Academic and higher education events can be tricky to organize and manage.
They require careful planning, coordination, and execution to make sure they meet everyone's needs and expectations. Event organizers looking to lighten their workload should seriously consider academic and higher education event management software.
In this Superevent guide, we'll introduce you to some of the best academic and higher education event management software available. We'll explain their features, benefits, and drawbacks, and help you choose the one that suits your needs and budget.
Let’s get started.
What is Academic and Higher Education Event Management Software?
Academic and higher education event management software helps streamline the planning, organizing, and executing of educational events. It makes it easy to manage events from start to finish—making sure that everything runs smoothly and on time.
With these tools, you can often:
- Create and customize event websites, registration forms, agendas, and invitations
- Manage event logistics like venues, catering, transportation, accommodation, and speakers
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among event organizers, attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors
- Tracking and analyzing event performance, feedback, and outcomes
- Integrates with other software systems like learning management systems, student information systems, and CRMs
Why Should You Look For Academic and Higher Education Event Management Software?
Efficient Registration and Attendance Tracking
Event management software can automate the registration process, making it easier for participants to sign up and for organizers to keep track of attendees. This efficiency can save time and reduce errors, ensuring that all participants are properly accounted for.
Contributes to a Positive Participant Experience
A well-organized event can significantly enhance the attendee experience. Event management software can help make sure that all aspects of the event—from registration to participation—run smoothly. This can include features like personalized agendas, interactive maps, and mobile apps, all of which can make the event more enjoyable and engaging for participants.
Real-Time Reporting
One of the key advantages of event management software is the ability to generate real-time reports. This can provide valuable insights into various aspects of the event, like attendance rates, participant engagement, and feedback.
These insights can be used to make informed decisions during the event and to improve future events.
Academic and Higher Education Event Management Software Must Haves
A Range of Supported Events
The software should be versatile enough to support a wide range of event types, from small workshops and seminars to large conferences and symposiums. This includes both in-person and virtual events, as well as hybrid models that combine elements of both. The ability to handle different event formats is important in today’s diverse educational landscape.
Interactive Features
Interactive features can greatly enhance the participant experience. Look for software that offers features like live polling, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities. These interactive elements can foster engagement and make the event more memorable for participants.
Content Management
Effective content management is key to a successful event.
The software should allow for easy uploading and updating of event materials, like agendas, speaker bios, and presentations. Additionally, it should offer features like personalized schedules and push notifications to keep participants informed and engaged.
6 Best Academic and Higher Education Event Management Software
- Superevent
- Eventbrite
- Aventri
- Bizzabo
- RSVPify
- ClearEvent
1. Superevent
Superevent is an all-in-one event platform designed to power in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
It offers a user-friendly management dashboard with intuitive tools for easy event setup and attendee management. There are also plenty of tools for making events rewarding and engaging for attendees—video breakout rooms, polls, Q&As, sponsorships, personal agendas, and more.
These features combine to create a seamless event experience that's especially beneficial for higher education events.
Relevant Features
- All-in-One Event Platform: Superevent is an all-in-one event platform that supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
- Powerful Apps: Create web and mobile apps that act as a one-stop shop for attendees to access all the event information.
- Streaming and Interactivity: For hybrid events, access streaming and interactivity features like video breakout rooms, chats, Q&A polls, and more.
- Personalization Tools: With personalization tools like custom agendas and reminders, attendees get the assistance they need to stay organized and get maximum value from their event.
Pricing
Superevent is free for small academic and higher education events (up to 40 attendees).
Pricing for larger events is determined by the number of attendees, with a flat, per-event rate. We also offer add-ons for branded mobile apps, live-streaming, and more, so you can build the perfect event package for your needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Allows users to create and customize an event app
- Great attendee engagement features
- Optional live-streaming and native mobile apps
- Simple content management
- Support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events
Cons
- No support for event ticketing
2. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is an event management and ticketing platform that helps users build, manage, and grow events. It provides tools for event organization, attendee management, marketing automation, and real-time data tracking.
Relevant Features
- Event Ticketing: Create and sell tickets, manage ticket sales, and provide access control options for your event.
- Organizer App: Check attendees into events, manage guest lists, and access reporting.
- Reporting & Analytics: Track event performance, measure engagement, and keep track of ticket sales.
Pricing
Eventbrite offers flexible pricing plans for event organizers, starting from a free plan for hosting events with up to 25 tickets.
Paid plans include Flex ($9.99 per event) for up to 100 tickets, and Pro ($29+/month) for up to 100 tickets. These plans offer varying features and benefits to cater to different event hosting needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple, elegant, and clean user interface
- Its cloud-based system offers convenience and easy collaboration.
- Has an affordable pricing structure
Cons
- Some users expressed frustration with customer support
- Limited customization options
3. Stova
Stova is an event management ecosystem with a strong focus on virtual and hybrid event organization.
It offers solutions for event registration, marketing, operations, and attendee engagement. The platform also provides tools for performance tracking, reporting, and API integrations.
Relevant Features
- Registration: Register attendees with customizable forms that gather the information you need.
- Virtual & Hybrid Events: Create virtual and hybrid event experiences with real-time interaction.
- Managed Service: Get the Stova team to build custom products tailored to your event and train your staff in using them.
Pricing
Contact sales for a quote.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a wide range of tools for seamless event planning and execution
- Provides personalized, branded mobile apps for events
- Features modern data processing and analytics
Cons
- Users report a high starting price point
4. Bizzabo
Bizzabo is an all-in-one event management platform that provides a comprehensive solution for organizing and hosting events of various formats.
It offers a range of tools and capabilities designed to streamline event planning, management, and execution.
Relevant Features
- Event Registration and Marketing: Simplify event registration and marketing for any event format or size, create a unique branded event website, and personalize attendee communications.
- Event Management: Streamline communications across your entire team and manage onsite check-in, badge printing, scanning, and more from one central hub.
- Event Engagement: Deliver immersive event experiences with next-level engagement tools, including virtual clapping, chat channels, polls, surveys, Q&A, and social sharing.
Pricing
Bizzabo offers different plans tailored for various event program needs, ranging from Essential for early-stage event programs to Enterprise for premium brands. You’ll need to contact sales for pricing information.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Helpful and supportive team
- Simplifies and eases attendee networking
- Good range of features
Cons
- Lengthy setup process
- Missing functionality for scheduling 1-on-1 meetings
- Polling functionality is not as smooth as expected
5. RSVPify
RSVPify is a comprehensive event management software that offers a wide range of features to help users organize and manage various types of events, from small private gatherings to large enterprise functions.
It provides tools for event registration, online RSVP tracking, ticket sales, virtual event management, website creation, customization, security measures, and more.
Relevant Features
- Event Registration: Create flexible forms for hassle-free event registrations.
- Event Website Builder: Host all your event details in one place with limitless customization options.
- Design & Customization: Make your event and brand shine with powerful customization.
Pricing
Plans start at $19 per month for personal events and go up to $499 per month for enterprise-level events, with different features and tools included in each plan.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Helpful and prompt customer service
- Easy to use and intuitive
- Offers the ability to modify the landing page and manage RSVPs
- The customization and design options are well-received
Cons
- Has limitations in terms of design elements and features
- There are concerns about the functionality of certain features (e.g., QR code scanning)
6. ClearEvent
ClearEvent is an event management software that aims to simplify the planning and execution of in-person or hybrid events. It features ticketing, check-in and registration, event surveys, and more.
Relevant Features
- Register Attendees: Create custom registration forms for different types of participants.
- Sell & Manage Booths: Efficiently handle booth sales for your event.
- Event Dashboard: Gain operational oversight and view your event at a glance.
Pricing
Pricing starts at $49.95 per month (billed annually), with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy and fun to use
- Users appreciate the common-sense approach
- Customer support has been praised
- Positive feedback on the value for money, ease of use, and features.
Cons
- Some users find the app a bit confusing at times
- Steep learning curve
Conclusion
Academic and higher education event management software can help you plan, organize, and execute successful events for your institution. Whether you need to host virtual or hybrid events, engage your attendees, collect feedback, or measure the impact of your events, there is a tool that can meet your needs.
At Superevent, we offer event organizers all the tools they need to plan and execute successful in-person, virtual, or hybrid academic events. From attendee engagement features to simple content management and app design, our platform is designed to make event management easier and more efficient.
You can sign up for free and start creating your own events today.
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