Event professionals often compare platforms like EventsAIR and Whova when evaluating tools for upcoming conferences, summits, and hybrid events. Each software offers tools for planning and running events, but their strengths vary depending on the organization's goals, team size, and audience experience. Increasingly, Accelevents is also considered by event organizers seeking a highly customizable, all-in-one solution that bridges the gap between enterprise-level features and ease of use.
This guide outlines how these three platforms differ across key areas such as usability, engagement tools, reporting, and pricing. The goal is to provide a neutral, fact-based comparison for teams exploring event management software options.
All three solutions—EventsAIR, Whova, and Accelevents—support in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. However, the way each tool delivers features like attendee networking, data reporting, and on-site check-in can affect which platform aligns with specific event formats or team workflows.
Summary of Companies
EventsAIR is a platform with a long history serving government agencies, associations, and large enterprises. It was built to address complex compliance and reporting needs, and its system complexity is often cited in reviews. Whova, on the other hand, is known for its mobile-first approach and is popular among teams seeking quick onboarding and attendee engagement. Neither platform has grown primarily through acquisition, so their systems are relatively consistent, though some users find EventsAIR's depth requires significant training.
Accelevents stands apart by being 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 recognized for its ease of use, flexibility, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7. The platform is designed to adapt to a wide range of event types without the need for certification courses or extensive onboarding.
How Does EventsAIR Compare to Whova and Accelevents?
EventsAIR and Whova are both event management systems built to support professional event planning, but they serve different user groups and priorities. EventsAIR is often selected by organizations managing complex, large-scale, or compliance-driven events. Whova is more commonly used by teams focused on attendee engagement and easy onboarding. Accelevents bridges these approaches, offering complex enterprise features with a highly customizable, user-friendly interface that appeals to both large organizations and teams looking for rapid deployment.
Market Focus: EventsAIR serves government agencies, associations, and enterprise event teams. Whova targets corporate marketers, universities, and small-to-mid-sized organizations. Accelevents is suitable for enterprises, associations, agencies, nonprofits, and mid-market corporations seeking an all-in-one solution.
Core Strengths: EventsAIR offers complex reporting, compliance support, and backend automation. Whova focuses on attendee interaction, mobile app engagement, and ease of use. Accelevents delivers a seamless experience for event registration, attendee engagement, and on-site management, with a highly customizable interface and rapid onboarding.
Platform Maturity: EventsAIR has over a decade supporting regulated and large-scale events. Whova has gained popularity for its mobile-first experience and quick setup process. Accelevents, with a modern architecture and consistent data model, is recognized for reliability, with no references to outages in reviews.
Key Features and Use Cases
When choosing an event platform, you need to match features with your specific event goals. Different tools work better for different types of events and attendee expectations. Accelevents is intentionally designed to support conferences, trade shows, continuing education, internal meetings, and fundraisers for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.
Registration and Ticketing
Feature | EventsAIR | Whova | Accelevents |
|---|---|---|---|
Form Customization | Complex with conditional logic | Mobile-optimized with basic design options | Drag-and-drop builder, unlimited fields, conditional logic, reusable templates |
Payment Processing | Multiple gateways with invoicing | Standard credit card payments | Seamless payment processing, conversion tracking, integrated tax support |
Group Registration | Complex workflows with approvals | Basic group signup options | Ticket bundles, flexible attendee info collection, one-click forms |
Discount Codes | Multi-tiered code logic | Simple code creation and application | Unlimited codes, easy management, conditional application |
EventsAIR registration strengths:
Flexible ticket types with conditional logic
Integrated tax and invoicing support
Multi-language registration options
Advanced group management
Whova registration strengths:
Mobile-first registration experience
Quick setup for standard ticketing
Simple attendee check-in from the app
User-friendly discount code system
Accelevents registration strengths:
Highly customizable ticketing and event page creation with drag-and-drop tools
Unlimited ticket types, discount codes, and reusable templates
Group registration via ticket bundles and flexible attendee info collection
Conditional logic in forms for tailored attendee workflows
Attendee Engagement and Networking
The way attendees connect and interact during your event can significantly impact their experience and satisfaction.
EventsAIR engagement tools:
Customizable networking formats
Live polling and feedback tools
Built-in attendee messaging
Structured matchmaking options
Whova engagement tools:
AI-powered attendee matchmaking
Interactive community boards
Gamification tools
Live chat during sessions
Accelevents engagement tools:
Networking suite with 1:1 meetings, group chats, and matchmaking
Attendee engagement toolkit including polls, Q&A, and feedback
Integrated gamification and push notifications
Real-time engagement analytics across mobile and on-site
Whova places special emphasis on its community boards, which allow attendees to create topic-based discussions before, during, and after the event. EventsAIR offers more structured networking formats that can be customized based on event type and goals. Accelevents blends both approaches, supporting structured and informal networking, and enabling event organizers to tailor the attendee experience for any format.
Which Platform Is Easier to Use?
Whova consistently rates higher for ease of use, with review scores around 9.3/10 compared to EventsAIR's 8.2/10. First-time event planners often find Whova's interface easier to navigate, with clearer menus and simpler workflows. EventsAIR, while powerful, is frequently described as complex and may require additional onboarding.
Accelevents is recognized for its highly customizable interface and rapid onboarding. Its consistent data model and drag-and-drop tools help minimize the learning curve for teams of any size. The platform is designed so that both new and experienced users can quickly launch and manage events without certification training or complex setup.
Whova supports faster event creation with guided templates
EventsAIR requires more detailed configuration
Accelevents offers guided setup, reusable templates, and a support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7
How Do Pricing and Packages Differ?
Both EventsAIR and Whova use custom pricing models that aren't publicly listed. You'll need to contact each company directly for a quote based on your specific needs. EventsAIR typically uses an annual license model, which works well for organizations running multiple events throughout the year. Whova often uses per-event pricing, making it flexible for teams that host fewer events annually.
Accelevents stands out for transparent, scalable pricing. You only pay for the modules and features you need, with no surprise add-ons or hidden fees. This approach is designed to support organizations of all sizes and avoid the frustration of unexpected charges.
Number of attendees
Event duration
Feature requirements
Support level needed
Number of events per year
Basic packages from all three platforms include core functions like registration and agenda management. Premium features such as white-label branding, integrations, or detailed analytics may require upgraded packages. Accelevents also offers full white-label branding across web, mobile, and virtual environments with customizable themes.
What About On-Site Check-In and Badge Printing?
The check-in process creates the first in-person impression of your event. A smooth, efficient system helps reduce lines and keeps your schedule on track.
Self-Serve Kiosks
EventsAIR: Offers dedicated kiosk functionality designed for efficient check-in at larger events, supporting multiple hardware configurations, offline mode, customizable interfaces, and integration with badge printers.
Whova: Relies primarily on mobile check-in through staff devices, requiring minimal hardware but lacking dedicated kiosk interfaces.
Accelevents: Provides native badge printing and mobile app check-in, supporting self-serve kiosks, real-time badge updates, and offline check-in modes. The badge printing solution enables custom badge templates and seamless integration with registration data.
Real-Time Badge Printing
EventsAIR: Built-in badge printing with custom templates and real-time updates at check-in.
Whova: No native badge printing, typically requires exporting data to third-party systems.
Accelevents: Real-time badge printing at check-in, automatic updates from registration changes, and support for multiple printer types.
How Do They Handle Hybrid and Virtual Engagement?
As hybrid events become standard, the ability to engage both in-person and online attendees simultaneously has become crucial for many event planners.
Live Streaming Options
EventsAIR: Offers built-in streaming, HD/4K video, backup streams, and session recording.
Whova: Integrates with third-party platforms like Zoom and YouTube Live, embedding video within the app.
Accelevents: Features a dedicated Virtual Event Hub with modular live streaming, session recording, and on-demand playback, while supporting in-person and hybrid formats with equal emphasis.
Interactive Tools for Virtual Attendees
EventsAIR: Live polling, Q&A moderation, session feedback, and virtual networking rooms.
Whova: Mobile-friendly polling, community boards, gamification, and virtual meetups.
Accelevents: Attendee engagement tools including live polls, Q&A, chat, and networking for both in-person and virtual audiences, with real-time analytics and session-level insights.
How Do They Integrate with CRMs and Marketing Tools?
Connecting your event platform with your customer relationship management (CRM) system helps track attendee data and measure event ROI.
EventsAIR: Native Salesforce, HubSpot, and Marketo connections, full API, and real-time data sync (may require additional fees).
Whova: Fewer direct CRM connections, often relies on Zapier or manual exports, limited API functionality.
Accelevents: No charges for native integrations, with deep connectors to Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and numerous association management systems. The platform also provides robust REST APIs and webhooks, with no fees for API access.
Which Is Better for Reporting and Compliance?
Event data helps you understand performance, engagement, and ROI. For some organizations, reporting also supports regulatory requirements and security protocols.
Analytics and Reporting Tools
EventsAIR: Customizable dashboards, real-time tracking, export options, and custom report building.
Whova: Engagement-focused analytics, session attendance, networking reports, and predefined templates.
Accelevents: Real-time, shareable reports with a fully integrated data model across registration, onsite, mobile, and virtual components. Reports can be shared with stakeholders and exported in multiple formats.
Data Security and Compliance
EventsAIR: GDPR consent management, detailed access controls, audit logs, regional data hosting, and two-factor authentication.
Whova: Basic GDPR consent, simpler roles, standard encryption, US-based hosting, and limited audit capabilities.
Accelevents: Custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging.
Who Chooses Each Platform? Typical Customers?
EventsAIR is generally suited for organizations managing complex, large-scale, or compliance-driven events, including government, associations, and large enterprises. Its system complexity and cost may be higher than other options, and onboarding may require dedicated training.
Whova is often selected by teams focused on attendee engagement and quick setup, such as corporate marketers, universities, and small-to-mid-sized organizations. It is geared toward those prioritizing mobile engagement and community interaction.
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 strong customer success. The platform is especially appealing to customers looking to grow with a platform that is reinvesting in the product and adding new features.
In-Person, Virtual, and Hybrid Event Capabilities
EventsAIR: Supports all event types with a dedicated virtual hub and on-site solutions. Some users note additional fees for virtual modules.
Whova: Primarily mobile-focused with integrations for virtual events. Some reviews mention glitches with virtual streaming and engagement tools.
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 for hybrid and virtual experiences.
Uptime and Reliability
Reviews suggest that Accelevents is known for reliability, with no references to outages in reviews. Both EventsAIR and Whova are established platforms, though users should review current customer feedback for the latest experiences.
Target Users and Industries
EventsAIR is best suited for large conferences, trade shows, government and association events, and organizations with strict data requirements. Whova is popular for corporate meetings, seminars, community-focused gatherings, and events prioritizing mobile engagement.
Accelevents is suitable for conferences, trade shows, fundraisers, internal meetings, and continuing education events—especially for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.
Where Accelevents Can Benefit Enterprises and Associations
Accelevents bridges complex enterprise features and ease of use, delivering a balanced, highly customizable, all-in-one event solution. Its consistent data model and seamless experience are designed for event organizers who need both power and simplicity, without sacrificing speed or support.
API, Lead Capture, and Exhibitor Management
EventsAIR: Offers full API for custom integrations, but fees and documentation depth may vary. Lead capture is available, but may require additional devices or licenses. Exhibitor tools support booth management and lead retrieval, but some users report complexity.
Whova: Limited API functionality, lead capture often requires manual exports, and exhibitor management is focused on digital booths and basic lead retrieval.
Accelevents: No fees for API access; robust REST APIs and webhooks, well documented. Mobile app lead capture with QR scanning, offline support, unlimited users, real-time reports, lead scoring, note-taking, and integrated meeting-booking. Comprehensive exhibitor portal to manage digital booths, capture leads, book demos, coordinate teams, and track ROI.
Call for Papers & Abstract Management
EventsAIR: Supports abstract management, but some users note limited customization in reviewer workflows.
Whova: No native call for papers or abstract management tools; users must rely on third-party solutions.
Accelevents: Native workflows for CFP and abstracts, multiple submission paths, auto reviewer assignment, and speaker portal with task management.
Support for Continuing Education Credit Tracking
EventsAIR: Offers CE credit tracking and certificates, but may require configuration or add-ons.
Whova: Limited support for CE credits; manual tracking is common.
Accelevents: Automated credit assignment, flexible program builder, instant certificate generation, self-service retrieval, audit trails, and LMS integration.
White-Label Branding Options
EventsAIR: White-label branding available, but some modules may retain platform elements.
Whova: Branding is limited; platform name is visible in attendee communications and event interfaces.
Accelevents: Full white-label branding across web, mobile, and virtual environments with customizable themes.
Role-Based Access and Compliance
EventsAIR: Detailed permission controls, SSO, MFA, and audit logs.
Whova: Simpler role system, standard security protocols.
Accelevents: Custom roles, SSO, MFA, SOC-2 and ISO 27001 compliance, and detailed security audit logging.
Finding the Right Event Management Fit
EventsAIR is best for large conferences, trade shows, government and association events, and organizations with complex registration needs and strict data requirements. Whova is often chosen for corporate meetings, seminars, community-focused gatherings, and events prioritizing mobile engagement and quick implementation.
Accelevents is a strong alternative for organizations seeking a highly customizable, all-in-one solution that combines the best aspects of both platforms. Its seamless data model, transparent pricing, and responsive support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, make it a compelling choice for enterprises, associations, agencies, and nonprofits.
As you evaluate these options, consider how Accelevents addresses limitations found in both EventsAIR and Whova—delivering a balanced platform that supports registration, engagement, mobile apps, on-site check-in, and more, in a single system.
Request a demo to see how Accelevents compares to these platforms for your specific event needs.
FAQs About Whova vs EventsAIR vs Accelevents
How do Whova and EventsAIR handle last-minute attendee changes?
Both platforms allow updates to attendee information close to event dates. EventsAIR provides staff tools for managing changes through check-in systems, while Whova enables quick updates through its mobile app interface. Accelevents supports real-time attendee changes with integrated check-in and badge printing, allowing staff and attendees to update information instantly.
Do they support multiple languages for global events?
Yes, all three platforms offer multilingual support. EventsAIR includes language options throughout registration and communications, Whova provides language selection within its mobile app, and Accelevents supports multi-language event pages, registration, and communications.
Which platform offers better customer support?
EventsAIR provides enterprise-level support with dedicated account managers and 24/7 assistance. Whova offers support through email, chat, and a searchable help center. Accelevents is known for its support team that responds in less than 21 seconds, 24/7, and its commitment to customer success.
How do these platforms compare for association membership events?
EventsAIR includes tools that connect with association management systems and support member pricing models. Whova focuses on community features that allow members to interact before, during, and after events. Accelevents offers deep integrations with association management systems, supports member pricing, and provides a seamless experience for associations managing both in-person and hybrid events.
```
