Top 5 best event management software providers for 2026

Here is your complete guide to the best event management software providers and what distinguishes them.

We uncover what organizers must consider when choosing a platform to enhance exhibitions and meet visitor needs.

A key part is ensuring that the provider streamlines and optimizes the experience before, during and after your event.

Top features to look out for when choosing the best platform include:

• Advanced lead retrieval
• Optimized registration
• Data capture and analysis
• Clear meeting scheduling
• Exhibitor manual
• Monetization options
• Mobile app
• Event website
• Customization and white labelling
• Exhibitor/Sponsor and product directory

The best exhibition platforms offer sub-features and additional tech solutions to enhance the experience.

Organizer priorities when choosing an event management software provider

Comprehensive solution or easy integration

Event management platforms exist to make the exhibition process more seamless.

A key part of this is ensuring the tech easily integrates with the digital tools used by organizers.

Registration, meeting scheduling, lead retrieval etc. The platform you chose must easily integrate with such tools.

The best platforms will also provide comprehensive solutions for the above attributes.

With this approach, organizers provide exhibitors with an omnichannel dashboard that enables them to prioritize meetings and track important information in real-time.

This makes lead retrieval seamless – tracking the quality and quantity of leads in one place makes it easy to determine event ROI. 

Flexibility and scalability

Organizers can have portfolios containing shows across different sectors in various formats – including executive summits, B2B trade shows or conferences.

Some event management software providers specialize in specific formats, while others cater to all setups.

This means organizers should prioritize from a functionality standpoint.

Consider whether it is better to have one versatile platform that covers all the basics of every format or pick multiple platforms that are each suitable for purpose.

Monetization

Your ideal event management software should first and foremost be seen as an essential tool enabling organizers to generate revenue rather than be considered a cost.

Clear monetization options should be available to ensure the ROI gained from the platform far outweighs the cost.

These will come in the form of packages for both exhibitors and sponsors.

The options will include premium exhibitor profiles, digital ad space, interactive splash screens, etc.  

This increases the value of events and provides more opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to stand out using your event platform.

Data security and ownership

A lot of important data passes through your event management software.

Ensuring this information is safe and secure is crucial when choosing a provider of this tech.

Check that they adhere to all data security compliance and standard practices.

There are also different approaches to data ownership among event platforms.

Some believe that organizers should retain complete and exclusive control over their user data, while other platforms believe in shared ownership.

The latter means the vendor is not obligated to delete the organizer’s data upon request.

Organizers who want to be in absolute possession of their user data should consider this when choosing an event management software provider – one that will respect their data autonomy.

Bizaboo

Bizaboo is a platform that specializes in conferences and online events.

They provide registration solutions, agenda building and engagement tools.

Bizaboo also offers webinar event options to increase its value.

This platform is suitable for conferences, smaller B2B shows and virtual events. 

EventsAir

EventsAir offers several basic solutions for each stage of the event process.

They have networking, lead management, registration and reporting options.

EventsAir provides budgeting and accounting tools to help set up an event quickly.

This is a suitable platform for first-time organizers or smaller trade shows that need to cover all the bases.

ExpoPlatform

ExpoPlatform provides solutions in lead retrieval, event apps, AI-powered matchmaking, registration, event websites and data analytics.

They offer a 365 community platform for organizers to keep their audiences connected year-round.

ExpoPlatform also provides a range of monetization options for sponsors and exhibitors.

Organizers have access to a library of resources that provides information on different areas of the event process.

Ideal for organizers of large-scale exhibitions and trade fairs looking for a comprehensive solution with monetization options to increase value.

Grip

Grip offers event management and engagement tools – networking, meeting scheduling, lead capture and events apps.

They offer badge scanning and smart badges that provide heat mapping insights.

Their modular solutions can integrate with native systems in these areas.

Grip is suitable for event organizers focused on networking solutions.

Swapcard

Swapcard provides event registration, networking, lead scanning and data reporting.

They provide monetization options for sponsors to increase event value.

Their registration solution offers on-site, self-service check-ins, badge printing or monitored access points if preferred.

This platform is suitable for events that do not require extensive customization.

Is ExpoPlatform the best event management software provider for you?

ExpoPlatform has been named by many as the best event management platform for big exhibitions and B2B trade shows.

This is evident from being the official provider of tech for some of the largest event organizers around the globe such as – IMEX, UFI and GITEX. 

If you are looking for a comprehensive solution that will help grow your event and increase ROI, ExpoPlatform is your best option.

An all-in-one platform that provides premium event tech to advance your exhibitions.

Book a free consultation here to discuss exactly how we can do this at your next event.