When planning and running an event, particularly for the first time, there is so much to consider. Invitations, registrations, marketing, and data capture are all important. This means having everything in one place can be very useful.
This is why it’s important to have good event management software. Sched vs. vFairs is an important question. Both are market leaders in this field. In this article, we will determine whether Sched is a strong alternative to vFairs. We’ll also check Sched against the all-important vFairs pricing.
Sched vs. vFairs – An overview of features
Sched and vFairs are quite different when it comes to event management software. Both operate across in-person, online, and hybrid events. However, the features offered by both platforms do vary. Understanding these differences is key to working out which one is right for you.
Sched’s primary features
Sched’s main features include:
- Scheduling: Sched’s scheduling tool is fully accessible on both web and mobile. Event planners can easily manage events and meetings across multiple tracks and days.
- Managing attendees: Sched’s attendee management tool is seamless across the whole pipeline. This is from invitation through to on-day registration. The popularity of events can easily be discerned in real time. This data means planners can make any necessary changes based on important information.
- Mobile app: Sched’s event app can be branded in any way you desire. This allows for greater marketing and engagement opportunities as well as all-important personalization.
All of Sched’s features are highlighted in this highly engaging seven-minute demo.
Why Should I Switch to Sched’s Event Management Software? from Sched Support on Vimeo.
vFairs’ primary features
- A fully flexible service – you tell vFairs the features you’d like and the company customizes the experience. This is for both online and in-person audiences.
- One-stop solution for all events, regardless of size – vFairs also fully integrates with your existing tech stack.
- Audience Intelligence – the whole lifecycle of your event is captured. This gives key data on things like logins, downloads, video views, chats, etc.
- Innovative app and dedicated networking features are particularly useful on the conference floor.
- AI-powered marketing tools allow for the swift and simple creation of promotional content.
Sched vs. vFairs – Pricing comparison
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.
vFairs’ Pricing:
vFairs does not state its pricing on the company website. Instead, vFairs has forms you can complete to contact a member of the sales staff for a quote. vFairs does not offer any free trials, but the company does offer customized packages and add-ons.
vFairs offers Annual Plans as well as a Per-Event/Product model.
The former can be broken down into three types. These are:
1) Basic Annual License
2) Premium Annual License
3) Enterprise Annual License
The details of each option are clearly stated. Despite this, you must still contact vFairs for pricing information.
For the Per-Event/Product model, vFairs offers five options. These are:
1) Registration and Ticketing Package
2) Event Check-In & Badging Solution
3) vFairs Mobile Event App
4) vFairs Virtual Event Platform License
5) vFairs Hybrid Event Platform License
The Pricing page details in full what all these packages offer except for the actual prices.
In the company’s FAQ section on the Pricing page, it says you can pay in any currency for an annual license. vFairs also offers special discounts for non-profit organizations, like Sched. vFairs has gateways that support many payment methods too. These include Stripe, PayPal, Paymaya, Moyasar, Paygate, BlueSnap, authorize.net, and Fatora.
Sched vs. vFairs – Case Studies
A Sched case study
The Education and Business Summit is the only targeted event for Career and Technical Education teachers in South Carolina. This is where teachers receive most of their teaching renewal credits. Consequently, it’s incredibly important.
During the pandemic, event organizers quickly changed the 900-person show from in-person to virtual. Sched was initially employed as an alternative to the printed program. However, Sched soon became the primary tool and hub for the whole virtual conference. This was because schedules, presentation descriptions, links to Zoom, and attendance tracking are all stored on the same platform.
EBS still uses Sched in a couple of ways. The ability to upload presentations provides a library of resources. Plus, attendee feedback can also be optimized to guide the running of future events.
How to Create an Event Schedule that Will WOW Your Attendees from Sched Support on Vimeo.
A vFairs case study
The Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE) is the key body leading the California Center on Teaching Careers. Their primary aim is to recruit top-quality teachers in the state of California.
The TCOE wanted to move from solely virtual to hosting hybrid hiring fairs. They collaborated with vFairs for three days in March 2023 to this effect. The aim was to recruit teachers for all vacancies in three different regions. The events needed to be useful for people attending both in person and remotely.
The different badge colors were a key positive for on-site candidates. This was because schools and candidates could easily be distinguished. Badge information enabled school representatives to recognize the candidates they needed.
Attendees who accessed the events virtually could examine the job board and apply for vacant positions. Meanwhile, the mobile app enabled the sharing of candidate resumes. Increased networking possibilities were also possible. Booth visits could also be tracked through the data function, increasing engagement.
Sched vs. vFairs – Pros and Cons
We can’t do Sched vs vFairs without doing an old-fashioned pros and cons list. Both have a comprehensive offering, so the best one for you may lie in the details. When checking out vFairs alternatives, Sched could have everything you need.
Here are the major pluses and minuses of both platforms:
Sched’s pros:
- Sched’s platform is instinctive. This makes it the ideal solution for novice event organizers.
- The design of the mobile app enhances the experience when on the conference floor. It receives rave ratings from users.
- The synchronization of data is painless.
- Reports are available in a variety of formats.
- Sched’s Free Demo, Live Webinar, and Live Trial allow you to try before you buy.
- Sched also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Non-profit and educational organizations get special concessionary pricing.
- Sched can be integrated with all major social media networks.
Sched’s cons:
- The networking features have room for improvement.
- Exhibitor management features need developing.
- English is the only language currently supported.
vFairs’ pros:
- vFairs offers a full range of options depending on the type of event you wish to run. For virtual events, the company has specific offerings for Food Shows, Graduations, Housing Fairs, Trade Shows, Education Fairs, and Exhibition Fairs. Meanwhile, Job, Trade, Career, and College Fairs are all covered in their in-person and hybrid models.
- Gamification and Smart Matchmaking features to boost engagement.
- Inclusive accessibility features for a range of disabilities and conditions. These include ADHD, cognitive disability, epilepsy, vision impairment, and more.
- vFairs supports a wide range of industries and sectors. These include education, IT, telecommunications, financial services, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, retail, and non-profits.
- Marketing and reporting features are strong. vFairs also has an AI-powered marketing assistant to boost engagement.
vFairs’ cons:
- vFairs’ platform is not intuitive – finding and utilizing some of its functionalities can be tricky.
- Pricing is not available – you need to contact vFairs to get a quote. No discounts are offered either.
- A steep learning curve is required to understand the product. It can be particularly confusing for new users.
- No Free Trial is available, but you can Request a Demo.
Sched vs. vFairs – User Reviews
User reviews can be extremely helpful when reviewing a product. Here are some insightful user reviews we have found of Sched and vFairs’ services.
Sched’s reviews
“We will definitely be using Sched again. It just makes life so much easier for us!”
“It housed the schedule, and presentation descriptions, along with links to the Zoom presentations and links to the Google forms that we used to track attendance. It truly became the entire hub for the conference.
“Another great feature is that the presenters were all able to upload their slides and handouts ahead of time and they are still housed on the conference website. People can easily go back to last year’s site to find the resources they learned about.
“When things changed at the last minute – as they always do, it was so easy to send out messages and updates to presenters, participants, or everyone.”
Jakki Wiseman – Education Associate Professional Development – Education and Business Summit
“I have used Sched many times to organize conferences. The people I work with have a wide range of technology comfort, and I don’t think I’ve ever received a question about how it works from the user’s point of view, as far as registering for sessions. Even better, the back end is great too. Many options for uploading, many plans to support your needs, and best of all the customer service is the best out there.”
Mary P – Educational Technologist
vFairs’ reviews
“The platform looked very professional and was quite easy to navigate. The vFairs team was very professional and did a great job in training us on the platform and helping us customize it to our needs. They allowed us to make updates as required, and were very friendly and accommodating overall.”
Ian Bruce – Professor and Technical Chair – CIAP2021
“We have heard nothing but positive comments from both exhibitors/sponsors and attendees. The experience and results are the most like attending a real trade show, conference, and job fair that exists. We were able to build a brand, generate leads, and provide opportunities to all of our stakeholders.”
Laura Palker – CEO – Trade Show Solutions Center
Conclusion
Sched and vFairs are both well-established event management software companies. The two companies specialize in in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.
Both Sched and vFairs give discounts to non-profits. However, Sched also helps the education sector. vFairs pricing is not clearly stated, so comparing this with Sched is difficult. It is therefore unclear if Sched is a top choice among vFairs alternatives. However, pricing is just one factor to consider.
Sched’s customer service team can respond swiftly to any questions you may have. Use the Contact Us page to get in contact. Meanwhile, you may find answers in Sched’s free trial sign-up.