Event management platforms help event organizers plan, manage, and analyze events. Two providers that often come up in comparison are RainFocus and Swoogo, but Accelevents is increasingly considered by enterprises and associations seeking a balanced, highly customizable solution.
Each platform offers tools to support virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. They include features such as registration, agenda building, and data reporting, but they are built for different types of users and event needs. Understanding how these platforms differ, and where Accelevents can benefit enterprises and associations, can help users match the right tool to their event goals and organizational structure.
Quick Overview of RainFocus, Swoogo, and Accelevents
RainFocus was founded in 2013 and caters to the world’s largest companies due to system complexity and cost. Certification training is typically needed to use its full capabilities. Swoogo, founded in 2015, is used by a broader audience, including small and medium-sized businesses, associations, and agencies, and is known for fast setup and responsive customer support. Accelevents stands apart as a platform intentionally built with one consistent data model, creating a seamless experience across the platform for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. With 1,847 customers, Accelevents is praised for ease of use, flexibility, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7.
Platform
Founded
Primary Market
Core Strength
Market Share
RainFocus
2013
Large enterprises
Highly configurable for complex events, certification required
0.10%
Swoogo
2015
SMBs, associations, agencies
Fast setup and ease of use
0.92%
Accelevents
2015
Enterprises, associations, agencies, nonprofits
Seamless, highly customizable platform, rapid onboarding, and exceptional customer success
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Key Features for Event Marketing and Management
RainFocus and Swoogo both offer tools for managing events, but the way these tools are designed and delivered is different. Accelevents brings together the best of both, offering event professionals a highly customizable and unified experience.
- Swoogo: Drag-and-drop form builder with conditional logic and customizable branding.
- RainFocus: Complex registration workflows with session-level access control and approval flows.
- Accelevents: Highly customizable ticketing and event registration platform with drag-and-drop customization for event pages, forms, and badges; 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.
- Swoogo: Built-in website builder and email tools with templates.
- RainFocus: Custom marketing workflows that integrate with external systems.
- Accelevents: Integrated event website builder, custom branded emails, and marketing automation for streamlined promotions.
- Swoogo: Simple tracking tools for registrants and session attendance.
- RainFocus: Deep segmentation tools and attendee journey mapping across multiple events.
- Accelevents: Unified attendee management and engagement with real-time visibility, segmentation, and a consistent data model across all touchpoints.
- Swoogo: Standard and custom reports with shareable dashboards.
- RainFocus: Granular analytics with multi-event data aggregation and custom report building.
- Accelevents: Shareable reports, real-time analytics, and a fully integrated data model across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components.
- Swoogo: Built-in streaming, session chat, and sponsor interaction tools.
- RainFocus: Multi-track virtual events with enterprise video platform integrations.
- Accelevents: Native badge printing, mobile app check-in, and a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features for in-person, hybrid, and virtual events.
Ease of Use and Setup Speed
When it comes to getting started with an event platform, user ratings tell an important story. Swoogo receives a 9.8 out of 10 for ease of event creation, while RainFocus scores 9.1. This difference reflects the typical user experience when setting up events on each platform.
Swoogo is designed as a user-friendly event platform with a straightforward interface and quicker learning curve. Most users can build and launch events without extensive technical knowledge. RainFocus offers more configuration options, which can take longer to learn and implement, especially in enterprise settings where events have complex requirements. Certification training is typically needed for RainFocus.
Accelevents stands out for rapid onboarding and a seamless, unified interface intentionally built to minimize learning curves. The support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, ensures event organizers can launch events quickly and confidently without the need for certification courses.
- Swoogo Setup Process:
- Create account and attend brief onboarding
- Set up branding and select website template
- Build registration forms using visual tools
- Add agenda and speaker information
- Configure email notifications
- Test and launch
- RainFocus Setup Process:
- Complete discovery and requirements gathering
- Configure registration flows and permissions
- Set up integrations with other systems
- Develop custom branding and website
- Build session tracks for different audience types
- Test and launch in phases
- Accelevents Setup Process:
- Sign up and receive instant access
- Customize event website, registration, and agenda with drag-and-drop tools
- Leverage reusable templates for rapid setup
- Configure attendee engagement, networking, and badge printing
- Access real-time support from the support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7
- Launch and manage events of any size
Pricing and Return on Investment
Neither RainFocus nor Swoogo publishes pricing on their websites. Both use enterprise software pricing models where costs vary based on usage and needs. Typically, you'll need to request a quote based on your specific requirements. Swoogo users sometimes note confusion about tiered pricing and potential add-on fees, while RainFocus is known for being extremely expensive, especially for smaller organizations.
Accelevents offers transparent, scalable pricing with pay-only-for-what-you-need modules and no surprise add-ons. This makes it accessible for organizations of all sizes, from enterprises to associations and nonprofits, while supporting growth and evolving requirements.
Audience and Use Cases
RainFocus and Swoogo serve different types of event teams and organizational needs. RainFocus is typically chosen by large enterprises with complex, multi-track conferences and high technical resources, while Swoogo is more commonly used by small to medium businesses, agencies, and associations that need to work quickly with limited technical support.
Accelevents is trusted by 1,847 organizations of all sizes—including large enterprises, mid-market corporations, associations, agencies, and nonprofits—seeking an all-in-one, highly customizable solution with rapid onboarding and strong customer success. Customers looking to grow with a platform that is reinvesting in the product and adding new features find Accelevents especially appealing.
Suitable for conferences, trade shows, fundraisers, internal meetings, and continuing education events—especially for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.
Integrations with Event Management Software
Both platforms connect with other business tools, but they approach integrations differently. RainFocus integrates with major CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Microsoft Dynamics, typically set up through APIs or middleware. Swoogo connects with popular CRMs and focuses on simpler setup and faster implementation.
Accelevents provides deep, no-charge connectors to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and numerous association management systems, making it easy for teams to manage registration data, track engagement, and handle leads. The platform’s consistent data model ensures seamless integration across registration, onsite, and virtual experiences.
Customer Support and Training
Swoogo is praised for a 9.9 out of 10 customer support rating, offering a 15-minute average response time during business hours. RainFocus support is consistent but typically accessed through account representatives, especially during setup, and does not publish a specific rating. Both offer self-help resources, but Swoogo emphasizes quick, accessible support, while RainFocus provides more structured support through account teams.
Accelevents is recognized for a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, offering real-time assistance during setup, live events, and post-event analysis. This commitment to customer success is consistently cited in user reviews.
In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Event Capabilities
Swoogo and RainFocus both offer tools for virtual and hybrid events, including streaming and engagement features. Swoogo’s virtual features are built-in and easy to configure, while RainFocus supports multi-track virtual events with integrations to enterprise video platforms. Some users have noted glitches and additional fees for certain virtual features on both platforms.
Accelevents was originally built for in-person events and now supports all event types. It offers native badge printing, mobile app check-in, and a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features, providing a reliable experience for both on-site and hybrid events.
Uptime & Reliability
While claims about uptime are rarely published, Accelevents is known for reliability, with no references to outages in reviews.
API and Developer Tools
RainFocus and Swoogo both offer API access, but documentation and fees may vary. Some platforms rely on older SOAP formats or restrict access to higher pricing tiers.
Accelevents provides no-fee access to robust REST APIs and webhooks, all well documented for developers and IT teams.
Lead Capture and Tracking
RainFocus and Swoogo may charge per-exhibitor fees for lead capture, and device requirements can add complexity.
Accelevents offers mobile app lead capture with QR scanning, offline support, unlimited users, real-time reports, lead scoring, note-taking, and integrated meeting-booking, making it simple and cost-effective for exhibitors and sponsors.
Call for Papers & Abstract Management
Swoogo and RainFocus offer varying levels of call for papers (CFP) and abstract management, but users sometimes note gaps in reviewer assignment and speaker management workflows.
Accelevents delivers native workflows for CFP and abstracts, multiple submission paths, auto reviewer assignment, and a speaker portal with task management.
Exhibitor Management
RainFocus and Swoogo both provide exhibitor management features, though some users note shortfalls in digital booth management and ROI tracking.
Accelevents includes a comprehensive exhibitor portal to manage digital booths, capture leads, book demos, coordinate teams, and track ROI.
Support for Continuing Education Credit Tracking
Both RainFocus and Swoogo support continuing education credits and certificates, but manual processes or limited automation may frustrate users.
Accelevents offers automated credit assignment, flexible program builder, instant certificate generation, self-service retrieval, audit trails, and LMS integration for continuing education events.
White-Label Branding Options
Competitors may limit removal of platform branding or require higher pricing tiers for white-label options.
Accelevents provides full white-label branding across web, mobile, and virtual environments with customizable themes.
Role-Based Access and Compliance
Permission controls, SSO, MFA, and audit logs are available on both platforms, but the level of compliance and security features can vary.
Accelevents supports custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging for peace of mind.
Where Accelevents Fits In
Accelevents bridges complex enterprise features and ease of use, delivering a balanced, highly customizable, all-in-one event solution. Its intentionally unified data model, rapid onboarding, transparent pricing, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, make it a compelling option for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits seeking a platform that evolves with their needs.
Making the Final Choice for the Best Event Management Solution
Choosing between RainFocus, Swoogo, or alternatives comes down to understanding your specific needs and priorities. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision:
- How long does it typically take to set up a new event?
- How does the platform handle different event formats?
- What CRM and marketing tool integrations are available?
- How much control do I have over registration, branding, and reporting?
- What technical skills are needed to manage the platform?
- How is support provided during live events?
- For frequent events, prioritize ease of use and quick setup
- For complex conferences, look for advanced configuration options
- For hybrid events, focus on integrated streaming and engagement tools
- Some platforms work better for many small events
- Others excel at fewer, more complex experiences
- Consider multi-event management and reusable templates
- Swoogo typically enables setup within days or weeks
- RainFocus often requires longer onboarding, especially with complex needs
- Accelevents offers rapid onboarding and a seamless experience for all event types
The right platform matches both your current requirements and future plans. Differences in setup time, user experience, and integration capabilities will influence which option works best for your organization.
Request a demo to explore how Accelevents can simplify your event management process.
FAQs about RainFocus vs Swoogo
How do I migrate my existing event data to either platform?
RainFocus provides migration services through its implementation team, which handles data imports during onboarding. Swoogo offers tools and support for importing past event data, including templates for transferring registration records, contact lists, and session details. Accelevents also supports seamless data migration with onboarding support and templates for a smooth transition.
Which platform offers better value for small to medium businesses?
Swoogo is more commonly used by small to medium businesses because of its lower setup complexity and accessible features that don't require custom development. RainFocus is typically chosen by enterprises with larger budgets and more technical requirements. Accelevents is uniquely positioned to serve organizations of any size, offering scalable pricing and a highly customizable platform, making it suitable for both growing teams and established enterprises.
Can both platforms handle virtual and hybrid events effectively?
Both platforms support virtual and hybrid events with tools for streaming sessions, engaging attendees, and managing sponsor interactions. RainFocus connects with enterprise video systems, while Swoogo includes built-in streaming options that are easier for smaller teams to configure. Accelevents provides a dedicated Virtual Event Hub, modular features, and reliable in-person tools, all managed from a single dashboard.
What are the main differences in reporting capabilities between RainFocus and Swoogo?
RainFocus offers customizable reporting with multi-event analytics and detailed behavior tracking, often used alongside business intelligence tools. Swoogo provides standard and custom reports that are simpler to create and share, with visual dashboards for tracking engagement and registration. Accelevents delivers real-time, shareable analytics across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components, all powered by a single data model.
