Choosing between event management platforms can feel overwhelming when you're trying to find the right fit for your events. Splash and Whova are two popular options, but they serve different needs and event types. Many teams also evaluate Accelevents as a third option when they want scalable tools that balance branding, logistics, and attendee engagement.
This guide breaks down the key differences between these platforms, covering registration features, branding capabilities, attendee engagement tools, pricing structures, and real user feedback. You will also learn which industries typically choose each platform and how they handle hybrid events.
What Are Splash And Whova
Splash and Whova are both event management software platforms, but they take different approaches to solving event planning challenges.
Splash focuses on event marketing and creating beautiful, branded experiences. Think of it as the platform for marketers who want their events to look polished and professional. It is designed for teams running field marketing programs, product launches, and VIP experiences where brand consistency matters most. Splash has expanded features over time, and some reviews note learning curves when teams configure complex design elements.
Whova takes an all-in-one approach, emphasizing attendee engagement and event logistics. It is built for conference organizers, associations, and education teams that want complex networking features and mobile event apps.
Accelevents focuses on unifying marketing, logistics, and engagement in one place. The platform was intentionally built with one consistent data model that creates a seamless experience for event organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and speakers. Teams often highlight ease of use and the ability to scale across simple meetings and large conferences, supported by a modern toolkit that includes an event website builder and on-site operations.
Feature | Splash | Whova | Accelevents |
|---|---|---|---|
Primary focus | Event marketing and branding | All-in-one event management | Unified marketing, logistics, and engagement |
Best for | Field marketing, branded events | Conferences, trade shows, hybrid events | Conferences, trade shows, internal meetings, roadshows |
Target users | Marketers, agencies, enterprises | Associations, nonprofits, education | Enterprises, associations, agencies, nonprofits |
Key strength | Design controls and templates | Mobile app and networking | Single data model and on-site tools |
Where Accelevents can benefit enterprises and associations
Accelevents bridges complex enterprise needs and day-to-day usability, giving teams one platform that scales from small meetings to large conferences with repeatable workflows. The platform supports in-person engagement through check-in, on-site services, and modern networking features that make it easy to connect attendees and sponsors.
With 1,847 customers, organizations often adopt the platform to standardize data across the full attendee journey, from the agenda to on-site services, without stitching together point solutions. Planners appreciate streamlined tools like the event agenda builder that keep schedules, speakers, and sessions aligned.
Comparing Registration And Ticketing Features
Both platforms handle registration, but their capabilities differ significantly when it comes to complex ticketing needs.
Splash offers streamlined registration that works well for simpler events. However, it is limited to one ticket type per event, which can be restrictive for events with multiple pricing tiers or attendee categories. Some reviews mention confusion when configuring multi-guest workflows or approvals.
Whova supports multiple ticket types, early bird pricing, group discounts, and add-on purchases. This approach makes it easier to handle complex registration scenarios like conferences with different session tracks or events with optional workshops.
Registration Feature | Splash | Whova | Accelevents |
|---|---|---|---|
Ticket types | Single type per event | Multiple types and tiers | Unlimited ticket types and reusable templates |
Payment processing | Primarily Stripe | Stripe, PayPal, multiple options | Integrated processors and conversion tracking |
Payout timing | Standard processing timelines | Instant payout available | Standard timelines with transparent reporting |
Registration fees | Varies by plan | Low fees, transparent pricing | Transparent pricing with no surprise add-ons |
Payment processing differences also matter. Splash relies mainly on Stripe with standard processing timelines. Whova offers multiple payment processors and instant payout options, which can help organizations that need immediate access to revenue.
For teams that want fine control, Accelevents provides a highly customizable ticketing and event registration setup with drag and drop customization for pages, forms, and badges, unlimited ticket types, discount codes, reusable templates, one click registration forms, seamless payment processing, conversion tracking, ticket bundles for group purchases, and conditional logic for tailored workflows per attendee type. You can bring the brand to life across the full flow using event customization that adapts to your design standards.
How They Handle Branding And Customization
This is where Splash really stands out. The platform is built for teams that care deeply about brand consistency and visual appeal.
Splash offers drag and drop website builders, a large template library, and design controls. You can customize colors, fonts, layouts, and imagery to match brand guidelines. The platform also supports white labeling for agencies and enterprise clients.
Whova provides basic branding options like custom logos, colors, and event descriptions. While functional, the customization options are more limited compared to Splash's design focused approach.
Accelevents combines modern design tools with unified data, so what you set on the website, emails, and onsite flows stays consistent. Teams use the white-label option to remove platform branding across web, mobile, and virtual environments with customizable themes.
If you want to craft pixel perfect landing pages without sacrificing speed, the platform includes an event website builder and design controls that keep brand standards consistent from registration to check-in.
Examining Attendee Engagement Tools
Whova takes the lead when it comes to keeping attendees engaged and connected during events, driven by features like attendee matching, direct messaging, and community discussion boards. According to G2 reviews, Whova scores strongly for networking capabilities, while Splash is more focused on pre-event promotion.
Mobile Event App Features
Whova includes live polling and Q&A, contests and leaderboards, community forums, and attendee to attendee messaging and meeting scheduling.
Splash offers a more basic mobile experience focused on event information, check in, and guest list management rather than interactive engagement features.
Accelevents focuses on meaningful in-person interactions with tools for 1 to 1 connections, group meetups, and sponsor discovery powered by modern attendee engagement features.
Interactive Session Tools
Whova supports real time audience participation through live polls, surveys, and Q&A collection. These tools help speakers engage their audience and gather feedback during sessions.
Splash focuses more on pre-event engagement through email campaigns and RSVP management rather than live session interactivity.
Accelevents adds simple engagement mechanics that drive participation across the venue, including points based activities and on site leaderboards via gamification, along with modern networking options for attendees and exhibitors.
Integrations And Analytics Overview
Both platforms connect with popular business tools, but they emphasize different types of integrations based on their target users.
Splash integrates with marketing automation platforms like HubSpot, Salesforce, and Marketo. This makes it easier to sync attendee data with your CRM and track how events contribute to your marketing pipeline.
Integration Type | Splash | Whova | Accelevents |
|---|---|---|---|
CRM platforms | Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo | Salesforce, basic CRM options | Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, association systems |
Marketing tools | Mailchimp, Eloqua, custom APIs | Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Zapier | Email, marketing automation, webhooks |
Communication | Slack, email marketing tools | Zoom, Slack, Google Calendar | Slack, calendar, messaging integrations |
Analytics | Google Analytics, marketing attribution | Engagement metrics, basic reporting | Real time dashboards and shareable reports |
Analytics focus differs by platform. Splash tracks marketing performance, lead generation, and campaign ROI. Whova measures attendee engagement, session attendance, and networking activity. Accelevents provides shareable reports and real time data across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components thanks to its fully integrated data model. There are no fees for API access, and teams can use modern REST APIs and webhooks when connecting internal systems.
Which Platform Fits Different Pricing Needs
Pricing structures vary between the platforms and can change based on your specific requirements and event size.
Whova is known for transparent, lower cost pricing with instant payouts on ticket sales. This makes it attractive for organizations watching their budgets or those that need quick access to registration revenue.
Splash targets enterprise clients and typically involves higher costs, especially when you add deeper branding features or white label capabilities.
Accelevents offers transparent, scalable pricing with pay only for what you need modules and no surprise add ons, which helps teams plan budgets accurately as they grow.
Factors affecting your total cost:
Number of expected attendees
Deeper features like white label options or custom integrations
Level of support included
Additional modules for marketing or analytics
Always request current pricing from each vendor because costs can vary based on event size and feature needs.
Who Uses These Platforms Across Industries
Different industries gravitate toward each platform based on their specific event requirements and priorities.
Corporate marketing teams often choose Splash for field marketing events, product launches, and branded roadshows where consistent visual presentation matters most.
Associations and conference organizers frequently select Whova for annual conferences, professional development events, and member meetings where networking and engagement drive value.
Education teams typically prefer Whova for conferences, alumni gatherings, and student activities that benefit from community building features.
Nonprofit organizations use both platforms, and Whova's pricing approach can be appealing for organizations that need predictable costs without complex add ons.
Accelevents serves organizations of all sizes, including large enterprises, mid market corporations, associations, agencies, and nonprofits, especially those seeking an all in one, highly customizable solution with rapid onboarding and strong customer success. If conferences and multi track events are a priority, explore the conference solution for planning and delivery.
Agencies that manage events for multiple clients can streamline production and design with reusable assets and centralized data, supported by the agencies solution.
Teams producing press tours, screenings, or launch events can benefit from workflows aligned to the media industry.
User Ratings And Common Feedback
Looking at reviews from G2 and Capterra helps reveal what actual users think about each platform's strengths and weaknesses.
Platform | G2 Score | Capterra Score | Ease of Use | Customer Support | Networking | Branding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Splash | 4.4/5 | 4.6/5 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
Whova | 4.8/5 | 4.8/5 | 9.1/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.5/10 |
What Users Like And Dislike
Splash receives praise for:
Professional design templates and branding control
Marketing platform integrations
Polished guest experience and email tools
Common Splash complaints:
Limited ticketing options for complex events
Higher costs for deeper design features
Fewer tools for attendee engagement during events
Whova gets positive feedback for:
Strong networking and community features
User friendly interface and quick setup
Instant payout options and transparent pricing
Frequent Whova criticisms:
Limited design flexibility compared to marketing focused platforms
Some deeper features require add on purchases
Less marketing automation capability
Accelevents is known for reliability with no references to outages in reviews, and teams often point to fast responses from a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7.
Hybrid And Virtual Event Support
Both platforms support hybrid events that combine in person and virtual attendees, but they take different approaches.
Whova provides virtual event features like live streaming, virtual networking rooms, and online session attendance tracking. The mobile app works for both in person and remote attendees, creating a unified experience.
Splash handles hybrid events through branded registration and communication tools, but focuses more on marketing and promotional aspects rather than virtual delivery.
For in person events:
Whova: On site check in, badge printing, and lead retrieval through mobile tools
Splash: Guest list management and basic check in functionality
Accelevents: Native badge printing, mobile app check in, and mobile lead capture with QR scanning, offline support, unlimited users, real time reports, lead scoring, note taking, and integrated meeting booking
For virtual components:
Whova: Streaming and online engagement tools
Splash: Branded communications and registration management
Accelevents: Dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular features that can be toggled on when needed
Finding The Right Solution For Your Events
Your choice between these platforms comes down to what matters most for your specific events and organization.
Choose Splash when you prioritize brand consistency, marketing integration, and creating polished guest experiences. It is particularly strong for corporate marketing events, VIP experiences, and situations where visual presentation directly impacts your success.
Choose Whova when attendee engagement, networking, and community building are your primary goals. It works well for conferences, education events, and any situation where participant interaction drives value.
Where Accelevents stands out is in bridging complex enterprise features and ease of use, delivering a balanced, highly customizable, all in one event solution. Teams can tailor web presence, on site flows, and engagement to match the organization’s identity, including options like white-label branding across web and mobile.
For organizations wanting strong branding capabilities combined with attendee engagement tools, consider exploring Accelevents. The platform combines design control with modern networking features and unified analytics so teams can scale confidently.
Request a demo to see how Accelevents can simplify your event management while delivering both beautiful branding and meaningful attendee experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Splash vs Whova
Does Whova offer on-site badge printing and check-in tools?
Yes, Whova provides built in badge printing and mobile check in capabilities, while Splash offers basic check in features with limited badge printing options.
Can I use PayPal for payment processing with both platforms?
Splash primarily supports Stripe for payments, while Whova accepts both Stripe and PayPal, giving you more flexibility in payment processing options.
Which platform provides better exhibitor and sponsor management features?
Whova includes dedicated exhibitor portals and sponsor ROI tracking tools, while Splash offers basic sponsor listings but fewer exhibitor focused management features.
Do both platforms offer mobile apps for event attendees?
Yes, but with different focuses. Whova's mobile app emphasizes networking, live polls, and community interaction, while Splash's app centers on event information and basic attendee management.
