Quick Overview
- 1#1: Social Tables - Cloud-based diagramming software for creating detailed event floor plans, seating charts, and venue layouts.
- 2#2: Allseated - 3D immersive platform for venue modeling, guest seating design, and virtual event walkthroughs.
- 3#3: EventDraw - Professional event diagramming tool for precise floor plans, seating arrangements, and layout designs.
- 4#4: Planning Pod - All-in-one event management platform with interactive floor planning and diagramming features.
- 5#5: Cvent - Enterprise event management suite including venue sourcing and advanced diagramming tools.
- 6#6: ShowReady - Event design software that automates floor plans, proposals, and RFP responses for planners.
- 7#7: Tripleseat - Event sales and catering platform with integrated diagramming and floor plan customization.
- 8#8: PerfectVenue - Venue management system featuring drag-and-drop floor plan design and event booking tools.
- 9#9: SketchUp - 3D modeling software for designing event spaces, stages, exhibitions, and custom layouts.
- 10#10: Canva - User-friendly design platform for creating event invitations, posters, flyers, and visual assets.
These tools were thoughtfully chosen based on functionality, user experience, and overall value, ensuring they cater to diverse needs while delivering precision, efficiency, and innovation.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right event design software can transform planning efficiency, and this comparison table explores leading tools like Social Tables, Allseated, EventDraw, Planning Pod, Cvent, and others to highlight features, strengths, and suitability for different workflows.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Social Tables Cloud-based diagramming software for creating detailed event floor plans, seating charts, and venue layouts. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Allseated 3D immersive platform for venue modeling, guest seating design, and virtual event walkthroughs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | EventDraw Professional event diagramming tool for precise floor plans, seating arrangements, and layout designs. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Planning Pod All-in-one event management platform with interactive floor planning and diagramming features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 5 | Cvent Enterprise event management suite including venue sourcing and advanced diagramming tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | ShowReady Event design software that automates floor plans, proposals, and RFP responses for planners. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | Tripleseat Event sales and catering platform with integrated diagramming and floor plan customization. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 8 | PerfectVenue Venue management system featuring drag-and-drop floor plan design and event booking tools. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.1/10 |
| 9 | SketchUp 3D modeling software for designing event spaces, stages, exhibitions, and custom layouts. | creative_suite | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 10 | Canva User-friendly design platform for creating event invitations, posters, flyers, and visual assets. | creative_suite | 8.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
Cloud-based diagramming software for creating detailed event floor plans, seating charts, and venue layouts.
3D immersive platform for venue modeling, guest seating design, and virtual event walkthroughs.
Professional event diagramming tool for precise floor plans, seating arrangements, and layout designs.
All-in-one event management platform with interactive floor planning and diagramming features.
Enterprise event management suite including venue sourcing and advanced diagramming tools.
Event design software that automates floor plans, proposals, and RFP responses for planners.
Event sales and catering platform with integrated diagramming and floor plan customization.
Venue management system featuring drag-and-drop floor plan design and event booking tools.
3D modeling software for designing event spaces, stages, exhibitions, and custom layouts.
User-friendly design platform for creating event invitations, posters, flyers, and visual assets.
Social Tables
specializedCloud-based diagramming software for creating detailed event floor plans, seating charts, and venue layouts.
Galley: the world's largest interactive, community-driven library of venues, floor plans, and furniture items
Social Tables is a leading event design software platform that enables users to create interactive floor plans, seating charts, and venue diagrams with drag-and-drop simplicity. It features the Galley library, a vast community-sourced collection of thousands of real-world venues, furniture, and setups for accurate event layouts. The tool supports real-time collaboration, integrates with Cvent and other event management systems, and allows exporting designs for proposals and execution.
Pros
- Extensive Galley library with thousands of venues and assets
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration for team editing
- Seamless integrations with Cvent, Tripleseat, and other event tools
Cons
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and may be high for small events or freelancers
- Advanced features have a learning curve despite intuitive basics
- Limited standalone mobile app functionality
Best For
Professional event planners, venues, and agencies handling mid-to-large scale events requiring precise diagramming and collaboration.
Pricing
Subscription tiers start at ~$99/user/month for basic access, scaling to custom enterprise plans with volume discounts.
Allseated
specialized3D immersive platform for venue modeling, guest seating design, and virtual event walkthroughs.
World's largest interactive 3D venue database with photorealistic models from over 100,000 locations
Allseated is a powerful event design platform that enables planners to create interactive 3D floor plans, seating charts, and virtual walkthroughs for events like weddings, corporate gatherings, and conferences. It features a vast database of over 100,000 venues worldwide with accurate 3D models, AR/VR visualization tools, and seamless collaboration for clients, vendors, and teams. The software streamlines the design process from venue sourcing to final layouts, reducing errors and enhancing client approvals through immersive previews.
Pros
- Massive library of 3D venues and furniture for quick, accurate modeling
- AR/VR tools for immersive client presentations and on-site verification
- Integrated vendor marketplace and real-time collaboration features
Cons
- Learning curve for advanced 3D tools despite intuitive drag-and-drop interface
- Premium features require paid upgrades beyond free planner access
- Occasional performance lags with very large-scale event models
Best For
Professional event planners and designers managing complex, venue-heavy events who need precise 3D visualization and stakeholder collaboration.
Pricing
Free for event planners with basic features and unlimited projects; venues pay listing fees, Pro upgrades for teams start at $99/month.
EventDraw
specializedProfessional event diagramming tool for precise floor plans, seating arrangements, and layout designs.
Interactive 3D walkthroughs with photorealistic lighting and AR export for immersive client previews
EventDraw is a web-based event design software specializing in 2D and 3D floor planning for events, weddings, conferences, and venues. Users can drag and drop from an extensive library of over 10,000 furniture, decor, and staging elements to create customizable layouts. It offers real-time collaboration, photorealistic renders, and export options for proposals and client presentations.
Pros
- Vast library of 10,000+ scalable elements
- Seamless 2D-to-3D rendering with walkthroughs
- Real-time collaboration and cloud sharing
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for 3D advanced tools
- Limited customization in free tier
- Occasional lag with very large event plans
Best For
Professional event planners and venue managers needing detailed, client-ready visualizations.
Pricing
Free plan available; Pro at $49/month (unlimited plans); Enterprise custom pricing.
Planning Pod
enterpriseAll-in-one event management platform with interactive floor planning and diagramming features.
Integrated drag-and-drop floor plan and seating chart builder that syncs directly with event calendars, tasks, and inventory
Planning Pod is an all-in-one event management platform that includes event design tools like drag-and-drop floor plan builders and seating charts for visualizing layouts. It combines these with CRM, task management, vendor portals, and website builders to streamline the full event lifecycle. Ideal for planners needing integrated design within broader operations, though it's more management-focused than pure design software.
Pros
- Comprehensive all-in-one platform reduces need for multiple tools
- User-friendly drag-and-drop floor plans and seating charts
- Strong CRM and vendor management integration enhances design workflow
Cons
- Lacks advanced 3D rendering or photorealistic design previews
- Steep learning curve for full feature set due to breadth
- Limited customization in visual design templates compared to specialized tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized event planning teams seeking an affordable, integrated solution with solid basic design capabilities for layouts and seating.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month for Solo plan; Team plans from $29/user/month; Enterprise custom pricing.
Cvent
enterpriseEnterprise event management suite including venue sourcing and advanced diagramming tools.
Integrated venue sourcing and hotel booking via Passkey, providing access to millions of global rooms
Cvent is a robust event management platform that streamlines the entire event lifecycle, from planning and registration to execution and analysis, with strong capabilities for designing virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. It offers customizable event websites, interactive agendas, attendee engagement tools, and venue sourcing. Ideal for enterprise-level users needing scalable solutions with deep integrations.
Pros
- Extensive feature set including virtual platforms, mobile apps, and analytics
- Scalable for large-scale enterprise events
- Strong integrations with CRM, email, and hospitality systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing can be prohibitive for small events
- Occasional reports of slow customer support
Best For
Enterprise event planners and organizations managing complex, high-volume corporate or association events.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per event or annual subscriptions from $10,000+.
ShowReady
specializedEvent design software that automates floor plans, proposals, and RFP responses for planners.
Device-agnostic interactive 3D tours that let clients virtually 'walk through' events before booking.
ShowReady is a cloud-based event design platform that allows professionals to create interactive 3D virtual walkthroughs of event spaces, floor plans, and layouts. It enables users to furnish venues with thousands of drag-and-drop items, customize designs, and share immersive client presentations accessible on any device. The tool streamlines collaboration between designers, clients, and vendors, replacing static drawings with dynamic visualizations to speed up approvals and reduce errors.
Pros
- Highly realistic 3D walkthroughs for client buy-in
- Extensive library of furniture and decor items
- Real-time collaboration and easy sharing features
Cons
- Limited advanced rendering options compared to CAD tools
- Subscription model can add up for small teams
- Occasional performance lags with complex designs
Best For
Event planners and designers seeking intuitive 3D visualization tools to impress clients and accelerate project approvals.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for Basic (limited projects), $99/month for Pro (unlimited projects and advanced features), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Tripleseat
enterpriseEvent sales and catering platform with integrated diagramming and floor plan customization.
Diagram Builder for drag-and-drop floor plans and seating charts embedded directly in event proposals
Tripleseat is a comprehensive event management platform designed primarily for venues, hotels, and restaurants, featuring a Diagram Builder for creating floor plans, seating charts, and event layouts. It integrates these design elements seamlessly into proposals, contracts, and Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) to streamline the planning process. While strong in operational event management, its design tools support visual event setup but lack advanced creative features like 3D rendering or theme customization found in dedicated design software.
Pros
- Integrated Diagram Builder for quick floor plans and seating
- Seamless embedding of designs into proposals and BEOs
- Robust integrations with POS, CRM, and catering systems
Cons
- Limited advanced design tools (no 3D or photorealistic renders)
- Steep pricing for smaller venues or basic needs
- Complex interface with a learning curve for non-management users
Best For
Mid-sized to large event venues needing integrated layout design within a full sales and operations platform.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $300–$1,000+ per month based on venue size, users, and features.
PerfectVenue
otherVenue management system featuring drag-and-drop floor plan design and event booking tools.
Integrated drag-and-drop diagramming that syncs directly with real-time booking and capacity management
PerfectVenue is a venue management platform with built-in event design tools, allowing users to create interactive floor plans, seating charts, and diagrams for events. It supports drag-and-drop customization to visualize layouts, calculate capacities, and share 3D venue views with clients. Primarily designed for venue operators, it integrates design features seamlessly with booking, invoicing, and CRM systems. This makes it a practical choice for operational event planning rather than standalone creative design.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop floor plan builder with real-time capacity calculations
- Interactive 3D seating charts for client presentations
- Seamless integration of design tools with venue booking and management
Cons
- Limited advanced 3D rendering or creative design templates compared to specialized tools
- Geared more toward venue ops than pure event design workflows
- Custom pricing can be high for small venues or freelance designers
Best For
Venue managers and event coordinators who need integrated floor planning and operational tools for in-house event design.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on venue size and features, typically starting at $199/month for core plans with annual discounts available.
SketchUp
creative_suite3D modeling software for designing event spaces, stages, exhibitions, and custom layouts.
3D Warehouse, a massive free repository of user-generated models tailored for event elements like tents, lighting, and seating.
SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling software that enables users to create detailed virtual models of event spaces, stages, seating arrangements, and decor layouts. It excels in visualizing complex 3D environments, allowing event designers to experiment with spatial arrangements and presentations before real-world implementation. While versatile across design industries, it requires extensions or custom modeling for full event-specific workflows like inventory tracking or automated floor plans.
Pros
- Intuitive push-pull modeling for quick 3D event space creation
- Vast 3D Warehouse library with thousands of free event-related models like stages and furniture
- Extensible with plugins for rendering, animation, and VR walkthroughs
Cons
- Lacks built-in event-specific tools like drag-and-drop floor planners or guest flow simulations
- Steep learning curve for advanced modeling and extensions
- Subscription model adds ongoing costs without proportional event-focused features
Best For
Experienced event designers or architects needing precise, custom 3D visualizations for large-scale or unique event setups.
Pricing
Free web-based version; Shop at $119/year; Pro at $349/year; Studio at $699/year (includes advanced rendering).
Canva
creative_suiteUser-friendly design platform for creating event invitations, posters, flyers, and visual assets.
Magic Studio AI-powered tools for instant background removal, resizing, and design suggestions tailored to event themes
Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design platform that excels in creating event-related visuals such as invitations, posters, flyers, banners, and social media graphics. It offers a vast library of customizable templates, stock photos, fonts, and elements tailored for events, making it accessible for beginners to produce professional designs quickly. While not exclusively an event design tool, its drag-and-drop interface and collaboration features streamline the process for event planners and organizers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop editor perfect for non-designers
- Extensive library of event-specific templates and assets
- Real-time collaboration and easy sharing options
Cons
- Limited advanced vector editing compared to professional tools
- Free version includes watermarks on premium elements
- Requires internet connection; no robust offline mode
Best For
Small event planners, marketers, and non-designers needing quick, professional event graphics without a steep learning curve.
Pricing
Free plan with basic features; Canva Pro at $12.99/month or $119.99/year (billed annually) unlocks premium templates, assets, and AI tools.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse capabilities, from cloud-based diagramming to 3D immersion, catering to varied event needs. Social Tables leads as the top choice, with its robust cloud-based platform excelling in detailed floor plans and layouts. Allseated and EventDraw stand out as strong alternatives, providing immersive 3D experiences and professional precision, respectively. Ultimately, while options differ, Social Tables proves the most versatile for crafting impactful events.
Don’t miss out—try Social Tables to simplify design, save time, and create event spaces that wow guests.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison