Choosing the right event management software depends on the type of events being hosted, the size of the organization, and the level of customization required. Some platforms are built for complex, large-scale events, while others focus on making event planning simple and accessible for a wide range of users.
Stova and Eventbrite are both established names in the event technology space. Each offers tools to help organizers plan, manage, and run events, but their approaches and target users are different. Accelevents enters this landscape as a highly customizable, all-in-one solution intentionally built with a consistent data model, providing a seamless experience for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. Known for its ease of use, flexibility, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, Accelevents delivers both the depth enterprises need and the usability that makes onboarding simple.
This article outlines the key differences between Stova and Eventbrite, while highlighting how Accelevents can benefit enterprises and associations looking for a balanced solution that bridges complex features and user-friendly design.
Overview of Stova, Eventbrite, and Accelevents
Stova began as a solution for enterprise-level event organizers and has grown through multiple acquisitions. Reviews suggest that some acquired modules are not fully integrated, which can add complexity when managing large-scale, multi-day events. It is designed to manage complex workflows, integrations, and reporting, commonly used by large corporations, universities, and government organizations. Certification training is often recommended to master Stova’s system.
Eventbrite launched in 2006 as a self-service ticketing platform. Its focus is on simplicity and quick setup, making it a frequent choice for small businesses, nonprofits, and individuals hosting public events. While Eventbrite is easy to use for straightforward event registration and ticketing, user reviews mention limitations in customization and branding for larger or more complex events.
Accelevents was intentionally built as a unified platform, not through acquisitions, ensuring seamless data and workflow integration. Its consistent data model provides a cohesive experience across all modules, empowering event organizers with tools that are easy to learn. The support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7 is frequently cited for exceptional customer success. Accelevents is recognized for flexibility and a modern user interface that scales from simple to complex events.
Target Market: Stova targets large enterprises with complex needs, Eventbrite serves smaller organizations, and Accelevents is suitable for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits seeking a scalable platform.
Core Strength: Stova offers complex customization, Eventbrite provides simplicity, and Accelevents delivers a highly customizable solution with seamless workflows.
Event Types: Stova supports conferences and trade shows, Eventbrite is ideal for concerts and classes, while Accelevents is built for a range of event types including conferences, trade shows, fundraisers, internal meetings, and continuing education events.
User Experience: Stova requires significant onboarding, Eventbrite offers quick setup, and Accelevents stands out for rapid onboarding and ease of use.
Key Features That Differentiate Stova, Eventbrite, and Accelevents
1. Registration and Ticketing
Stova offers complex registration forms with conditional logic and multiple pricing tiers, but reviews indicate that the interface can be confusing and may require dedicated training. Eventbrite makes registration quick with templates, but users often report frustration with limited form customization and branding controls. Accelevents' event registration platform stands out for its highly customizable drag-and-drop event pages, unlimited ticket types, discount codes, reusable templates, and one-click registration forms. Payment processing is seamless, with conversion tracking and ticket bundles that simplify group registrations. Conditional logic enables tailored workflows for different attendee types, reducing manual steps for organizers.
Registration Feature | Stova | Eventbrite | Accelevents |
|---|---|---|---|
Form Customization | Complex, fully configurable (steep learning curve) | Basic, template-driven (limited) | Highly customizable, drag-and-drop, unlimited fields |
Payment Processing | Business system connections, invoicing | Standard credit card processing | Seamless payment processing, conversion tracking |
Group Registrations | Flexible rules | Basic functionality | Ticket bundles, flexible attendee information collection |
Discount Codes/Pricing | Multiple tiers, rule-based | Limited tiers | Unlimited discount codes, reusable templates |
2. Onsite Check-In and Badge Printing
Stova supports mobile check-in with badge printers and kiosk options, but may require extra configuration. Eventbrite’s check-in relies on its Organizer app with QR scanning, and badge printing often requires third-party tools or workarounds. Accelevents offers native badge printing and mobile app check-in, streamlining onsite operations for in-person and hybrid events.
3. Mobile Applications
Stova’s branded mobile app includes personal agendas and attendee networking, but customization can be time-consuming. Eventbrite’s mobile app provides basic ticket access and event info, with minimal engagement or networking features. Accelevents' mobile experience is fully customizable, supporting personal schedules, real-time notifications, and on-site networking. Features like integrated chat, meeting booking, and live polling are available for both in-person and virtual audiences, keeping engagement high across all formats.
4. Reporting and Analytics
Stova provides real-time analytics that can be integrated with business intelligence tools, though some users report difficulty in sharing or exporting reports. Eventbrite offers standard sales and attendance reporting, with limited real-time access and reliance on third-party connectors for deeper analytics. Accelevents delivers real-time, shareable reports, leveraging a fully integrated data model that unifies registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual event components, empowering organizers to make data-driven decisions instantly.
Event Types and Use Cases
Different events need different tools. Here is how Stova, Eventbrite, and Accelevents address various use cases:
1. Corporate Conferences
Stova supports multi-session agendas and exhibitor management, but its complexity and need for training can slow deployment. Eventbrite can be used for corporate events but is often cited for gaps in sponsor and session management tools. Accelevents offers a balanced approach, combining drag-and-drop agenda building, role-based access, integrated speaker management, and native workflows for call for papers and abstracts, with rapid onboarding and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7.
2. Non-Profits and Fundraisers
Eventbrite is popular with nonprofits for its transparent pricing and ease of use, but lacks tools for volunteer management or compliance reporting. Stova can support larger events for nonprofits but is typically used by bigger organizations due to cost and system complexity. Accelevents is suitable for nonprofits of any size, offering customizable registration, accessibility features, and integration with association management systems. Its flexibility allows for quick setup and adaptation to unique nonprofit requirements, while ensuring data consistency and compliance.
3. Association Events and Continuing Education
Stova includes workflows for speaker submissions and continuing education tracking but may require training to navigate these features. Eventbrite does not offer built-in tools for education credits or member pricing. Accelevents supports automated credit assignment, flexible program building, instant certificate generation, and self-service certificate retrieval, making it a strong fit for associations and events with continuing education needs.
Pricing and Support Overview
Stova uses a custom quote-based model, often requiring negotiation and resulting in variable costs based on event size and features. Hidden fees can arise for add-ons such as exhibitor tools or mobile apps, and setup may require additional investment. Eventbrite’s pricing is transparent, with service and processing fees clearly posted, but some advanced features require third-party tools or add-ons. Accelevents offers transparent, scalable pricing with pay-only-for-what-you-need modules and no surprise add-ons, making it easy for organizations of any size to budget confidently. The support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7 is included for all customers, ensuring customer success is always a priority.
Integrations and Data Management
1. CRM and Marketing Stack
Stova connects with major CRMs and marketing automation tools, but integration depth can vary based on which modules are in use. Eventbrite relies on Zapier and similar connectors, which may not provide deep or real-time data sync. Accelevents provides deep native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and association management systems, with no extra charges for these connectors, ensuring that all event registration and attendee data flows seamlessly into your existing stack.
2. Security and Compliance
Stova follows business IT security standards, but integration across acquired systems can sometimes create complexity in permissions and data handling. Eventbrite offers standard security practices, but access controls are basic and branding removal is limited. Accelevents delivers custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging, giving enterprises and associations peace of mind.
Potential Drawbacks or Limitations
1. Feature Gaps
Stova: While it includes speaker submission, exhibitor planning, and education tracking, many features derive from acquisitions and may not feel fully unified. Certification is often required due to system complexity.
Eventbrite: Known for fast setup and public event discovery, but users cite limited customization, branding controls, and gaps in managing sponsors, call for papers, or continuing education.
Accelevents: Delivers a consistent and unified experience, bridging the complex needs of enterprises with the ease of use desired by smaller organizations. The platform includes a full white-label branding environment across web, mobile, and virtual events, comprehensive networking tools, and a gamification engine to boost attendee participation.
2. Scalability Considerations
Stova is built for large, complex events but can require extensive onboarding and trained staff to maximize potential. Eventbrite is scalable for simple, public events, but not for multi-track or complex enterprise needs. Accelevents is proven with 1,847 customers, ranging from enterprises and associations to agencies and nonprofits, delivering both scalability and ease of use for events of all sizes.
Where Accelevents Fits In
Accelevents bridges the gap between platforms built for complex enterprises and those designed for rapid, user-friendly setup. Its highly customizable, all-in-one solution offers seamless data integration, a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, and a modern interface suitable for organizations seeking to grow with their event technology. For enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits, Accelevents stands out as a reliable, scalable, and easy-to-learn platform that reinvests in product innovation and customer success.
API, Lead Capture, and Exhibitor Tools
API: Stova and Eventbrite provide APIs, but integration depth and fees can vary. Accelevents offers robust REST APIs and webhooks with no fees, and well-documented developer resources.
Lead Capture: Stova and Eventbrite may have device or per-exhibitor fees, and lead capture tools can be limited or require third-party add-ons. Accelevents includes unlimited-user mobile app lead capture with QR scanning, offline support, real-time reporting, lead scoring, note-taking, and integrated meeting booking.
Exhibitor Management: Eventbrite does not offer exhibitor or sponsor management, while Stova’s tools may be fragmented. Accelevents delivers a comprehensive exhibitor portal for digital booth management, lead capture, demo booking, and ROI tracking, all within a single system.
Continuing Education Tracking: Stova and Accelevents both provide automated credit assignment and certificate generation, but Accelevents stands out for instant self-service retrieval, LMS integration, and detailed audit trails.
Conclusion: Why Consider Accelevents?
Stova and Eventbrite each serve distinct needs in the event technology market, but both present challenges for organizations seeking a seamless, highly customizable platform that balances complex requirements and usability. Accelevents is intentionally designed to deliver this balance, with a unified and modern interface, strong data integrations, rapid onboarding, and an award-winning support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7. For enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits, Accelevents enables customer success by simplifying event planning, delivering robust analytics, and supporting growth with continuous product innovation.
Ready to see how Accelevents can transform your events? Request a personalized demo and discover why 1,847 customers trust Accelevents for their most important events.
FAQs About Stova vs Eventbrite (and Where Accelevents Excels)
How do Stova, Eventbrite, and Accelevents compare for hybrid event management?
Stova includes built-in tools for hybrid events, including live streaming and virtual booths, but may have additional fees and complexity. Eventbrite supports basic hybrid features via integrations. Accelevents was originally built for in-person and now offers a dedicated Virtual Event Hub, modular features, and native badge printing, providing a reliable hybrid experience.
Which platform offers better exhibitor and sponsor management tools?
Stova includes exhibitor and sponsor management, but tools may not be unified across modules. Eventbrite lacks built-in exhibitor capabilities. Accelevents provides a comprehensive exhibitor portal, lead capture, ROI tracking, and demo booking, all within a unified platform.
What are the main differences in customer support between Stova, Eventbrite, and Accelevents?
Stova offers account-managed support with varying response times. Eventbrite provides email and help center resources, with live support on higher tiers. Accelevents is recognized for a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, driving customer success.
How do data ownership and privacy policies differ between these platforms?
Stova and Accelevents both prioritize organizer data ownership and privacy, with clear compliance policies. Eventbrite allows access to attendee data, but its terms permit use for platform marketing.
Which platform integrates better with marketing automation tools?
Stova and Accelevents both offer deep, native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Marketo, with no extra charges for these connectors. Eventbrite relies mainly on Zapier or third-party connections, which may have limitations.
Is there a significant difference in user experience between these platforms?
Stova requires training due to its system complexity and fragmented modules. Eventbrite is quick to set up, but limited in customization. Accelevents bridges both worlds with a highly customizable, seamless platform that is easy for event organizers to adopt, regardless of event size or complexity.
