Introduction
Nonprofits often have a tough time planning events - every resource counts, and things need to run smoothly. That's where event management software comes in handy.
We at Accelevents have compiled a friendly guide to help association managers, nonprofit execs, and marketers find the right event platform for their needs. No matter if your event is virtual, hybrid, or in-person event, we've got your back!
The Need for Event Management Software in Nonprofits
For nonprofit organizations, every penny counts, and each endeavor must contribute to the greater mission. Whether it's an annual assembly, monthly committee meeting, dazzling in-person gala, large-scale fundraising event, or innovative peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, each plays a vital role in the narrative of nonprofit success.
The effectiveness with which these events are organized and managed serves as the litmus test for their impact. Thus, event management software becomes an indispensable asset in the nonprofit sphere, empowering organizations to navigate event management efficiently.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Event Management Software
Selecting the best software solution for your nonprofit organization requires a clear understanding of your specific needs and the type of event you’re planning for.
We have compiled a checklist of important factors to consider:
- Functionality: Do you need comprehensive donor management and fundraising event software to manage every aspect of your fundraising efforts? Or do you only require a specialized tool to collect donations, handle the registration process, manage event ticketing, host silent auctions...?
- Customization: Your software should let you create custom event landing pages and registration forms to capture the specific data you need. If you aim to attract and convert event attendees quickly, make sure your platform provides customizable event page templates for fast deployment.
- User-Friendliness: Your platform should be intuitive and easy to navigate. As a backup, ensure that you and your team have access to 24/7 customer support with rapid response times.
- Pricing: As a nonprofit, affordability is crucial, particularly if you’re planning a free event!
- Event Format: Post-pandemic, most event platforms, including Accelevents, have evolved into all-in-one solutions, meaning they can handle virtual, in-person, and hybrid events. A few still specialize in online events.
- Event Type: Some event management platforms and fundraising tools like Accelevents support any event format, from a small fundraising dinner to an annual nonprofit fundraising gala. Other event platforms are limited to specific event types such as webinars or silent auctions.
- CRM Integrations: Your software should integrate seamlessly with your existing CRM or marketing automation platform so that event data can flow seamlessly within your tech ecosystem.
- Real-Time Data Tracking: You should be able to track ticket sales, add-on sales, attendance, and engagement data in real-time.
- Payment Processing: Facilitate credit card payments while ensuring your payment processor offers reasonable processing fees. This helps keep your ticket sales profitable and your online fundraising efforts effective.
- Mobile Apps: Determine if your team members need on-the-go access to event management tools. Also, consider if your attendees would benefit from an app to organize their event experience.
- Sponsorship Management: Look for features that streamline sponsor relationship management, contribution tracking, and sponsor marketing. Can you offer sponsors multiple opportunities to display their logo on the event website, tickets, and other relevant locations? Can sponsors access comprehensive analytics to measure their impact and reach?
Top Event Management Software for Nonprofits
Now that you have a good grasp of the factors to consider when choosing event management software for your nonprofit, to ensure your event success, here’s a handy list of leading solutions. They are listed alphabetically, with no ranking implied:
- 123SignUp: An association and event management software for professional, trade, and healthcare associations, plus clubs, societies, educational institutions, and association management companies (AMCs). This platform facilitates tiered membership management to personalize the member experience.
- Accelevents: A user-friendly event management and fundraising platform that empowers nonprofits and associations to manage events at any scale. It supports onsite, hybrid, and virtual events, offering a wide range of features such as:
- email marketing
- an event website builder
- rsvp, ticketing, and check-in tools
- badge design
- event apps
- live content broadcasting
- networking and gamification tools
- surveys and polling
- in-depth analytics
- Bizzabo: An event management system that helps organizers create and manage events online. It offers ticketing, registration management, event marketing, and reporting features.
- ClubExpress: A membership management software that provides event registration and payment processing features. It also includes online registration forms, automated confirmation emails, and payment processing.
- Cvent: An event management solution that helps organizations manage events from start to finish. It offers registration management, event marketing, onsite check-in, and reporting features.
- Eventbrite: An event management software that helps organizers create and manage events online. It offers ticketing, registration management, event marketing, and reporting features.
- EventMobi: A comprehensive event management platform that simplifies the planning, promotion, monetization, and delivery of virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. With features such as website creation, registration management, an award-winning event app, and fully managed online event production, EventMobi serves thousands of event planners worldwide. The platform streamlines workflows, allowing organizers to focus on creating engaging event experiences for attendees rather than managing technology.
- GroupAhead: A membership management software that offers event registration and payment processing features. It also includes online registration forms, automated confirmation emails, and payment processing.
- MemberPlanet: A membership management software offering event registration and payment processing solutions. It also includes online registration forms, automatic confirmation emails, and payment processing.
- Regpack: An event registration software that provides features such as custom forms, payment processing, automated communication tools, and reporting.
- SilkStart: A membership management software that offers event registration and payment processing functionality. It includes online registration forms, automatic confirmation emails, and payment processing.
- TidyHQ: A free membership management software that offers event registration and payment processing features. It includes online registration forms, automated confirmation emails, and payment processing.
- Wild Apricot: A membership management software with online event registration and payment processing features. It offers online registration forms, automated confirmation emails, and payment processing.
Implementing Event Management Software
To make the most of your chosen nonprofit event management software, event organizers should follow these steps:
- Plan: Outline your event needs and select the software that fits those needs.
- Implement: Import your guest list or set up your registration tool, create ticket categories, design your event page, build your agenda, and onboard speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors.
- Execute: On event day, monitor real-time registration data, manage check-ins, and coordinate exhibitors and sponsors.
- Follow-up: Sync attendee behavior data with your CRM for a tailored post-event follow-up.
Conclusion
Choosing the right event management software for nonprofits is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Accelevents provides you with the right mix of features, from registration and ticketing tools to fundraising modules, to ensure your next event is a successful event.
Ready to elevate your event planning process? Book a demo with Accelevents today and witness the transformative power of efficient event management.
