Quick Overview
- 1#1: Cvent - Comprehensive event management platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor coordination, and attendee engagement.
- 2#2: a2z - Specialized trade show software for exhibitor directories, interactive floor plans, badge printing, and lead management.
- 3#3: Bizzabo - End-to-end event platform for creating immersive trade show experiences with registration, apps, and analytics.
- 4#4: vFairs - Virtual and hybrid trade show platform featuring customizable booths, live chat, and lead generation tools.
- 5#5: Whova - Event management app enhancing trade shows with networking, agendas, maps, and real-time lead capture.
- 6#6: EventMobi - Mobile-first event apps for trade shows including custom agendas, exhibitor lists, and attendee matching.
- 7#7: Hubilo - Hybrid event platform for trade shows with virtual booths, live streaming, and engagement analytics.
- 8#8: Swoogo - All-in-one event software for trade show registration, exhibitor portals, and virtual/hybrid support.
- 9#9: SpotMe - Enterprise-grade event app for large trade shows focusing on networking, personalization, and data insights.
- 10#10: ExpoFP - Interactive floor planning tool for trade shows to design booth layouts, assign spaces, and visualize events.
Tools were selected for their balance of robust features (e.g., lead management, interactive experiences), user-friendly design, and real-world value, including scalability and integration capabilities, to deliver a reliable guide for event professionals.
Comparison Table
Trade show planning software streamlines event management, from logistics to engagement, and this table compares top tools like Cvent, a2z, Bizzabo, vFairs, Whova, and more, outlining features, pricing, and user experience to help identify the best fit for your needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cvent Comprehensive event management platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor coordination, and attendee engagement. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | a2z Specialized trade show software for exhibitor directories, interactive floor plans, badge printing, and lead management. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Bizzabo End-to-end event platform for creating immersive trade show experiences with registration, apps, and analytics. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | vFairs Virtual and hybrid trade show platform featuring customizable booths, live chat, and lead generation tools. | specialized | 8.6/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Whova Event management app enhancing trade shows with networking, agendas, maps, and real-time lead capture. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | EventMobi Mobile-first event apps for trade shows including custom agendas, exhibitor lists, and attendee matching. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 7 | Hubilo Hybrid event platform for trade shows with virtual booths, live streaming, and engagement analytics. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | Swoogo All-in-one event software for trade show registration, exhibitor portals, and virtual/hybrid support. | other | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 9 | SpotMe Enterprise-grade event app for large trade shows focusing on networking, personalization, and data insights. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | ExpoFP Interactive floor planning tool for trade shows to design booth layouts, assign spaces, and visualize events. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.2/10 |
Comprehensive event management platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor coordination, and attendee engagement.
Specialized trade show software for exhibitor directories, interactive floor plans, badge printing, and lead management.
End-to-end event platform for creating immersive trade show experiences with registration, apps, and analytics.
Virtual and hybrid trade show platform featuring customizable booths, live chat, and lead generation tools.
Event management app enhancing trade shows with networking, agendas, maps, and real-time lead capture.
Mobile-first event apps for trade shows including custom agendas, exhibitor lists, and attendee matching.
Hybrid event platform for trade shows with virtual booths, live streaming, and engagement analytics.
All-in-one event software for trade show registration, exhibitor portals, and virtual/hybrid support.
Enterprise-grade event app for large trade shows focusing on networking, personalization, and data insights.
Interactive floor planning tool for trade shows to design booth layouts, assign spaces, and visualize events.
Cvent
enterpriseComprehensive event management platform for trade show planning, registration, exhibitor coordination, and attendee engagement.
Integrated floor planning and 3D booth visualization tools for efficient exhibitor layout and space optimization
Cvent is a leading all-in-one event management platform tailored for trade shows, offering end-to-end solutions from venue sourcing and floor planning to exhibitor management and attendee registration. It excels in handling complex logistics like booth assignments, lead capture via mobile apps, and real-time analytics for optimizing event ROI. With robust integrations to CRMs like Salesforce and marketing tools, it supports hybrid and in-person trade shows at scale, making it ideal for professional organizers.
Pros
- Comprehensive exhibitor portal for booth sales, contracts, and lead management
- Advanced analytics and reporting for data-driven decisions
- Seamless integrations with 300+ tools including CRMs and email platforms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to extensive features
- High cost prohibitive for small-scale events
- Customization requires support team assistance
Best For
Enterprise-level event planners and trade show organizers managing large-scale, multi-day events with thousands of exhibitors and attendees.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10,000+ annually for subscriptions or per-event fees scaling with attendee/exhibitor volume.
a2z
specializedSpecialized trade show software for exhibitor directories, interactive floor plans, badge printing, and lead management.
Advanced interactive floor planner with drag-and-drop booth assignments and 3D visualizations
a2z is a robust enterprise-grade trade show planning software that streamlines the entire event lifecycle from exhibitor management to attendee engagement. It excels in creating interactive floor plans, handling registrations, lead capture via mobile apps, and providing detailed analytics. Ideal for large-scale trade shows, it integrates seamlessly with CRM systems and offers customizable exhibitor portals for booth sales and management.
Pros
- Comprehensive exhibitor and booth management tools
- Interactive 3D floor planning with real-time availability
- Powerful mobile lead capture and attendee apps
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced features
- Pricing geared toward large events, less ideal for small shows
- Limited out-of-box customizations without add-ons
Best For
Large trade show organizers and associations handling thousands of exhibitors and attendees who need scalable, feature-rich management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting at around $5,000-$10,000 per event, depending on scale and features; enterprise subscriptions available.
Bizzabo
enterpriseEnd-to-end event platform for creating immersive trade show experiences with registration, apps, and analytics.
AI-powered matchmaking that connects exhibitors with targeted buyers for efficient networking
Bizzabo is a comprehensive event management platform designed for planning and executing trade shows, conferences, and hybrid events, offering tools for exhibitor management, attendee registration, and engagement. It streamlines booth assignments, lead capture via mobile apps, and post-event analytics to maximize ROI. With features like AI-driven matchmaking and virtual exhibitor halls, it supports both in-person and online trade show formats effectively.
Pros
- Robust exhibitor tools including booth management and lead scanning
- Advanced analytics for attendee behavior and ROI tracking
- Seamless hybrid event capabilities with mobile app engagement
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for smaller trade shows
- Steep learning curve due to extensive feature set
- Limited free tier or trial options for testing
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers seeking an all-in-one platform for complex, data-driven events.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting at around $10,000 per event, based on attendee count and features.
vFairs
specializedVirtual and hybrid trade show platform featuring customizable booths, live chat, and lead generation tools.
Immersive 3D venue builder with gamification elements for highly engaging virtual trade show environments
vFairs is a versatile platform specializing in virtual, hybrid, and in-person trade shows and exhibitions, offering tools for booth customization, attendee engagement, and event management. It provides immersive 3D environments, AI-powered networking, live streaming, and comprehensive analytics to streamline trade show planning and execution. Organizers can manage exhibitors, registrants, and leads efficiently, making it suitable for modern event formats.
Pros
- Highly customizable 3D virtual booths and venues
- Advanced AI matchmaking and networking tools
- Robust analytics and reporting for exhibitor insights
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller events
- Steeper learning curve for non-virtual features
- Limited focus on pure physical floor planning compared to specialized tools
Best For
Event organizers hosting virtual or hybrid trade shows who need engaging digital experiences and strong exhibitor tools.
Pricing
Custom pricing starting around $5,000 per event, with subscription plans for frequent users; scales based on attendee numbers and features.
Whova
enterpriseEvent management app enhancing trade shows with networking, agendas, maps, and real-time lead capture.
AI-powered SmartMatch for personalized exhibitor-attendee connections and lead generation
Whova is an all-in-one event management platform designed for trade shows, conferences, and exhibitions, offering a mobile app for attendees, exhibitors, and organizers. It streamlines trade show planning with features like interactive agendas, exhibitor directories, lead capture via badge scanning, and AI-powered networking. The platform supports both in-person and hybrid events, focusing on enhancing attendee engagement and exhibitor ROI through real-time analytics and matchmaking tools.
Pros
- Highly intuitive mobile app for seamless attendee and exhibitor experiences
- AI matchmaking and networking tools that boost engagement
- Robust lead capture and analytics for exhibitor success
Cons
- Limited advanced floor planning and booth design capabilities
- Pricing scales quickly for larger events, less ideal for small trade shows
- Some customization requires higher-tier plans
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers prioritizing mobile-first attendee engagement and networking over deep logistical planning tools.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on event size; starts at around $1.99 per attendee for basic features, with premium plans up to $5+ per attendee including AI tools.
EventMobi
enterpriseMobile-first event apps for trade shows including custom agendas, exhibitor lists, and attendee matching.
Highly customizable mobile event app with exhibitor lead capture and interactive floor maps
EventMobi is an all-in-one event management platform tailored for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events, offering tools for registration, mobile app creation, exhibitor management, and attendee engagement. It provides exhibitor portals for lead capture, product catalogs, floor plans, and badge printing to streamline trade show operations. The platform excels in creating interactive experiences through customizable mobile apps and websites, with robust analytics for post-event insights.
Pros
- Comprehensive mobile app builder for real-time attendee engagement and networking
- Integrated exhibitor tools including lead scanning and booth management
- Strong customization options for branding and floor plans
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for smaller trade shows or one-off events
- Advanced features may require additional modules or setup time
- Less specialized in pure trade show logistics compared to niche tools
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers seeking a mobile-first platform for exhibitor and attendee management.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting at around $5,000-$10,000 per event, scaling with attendee count and features; subscription options available for frequent users.
Hubilo
specializedHybrid event platform for trade shows with virtual booths, live streaming, and engagement analytics.
AI-powered Smart Networking for personalized exhibitor-attendee matchmaking and lead generation
Hubilo is a versatile event management platform designed for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, including trade shows, offering tools for seamless attendee registration, exhibitor booth management, and interactive networking. It excels in creating engaging experiences with features like virtual lounges, live polling, AI-powered matchmaking, and comprehensive analytics for lead generation and ROI tracking. While strong in digital engagement, it supports physical trade show planning through customizable agendas, floor plan integrations, and mobile apps for on-site navigation.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interface with drag-and-drop event builder
- Robust networking and engagement tools like AI matchmaking and virtual booths
- Excellent analytics and reporting for trade show ROI measurement
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller events
- Limited native support for complex physical floor planning and logistics
- Some advanced customizations require developer support
Best For
Trade show organizers hosting hybrid events who prioritize attendee engagement and virtual networking over pure in-person logistics.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing starting around $5,000-$10,000 per event depending on scale, attendee count, and features; annual subscriptions available for frequent users.
Swoogo
otherAll-in-one event software for trade show registration, exhibitor portals, and virtual/hybrid support.
Advanced exhibitor management portal that handles applications, contracts, payments, and personalized dashboards in one integrated system
Swoogo is a comprehensive event management platform tailored for trade shows, conferences, and corporate events, offering tools for seamless attendee registration, exhibitor management, and agenda scheduling. It supports virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats with customizable forms, real-time reporting, and mobile apps for enhanced engagement. Ideal for streamlining the entire trade show lifecycle from booth sales to post-event analytics.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for quick event setup
- Robust exhibitor portal for applications, payments, and booth assignments
- Strong analytics and reporting for lead tracking and ROI measurement
Cons
- Limited native floor planning and booth mapping tools
- Pricing scales quickly for high-volume or complex events
- Fewer third-party integrations than enterprise competitors
Best For
Mid-sized trade show organizers who need an user-friendly platform for registration, exhibitor coordination, and basic analytics without advanced venue mapping.
Pricing
Subscription plans start at $99/month for Essentials, $299/month for Pro, with Enterprise custom pricing based on event volume and features.
SpotMe
enterpriseEnterprise-grade event app for large trade shows focusing on networking, personalization, and data insights.
AI-driven matchmaking connecting exhibitors and attendees in real-time
SpotMe is a mobile-first event platform designed for trade shows and conferences, offering tools for attendee engagement, lead capture, networking, and real-time analytics through a customizable app. It streamlines on-site interactions with features like badge scanning, matchmaking, and interactive agendas. While strong in digital experience enhancement, it provides limited support for traditional planning aspects like booth layouts or logistics management.
Pros
- Seamless mobile app for attendee engagement and lead capture
- AI-powered matchmaking and networking tools
- Robust real-time analytics and CRM integrations
Cons
- Limited tools for booth assignment and floor planning
- Enterprise-level pricing not ideal for small events
- Advanced customizations require developer support
Best For
Mid-to-large trade show organizers prioritizing digital engagement and lead generation over full logistics planning.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically starts at $5,000+ per event based on scale and features.
ExpoFP
specializedInteractive floor planning tool for trade shows to design booth layouts, assign spaces, and visualize events.
Advanced booth 'fingerprinting' technology for precise matching and automatic layout suggestions
ExpoFP is a cloud-based floor planning software tailored for trade shows and exhibitions, enabling users to design interactive booth layouts and venue maps with drag-and-drop tools. It supports exhibitor assignment, real-time collaboration, and export options for proposals and attendee navigation. The platform focuses on optimizing space utilization and streamlining the planning process for event organizers.
Pros
- Intuitive drag-and-drop floor plan editor
- Real-time multiplayer collaboration
- Strong exhibitor booth management and assignment tools
Cons
- Limited integrations with broader event management platforms
- Higher-tier features locked behind premium plans
- Occasional performance lag with very large venues
Best For
Trade show organizers and exhibition managers prioritizing booth layout design and space optimization over full event lifecycle management.
Pricing
Starts at $49/month for Lite plan (basic floor plans), $99/month for Pro (collaboration and exports), with Enterprise custom pricing.
Conclusion
Evaluating the best trade show planning tools reveals Cvent as the top choice, with its comprehensive platform covering every stage from registration to attendee engagement. a2z stands out for exhibitors needing specialized directory and lead management, while Bizzabo excels in creating immersive, data-rich experiences. Each tool addresses unique needs, but Cvent leads with its integrated, end-to-end approach.
Don’t miss out—leverage Cvent’s robust features to streamline your next trade show, ensuring efficiency, engagement, and success.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison