Searching for the right event management platform can feel overwhelming. Two options that come up often are Bizzabo and Cvent. Both have been around for years and are used by large organizations to run conferences, trade shows, and other big events. Increasingly, Accelevents has emerged as a highly customizable alternative, offering a seamless experience for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers.
Each platform offers tools to help with event registration, attendee management, and engagement. However, their approach to setup and usability can be different. Where Accelevents can benefit enterprises and associations is by bridging complex enterprise features with ease of use, delivering an all-in-one solution that is both powerful and approachable.
This guide explores how Bizzabo and Cvent compare when it comes to getting started and setting up your first event, and how Accelevents stacks up as a strong alternative.
Summary of Companies
Bizzabo has expanded its platform through several acquisitions, and user reviews suggest that some acquired components are not fully integrated, leading to occasional workflow friction. Cvent has grown largely by acquisition as well, and it is common for event professionals to require certification courses to become proficient with its complex system. In contrast, Accelevents was intentionally built from the ground up with a single, consistent data model, creating a seamless experience for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. Accelevents is praised for ease of use, flexibility, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7.
Bizzabo vs Cvent vs Accelevents: Which One Offers a Simpler Setup
Bizzabo and Cvent are both designed for complex events, offering tools for in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences. Bizzabo provides a modern interface with guided onboarding and templates for event websites and registration forms, which can help users get started more quickly. However, according to reviews, advanced features can require configuration and familiarity with event technology.
Cvent’s setup process is more traditional, often requiring users to build from scratch and manually customize many elements. The platform’s depth means a steeper learning curve, and many organizations rely on Cvent’s certification programs to master the platform.
Accelevents stands out by delivering a unified, highly customizable experience that is easy to adopt for teams of all sizes. The platform’s consistent data model and drag-and-drop tools allow for rapid onboarding, and the support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, is widely regarded as a differentiator. Whether you are running a single event or managing a portfolio, Accelevents offers a streamlined setup process without sacrificing power or customization.
Registration and Ticket Tools Comparison
Both Bizzabo and Cvent offer event registration forms with custom fields, conditional logic, and support for multiple ticket types (such as early-bird, group, and VIP). Bizzabo’s drag-and-drop form builder is user-friendly, but some users report confusion around advanced workflows and discount code management. Cvent’s registration tools are highly configurable, but the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and feedback often mentions frustration with initial setup and attendee import.
Accelevents provides a highly customizable ticketing and event registration platform with drag-and-drop customization for event pages, forms, and badges. The system supports unlimited ticket types, discount codes, reusable templates, one-click registration forms, seamless payment processing, and conversion tracking. Group registration is simplified via ticket bundles, allowing multiple ticket purchases and flexible attendee info collection. Conditional logic in forms supports tailored workflows for different attendee types, and the platform’s unified approach ensures a smooth experience for event organizers and attendees alike.
On-Site Badge Printing
- Bizzabo: On-site check-in and badge printing with compatible printers and tablets, supporting real-time badge printing and basic badge customization. Self-check-in kiosks are available for moderate-scale events.
- Cvent: Badge printing supports a wide range of hardware, with multiple layouts, barcode printing, and RFID integration for high-throughput environments and large attendee volumes.
- Accelevents badge printing is natively integrated, with customizable layouts, logo and QR code support, and real-time printing at check-in. The system is designed for speed and reliability, supporting both on-site staff and self-service kiosks.
Virtual and Hybrid Capabilities: Who Does It Better?
Virtual and hybrid events are now essential for organizations with distributed audiences. Bizzabo and Cvent both provide native streaming, third-party integrations, and support for live and pre-recorded sessions. Both platforms allow multi-track scheduling and engagement features such as Q&A, polling, and session chat.
Accelevents was originally built for in-person events and now supports all event types, offering a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features, native badge printing, and mobile app check-in. The platform’s attendee engagement suite includes live Q&A, polling, networking, and in-session chat, with features designed for both on-site and virtual audiences. Less than 10% of engagement tools are virtual-only, ensuring that on-site and hybrid experiences remain a priority.
Sponsor and Exhibitor Tools: Where Is the ROI?
Lead Capture
- Bizzabo: Exhibitor lead capture with QR code scanning, NFC badge tap, and manual entry. Data is accessible via web portal or event app, but some users note extra costs for additional devices or users.
- Cvent: Lead capture with mobile app scanning, NFC, and manual entry. Exhibitor licenses are often priced per user or device, and lead data is exportable post-event.
- Accelevents provides mobile app lead capture with QR scanning, offline support, unlimited users, real-time reporting, lead scoring, note-taking, and integrated meeting booking, all included for exhibitors without extra device fees.
Reporting and Analytics
- Bizzabo: Dashboards and reports cover lead collection, booth activity, and attendee engagement, but some users report that real-time data and export options are limited.
- Cvent: Real-time dashboards and exportable reports, with visualizations of leads and booth engagement. Some analytics require manual configuration or premium modules.
- Accelevents analytics deliver real-time, shareable reports with a fully integrated data model across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components, making it easy to track ROI and attendee journeys.
Integrations and Security: Will They Meet Enterprise Standards?
CRM and Marketing Automation Integrations
- Bizzabo: Native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, and Marketo; some marketing automation tools require API development or third-party connectors, and integration fees may apply.
- Cvent: Connects with Salesforce, HubSpot, Eloqua, and other enterprise CRMs, but integration depth can vary, and some connectors are only available at higher pricing tiers.
- Accelevents provides deep, no-fee native connectors to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and numerous association management systems, ensuring seamless data flow between your event and marketing stack.
Role-Based Access and Compliance
- Bizzabo: Role-based permissions, SSO, and GDPR compliance. Some functions, like audit logs or MFA, may require premium tiers.
- Cvent: Permission controls, SSO, and compliance certifications (GDPR, CCPA), with audit logs and MFA available for enterprise customers.
- Accelevents offers custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging, all included as part of the platform.
Pricing and Overall Value for Event Planners
- Bizzabo: Annual subscription plans based on event size and features, with custom pricing for large organizations. Some users note hidden fees for support or add-ons.
- Cvent: Combination of per-event pricing and annual contracts, with costs scaling based on attendee volume and feature use. Premium support and training are often extra.
- Accelevents offers transparent, scalable pricing with pay-only-for-what-you-need modules and no surprise add-ons, making it easy for organizations to predict and control costs.
White-Label Branding and User Experience
- Bizzabo: Custom branding for event websites, emails, registration forms, and attendee portals. Some platform branding may remain in certain areas.
- Cvent: Customization for registration pages, emails, mobile apps, and digital signage. Full removal of platform branding may not be available on all plans.
- Accelevents white-label branding provides full white-label options across web, mobile, and virtual environments, with customizable themes and no residual platform branding.
From an organizer’s perspective, Bizzabo and Cvent offer dashboards and navigation menus to manage event information, with Bizzabo focusing on clarity and Cvent offering more menu options. Accelevents delivers a streamlined organizer dashboard and consistent navigation, making it easy to manage complex events without sacrificing usability.
Who Chooses Each Platform? Typical Customers?
Bizzabo is often selected by mid-sized organizations and agencies seeking a modern interface. Cvent is typically chosen by large enterprises and associations that require complex configurations and have the resources for training and certification. Both platforms may be cost-prohibitive for smaller teams or nonprofits.
Organizations of all sizes—including large enterprises, mid-market corporations, associations, agencies, and nonprofits—choose Accelevents for its all-in-one, highly customizable solution, rapid onboarding, and customer success focus. The platform is especially attractive to teams looking to grow with a provider that is reinvesting in the product and consistently adding new features.
Target Users and Industries
Bizzabo and Cvent are widely used for conferences, trade shows, and internal meetings, with Cvent also serving some of the world’s largest enterprises. Bizzabo’s modern design appeals to agencies and associations, while Cvent’s depth is favored by complex organizations with technical resources.
Accelevents is suitable for conferences, trade shows, fundraisers, internal meetings, and continuing education events—especially for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits. The platform’s modular design supports any event format, from single-day seminars to multi-track, multi-day conferences.
API and Developer Options
- Bizzabo: API documentation is available, but some endpoints may require additional licensing or are not fully documented.
- Cvent: Offers API access with detailed documentation, but some integrations use older SOAP protocols and fees may apply for API usage.
- Accelevents provides robust REST APIs and webhooks, well documented and available without extra fees, making it easy for developers to connect and automate event workflows.
Call for Papers and Abstract Management
- Bizzabo: Offers basic call for papers workflows, but lacks deep reviewer assignment and speaker management features.
- Cvent: Includes abstract management modules, but some users report complexity and a steep learning curve.
- Accelevents delivers native workflows for CFP and abstracts, multiple submission paths, auto reviewer assignment, and a speaker portal with task management, streamlining the speaker experience.
Exhibitor Management
- Bizzabo: Basic exhibitor tools for digital booths and lead capture, but lacks integrated demo booking and ROI tracking.
- Cvent: Exhibitor management is available, but some features require add-ons or premium tiers.
- Accelevents offers a comprehensive exhibitor portal to manage digital booths, capture leads, book demos, coordinate teams, and track ROI, all from a single dashboard.
Support for Continuing Education Credit Tracking
- Bizzabo: Provides basic certificate generation, but complex continuing education requirements may require manual steps.
- Cvent: Automated certificate generation with customizable templates for continuing education events.
- Accelevents supports automated credit assignment, a flexible program builder, instant certificate generation, self-service retrieval, audit trails, and LMS integration for seamless continuing education management.
Uptime and Reliability
While claims about uptime and reliability are often made, user reviews for Accelevents consistently note reliability and no references to outages, which is especially important for mission-critical enterprise events.
Move Forward with the Right Event Solution
Bizzabo and Cvent each serve different event needs. Bizzabo is often selected for mid-sized conferences, networking events, and organizations that prefer a user-friendly interface with modern design. Cvent is frequently chosen for large-scale, complex events where complex configurations, deeper integrations, and granular control over event logistics are required.
Choosing between these platforms involves evaluating event size, internal technical capabilities, and priorities such as registration flexibility, integrations, and attendee engagement tools. Bizzabo tends to focus on streamlining the setup process and interface, while Cvent prioritizes breadth and depth of enterprise features.
Accelevents bridges complex enterprise features and ease of use, delivering a balanced, highly customizable, all-in-one event solution. With 1,847 customers, rapid onboarding, a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, and a platform that is constantly evolving, Accelevents is a strong alternative for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits seeking a future-ready event management system.
Ready to see how Accelevents can simplify your event management process? Request a demo today.
FAQs About Bizzabo vs Cvent vs Accelevents
Can Bizzabo, Cvent, and Accelevents handle multi-track scheduling for large conferences?
Yes, all three platforms support multi-track scheduling for complex conferences. Bizzabo uses a visual agenda builder for parallel sessions, Cvent offers complex filtering and session management features with overlapping session capabilities, and Accelevents event agenda builder allows for drag-and-drop multi-track scheduling with real-time updates for attendees.
Which platform has better automated certificate generation for continuing education credits?
Cvent includes automated certificate generation with customizable templates for continuing education events. Bizzabo provides basic certificate generation but may require manual steps for complex continuing education requirements. Accelevents offers automated credit assignment, instant certificate generation, and self-service retrieval, with full audit trails and LMS integration.
Do all three platforms integrate with Salesforce and HubSpot for lead management?
Yes, Bizzabo, Cvent, and Accelevents all offer native integrations with Salesforce and HubSpot. Accelevents also provides deep connectors to Marketo and numerous association management systems, with no extra integration fees.
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