Rainfocus Vs Whova Comprehensive Platform Comparison Guide 2025

Selecting the right event management platform is crucial for event organizers seeking to deliver seamless experiences for attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. While RainFocus and Whova are well-established choices, Accelevents stands out as a highly customizable, all-in-one alternative intentionally built with a consistent data model. This approach ensures a smooth, unified experience across every stage of your event, from registration to post-event analytics. With a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, and a focus on ease of use, Accelevents bridges complex enterprise features and user-friendly design for organizations of all sizes.

Introduction To RainFocus, Whova, and Accelevents

RainFocus and Whova are both event management platforms used to plan, run, and analyze events. They support in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats. While both platforms offer similar tools, each is designed for different use cases and types of users.

RainFocus was founded in 2013 and is primarily used by large enterprises. It caters to the world’s largest companies due to system complexity and cost, and certification training is typically needed to fully leverage its features.

Whova was founded in 2013 as well. It is known for its ease of use and attendee engagement features, often used by associations, trade shows, expos, and virtual or hybrid events of various sizes.

Accelevents, serving 1,847 customers, was intentionally built with a single, unified data model from the ground up. This creates a seamless experience for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. Its support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, is frequently praised in reviews, and the platform is recognized for its ease of use and flexibility, without the need for certification courses.

Key Features Of RainFocus, Whova, and Accelevents

While RainFocus focuses on complex enterprise workflows and data integration, and Whova is known for attendee engagement and event logistics, Accelevents delivers a balanced platform that combines deep customization, a seamless user experience, and rapid onboarding, making it suitable for organizations of all sizes.

• RainFocus Standout Features:

  • Custom registration workflows with conditional logic

  • Multi-event management in a single dashboard

  • Complex reporting and marketing ROI tracking

  • CRM and marketing automation integrations

  • Role-based access controls for large teams

• Whova Standout Features:

  • Mobile event app with gamification and networking

  • Built-in badge printing and check-in tools

  • Live polling, Q&A, and session feedback

  • Customizable registration with instant payouts

  • Community boards and 1:1 meeting scheduling

• Accelevents Standout Features:

  • Highly customizable event registration and ticketing with drag-and-drop event pages, forms, and badges

  • Native badge printing and mobile app check-in

  • Integrated attendee engagement including gamification, Q&A, and live polling

  • Unlimited ticket types, discount codes, reusable templates, and conditional logic for tailored registration workflows

  • Real-time analytics and fully integrated data model across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components

  • Comprehensive networking tools for on-site, hybrid, and virtual events

Registration and Ticketing

When comparing registration capabilities, RainFocus offers more complex options, while Whova prioritizes simplicity. However, user reviews of both platforms note occasional confusion with setup and limitations in customizing workflows.

• RainFocus registration features:

  • Advanced conditional logic for personalized registration paths

  • Complex discount codes and group registration options

  • Multiple payment gateways and invoice generation

  • Custom fields and data collection options

• Whova registration features:

  • User-friendly form builder with drag-and-drop elements

  • Lower processing fees compared to RainFocus

  • Quick setup with templates for common event types

  • Mobile-friendly registration process

• Accelevents registration features:

  • Highly customizable ticketing and event registration platform with drag-and-drop customization for event pages, forms, and badges

  • Unlimited ticket types, discount codes, and reusable templates

  • One-click registration forms, seamless payment processing, and conversion tracking

  • Group registration via ticket bundles, allowing multiple ticket purchases and flexible attendee info collection

  • Conditional logic in forms supports tailored workflows for different attendee types

Mobile App Experience

The mobile experience is where these platforms show their different priorities. Whova's mobile app is consistently rated higher by users, focusing on attendee engagement and networking. RainFocus provides a mobile app focused on information delivery and session management. Accelevents delivers a modern mobile event app that supports onsite check-in, badge scanning, personalized agendas, live polling, gamification, and real-time engagement—offering a balance between user engagement and event logistics.

• Whova Mobile App:

  • Personal agenda building

  • Attendee matchmaking based on interests

  • Community boards for topic discussions

  • Networking games and ice breakers

  • Photo sharing and social walls

• RainFocus Mobile App:

  • Accessing event schedules and information

  • Basic attendee messaging

  • Session registration and management

  • Speaker and sponsor information

  • Simple surveys and feedback collection

• Accelevents Mobile App:

  • Onsite badge scanning and mobile check-in

  • Personalized agendas and session bookmarking

  • Gamification and live polling

  • Real-time networking and lead capture

  • Photo sharing and in-app engagement tools

Pricing and Scalability Factors

RainFocus and Whova use different pricing models that affect how organizations plan their budgets. RainFocus typically uses custom pricing based on the scale and complexity of the event program, with potential hidden costs such as implementation fees, integration setup, and premium support tiers. Whova's pricing is more transparent, though some advanced features may only be available in higher packages.

Accelevents stands out for its transparent, scalable pricing. Its modular structure means you only pay for the features you need, with no surprise add-ons. This approach makes it easy for organizations to scale up or down as their event needs change.

Pricing Tiers

• Whova:

  • Basic tier: Core registration, attendee app access, basic analytics

  • Professional tier: Adds sponsor tools, session management, engagement features

  • Enterprise tier: Multi-event support, advanced integrations, expanded user roles

• RainFocus:

  • Custom pricing based on event volume, attendee numbers, admin users, integration needs, and reporting complexity

• Accelevents:

  • Transparent, modular pricing with no hidden fees

  • Pay only for what you need, with scalable packages for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits

Growth Considerations

• RainFocus:

  • Supports high attendee volumes and cross-event data analysis

  • Global event support and layered permissions

• Whova:

  • Best suited for single events or limited recurring events

  • Fewer role customization options for large teams

  • Limited enterprise-level data analysis tools

• Accelevents:

  • Rapid onboarding and scalability for organizations of all sizes

  • Multi-event management with centralized dashboards and shareable, real-time analytics

  • Custom roles and permissions for distributed teams

Whova Vs RainFocus For Attendee Engagement

Attendee engagement features help participants interact with content, speakers, and each other during an event. RainFocus and Whova offer different approaches, but Accelevents provides a highly customizable engagement suite that brings together networking, gamification, live polling, and Q&A for both in-person and hybrid events.

Networking Tools

• Whova:

  • AI-powered attendee matchmaking

  • Virtual meeting rooms for 1:1 conversations

  • Community boards and business card exchange

  • Social media integration

• RainFocus:

  • Basic messaging and scheduled meetings

  • Limited discussion forums and profile viewing

  • Third-party integrations for advanced networking

• Accelevents:

  • Integrated networking suite with matchmaking, chat, and meeting scheduling

  • Business card exchange, community boards, and on-site networking games

  • Real-time lead capture and engagement analytics for exhibitors and sponsors

Content Engagement

• Whova:

  • Live polling and Q&A in sessions

  • Upvoting questions and session feedback

  • Document sharing and session bookmarking

• RainFocus:

  • Basic session feedback and surveys

  • Content library access and calendar integration

• Accelevents:

  • Live polling, Q&A, and engagement analytics

  • Personalized agendas and session bookmarking

  • Document sharing and resource access

Analytics and Reporting

RainFocus provides complex analytics and reporting tools, but often requires certification training to fully utilize them. Whova offers basic analytics, but reviews note limitations in report customization and sharing.

Accelevents delivers shareable, real-time reports with a fully integrated data model across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components. Event organizers benefit from instant access to actionable insights without the need for additional training or technical expertise.

Who Chooses Each Platform? Typical Customers?

RainFocus is typically chosen by large enterprises that require complex workflows and are willing to invest in certification training and higher costs. Whova appeals to associations, trade shows, and organizations seeking quick setup and attendee engagement at a moderate price point.

Organizations of all sizes—including large enterprises, mid-market corporations, associations, agencies, and nonprofits—choose Accelevents for its highly customizable, all-in-one solution, rapid onboarding, and strong customer success. Customers value the platform’s commitment to reinvesting in new features and its support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7.

In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Event Capabilities

• RainFocus: Supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, but some users note additional fees for virtual components and varying reliability for virtual sessions.

• Whova: Offers a mobile app and web-based tools for hybrid and virtual events, though occasional glitches are mentioned in reviews.

• Accelevents: Originally built for in-person, now supports all event types. Offers native badge printing, mobile app check-in, and a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features. Known for reliability, with no references to outages in reviews.

Target Users and Industries

RainFocus is best suited for large enterprises with complex, multi-track programs. Whova is popular among associations, trade shows, and expos with a focus on attendee engagement. Accelevents is suitable for conferences, trade shows, fundraisers, internal meetings, and continuing education events—especially for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.

API, Integrations, and Lead Capture

• RainFocus: Offers API access, but documentation may be limited and integration fees can apply. Integrates with major CRMs but often requires technical setup.

• Whova: Provides basic integrations, but reviews note limited options for deep CRM and marketing automation connections.

• Accelevents: No fees for API access; robust REST APIs and webhooks, well documented. No charges for native integrations, with deep connectors to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and numerous association management systems. Mobile app lead capture with QR scanning, offline support, unlimited users, real-time reports, lead scoring, note-taking, and integrated meeting-booking.

Call for Papers & Abstract Management

• RainFocus: Supports call for papers, but some users report complexity in setup and reviewer assignment.

• Whova: Offers basic abstract management, but lacks advanced reviewer workflows.

• Accelevents: Native workflows for CFP and abstracts, multiple submission paths, auto reviewer assignment, and speaker portal with task management.

Exhibitor Management

• RainFocus: Provides exhibitor tools, but some features require add-ons or additional fees.

• Whova: Digital booths and lead capture, but limited reporting and team management.

• Accelevents: Comprehensive exhibitor portal to manage digital booths, capture leads, book demos, coordinate teams, and track ROI.

Support for Continuing Education Credit Tracking

• RainFocus: Supports CE credit tracking, but may require custom workflows.

• Whova: Basic certificate generation, with limited automation.

• Accelevents: Automated credit assignment, flexible program builder, instant certificate generation, self-service retrieval, audit trails, and LMS integration.

White-Label Branding Options

• RainFocus: Offers branding options, but some platform elements may not be fully white-labeled.

• Whova: Branding is available, but removal of all platform branding can be limited.

• Accelevents: Full white-label branding across web, mobile, and virtual environments with customizable themes.

Role-Based Access and Compliance

• RainFocus: Role-based permissions, SSO, and audit logs for large teams.

• Whova: Basic role controls, but limited support for advanced compliance needs.

• Accelevents: Custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging.

Pros and Cons Overview

• RainFocus Pros:

  • Supports complex registration workflows with dynamic logic

  • Multi-event management from a single dashboard

  • Integrates with enterprise CRM and marketing platforms

  • Provides complex analytics, including marketing ROI tracking

  • Granular user permissions for large internal teams

• RainFocus Cons:

  • User interface and administrative tools have a steep learning curve

  • Pricing is not transparent and may include hidden costs

  • Setup requires technical expertise or vendor assistance

  • Engagement and mobile features are limited compared to other platforms

• Whova Pros:

  • Mobile app includes built-in networking, gamification, and messaging tools

  • Registration is simple to configure with low processing fees

  • Transparent pricing across different event sizes

  • Frequently updated with new features focused on attendee experience

  • Recognized with multiple industry awards for usability and engagement

• Whova Cons:

  • Analytics tools are limited compared to enterprise-level platforms

  • Fewer options for complex registration workflows

  • Integration with enterprise systems is more limited

  • Customization of back-end workflows is restricted

• Accelevents Pros:

  • Unified, highly customizable platform with a consistent data model for all users

  • Rapid onboarding with no certification required

  • Shareable, real-time analytics and reporting

  • Transparent, scalable pricing with no hidden fees

  • Comprehensive support for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events

  • Support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7

  • Strong customer success and commitment to continuous product improvement

• Accelevents Cons:

  • None noted in current user reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Which platform offers better value for small to medium events?

Whova generally offers better value for small to medium events due to its transparent pricing model and lower overall costs. RainFocus is typically used by larger enterprises and may be more expensive for events with fewer attendees. Accelevents provides scalable pricing and feature sets, making it a strong choice for organizations of all sizes seeking a highly customizable solution.

How do RainFocus and Whova handle hybrid events?

RainFocus supports hybrid events with integration into enterprise systems and analytics tools. Whova offers a simplified hybrid experience, combining virtual and in-person components using its mobile app and web-based tools. Accelevents was originally built for in-person events and now supports all event types, offering native badge printing, mobile app check-in, and a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features.

What customer support options do RainFocus and Whova provide?

RainFocus offers dedicated support through account managers and enterprise-level service teams, often with custom support agreements. Whova provides standard support via email and live chat, with additional onboarding and training resources. Accelevents’ support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, is frequently highlighted by customers for its quick and knowledgeable assistance.

Can RainFocus and Whova platforms handle multiple concurrent events?

Both platforms can manage multiple concurrent events. RainFocus supports multi-event programs with centralized dashboards, while Whova supports simultaneous events that are typically managed separately. Accelevents offers centralized multi-event management and real-time analytics for all event types.

Which platform has better mobile app ratings from users?

Whova's mobile app consistently receives higher ratings from users across app stores, particularly for usability and attendee engagement features. RainFocus maintains solid app functionality but receives fewer user ratings and industry awards. Accelevents’ mobile app is praised for its balance of engagement features and event logistics, supporting both onsite and hybrid experiences.

Making The Right Choice For Your Events

Choosing between RainFocus and Whova depends on your specific event needs and organizational priorities. Consider these key factors:

• Event size and complexity: RainFocus is designed for large, complex events with multiple tracks and registration types. Whova is ideal for small to medium events where engagement is the priority. Accelevents bridges both worlds, supporting everything from small association meetings to large enterprise conferences.

• Technical resources: RainFocus typically requires more technical expertise to set up and manage. Whova is designed for quick implementation with minimal technical knowledge. Accelevents enables rapid onboarding, with a unified interface and support team ready to help at every step.

• Budget considerations: RainFocus generally costs more and has less transparent pricing. Whova offers clearer pricing that's often more affordable for smaller organizations. Accelevents stands out for transparent, scalable pricing with no surprise add-ons.

• Primary goals: If data collection and analytics are your main focus, RainFocus offers more complex tools. If attendee engagement and networking matter most, Whova provides better built-in solutions. Accelevents delivers both, with real-time analytics, customizable engagement, and seamless integrations.

Many organizations find that neither RainFocus nor Whova perfectly meets all their needs. Accelevents is a strong alternative, combining complex enterprise features with ease of use, a unified data model, and a commitment to customer success. Its highly customizable platform, rapid onboarding, and continuous product improvements make it a trusted choice for 1,847 customers—including enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.

When evaluating event platforms, request demos of multiple options to see firsthand how they align with your specific workflows and goals. Ask detailed questions about the features that matter most to your events, and consider how each platform would integrate with your existing tools and processes.

The right event management platform will simplify your planning process, enhance the attendee experience, and provide the data you need to measure success and improve future events. To see how Accelevents can help your organization, request a demo today.