Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cvent - Comprehensive enterprise platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor management, lead capture, and analytics.
- 2#2: a2z - Specialized trade show software for floor plans, exhibitor directories, badge printing, and attendee matchmaking.
- 3#3: Certain - Robust solution for trade show registration, housing coordination, exhibitor portals, and reporting.
- 4#4: Stova - Mobile-first platform delivering lead scanning, interactive maps, and networking tools for trade shows.
- 5#5: Swapcard - AI-powered event platform with matchmaking, lead exchange, and engagement analytics for exhibitions.
- 6#6: Bizzabo - All-in-one event experience platform supporting hybrid trade shows with registration and content management.
- 7#7: EventMobi - Custom mobile apps for trade shows focusing on attendee engagement, agendas, and lead generation.
- 8#8: Whova - Event app providing networking, live polling, and lead capture optimized for trade show environments.
- 9#9: vFairs - Virtual and hybrid trade show platform with customizable booths, virtual swag, and analytics.
- 10#10: Hubilo - Engaging platform for immersive hybrid trade shows featuring lounges, booths, and real-time interactions.
We evaluated these tools based on key factors including functionality, ease of use, scalability, and value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance across varied event needs, from hybrid experiences to traditional exhibitions.
Comparison Table
Navigating trade show management can be complex, making the right software critical; this comparison table breaks down top tools, including Cvent, a2z, Certain, Stova, Swapcard, and more. Readers will discover key features, pricing structures, and usability insights to identify the best fit for their event goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cvent Comprehensive enterprise platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor management, lead capture, and analytics. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | a2z Specialized trade show software for floor plans, exhibitor directories, badge printing, and attendee matchmaking. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Certain Robust solution for trade show registration, housing coordination, exhibitor portals, and reporting. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Stova Mobile-first platform delivering lead scanning, interactive maps, and networking tools for trade shows. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 5 | Swapcard AI-powered event platform with matchmaking, lead exchange, and engagement analytics for exhibitions. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Bizzabo All-in-one event experience platform supporting hybrid trade shows with registration and content management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | EventMobi Custom mobile apps for trade shows focusing on attendee engagement, agendas, and lead generation. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.6/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | Whova Event app providing networking, live polling, and lead capture optimized for trade show environments. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | vFairs Virtual and hybrid trade show platform with customizable booths, virtual swag, and analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Hubilo Engaging platform for immersive hybrid trade shows featuring lounges, booths, and real-time interactions. | enterprise | 8.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
Comprehensive enterprise platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor management, lead capture, and analytics.
Specialized trade show software for floor plans, exhibitor directories, badge printing, and attendee matchmaking.
Robust solution for trade show registration, housing coordination, exhibitor portals, and reporting.
Mobile-first platform delivering lead scanning, interactive maps, and networking tools for trade shows.
AI-powered event platform with matchmaking, lead exchange, and engagement analytics for exhibitions.
All-in-one event experience platform supporting hybrid trade shows with registration and content management.
Custom mobile apps for trade shows focusing on attendee engagement, agendas, and lead generation.
Event app providing networking, live polling, and lead capture optimized for trade show environments.
Virtual and hybrid trade show platform with customizable booths, virtual swag, and analytics.
Engaging platform for immersive hybrid trade shows featuring lounges, booths, and real-time interactions.
Cvent
enterpriseComprehensive enterprise platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor management, lead capture, and analytics.
Seamless exhibitor lead capture with real-time CRM syncing via mobile app
Cvent is a leading all-in-one event management platform specializing in trade show management, offering end-to-end solutions for exhibitor onboarding, booth assignments, attendee registration, and lead capture. It features customizable mobile apps, interactive floor plans, agenda builders, and robust analytics to drive engagement and ROI. With seamless integrations to CRMs like Salesforce and virtual/hybrid capabilities, it streamlines complex trade show operations for organizers worldwide.
Pros
- Comprehensive exhibitor and attendee management tools
- Advanced lead scanning and CRM integrations
- Scalable for global enterprise events with 24/7 support
Cons
- High pricing for small-scale events
- Steep learning curve for advanced customizations
- Limited flexibility in UI without developer help
Best For
Large enterprise organizers managing high-volume trade shows who need scalable, feature-rich automation.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $10,000+ per event or $5,000+/month subscriptions depending on scale and modules.
a2z
specializedSpecialized trade show software for floor plans, exhibitor directories, badge printing, and attendee matchmaking.
Interactive 3D floor plans with real-time availability and virtual booth tours for enhanced navigation and engagement
a2z (a2zevents.com) is a robust trade show management platform that handles end-to-end event operations, including exhibitor directories, attendee registration, badge printing, and interactive floor plans. It excels in lead capture via mobile apps with QR codes and NFC, real-time analytics, and seamless integrations with CRMs like Salesforce. Designed for mid-to-large scale events, it supports virtual and hybrid formats with customizable exhibitor portals and matchmaking tools.
Pros
- Comprehensive exhibitor and attendee management tools
- Powerful mobile lead capture and analytics
- Scalable for large events with strong integrations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller events
- Some advanced customizations require vendor support
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers managing complex, high-volume events who need enterprise-grade scalability and integrations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at $5,000+ per event based on attendee count, features, and modules; volume discounts available.
Certain
enterpriseRobust solution for trade show registration, housing coordination, exhibitor portals, and reporting.
Integrated lead management that automatically syncs event interactions with marketing automation for post-event nurturing and sales handoff
Certain is an enterprise-grade event management platform specializing in trade shows, conferences, and B2B events, offering end-to-end solutions from registration and marketing automation to onsite badge printing and lead capture. It excels in integrating event data with CRM systems for seamless lead nurturing and ROI tracking. Designed for large-scale events, it provides robust analytics to measure engagement and revenue impact.
Pros
- Advanced lead capture, scoring, and nurturing tools
- Comprehensive analytics for ROI measurement
- Strong integrations with CRM and marketing platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-enterprise users
- High cost unsuitable for small events
- Interface can feel dated in some areas
Best For
Large enterprises and B2B organizers running complex trade shows with thousands of attendees focused on lead generation and revenue tracking.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $10,000+ per event based on scale, features, and attendee volume (quotes required).
Stova
specializedMobile-first platform delivering lead scanning, interactive maps, and networking tools for trade shows.
SmartBadge technology for frictionless lead scanning and instant data syncing
Stova is a robust event management platform tailored for trade shows and exhibitions, providing end-to-end solutions including attendee registration, badge printing, exhibitor lead capture, and mobile event apps. It enables seamless on-site management with features like interactive floor plans, session scheduling, and real-time analytics to enhance exhibitor and attendee experiences. Organizers benefit from its hybrid event capabilities, supporting both in-person and virtual trade shows with integrated CRM syncing.
Pros
- Comprehensive lead capture and CRM integrations for exhibitors
- Scalable mobile app with interactive maps and networking tools
- Strong analytics and reporting for event ROI measurement
Cons
- Pricing is opaque and quote-based only
- Customization requires technical setup and learning curve
- Fewer out-of-box integrations than some top competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers seeking integrated on-site and digital management for high-volume events.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at $5,000+ per event, scaling with attendee numbers and features; no public tiers.
Swapcard
enterpriseAI-powered event platform with matchmaking, lead exchange, and engagement analytics for exhibitions.
AI-powered matchmaking that intelligently pairs attendees and exhibitors based on profiles and interests
Swapcard is a robust event management platform tailored for trade shows, conferences, and networking events, offering tools for attendee registration, exhibitor lead capture, and interactive agendas. Its mobile-first app enables seamless on-site experiences with features like badge scanning, AI-powered matchmaking, and virtual/hybrid event support. The software excels in fostering connections through personalized networking recommendations and provides detailed analytics for event ROI measurement.
Pros
- AI-driven matchmaking for superior networking
- Comprehensive mobile app with lead capture and analytics
- Strong support for hybrid and large-scale trade shows
Cons
- Custom pricing can be expensive for smaller events
- Admin interface has a learning curve for beginners
- Limited out-of-the-box customization options
Best For
Ideal for organizers of mid-to-large trade shows and conferences prioritizing attendee engagement and networking.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per event depending on attendee count, with enterprise subscriptions available.
Bizzabo
enterpriseAll-in-one event experience platform supporting hybrid trade shows with registration and content management.
AI-powered matchmaking that connects exhibitors and attendees based on interests for superior networking
Bizzabo is a comprehensive event management platform tailored for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events, offering end-to-end solutions from planning and registration to onsite engagement and post-event analytics. It excels in exhibitor management, lead capture via mobile app scanning, and attendee networking through AI-powered matchmaking. The platform's robust mobile app ensures seamless interaction for trade show attendees and exhibitors alike.
Pros
- Powerful mobile app for lead scanning and attendee engagement
- Advanced AI matchmaking and personalization tools
- Comprehensive analytics for exhibitor ROI measurement
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller trade shows
- Steeper learning curve for full customization
- Limited basic templates for quick setups
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers seeking advanced engagement and analytics features for high-attendance events.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $5,000-$10,000 per event or annual subscriptions from $20,000+ depending on scale.
EventMobi
specializedCustom mobile apps for trade shows focusing on attendee engagement, agendas, and lead generation.
Advanced lead scanning and CRM integration via the exhibitor mobile app for instant lead retrieval and follow-up
EventMobi is a versatile event management platform tailored for trade shows, conferences, and corporate gatherings, providing tools for registration, mobile apps, badge printing, and lead capture. It enables organizers to create engaging attendee experiences with interactive agendas, exhibitor directories, and networking features. The software also offers real-time analytics and reporting to track engagement and ROI effectively.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile-first event app that boosts attendee engagement
- Robust lead capture and retrieval tools for exhibitors
- Quick badge printing and check-in processes
Cons
- Pricing can be high for smaller trade shows
- Limited advanced floor planning and booth management compared to specialists
- Some integrations require custom setup
Best For
Mid-sized trade show organizers seeking a user-friendly platform for mobile engagement and lead management.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $5,000 per event, with tiers based on attendee count and features; subscription options available for frequent users.
Whova
specializedEvent app providing networking, live polling, and lead capture optimized for trade show environments.
AI-powered networking and matchmaking that connects attendees and exhibitors based on interests and profiles
Whova is a comprehensive event management platform tailored for conferences, trade shows, and hybrid events, featuring a mobile-first app for attendee engagement. It provides tools for registration, agendas, exhibitor directories, lead capture via badge scanning, and AI-driven networking. Organizers benefit from analytics, badge printing, and seamless check-in to streamline trade show operations.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app enhances attendee networking and engagement
- AI matchmaking and lead capture tools boost exhibitor ROI
- Strong registration, check-in, and analytics for efficient event management
Cons
- Pricing scales quickly for large trade shows with high attendee counts
- Limited advanced features for booth layout and floor planning
- Customization options for branding and reports can feel restrictive
Best For
Mid-sized trade show organizers prioritizing attendee engagement and mobile networking over complex logistics.
Pricing
Freemium basic plan; Pro starts at $1.99/attendee (min 100), Enterprise custom pricing with advanced features.
vFairs
specializedVirtual and hybrid trade show platform with customizable booths, virtual swag, and analytics.
Immersive 3D virtual venues with gamification elements for enhanced attendee interaction
vFairs is a comprehensive virtual event platform specializing in trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences, offering customizable 3D booths, live streaming, and interactive networking tools. It supports virtual, hybrid, and in-person events with features like matchmaking, gamification, and detailed analytics for lead generation and engagement. Organizers can create immersive environments that mimic physical trade shows while providing scalability for global audiences.
Pros
- Highly customizable 3D virtual booths and expo halls
- Advanced networking and matchmaking capabilities
- Robust analytics and reporting for lead tracking
Cons
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller events
- Initial setup and customization require time and expertise
- Limited options for purely in-person event management
Best For
Trade show organizers hosting virtual or hybrid events who need immersive, feature-rich platforms for global attendee engagement.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on event scale; starts around $5,000 per event for basic plans, with enterprise subscriptions from $10,000+ annually.
Hubilo
enterpriseEngaging platform for immersive hybrid trade shows featuring lounges, booths, and real-time interactions.
AI-driven Smart Match for personalized exhibitor-buyer connections and virtual expo halls
Hubilo is an all-in-one event management platform specializing in virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, including trade shows, with tools for registration, exhibitor booths, attendee networking, and analytics. It excels in creating engaging digital experiences like virtual expo halls and AI-driven matchmaking to connect exhibitors with buyers. While versatile for modern trade shows, it leans more toward hybrid formats rather than purely physical events.
Pros
- Powerful hybrid and virtual trade show capabilities with immersive booths and live streaming
- AI-powered networking and lead matchmaking for better exhibitor ROI
- Comprehensive analytics and seamless integrations with CRMs like Salesforce
Cons
- Limited advanced tools for physical floor plans and booth logistics
- Pricing can be steep for smaller or in-person-only trade shows
- Customization options require technical expertise for complex setups
Best For
Trade show organizers hosting hybrid events who need strong digital networking and virtual exhibitor tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting at around $5,000 per event or subscription tiers from $10,000+/year based on attendee volume and features.
Conclusion
The top trade show management tools offer diverse strengths, with Cvent leading as the top choice for its comprehensive end-to-end platform. a2z stands out as a strong alternative for booth and attendee logistics, while Certain excels in registration and housing coordination, each addressing specific needs in the space.
To maximize your trade show success, start with Cvent, the all-encompassing tool that simplifies planning and engagement. If your priorities lie in specialized areas like floor plans or registration, explore a2z or Certain—both deliver exceptional results tailored to their focus.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison