as well.
  5. Leads and ROI can easily be tracked in both applications.

Sched vs. Cvent – Differences

  1. Sched’s allows you to host an unlimited number of events; as well as unlimited free participants for your smaller events.
  2. Cvent has a much greater focus on webinars than Sched.
  3. Sched is famous for its flexibility and transparency in prices.
  4. The free Cvent Supplier Network makes venue sourcing straightforward. There is the ability to search over 300,000 venues around the world. 
  5. Sched is incredibly user-friendly, known as making “tech for non-techy people”.
  6. Data integration is stronger with Cvent. Salesforce, Marketo, and HubSpot all compatible, along with other third-party clients.
  7. Cvent offers 24/7 customer support.

Sched vs. Cvent Pricing

Cvent has no pricing on its website. The link is buried at the bottom of the page. The company requires potential customers to contact their Sales team to get a quote. This can be frustrating for buyers who have a budget in mind. 

In contrast, Sched’s pricing is clearly stated on the company’s Pricing page. 

Sched 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.

Cvent Pricing

Screenshot Of Cvent Event Software
Cvent screenshot

Cvent does not state pricing on its website. Instead, Cvent refers all customers to the Sales team to get an individual quote. 

The company states that this is because all events are different. Furthermore, Cvent also offers advanced features dependent on specific needs. Account registration volume is a key metric though.

Cvent offers three basic packages – Products, Solutions, and Total Program. There is a handy list of the offerings of each package on their Pricing page. Also listed are the types of events for which they would be most suited.

Cvent is certainly high-end software, but reviews suggest it’s pricey. Meanwhile, Sched’s costs are up-front, while one simple payment makes it hassle-free.

Winner: Sched

Sched vs. Cvent – Pros and Cons

Both Sched and Cvent have particular strengths and weaknesses. Determining these will aid you in making the right decision based on your own specific needs.

Cvent has many features, but the Cvent reviews suggest it’s too complex and not intuitive. This is in direct contrast to the Sched reviews, whose user-friendly design has been widely praised.

Cvent Sched
  • High-end event management solution which is too complex.
  • Pricing is quite steep with additional costs lacking transparency.
  • Networking features are comprehensive
  • Exhibitor management is streamlined through CventAI
  • Costs can quickly build based on event size and add-ons required.
  • Complex pricing makes overrunning of your budget more likely
  • Multi-lingual support and products available
  • Affordable alternative to Cvent with flexible payment options. With a single up-front payment, pay in installments, or with Klarna! 
  • High-tech tools for optimizing event planning, like the Call for Papers feature. 
  • Sched is known for its user-friendly interface. 
  • Transparent up-front pricing with no hidden fees.
  • Built-in AI features like event session titles and description writers. 
  • Users’ budgets are prioritized for manageable costs.
  • Good value for money, with discounts available for education and non-profit sectors

Why Do Event Planners Love Sched? from Sched Support on Vimeo.

 

Sched vs. Cvent – User Reviews

When comparing two options, user reviews can provide vital insight. This is because they provide examples of a product being used in the real world.

Here are some of the best that we have found:

Sched’s reviews

“Experience with Sched was great. We’ve used this app a few years in a row, and are very happy with it. Customer Support is awesome as well!”

Melissa M. – Office Manager (Source: Capterra)

“Really loved having an online platform that was easy to edit and easy to share. The mobile platform for the attendees helped reduce printing.”

Khalid E. – COO (Source: Capterra)

“I have used Sched for several years with multiple organizations. I have referred the product to other groups who have gone on to use the product with their conferences.”

David C. – Co-Chair (Source: Capterra)

“Labels and color coding could be streamlined or made easier. Lists of locations should be search sensitive when adding it to the session to avoid duplicates. Some parts of the platform are not as intuitive as they could be.”

Ari P – Source: Capterra

Cvent reviews

“The way we were running the business before was all manual. So with the help of Cvent, automating supplier and venue searches, registration sites, apps…it brought us to a whole different level.”

Linda M. – Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

“We were really thrilled with the steps the team took to hold our hands as first-time customers, and we really felt that level of support.”

Julie S. – American Marketing Association

“Cvent’s technology has added time in our day, freed us up to be more creative, and made it easier for our attendees to take advantage of what we offer.”

Heather D. – Cornell University

“The least appealing part of Cvent is how many different places you have to update some information on the backend for it to show up correctly on the user side. This can be quite the hassle and time waste if you are trying to update one small detail and then have to update it in multiple locations on the backend.”

Virginia – Source: Capterra

The takeaways

Sched and Cvent are both good options to help manage your event, regardless of its type and size. 

Sched offers a cost-effective alternative. At the same time, it still produces a competitive and modern solution! This is particularly true if you work in the education or non-profit sectors.

But that’s enough comparing for one day. It’s time to start trying. And you can start Sched for free, right now!

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Author: Harry Prince

Harry is responsible for content creation at Sched. From non-profit project development to cheffing, his experience is varied. Originaly from Scotland, he's currently writing from Amsterdam. Outside of telling stories about events, he likes cooking, old trains and running.