Compare the Best Conference Management Software

Running a successful conference isn’t just about booking a venue and sending invites; it’s about managing hundreds of moving parts from registration and agendas to speaker coordination and attendee engagement.

And let’s face it, spreadsheets and siloed tools just don’t cut it anymore.

That’s why more associations and event teams are turning to purpose-built conference management software. But with so many options out there, how do you know which one’s right for you?

This guide breaks down what to look for, how top tools compare, and when it’s time to upgrade to an all-in-one system. Whether you’re planning a small annual meeting or a large international conference, we’ll help you find the right fit.

What to Look for in Conference Management Software

Not all conference tools are built the same, and choosing the wrong one can slow down your team, frustrate your attendees, and create unnecessary work. The right software should support your event goals from start to finish, not add more complexity.

Here’s what to prioritize when evaluating solutions:

• Ease of use: If your team needs weeks of training just to use the system, it’s not the right one. A clean interface saves time and reduces errors.
• All-in-one capability: Look for platforms that handle registration, agenda building, communication, payments, and analytics all in one place.
• Support and service: Even the best tools need great support. Make sure the vendor offers responsive help before, during, and after your event.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re must-haves for a professional conference experience.

Must-Have Features for Professional Events

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Professional events demand more than just basic registration tools. To deliver a high-quality experience for both organizers and attendees, your conference software needs to come packed with features that actually support your workflow.

Look for tools that offer:

• Custom registration forms: Tailor the experience to your audience with fields that capture what matters most.
• Agenda builders: Easily set up multi-track sessions, speaker bios, and real-time updates attendees can access from any device.
• Speaker and sponsor management: Keep bios, session slots, contracts, and promotions organized in one place.
• Check-in and badge printing: Make onsite logistics smooth and professional.

The right features reduce manual work, improve attendee satisfaction, and make your event feel polished from start to finish.

Integration Capabilities and Scalability

Choosing conference management software isn’t just about what it can do today; it’s about how well it will grow with you.

Strong integration and scalability look like this:

• CRM and marketing integrations: Sync attendee data with your CRM or email marketing platforms to keep engagement going after the event.
• Payment gateways: Seamlessly connect with payment processors for ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.
• Flexibility for future growth: As your events get bigger or more complex, your software should be able to handle more sessions, attendees, and customizations without a full system replacement.

Without good integrations and scalability, even the best software can quickly feel like a bad fit.

Data Security and Compliance Considerations

When managing event registrations, payments, and personal information, protecting that data is not optional; it’s mandatory.

Here’s what to check for in any conference management software:

• GDPR, CCPA, and PCI compliance: Your platform should meet international data protection and payment standards.
• Secure data storage and encryption: Look for end-to-end encryption, secure cloud hosting, and clear privacy policies.
• User access controls: Make sure you can manage who on your team has access to different parts of attendee and financial data.

Trust is everything in event planning. Choosing a secure, compliant system protects your members, your organization, and your reputation.

Conference Management Tools Compared

Now that you know what to look for, let’s break down how some of the most popular conference management platforms stack up.

Each tool offers something a little different, depending on the size of your event, the type of organization you are, and how much customization you need.

We'll walk you through three major players: Glue Up, Eventbrite, and Cvent, and then provide a side-by-side comparison table to make choosing easier.

Glue Up

Glue Up offers an all-in-one conference management solution designed specifically for associations, chambers, and membership-driven organizations.

Key strengths include:

• Integrated CRM and event management: Manage attendees, sponsors, speakers, and members all in one place.
• Customizable registration and ticketing: Tailor forms, pricing tiers, and access levels without needing outside plugins.
• Mobile event apps: Attendees can view agendas, connect with others, and receive real-time updates through a branded app.
• Engagement and retention tools: Built-in email marketing, community forums, and AI-powered insights to keep the conversation going post-event.

Glue Up focuses on more than just running events; it helps you strengthen long-term member relationships while simplifying operations.

Eventbrite

Eventbrite is one of the most recognizable names in the event space, offering a user-friendly platform mainly focused on ticketing and basic event promotion.

Key strengths include:

• Easy setup: Create event pages, sell tickets, and start promoting within minutes, even without technical experience.
• Built-in marketing tools: Basic email invitations, social media promotion, and partnerships with platforms like Facebook.
• Flexible for public events: Great for concerts, workshops, and community events with straightforward registration needs.

While Eventbrite is an excellent choice for smaller or public events, it’s less suited for large-scale conferences that require complex agendas, member management, or integrated CRM systems.

Cvent

Cvent is a powerhouse in the event technology world, built for large-scale conferences, corporate events, and organizations that need deep functionality across every stage of planning.

Key strengths include:

• Advanced event management tools: From venue sourcing to session tracking, Cvent offers one of the most comprehensive feature sets on the market.
• Robust reporting and analytics: Track registrations, engagement, ROI, and attendee behavior with detailed reporting dashboards.
• Strong integration network: Cvent connects with dozens of CRM, marketing, and finance systems to support enterprise-level needs.

Cvent is a strong fit if you run complex, high-volume events, but it can feel overwhelming (and expensive) for smaller organizations or those with simpler needs.

Feature Comparison Table

To make it easier to spot the differences, here’s a simplified comparison of Glue Up, Eventbrite, and Cvent:

Each tool has strengths, but if you’re planning a member-driven or professionally organized conference, an integrated, all-in-one system like Glue Up can make a big difference.