Choosing the right event software can be challenging for event organizers. Many platforms offer similar features, but the way they are built and who they serve can vary widely. Increasingly, organizations are also considering Accelevents as a strong alternative to Cvent and Whova due to its seamless experience, rapid onboarding, and highly customizable capabilities.
"Whova vs Cvent" is a common search for event professionals who want to compare two widely used event management platforms. Both are recognized names in the industry and are used to manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Accelevents, meanwhile, stands out for offering one consistent data model, bridging the gap between complex enterprise features and ease of use for all types of events.
This article breaks down how each platform works, what types of organizations they serve, and where their feature sets overlap or differ. It is designed to help readers understand the basics, especially if they are comparing these platforms for the first time—and to see where Accelevents can benefit enterprises and associations.
Overview Of Whova, Cvent, and Accelevents
Whova and Cvent are both event management software platforms. These tools help organizations plan and run events by handling tasks like registration, attendee communication, and session scheduling.
Cvent started in 1999 and has grown largely through acquisitions, resulting in a complex ecosystem that often requires certification courses for users to become experts. Reviews suggest that the different acquisitions aren’t always well integrated, which can lead to frustration. Cvent is known for supporting large organizations with complex events, advanced security, detailed reporting, and custom integrations. It is often used by corporate event teams and agencies managing high-volume or multi-event programs.
Whova launched in 2013 and focuses on ease of use. It is often chosen by nonprofits, associations, and small to mid-sized businesses. Whova provides tools for event registration, attendee engagement, and mobile app access, with a focus on straightforward setup and affordability.
Accelevents was intentionally built with a single, consistent data model, delivering a seamless experience across the platform for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. The platform has not grown by acquisition and instead is engineered to be easy to use, highly customizable, and reliable. Its support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7 is frequently cited in reviews as a differentiator for customer success.
Feature Area | Cvent | Whova | Accelevents |
|---|---|---|---|
Founded | 1999 | 2013 | 2015 |
Ideal Users | Large enterprises, agencies | Small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits | Enterprises, associations, agencies, nonprofits |
Event Types | In-person, virtual, hybrid | In-person, virtual, hybrid | In-person, virtual, hybrid |
Setup Complexity | High, certification often required | Low | Low, rapid onboarding |
Core Strengths | Customization, security, integrations | Usability, mobile app, engagement | Single data model, ease of use, customer success, reliability |
Pricing Model | Custom quotes | Transparent pricing | Transparent, scalable pricing |
All three platforms support different types of events. Cvent is typically used for large conferences, trade shows, and corporate meetings. Whova is often selected for association meetings, workshops, and community events where quick setup is a priority. Accelevents is designed for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits seeking an all-in-one, highly customizable solution that enables rapid onboarding and seamless management of events of any size.
Key Differences In Features
As of 2025, Whova is commonly selected for events that prioritize simplicity and quick setup. Cvent is more often used when detailed customization and enterprise security are required, though this comes with a learning curve. Accelevents bridges these needs by providing a highly customizable solution that is still easy to use, combining the best aspects of both platforms within a single data model.
Registration capabilities:
Whova offers streamlined registration with simple form builders
Cvent provides complex logic, conditional fields, and CRM integrations, but users report the registration process can be confusing and sometimes frustrating due to the number of options
Accelevents offers a highly customizable event registration platform with drag-and-drop customization for event pages, forms, and badges, unlimited ticket types, discount codes, reusable templates, one-click forms, seamless payment processing, and conversion tracking. Group registration is simplified via ticket bundles and conditional logic for tailored workflows.
Event website building:
Whova includes a basic builder with templates and branding options
Cvent offers fully customizable websites, but asset management can be overwhelming for new users
Accelevents features an event website builder with customizable layouts, branding, and real-time updates.
Mobile app functionality:
Whova has an all-in-one mobile app for attendees and planners
Cvent provides branded apps with modular features and deep configuration
Accelevents’ mobile app supports on-site check-in, badge scanning, real-time engagement, networking, gamification, and integrated lead capture.
Whova's strengths include a simple registration system, high-rated mobile app with built-in networking, and quick setup timelines. Cvent's advantages include complex registration workflows and integration options, but often at the cost of ease of use. Accelevents provides a seamless, highly customizable experience with drag-and-drop event customization, real-time analytics, and a dedicated networking suite for both attendees and exhibitors.
Ease Of Use And Setup
Whova and Cvent offer different experiences in usability. Whova is generally easier for new users, while Cvent’s depth of configuration often requires significant training and sometimes certification courses. Accelevents, by contrast, is intentionally designed for rapid onboarding and ease of use—event organizers can launch events quickly, with guided setup and integrated templates across the platform.
Speed to launch:
Whova events can typically be configured in 3-5 business days
Cvent events may take 7-14 business days, with more time needed for complex configurations
Accelevents is known for rapid onboarding and streamlined workflows, enabling events to go live in just a few days
User interface simplicity:
Whova uses a tile-based layout
Cvent uses detailed, nested menus, which can slow down new users
Accelevents provides a unified, modern interface across all modules, reducing confusion and supporting efficient setup
Onboarding support:
Whova offers written guides, tutorials, and webinars
Cvent provides structured training, often at additional cost
Accelevents’ support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7 and extensive learning resources make onboarding smooth for users at all levels.
Enterprise Readiness
When comparing event management platforms for large organizations, security and integration features are critical. Cvent includes Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and is compliant with SOC 2 and GDPR, but requires configuration. Whova does not publicly document SSO, MFA, or SOC 2 support. Accelevents delivers enterprise readiness with custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging—all within a platform built for reliability, and no reports of outages in reviews.
Cvent: Built for high-scale events, but complexity and cost can be barriers
Whova: Supports multi-event usage, but with basic team access controls
Accelevents: Scales from single events to multi-track, multi-audience conferences, with agenda and session management, detailed permission controls, and seamless integrations for large teams.
Cvent and Whova offer integrations with external systems, but fees and API documentation can be a concern. Accelevents provides well-documented REST APIs with no fees for API access, and deep native connectors to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and association management systems.
Pricing And Value
Platform | Pricing Model | Entry-Level | Multi-Event Discounts | Add-On Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cvent | Custom quotes | Not advertised | Varies by contract | May include extra cost for API use |
Whova | Tiered pricing | ~$1,000 per event | Available | May include fees for additional attendees |
Accelevents | Transparent, scalable pricing | Modular, pay-only-for-what-you-need | Yes | No hidden fees or surprise add-ons |
Cvent’s custom quotes and add-on fees can make total cost of ownership unpredictable. Whova’s tiered pricing is more transparent, but often charges for capacity upgrades. Accelevents stands out with transparent, scalable pricing and clear modules, making it easy to budget for current and future event needs.
Analytics & Reporting
Cvent offers detailed analytics and reporting, but some real-time dashboards are only available at higher tiers. Whova provides basic reporting and some shareable reports, but limitations exist when segmenting data across different event types. Accelevents delivers shareable, real-time reports and a fully integrated data model across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components for a unified analytics experience.
Lead Generation And Exhibitor Tools
Both Whova and Cvent provide exhibitor lead capture, but often with per-exhibitor fees or required hardware. Whova uses QR code scanning in its app; Cvent offers badge scanning and digital business cards but may require dedicated devices or licenses. Accelevents enables mobile app lead capture with QR scanning, unlimited users, offline support, real-time reports, lead scoring, note-taking, and integrated meeting-booking—all with no per-exhibitor restrictions.
Whova and Cvent both provide exhibitor profiles and some engagement tracking, but Accelevents delivers a comprehensive exhibitor portal for managing digital booths, capturing leads, booking demos, coordinating teams, and tracking ROI.
Attendee Engagement And Mobile App Highlights
Whova and Cvent both offer mobile apps that support agendas, messaging, live session interactions, and engagement features. Cvent’s mobile app is modular, while Whova’s covers all features by default.
Accelevents’ attendee engagement suite includes personalized schedules, live polling, Q&A, networking, and gamification for on-site and hybrid events.
Gamification is included, with leaderboards and interactive challenges driving participation.
App ratings reflect strong user experience, with Accelevents praised for its seamless integration and ease of use.
While both competitors have strengths, Accelevents is often noted for reliability and the quality of its support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, ensuring customer success during critical event moments.
Customer Support And Reliability
Cvent and Whova provide customer support through email and phone; Whova offers live chat, and Cvent provides dedicated reps for enterprise clients. Cvent’s support is global but can vary by tier, with some users reporting longer wait times. Whova users report faster chat responses. Accelevents is known for reliability, with no references to outages in reviews, and is backed by a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, consistently earning high marks for customer success.
Who Chooses Each Platform? Typical Customers?
Cvent is often selected by large corporations and agencies willing to invest in a complex system and certification training. Whova appeals to associations, nonprofits, and small to mid-sized organizations focused on ease of use. Accelevents is chosen by organizations of all sizes—including large enterprises, mid-market corporations, associations, agencies, and nonprofits—seeking a highly customizable, all-in-one solution with rapid onboarding and ongoing investment in new features.
In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Event Capabilities
Cvent and Whova both offer support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, though virtual features may incur additional fees and have received mixed feedback regarding glitches. Accelevents was originally built for in-person events and now supports all formats, with native badge printing, mobile app check-in, and a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features.
Target Users and Industries
Cvent is most suitable for enterprises and agencies with large budgets and complex requirements. Whova targets associations, nonprofits, and mid-sized businesses. Accelevents is ideal for conferences, trade shows, fundraisers, internal meetings, and continuing education events—particularly for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.
API, Integrations, and Marketing Automation
Cvent offers API access but may charge additional fees. Whova’s API documentation is limited, with unclear access for developers. Accelevents provides well-documented REST APIs and webhooks with no fees, and deep native integrations to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and leading association management systems.
Call for Papers & Abstract Management
Cvent and Whova both offer basic abstract submission and speaker management. Accelevents stands out with native workflows for call for papers and abstracts, multiple submission paths, auto reviewer assignment, and a speaker portal with task management.
Exhibitor Management
Whova and Cvent provide standard exhibitor tools, but often with restrictions or additional fees. Accelevents delivers a comprehensive exhibitor portal that allows teams to manage digital booths, capture leads, book demos, coordinate staff, and track ROI in one place.
Support for Continuing Education Credit Tracking
Cvent and Whova offer some tools for continuing education credits, but features are often limited or require manual tracking. Accelevents automates credit assignment, offers a flexible program builder, instant certificate generation, self-service retrieval, audit trails, and LMS integration, supporting both internal and external continuing education programs.
White-Label Branding Options
Cvent and Whova both offer branding options, but removal of platform branding may be limited or incur fees. Accelevents provides full white-label branding across web, mobile, and virtual environments, including customizable themes.
Role-Based Access and Compliance
Cvent supports permission controls and compliance, but configuration can be complex. Whova’s controls are basic. Accelevents includes custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging, making it suitable for regulated industries and large teams.
Where Accelevents Fits In
Accelevents bridges complex enterprise features and ease of use, delivering a balanced, highly customizable, all-in-one event solution. Its single data model, transparent pricing, and responsive support make it a strong alternative to both Cvent and Whova for organizations seeking a long-term event technology partner. With 1,847 customers, Accelevents continues to reinvest in the platform, adding new features for event organizers across enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.
Final Thoughts On Selecting Your Platform
Cvent is well-suited for organizations managing large-scale, complex events with strict security and reporting requirements, but demands a significant investment of time and resources. Whova is a top pick for associations, nonprofits, and teams seeking simplicity and quick setup. Accelevents offers a highly customizable, all-in-one solution that combines the best of both worlds, with seamless data, rapid onboarding, transparent pricing, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7 for customer success.
Request a demo to explore how Accelevents can simplify your event management process: https://www.accelevents.com/request-a-demo.
FAQs About Whova Vs Cvent (And Accelevents)
How does the security of Whova compare to Cvent for handling attendee data?
Cvent provides enterprise-level security features, including Single Sign-On (SSO), Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and compliance with standards such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2). Whova does not publicly document support for SSO or SOC 2 and focuses on standard security practices without complex enterprise certifications. Accelevents delivers custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging for peace of mind.
What are the main differences in mobile app functionality among Whova, Cvent, and Accelevents?
Whova's mobile app includes attendee networking, live polling, Q&A, agenda access, and gamification tools by default. Cvent's mobile app is modular, allowing organizers to enable or disable features and customize the attendee experience. Accelevents offers a mobile app with on-site check-in, comprehensive engagement, and networking tools for hybrid and in-person events.
How do pricing structures differ between Whova, Cvent, and Accelevents for multi-day conferences?
Whova uses transparent, tiered pricing and often provides discounts for multi-event packages. Cvent uses a quote-based pricing model, tailored to event size, features, and integrations. Accelevents features transparent, scalable pricing with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons, making budgeting straightforward for organizations of all sizes.
Can Whova, Cvent, and Accelevents handle registration for large-scale events with multiple tracks?
All three platforms support multi-track registration and agenda management. Cvent includes complex logic and conditional workflows for highly detailed registration paths. Whova offers simpler tools that may have limitations for complex scenarios. Accelevents provides robust agenda management with conditional logic, drag-and-drop tools, and unlimited ticket types for tailored workflows.
What integration capabilities do Whova, Cvent, and Accelevents offer with CRM systems?
Cvent supports integrations with CRM systems such as Salesforce and Marketo, often with additional fees. Whova offers limited CRM integration and API documentation. Accelevents provides no-charge, deep native integrations to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and multiple association management systems, along with well-documented REST APIs.
