Keeping track of every detail while ensuring a flawless experience for attendees is no small feat. That’s where the best CRM software for event management comes in.
Whether it’s streamlining event registration or enhancing communication with vendors, the right CRM can:
Save time.
Reduce stress.
Transform your event planning business.
This guide will cover everything you need to know, from must-have features to top CRM software picks (including custom CRM solutions). Let’s get started!
Why Do Event Organizers Need CRM Software?
Event organizers need CRM software to streamline planning, automate tasks, and improve attendee experiences. Here’s why CRM software matters, backed by real-world stats:
Businesses that use a CRM are 86% more likely to exceed their sales goals.
Businesses using a CRM boost sales by 29% on average.
81% of businesses plan to increase their CRM budget over the next year.
With CRM software, event organizers gain more control, save time, and create smoother experiences for attendees.
💡 Pro Tip:
The best in the business use custom CRM software. Why? It allows you to pick the features you need and lets you tailor the software any way you want. Contact us for custom CRM Software Development.
How to Choose The Right CRM Software for Your Event
Picking the right CRM software is crucial for your success. Here’s how you can make the best choice:
Consider Your Event Management Needs
Consider the size and type of events you plan. Think about the event management software features and functionality you need. Evaluate your budget and scalability requirements.
Evaluate CRM Software Features and Functionality
Look for features such as event marketing, registration, and payment processing. Consider the level of customization and flexibility you need. Evaluate the user interface and user experience.
Consider Integrations and Compatibility
Think about the tools and software you already use. Consider the level of integration and compatibility you need. Evaluate the API and customization options.
Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals
Read reviews from other event planners that use CRMs. Ask for referrals from colleagues and peers. Evaluate the customer support and service of the recommended CRM software.
13 Best CRM Software for Event Management
Let's go over the 13 best CRM software for event management below:
ClickUp is an easy-to-use platform that is hailed as one of the best CRM for event management. It simplifies every aspect of your event management process. It helps event planners to:
Organize tasks
Manage timelines
Collaborate with their team effectively
Its flexibility makes it suitable to manage the entire event lifecycle, from planning to execution.
Used For: Venue sourcing, registration, ROI tracking
Cvent is a dedicated platform that automates pretty much everything. From finding venues to event registration, it takes care of all the hard work for organizers. It also provides tools for event organizers to streamline workflows and measure success.
The available templates help you start right away. This makes it one of the top event management tools available.
EventMobi focuses on boosting attendee engagement with custom branding options. It allows you to create an event marketing website and send tailored email invitations.
This makes EventMobi one of the best CRM software to manage physical and virtual events seamlessly.
Pipedrive is a CRM software tailored for activity-based sales. It offers deal-driven workflows that simplify event planning services. Its intuitive interface allows event planners to stay organized and track progress effortlessly.
Monday combines the best CRM for event management and project management in a user-friendly interface. It’s perfect for teams looking to collaborate effectively while managing sales and marketing for events.
Zoho CRM is part of the larger Zoho ecosystem that offers dozens of apps on a unified platform. Zoho CRM is one of these apps and it manages multiple events simultaneously and centralizes their client data.
It’s an excellent tool for tracking the entire event lifecycle.
HubSpot CRM offers powerful marketing and analytics tools for event marketing. It helps businesses improve the event management process and build strong client relationships. This is done through features like:
Used For: Vendor, exhibitor, and sponsor management
EventHub simplifies vendor, exhibitor, and sponsor management. It’s a genius platform that makes organizing and tracking event partnerships easy for event organizers.
11. Planning Pod: Best for Professional Event Planners
Price: Custom pricing
Creation Date: 2011
Used For: Venue and vendor management
If you’re looking for professional CRM software, Planning Pod is the one. It offers features like event webpages, checklists, and task management. It’s the go-to CRM reservations app for professional event planners looking to stay organized.
Stova is a flexible and scalable event management CRM that helps organize planning meetings, budget tracking, and vendor management. It’s perfect for larger events with complex requirements.
HoneyBook is an all-in-one tool for small event planning businesses. It provides professional invoicing, contract creation, and payment processing. This makes it ideal for saving time and reducing hassle.
Custom CRM Software is Your Best Option. Here’s Why
A ready-made CRM software might work, but custom CRM software does much more! That’s because it’s built to match your unique needs. For example, you can add an event chatbot to handle customer questions or gather information. This makes custom CRM solutions a clear winner.
Choosing the right CRM depends on what aspect of your event planning business you need the most help with. It could be operations, communication, or analytics. Luckily, there are CRMs available for all 3:
Operational CRMs
Perfect for streamlining repetitive tasks. These include managing schedules, tracking leads, and automating workflows. Operational CRMs are ideal for handling the day-to-day operations of your event planning process.
Collaborative CRMs
Designed to connect your team, clients, and vendors. They improve coordination between departments like sales and marketing while enhancing communication with event stakeholders.
Analytical CRMs
Focused on sourcing and analyzing data. You can use them to gather insights from surveys, track client behavior, and make data-driven decisions for future events.
Key Features of CRM Software for Events
CRM for event planners comes with features tailored to meet every need. For this reason, 73% of businesses used CRM software in 2024. These key features make it indispensable for managing events effectively:
Event marketing and promotion. Create personalized event websites, launch campaigns using marketing tools, and generate promo codes.
Event registration and payment processing. Manage ticket sales, registration, and payment processing.
Event planning and organization. Organize speakers, musical acts, floorplans, and guest lists.
Attendee management and check-ins. Track attendee information and manage registrations.
Event experience and engagement. Create mobile event apps to enhance the event experience.
Virtual event management. Support virtual events like webinars, training seminars, and online conferences.
Post-event analysis and follow-up. Gather feedback and data from past events.
💡 Did you know?
97% of businesses who used a CRM system either met or exceeded their sales goals last year.
Importance of Customer Relationship Management in Event Planning
Effective customer relationship management is essential for a successful event planning business. Here’s why:
It keeps client relationships organized.
It helps manage the entire event planning process.
CRMs centralize data to provide insights on clients, attendees, and stakeholders.
This software helps with communication among team members and stakeholders.
CRMs streamline workflows to save time and reduce manual tasks.
CRMs enhance attendee engagement through personalized experiences.
A strong CRM system doesn’t just make your life easier. It makes sure every aspect of your event runs smoothly.
Benefits of Using CRM Software for Event Management
Using CRM software for event management can transform the way you plan and execute events. It simplifies tasks and enhances overall event success. Here’s how:
Saves Time and Effort in Client Management and Planning
Managing clients and planning events becomes faster and easier with automated tools and streamlined workflows.
Improves Event Execution and Attendee Experience
Ensures smoother operations and creates a better experience for event attendees by managing details effectively.
Provides Valuable Insights into Event Performance
Analyzes event data to identify what works and what doesn’t, helping you improve future events.
Using event CRM software effectively can transform your event planning process. Follow these best practices to achieve the most out of your system:
1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives
Decide what you want to achieve with your dedicated event management platform. Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and realistic. Having clear goals will also help you decide whether you require a ready-made solution or a custom CRM solution.
2. Define Workflows and Processes
Create workflows for each step of your event. Use your CRM software to streamline planning and task assignments.
3. Train and Onboard Staff
Train your team on how to use the software. Good onboarding ensures everyone can use the CRM system efficiently.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Event CRM
Avoid these common mistakes to choose the best CRM for your event:
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Integration
Check if the CRM event management tools work well with your existing software. Integration helps you manage everything from one place.
Don’t Overlook Key Features and Functionality
Don’t skip vital features like attendee management or marketing tools. Look for features that suit your event size and goals.
Don’t Fail to Consider Scalability and Growth
Think about your future needs as your event business grows. Pick custom CRM solutions so they can scale with your success.
The Future of CRM Event Management Software
The future of event CRM software looks exciting! Virtual and hybrid events are becoming more popular. Tools are adapting to manage both online and in-person experiences seamlessly. Artificial intelligence is making event planning smarter.
All this helps with tasks like personalized marketing and predicting attendee preferences. Sustainability in events is also a growing focus. Many platforms now offer features like digital tickets to reduce waste.
As technology evolves, event planners will need custom and powerful CRM event management tools to stay ahead.
The best CRM software for event management can transform your event planning. It will save you time, improve attendee experiences, and help your business grow.
Without a doubt, custom CRM software is the best way to meet your unique needs. It’s scalable, tailored, and future-ready. Don’t settle for less when your events deserve the best!
Contact us today for custom CRM software development that takes your events to the next level!
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