Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cvent - Comprehensive event management platform with advanced registration, badging, matchmaking, and exhibitor tools for trade shows and exhibitions.
- 2#2: a2z - Trade show-specific software for attendee registration, exhibitor directories, lead capture, and onsite management.
- 3#3: ExpoFP - Cloud-based solution for seamless exhibition registration, badge printing, and check-in processes.
- 4#4: certain - Event registration platform with robust features for trade shows including surveys, payments, and reporting.
- 5#5: Core-apps - Mobile-first event app with integrated registration, networking, and session management for exhibitions.
- 6#6: MapYourShow - All-in-one trade show platform handling registration, floor plans, exhibitor booths, and attendee tools.
- 7#7: Eventbrite - User-friendly ticketing and registration tool ideal for selling passes and managing exhibition attendees.
- 8#8: Whova - Event tech platform featuring registration, mobile app, and engagement features for exhibitions.
- 9#9: Bizzabo - Event experience platform with registration, marketing automation, and analytics for large exhibitions.
- 10#10: Swoogo - Flexible event registration and CRM software supporting exhibitor and attendee management for shows.
These tools were chosen and ranked based on a focus on key factors like feature robustness, user-friendliness, scalability, and value, ensuring a thorough showcase of top-performing software.
Comparison Table
Exhibition registration software is a cornerstone of efficient event management, and this comparison table explores key tools including Cvent, a2z, ExpoFP, certain, Core-apps, and more. It simplifies evaluation by comparing features, scalability, and user-friendliness, helping readers identify the best fit for their event needs. Readers will gain clarity on which platform streamlines attendee registration, on-site check-in, and post-event data tracking.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cvent Comprehensive event management platform with advanced registration, badging, matchmaking, and exhibitor tools for trade shows and exhibitions. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | a2z Trade show-specific software for attendee registration, exhibitor directories, lead capture, and onsite management. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ExpoFP Cloud-based solution for seamless exhibition registration, badge printing, and check-in processes. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | certain Event registration platform with robust features for trade shows including surveys, payments, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Core-apps Mobile-first event app with integrated registration, networking, and session management for exhibitions. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | MapYourShow All-in-one trade show platform handling registration, floor plans, exhibitor booths, and attendee tools. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Eventbrite User-friendly ticketing and registration tool ideal for selling passes and managing exhibition attendees. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.9/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Whova Event tech platform featuring registration, mobile app, and engagement features for exhibitions. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Bizzabo Event experience platform with registration, marketing automation, and analytics for large exhibitions. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Swoogo Flexible event registration and CRM software supporting exhibitor and attendee management for shows. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 |
Comprehensive event management platform with advanced registration, badging, matchmaking, and exhibitor tools for trade shows and exhibitions.
Trade show-specific software for attendee registration, exhibitor directories, lead capture, and onsite management.
Cloud-based solution for seamless exhibition registration, badge printing, and check-in processes.
Event registration platform with robust features for trade shows including surveys, payments, and reporting.
Mobile-first event app with integrated registration, networking, and session management for exhibitions.
All-in-one trade show platform handling registration, floor plans, exhibitor booths, and attendee tools.
User-friendly ticketing and registration tool ideal for selling passes and managing exhibition attendees.
Event tech platform featuring registration, mobile app, and engagement features for exhibitions.
Event experience platform with registration, marketing automation, and analytics for large exhibitions.
Flexible event registration and CRM software supporting exhibitor and attendee management for shows.
Cvent
enterpriseComprehensive event management platform with advanced registration, badging, matchmaking, and exhibitor tools for trade shows and exhibitions.
Advanced exhibitor lead management with AI-driven matchmaking and the Wanderlust mobile app for real-time onsite capture
Cvent is a comprehensive event management platform renowned for its exhibition registration capabilities, enabling seamless online attendee sign-ups, customizable registration forms, and integrated payment processing. It excels in handling large-scale trade shows with features like exhibitor portals, badge printing, and mobile lead capture. The software provides robust reporting, analytics, and integrations to streamline the entire exhibition lifecycle from planning to post-event follow-up.
Pros
- Highly customizable registration workflows with conditional logic and upsell options
- Seamless integrations with CRM systems like Salesforce and marketing tools
- Powerful onsite tools including mobile badge scanning and lead capture
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and setup
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller events
- Some premium features require additional modules or add-ons
Best For
Large-scale exhibition organizers and trade show managers needing end-to-end registration, exhibitor management, and data analytics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $5,000 per event, scaling with attendee volume and features selected.
a2z
specializedTrade show-specific software for attendee registration, exhibitor directories, lead capture, and onsite management.
Integrated badge printing and self-service kiosks for rapid on-site registration and credentialing
a2z (a2z.net) is a robust event management platform tailored for trade shows and exhibitions, offering comprehensive tools for attendee and exhibitor registration, badge printing, and credentialing. It streamlines on-site operations with lead capture apps, floor plans, and real-time analytics to enhance exhibitor-buyer interactions. The software supports large-scale events with mobile accessibility and integrations for seamless data management.
Pros
- Highly scalable for large exhibitions with unlimited attendee capacity
- Advanced lead capture and retrieval with hardware integration
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting for post-event insights
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller events
- Limited out-of-the-box templates for non-exhibition use
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers needing enterprise-grade registration and on-site management tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000+ per event, depending on scale, features, and add-ons like hardware.
ExpoFP
specializedCloud-based solution for seamless exhibition registration, badge printing, and check-in processes.
Fingerprint biometric verification enabling sub-second, contactless attendee check-in
ExpoFP is a biometric registration platform specializing in fingerprint-based solutions for exhibitions and events, enabling rapid attendee check-in and verification. Users pre-register online, and at the event, a simple finger scan confirms identity in under a second, eliminating queues and paper badges. It integrates hardware scanners with cloud software for seamless management, reporting, and scalability across large crowds.
Pros
- Ultra-fast check-ins under 1 second reducing wait times dramatically
- High accuracy with biometric fingerprint matching minimizing errors
- Scalable for massive events with robust reporting and analytics
Cons
- Requires upfront hardware investment for fingerprint scanners
- Biometric data raises privacy and compliance concerns (e.g., GDPR)
- Less flexible for fully virtual or small-scale events without hardware
Best For
Ideal for organizers of large in-person exhibitions and trade shows prioritizing speed and queue-free entry.
Pricing
Custom pricing model; fingerprint scanners from $300/unit, software starts at $500/event or subscription from $99/month based on attendee volume.
certain
enterpriseEvent registration platform with robust features for trade shows including surveys, payments, and reporting.
Native Salesforce integration for automated lead syncing and nurturing directly from registration data
Certain (certain.com) is a robust event management platform designed for seamless registration and attendee management, particularly suited for exhibitions and trade shows. It offers customizable registration forms, exhibitor portal management, lead capture tools, and integrated marketing automation to drive attendance and engagement. Organizers can track registrations in real-time, process payments securely, and leverage analytics for post-event insights, making it a scalable solution for professional events.
Pros
- Highly customizable registration workflows and forms
- Deep integrations with CRM systems like Salesforce
- Comprehensive reporting and lead management tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing is enterprise-focused and opaque without a demo
- Limited out-of-the-box support for virtual/hybrid exhibitions
Best For
Mid-to-large exhibition organizers needing advanced CRM integration and scalable registration for in-person trade shows.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per year or per event based on scale—contact sales for quotes.
Core-apps
enterpriseMobile-first event app with integrated registration, networking, and session management for exhibitions.
Fully branded mobile event app with built-in registration, networking, and lead capture functionality
Core-apps is a comprehensive event management platform tailored for exhibitions and trade shows, featuring robust online registration, attendee management, and on-site check-in capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with mobile event apps for lead capture, badge printing, and real-time analytics, streamlining the entire exhibition workflow from pre-event promotion to post-event reporting. Ideal for professional organizers, it supports scalable solutions for both small and large-scale events with customizable branding options.
Pros
- Integrated mobile app for enhanced attendee engagement and lead scanning
- Comprehensive analytics and reporting tools
- Scalable for events of all sizes with strong customization
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller events
- Initial setup and learning curve for advanced features
- Limited integrations compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large exhibition organizers seeking an all-in-one platform with mobile-first attendee experience.
Pricing
Custom pricing typically starting at $3,000-$5,000 per event or subscription plans from $1,500/month based on attendee volume.
MapYourShow
specializedAll-in-one trade show platform handling registration, floor plans, exhibitor booths, and attendee tools.
Patented interactive 3D floor plans with virtual booth tours and real-time availability
MapYourShow is a specialized exhibition management platform designed for trade shows and events, offering robust tools for attendee and exhibitor registration, interactive floor plans, and lead capture. It enables organizers to create customizable registration forms, assign booths via drag-and-drop interfaces, and generate real-time analytics for better event insights. The software also supports badge printing, mobile apps for visitors, and integrations with CRMs like Salesforce.
Pros
- Exceptional interactive floor plans and 3D booth mapping
- Comprehensive registration and lead management capabilities
- Strong analytics and reporting for event ROI tracking
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller events
- Interface feels dated in some areas with a learning curve
- Limited out-of-the-box templates for quick setup
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers needing advanced floor planning and exhibitor tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000 per event, scaled by attendee numbers and features.
Eventbrite
otherUser-friendly ticketing and registration tool ideal for selling passes and managing exhibition attendees.
Event discovery marketplace that organically promotes exhibitions to millions of potential attendees
Eventbrite is a versatile event management platform that excels in online ticketing, registration, and promotion for various events, including exhibitions. It enables organizers to create customizable event pages, sell tickets, manage attendee lists, and handle on-site check-ins via mobile apps. While strong in basic registration workflows, it offers analytics and marketing tools to drive attendance but lacks deep exhibitor-specific features like booth management or lead capture integration.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop event creation for quick setup
- Seamless payment processing and mobile check-in
- Built-in marketing tools and event discovery marketplace
Cons
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume ticket sales
- Limited customization for complex exhibition layouts or exhibitor portals
- Reporting lacks depth for advanced analytics needs
Best For
Small to medium exhibition organizers seeking simple, scalable attendee registration and ticketing without specialized trade show features.
Pricing
Freemium model: free for organizers with 3.7% + $1.79 per paid ticket fee; Professional plan at $29/month (lower fees); Premium custom pricing.
Whova
enterpriseEvent tech platform featuring registration, mobile app, and engagement features for exhibitions.
Whova's AI-powered networking and matchmaking within the mobile app, enabling personalized exhibitor-attendee connections via SmartBadges
Whova is a comprehensive event management platform designed for conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions, offering robust registration, ticketing, and attendee management tools. It features a highly engaging mobile app that facilitates networking, session discovery, and exhibitor interactions via lead capture and booth navigation. Organizers can customize agendas, sell tickets online, and access real-time analytics to enhance the exhibition experience.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app boosts attendee engagement and networking
- Seamless exhibitor tools for lead scanning and booth management
- Comprehensive registration with customizable ticketing options
Cons
- Higher pricing for smaller exhibitions may limit accessibility
- Limited advanced customization for highly specialized booth layouts
- Occasional reliance on app adoption for full feature utilization
Best For
Mid-to-large scale exhibition organizers prioritizing attendee engagement and mobile-first experiences.
Pricing
Starts at $1.99 per attendee for basic registration; premium plans with exhibitor tools from $4,000/event, custom enterprise pricing available.
Bizzabo
enterpriseEvent experience platform with registration, marketing automation, and analytics for large exhibitions.
AI-powered matchmaking and lead exchange via the exhibitor mobile app
Bizzabo is an all-in-one event experience platform that handles registration, attendee management, exhibitor tools, and engagement for exhibitions and trade shows. It supports seamless ticketing, badge printing, lead capture via mobile app, and exhibitor portals for booth management and virtual hybrid events. The platform excels in creating interactive experiences with agendas, networking, and analytics to measure ROI.
Pros
- Comprehensive event management with strong mobile app for check-ins and lead scanning
- Advanced analytics and ROI tracking tailored for exhibitions
- Robust integration with CRMs and payment gateways for smooth registration
Cons
- Premium pricing that may be steep for smaller exhibitions
- Steeper learning curve for full customization and setup
- Less specialized in advanced booth logistics compared to niche tools
Best For
Mid-to-large exhibition organizers seeking an integrated platform for hybrid events with high engagement needs.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ per event or subscription tiers from $5,000/month based on scale.
Swoogo
otherFlexible event registration and CRM software supporting exhibitor and attendee management for shows.
Seamless exhibitor booth marketplace with automated sales, assignments, and dedicated portals integrated directly into the registration flow
Swoogo is an all-in-one event management platform specializing in registration, ticketing, and attendee engagement for exhibitions, conferences, and trade shows. It provides customizable registration forms, exhibitor booth sales, payment processing via Stripe, and tools for building branded event microsites. The software supports hybrid and virtual events with features like agendas, speaker management, and real-time reporting, making it suitable for mid-sized organizers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick event setup
- Robust exhibitor management including booth sales and portals
- Strong integrations with tools like Zapier, Zoom, and CRM systems
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large events or high attendee volumes
- Advanced analytics and customization locked behind higher tiers
- Occasional limitations in mobile app functionality for complex exhibitions
Best For
Mid-sized exhibition organizers seeking an user-friendly platform for registration, exhibitor handling, and basic attendee engagement without enterprise-level complexity.
Pricing
Starts at $99/month for basic plans (up to 250 registrations), with Pro at $299/month and custom Enterprise pricing for larger events.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top 10 exhibition registration software reveals Cvent as the leading choice, boasting a comprehensive platform that integrates registration, badging, matchmaking, and exhibitor tools. a2z and ExpoFP, ranking second and third, are standout alternatives—a2z excels with trade show-specific onsite management, while ExpoFP impresses with its seamless cloud-based check-in processes. Each tool caters to unique needs, ensuring every planner finds a fit.
To elevate your exhibition registration experience, start with Cvent’s robust features and explore how it can streamline workflows and enhance attendee engagement.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison