Most small events can be managed using phone, email and the piece of paper. However, the proper professional functions need more; they need a proper event management system. Today, the event management software is capable to manage events from various angles. This includes the management of:
The event management software provides solutions for:
For family parties it is an utter overkill.
For medium to large events it is a necessity.
The event management software has multiple modules.
Some, like bookings can be connected to internet.
The bookings plug-in is probably number one reason to use this event management system.
But there is more!
The multiple project management modules, venue optimisation, event catering needs requirements and budgeting options make the event management software a real necessity. Most event management packages are connected in real time with servers to provide up-to-date data.
Some event management software has advertising components which offer emailing campaigns.
However, it is often cheaper to run online advertising campaigns using professional subcontractors.
Essentially, the event management software is suitable for large scale, public functions.
Events, which are organised for employees and families, do not need this technological advancement.
In this case, a simple phone-call, email, SMS and spreadsheet is sufficient.
The event management software is not just the computer program.
It is an entire service which counts.
The event management software companies understand that you cannot run a big show from your laptop and PayPal interface.
There is a phone support, online registration, email and SMS marketing.
Thus, most of these modules are charged as a service rather than the product.
For this reason the event management software is often for hire rather than for sale.
IVVY provides an enterprise-level event management software as the comprehensive package.
They charge between $50-$150 per month plus additional fees for the phone support, online registration and email marketing (depending on the options).
Others request payments per attendee. Currently, Amiando offers a system which charges $1 for each participant + 6% of the attendance fee.
The EventsManagementSoftware.com.au uses a similar scheme, charging 2.5% for the ticket value + $1 on the actual ticket price (the pricing is capped to no more than $10).
In fact, the per-attendance fee is the most preferred payment option for event management software companies.
When you search for the event management software or event management system you get over 10 million entries.
Hotfrog lists at least 120 companies within the market.
Thus, it is difficult to evaluate each product and service thoroughly.
In most cases you do not buy the package but hire the entire service.
The EventPro is a powerful event management software.
It has been extensively used and tested by many event contractors.
The package has a solution to all event management problems.
It is a comprehensive event management system and recommended for most functions.
EventsPerfect is our second choice.
This is a more administrative tool, which lets you design and manage your events through a CRM model.
EventsPerfect has project management, customer relation management and real-time online capabilities.
Again, it is a recommended package for professional users.
The FASTbook from EventSoftware is the third on the podium.
FASTbook is a high performance booking software.
It does not have some of the lights and whistles of the previous competitors.
However, it is a fantastic tool for booking applications.