GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE
Entertainment EventsTop 10 Best Conference Management Software of 2026
A ranked comparison of conference management software for event teams covers features, strengths, and tradeoffs across 10 tools.
How we ranked these tools
Core product claims cross-referenced against official documentation, changelogs, and independent technical reviews.
Analyzed video reviews and hundreds of written evaluations to capture real-world user experiences with each tool.
AI persona simulations modeled how different user types would experience each tool across common use cases and workflows.
Final rankings reviewed and approved by our editorial team with authority to override AI-generated scores based on domain expertise.
Score: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
Gitnux may earn a commission through links on this page — this does not influence rankings. Editorial policy
Converia is the strongest overall choice for universities and professional organizers running complex, multi-session conferences, while ExpoPlatform is the better fit when your team needs one operating environment for exhibitor-heavy, onsite, and hybrid programs.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Converia
Converia can turn verified attendance into operational records for medical events: badge scans track entry and exit for eligible sessions, attendance time supports credit calculation, and participants receive individualized certificates after the event.
Built for universities, medical societies, research organizations, professional congress organizers, and conference teams running complex multi-session events with substantial registration, review, scheduling, and onsite administration needs..
ExpoPlatform
Editor pickIntegrated event stack linking branded websites, mobile experiences, onsite operations, exhibitor tools, virtual delivery, and reporting.
Built for fits when conference teams need one operating environment for complex onsite, exhibitor, and hybrid programs..
Ex Ordo
Editor pickConfigurable multi-stage workflow controls submissions, review rounds, committee decisions, presenter communication, and program release from one event workflow.
Built for fits when academic or professional organizers need controlled editorial workflows alongside registration and program operations..
Related reading
Comparison Table
Converia
Academic conference management platformConveria is an all-in-one conference management platform for academic, association, medical, and business events, covering registration, payments, paper review, scheduling, websites, mobile apps, and onsite check-in.
Converia can turn verified attendance into operational records for medical events: badge scans track entry and exit for eligible sessions, attendance time supports credit calculation, and participants receive individualized certificates after the event.
Converia is designed for complex events where organizers need configurable workflows rather than a simple ticketing form. Organizers can tailor registration options, discounts, documents, emails, submission requirements, review criteria, program views, room structures, and check-in rules, while maintaining a central person database across conferences. The platform supports academic workflows particularly well, including reviewer allocation, review-progress monitoring, automated author notifications, proceedings preparation, speaker invitations, and program creation.
The breadth of the platform is also its main tradeoff: smaller events may find the configuration model and modular structure more extensive than necessary. For a medical congress, however, Converia can connect registration and onsite badge scanning with session attendance records, continuing education credits, and participant certificates, making it a strong fit where compliance and attendance evidence matter.
- +Comprehensive abstract submission and review workflows with configurable criteria, automated reviewer allocation, progress tracking, and notifications.
- +Strong operational continuity from registration and payment processing through program planning, badge printing, and onsite access control.
- +Central person database, cross-conference records, exports, REST API connectivity, accounting interfaces, and optional single sign-on support enterprise administration.
- +Medical-event tooling can record session attendance, calculate continuing education credits, and issue participant certificates.
- –The extensive configuration options and modular architecture may be heavier than necessary for small, straightforward events.
- –Virtual and hybrid delivery relies on the separate Virtual Venue offering and supporting technology partners rather than being entirely contained in the core workflow.
- –Some onsite deployment scenarios depend on additional scanners, badge printers, or rented equipment.
- –Organizations with highly specialized workflows may need consulting, training, or integration work to fully adapt the platform.
University conference offices
Run annual research conferences
Fewer disconnected workflows
Medical society event teams
Track education session attendance
Reliable credit records
Show 2 more scenarios
Professional congress organizers
Manage concurrent international events
Scalable event operations
A central database, reusable configurations, multilingual interfaces, and real-time collaboration support multiple conferences.
Hybrid conference organizers
Extend conferences online
Broader attendee reach
The Virtual Venue adds livestreams, recordings, digital posters, networking, questions, surveys, and sponsor visibility.
Best for: Universities, medical societies, research organizations, professional congress organizers, and conference teams running complex multi-session events with substantial registration, review, scheduling, and onsite administration needs.
More related reading
ExpoPlatform
vertical specialistExpoPlatform provides registration, event apps, exhibitor management, matchmaking, and lead capture.
Integrated event stack linking branded websites, mobile experiences, onsite operations, exhibitor tools, virtual delivery, and reporting.
Conference teams can configure branded event websites, registration journeys, mobile experiences, agenda content, networking, onsite check-in, and badge production within one environment. Exhibitor workspaces support profile management, lead capture, meeting activity, and sponsor visibility, while virtual delivery tools extend access beyond the venue. API access and integrations reduce duplicate data entry between event operations and external business systems.
The broad module set requires careful configuration, ownership rules, and testing before launch. ExpoPlatform fits multi-day conferences with exhibition halls, multiple audience groups, and remote attendees better than small events needing only a form and basic check-in.
- +Combines event websites, mobile apps, onsite tools, virtual delivery, and analytics
- +Exhibitor workspaces support profiles, lead capture, meetings, and sponsor visibility
- +API and integrations connect event data with CRM and marketing systems
- +Supports recurring events with configurable branding and operational workflows
- –Broad configuration requires structured implementation and cross-team ownership
- –Smaller events may not use enough modules to justify the administrative overhead
- –Advanced attendee journeys can require integration work outside standard settings
- –Virtual and onsite experiences need separate testing across devices and network conditions
Professional conference organizers
Multi-track annual conferences
Fewer disconnected event systems
Exhibition-led event teams
Conference and exhibition programs
More measurable exhibitor activity
Show 1 more scenario
Hybrid event producers
Onsite and remote attendance
Unified audience experience
Virtual sessions and mobile engagement extend conference access while onsite teams manage entry and venue workflows.
Best for: Fits when conference teams need one operating environment for complex onsite, exhibitor, and hybrid programs.
Ex Ordo
vertical specialistEx Ordo supports abstract submission, peer review, scheduling, registration, and conference programs.
Configurable multi-stage workflow controls submissions, review rounds, committee decisions, presenter communication, and program release from one event workflow.
Ex Ordo gives organizers configurable forms, scoring criteria, reviewer assignment, conflict handling, and multi-stage committee decisions. Its program builder connects accepted contributions with tracks, rooms, speakers, and attendee-facing agenda pages. Registration, email communication, presenter management, badge production, certificates, and onsite check-in cover the operational stages after acceptance.
The configuration depth creates a meaningful setup burden for committees with unusual rules or many approval paths. Smaller events may use only a fraction of the workflow controls and could find the administrative model heavier than a registration-focused product. Ex Ordo fits academic societies and professional associations running recurring conferences with formal selection and program governance.
- +Configurable submission forms support fields, attachments, eligibility rules, and separate event tracks.
- +Multi-stage review handles scoring, conflicts, reassignment, and committee decisions.
- +Program builder links accepted contributions with rooms, speakers, and attendee-facing schedules.
- +Registration, websites, badges, certificates, and check-in share event records.
- –Advanced workflows require careful configuration before committees can work independently.
- –Financial administration is less extensive than dedicated event-commerce products.
- –Analytics may require manual export work for institution-specific reporting.
- –Virtual-event delivery is less central than its submission and program controls.
Academic conference chairs
Multi-stage paper selection
Controlled acceptance decisions
Professional societies
Annual member conference
Coordinated conference administration
Show 1 more scenario
Research event administrators
Committee-led program building
Accurate published programs
Program teams can coordinate tracks, rooms, speakers, and published agenda changes.
Best for: Fits when academic or professional organizers need controlled editorial workflows alongside registration and program operations.
Bizzabo
enterpriseBizzabo provides event registration, websites, networking, mobile experiences, and event analytics.
Klik smart badges connect proximity networking, sponsor lead capture, and attendee interactions to live event analytics.
Bizzabo combines attendee registration, event websites, agenda management, speaker operations, and onsite check-in in one Event Experience OS. Klik smart badges add proximity networking, session engagement, and sponsor lead capture to in-person programs.
Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams integrations connect event activity with marketing and delivery systems. Reusable templates, team permissions, analytics dashboards, and an API support repeatable event operations across multiple events.
- +Event Experience OS unifies registration, websites, agendas, speaker pages, and attendee communications.
- +Klik wearables support proximity-based networking, session check-ins, and sponsor lead capture.
- +Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams integrations support campaign and delivery workflows.
- +Real-time dashboards connect attendance, engagement, and campaign outcomes across events.
- –Academic abstract review requires specialized external software.
- –Klik-based networking and lead capture require compatible onsite hardware.
- –Highly tailored registration logic can require professional services or administrator configuration.
- –Specialized cross-event reporting requires API or business intelligence integration beyond standard dashboards.
Best for: Fits when conference teams need integrated event marketing, in-person engagement, and repeatable operations across multiple professional events.
PheedLoop
SMBPheedLoop includes registration, event websites, mobile apps, virtual events, and exhibitor management.
PheedLoop Onsite links kiosk check-in, badge production, session scanning, and real-time attendance data with the broader event record.
PheedLoop coordinates registration, event websites, mobile experiences, onsite check-in, and virtual or hybrid delivery from one event workspace. Its modular suite includes PheedLoop Go for attendee engagement, PheedLoop Onsite for venue operations, and exhibitor tools for booth staff and lead capture.
Custom forms, agenda controls, email campaigns, sponsor placements, and analytics support multi-track conferences. API access and third-party integrations extend data movement, but implementation requires careful configuration across the suite.
- +Separate Go, Onsite, and Exhibitor modules cover attendee, venue, and sponsor workflows.
- +Custom registration forms support conditional questions, ticket rules, and branded event pages.
- +Onsite tools handle kiosk check-in, badge printing, session scanning, and attendance reporting.
- +The mobile app combines personalized agendas, networking, push notifications, and sponsor placements.
- –Admin navigation spans multiple modules, increasing training and configuration overhead.
- –Advanced branding and workflow changes can require CSS, implementation support, or specialist knowledge.
- –Abstract submission and reviewer assignment are not central workflows.
- –Complex multi-event reporting may require external business intelligence or API work.
Best for: Fits when conference teams need branded registration, onsite operations, and attendee engagement in one modular system.
EventsAir
enterpriseEventsAir supports registration, event websites, accommodation, speaker management, and reporting.
OnAIR connects virtual sessions, live broadcasts, attendee access, networking, and event content within the EventsAir event record.
EventsAir suits conference teams running multi-day, in-person, virtual, and hybrid programs from one event record. Its distinct advantage is the combination of registration, website, agenda, exhibitor, onsite check-in, and virtual delivery modules within one EventsAir environment.
Teams can configure forms, emails, payments, mobile content, badge workflows, reporting, and integrations, while the API supports connections to external systems. The broad feature set serves complex programs, but administrators need time to configure templates, permissions, and operational workflows.
- +Combines registration, websites, agendas, payments, check-in, mobile apps, and reporting in one event record.
- +OnAIR supports virtual and hybrid delivery without requiring a separate event-management database.
- +Flexible form, email, badge, and workflow configuration handles complex attendee journeys.
- +Sponsor and exhibitor management includes floor plans, package tracking, and lead retrieval options.
- –The broad configuration model can require administrator training and detailed implementation planning.
- –Advanced branding and workflow changes may depend on specialist configuration rather than simple editing.
- –Native abstract review and peer scoring workflows are less central than registration and event operations.
- –Reporting can require careful field design to produce consistent cross-event analysis.
Best for: Fits when conference teams need one system for complex onsite programs with integrated virtual delivery.
Glue Up
vertical specialistGlue Up combines event management, membership management, email marketing, and community tools.
Unified event and membership CRM connects attendee activity, organization records, email campaigns, and post-event engagement in one workspace.
Glue Up combines event management with membership CRM, making shared organization and contact records its main distinction from event-only products. Teams can manage registration, branded event sites, schedules, speaker profiles, badges, and email campaigns from one workspace. Native integrations and API access extend the shared contact data model, while advanced reporting depends on consistent field configuration.
- +Membership CRM links event contacts with organization records and member histories.
- +Branded event sites and mobile apps centralize schedules, networking, and announcements.
- +Email campaigns use contact segments for invitations, reminders, and follow-up messages.
- +Sponsor and exhibitor tools support listings, packages, and lead capture.
- –Academic conference publishing requires external software.
- –Virtual-event production is less specialized than dedicated webinar platforms.
- –Cross-event reporting depends on consistent custom-field configuration.
- –Advanced integrations can require API work beyond native connectors.
Best for: Fits when associations need event operations tied to member records, email campaigns, and organization-level engagement history.
Oxford Abstracts
vertical specialistOxford Abstracts provides abstract submission, review, scheduling, registration, and event management.
Conditional abstract form builder with structured questions, file-upload controls, and tailored submission paths.
Oxford Abstracts centers conference management on scholarly content, connecting abstract submission, peer review, and program preparation in one workflow. Custom forms support structured questions, file uploads, author details, and configurable review criteria.
Reviewer assignment, decision notifications, and session scheduling cover the core academic event process. Registration, event pages, and virtual event functions extend its reach, but onsite operations and attendee engagement are less extensive than in broader event suites.
- +Conditional submission forms support detailed academic intake requirements
- +Configurable reviewer panels support multiple evaluation stages and scoring criteria
- +Decision notifications reduce manual correspondence with authors
- +Program tools connect accepted submissions with published event schedules
- –Onsite check-in and badge operations are less developed than specialist event suites
- –Attendee networking and audience interaction features remain limited
- –Advanced integrations and automation require more administrative configuration
- –Large multi-event portfolios may need stronger centralized governance controls
Best for: Fits when academic event teams prioritize submission quality, review control, and program publishing over onsite production depth.
Cvent
enterpriseCvent manages registration, event websites, payments, venue sourcing, mobile apps, and reporting.
Cvent Event Diagramming creates interactive floor plans with room layouts, seating arrangements, and supplier details.
Cvent combines event registration, marketing, venue planning, and onsite operations in a single enterprise suite, distinguishing it from narrower conference tools. Registration supports branded forms, conditional logic, email campaigns, payment collection, and reporting. Attendee Hub adds web and mobile content, networking, polling, Q&A, and virtual session delivery, while OnArrival manages check-in and credential printing.
- +Cvent Event Diagramming links floor plans, room layouts, seating plans, and event orders.
- +Conditional registration logic supports distinct paths for attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors.
- +Cvent APIs and prebuilt integrations connect event data with CRM and marketing systems.
- +OnArrival supports QR-code check-in, onsite credential printing, and attendance reporting.
- –Module breadth creates a steep administrative learning curve for small event teams.
- –Some advanced attendee experiences require separate Cvent modules and coordinated configuration.
- –Abstract submission is not a core workflow in Cvent's general event suite.
- –Cross-module reporting can require careful field mapping and data governance.
Best for: Fits when enterprise event teams need registration, onsite operations, and attendee engagement under one vendor.
Swapcard
enterpriseSwapcard provides event registration, matchmaking, exhibitor tools, content delivery, and lead capture.
AI-powered matchmaking uses attendee profiles, interests, and activity signals to recommend relevant meetings and connections.
Swapcard fits conference teams that need an attendee-facing event app with registration, networking, and exhibitor engagement in one product. Its event website, agenda tools, meeting recommendations, live interaction features, and lead capture cover public-facing and onsite operations. API access, integrations, and analytics support CRM and marketing data exchange, but academic events needing paper intake, reviewer administration, and proceedings control require additional systems.
- +AI matchmaking recommends relevant attendees, meetings, sessions, and exhibitors.
- +Exhibitor lead capture connects booth interactions with post-event follow-up.
- +API and integrations support CRM and marketing data exchange.
- +Virtual and hybrid delivery extends event access beyond the venue.
- –Academic paper intake and reviewer assignment require separate systems.
- –Advanced branding and workflow changes can require implementation assistance.
- –Meeting rules and recommendation behavior need careful configuration for complex event policies.
- –Reporting depth depends on configured data capture and connected systems.
Best for: Fits when event teams prioritize networking, exhibitor lead capture, and branded mobile engagement over scholarly submission workflows.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 entertainment events, Converia stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right conference management software
Converia, ExpoPlatform, Ex Ordo, Bizzabo, PheedLoop, EventsAir, Glue Up, Oxford Abstracts, Cvent, and Swapcard appear in the ranking. Converia holds the highest position with workflows spanning abstract review, registration, program planning, badge printing, access control, and certificate generation.
The comparison separates scholarly workflows from onsite operations, hybrid delivery, exhibitor management, attendee engagement, and membership CRM functions. Ex Ordo and Oxford Abstracts prioritize submission and reviewer control, while ExpoPlatform, EventsAir, and PheedLoop cover broader event operations.
What Conference Management Software Controls Across the Event Lifecycle
Conference management software coordinates event workflows such as abstract submission, reviewer assignment, registration, session scheduling, attendee communications, badge production, and check-in. The category ranges from scholarly workflow systems such as Ex Ordo to broader event platforms such as Converia that connect review, payments, program planning, and onsite access records.
Product differences appear in workflow depth, module coverage, integration scope, and administrative control. Converia calculates eligible attendance time for certificates, while Oxford Abstracts concentrates on conditional submission forms, structured file uploads, reviewer panels, and scoring criteria.
Workflow, Operations, and Engagement Criteria for Conference Management Software
Conference management software must support both scholarly administration and event delivery. The relevant distinction is whether a platform controls review decisions, attendee records, onsite activity, virtual sessions, or sponsor interactions.
Submission and review control
Ex Ordo supports configurable submission fields, attachments, eligibility rules, scoring, conflicts, reassignment, and committee decisions. Oxford Abstracts adds conditional submission paths and reviewer panels for academic intake.
Registration-to-onsite continuity
Converia connects registration and payment processing with program planning, badge printing, and access control. PheedLoop links custom registration forms with kiosk check-in, badge production, session scanning, and attendance records.
Virtual and hybrid delivery
ExpoPlatform connects branded websites, mobile experiences, onsite operations, virtual delivery, and reporting in one event stack. EventsAir uses OnAIR to connect virtual sessions, broadcasts, attendee access, networking, and event content to the event record.
Exhibitor and attendee interaction
Bizzabo uses Klik smart badges for proximity networking, sponsor lead capture, session check-ins, and live interaction reporting. Swapcard uses attendee profiles, interests, and activity signals to recommend meetings, sessions, exhibitors, and connections.
Association records and venue planning
Glue Up links event contacts with member histories, organization records, email campaigns, and post-event engagement. Cvent Event Diagramming manages interactive floor plans, room layouts, seating arrangements, supplier details, and event orders.
Decision Forks for Scholarly Review, Event Operations, and Engagement
Selection depends on the event record that must remain authoritative after registration. Converia and PheedLoop connect attendee activity to onsite administration, while Ex Ordo and Oxford Abstracts place editorial control at the center.
Choose editorial control or operational breadth
Select Ex Ordo or Oxford Abstracts when submission forms, reviewer panels, scoring, and committee decisions determine the buying priority. Select Converia or PheedLoop when registration, onsite access, badge production, and attendance records carry equal or greater weight.
Decide whether virtual delivery belongs in the core record
EventsAir and ExpoPlatform keep virtual sessions and attendee access inside a broader event environment. Converia requires its separate Virtual Venue offering and supporting technology partners for virtual and hybrid delivery.
Match exhibitor requirements to interaction depth
Choose ExpoPlatform when exhibitor profiles, lead capture, meetings, sponsor visibility, and virtual delivery must share one operating environment. Choose Swapcard when AI matchmaking and exhibitor follow-up matter more than academic paper intake.
Separate member history from event history
Glue Up suits associations that need event contacts tied to organization records, member histories, email campaigns, and post-event engagement. Bizzabo suits professional event teams that need repeatable registration, attendee communications, agenda management, and wearable-based interactions without a membership CRM focus.
Test administrative ownership before deployment
ExpoPlatform, EventsAir, Cvent, and PheedLoop expose broad module sets that require defined ownership, training, and configuration processes. Smaller teams should compare that administrative load with the narrower editorial focus of Oxford Abstracts or the workflow depth of Ex Ordo.
Conference Teams Matched to Platform Coverage
Different conference programs assign responsibility to different systems. Academic organizers need controlled intake and decisions, while congress teams may also need attendance evidence, access records, exhibitor operations, and certificate workflows.
Universities, medical societies, and research organizations
Converia supports configurable abstract review, reviewer allocation, registration, program planning, badge scanning, attendance-time calculations, and individualized certificates. Ex Ordo and Oxford Abstracts suit teams that place submission and committee control ahead of onsite production.
Professional congress organizers
Converia connects payment processing, program administration, badge printing, access control, and certificate generation for complex multi-session events. ExpoPlatform adds exhibitor workspaces, mobile experiences, virtual delivery, and reporting.
Corporate and professional event teams
Bizzabo combines registration, websites, agendas, speaker pages, attendee communications, and Klik-based interactions for repeatable professional events. Cvent adds floor plans, seating arrangements, supplier details, and conditional paths for attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors.
Associations with recurring member programs
Glue Up connects event activity with member histories, organization records, email campaigns, and post-event engagement. Its branded event sites and mobile apps keep schedules, networking, and announcements in the same workspace.
Common Conference Workflow and Deployment Mistakes
Conference teams often select a broad event platform without assigning ownership for its modules. They also overlook the difference between scholarly publishing workflows, onsite access operations, virtual production, and member engagement records.
Selecting a general event platform for academic peer review
Bizzabo, Glue Up, and Swapcard require external systems for academic paper intake or publishing. Ex Ordo, Oxford Abstracts, and Converia provide stronger control over submission and review workflows.
Treating virtual delivery as a standard feature across all platforms
EventsAir and ExpoPlatform include virtual delivery within their broader event environments. Converia places virtual and hybrid delivery in Virtual Venue with supporting technology partners, so the delivery architecture must be planned separately.
Underestimating module administration
Cvent, PheedLoop, ExpoPlatform, and EventsAir divide capabilities across broad configurations or modules. Assign owners for registration, onsite operations, exhibitor administration, communications, and reporting before implementation.
Assuming attendee engagement replaces onsite evidence
Swapcard prioritizes matchmaking and exhibitor follow-up, while Converia records badge entry, exit, eligible attendance time, and certificate results. Medical and professional congresses should test the required attendance record before selecting an engagement-led platform.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated Converia, ExpoPlatform, Ex Ordo, Bizzabo, PheedLoop, EventsAir, Glue Up, Oxford Abstracts, Cvent, and Swapcard across conference-specific features, ease of use, and value. Features accounted for 40% of each score, while ease of use accounted for 30% and value accounted for 30%.
We compared submission control, review administration, registration, onsite operations, virtual delivery, exhibitor functions, attendee engagement, and membership records. Converia ranked first because it combines configurable scholarly workflows with registration, payment processing, program planning, badge access records, attendance-time calculations, and certificate generation.
Frequently Asked Questions About conference management software
Which conference management software is strongest for abstract submission and peer review?
How do conference platforms connect with CRM, marketing, and communication systems?
When should an enterprise choose Cvent instead of ExpoPlatform?
How should teams prepare conference data for migration between platforms?
What admin controls matter when several teams manage the same conference?
How can buyers assess SSO, RBAC, audit logs, and provisioning before deployment?
Where do attendee-engagement platforms fall short for scholarly conferences?
Which tools support hybrid conferences without splitting virtual and onsite records?
Which conference software supports medical attendance tracking and continuing education certificates?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
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