Top 5 SaaS Tools for Event Apps — Best Picks 2026 Guide

Picking the right SaaS tools for event apps feels like juggling: attendee expectations, marketing, registration, networking, and post-event analytics — all at once. If you’re building or buying an event app, you probably want something that boosts attendee engagement, handles event registration, supports virtual events, and gives clear event analytics. From what I’ve seen, a few platforms consistently deliver. Below I break down the top five SaaS tools for event apps, when to use each, and practical pros and cons so you can pick the right fit.

Why this list — search intent and selection criteria

I focused on tools that excel in core needs for modern events: mobile event apps, networking features, virtual/hybrid support, registration, and analytics. I tested demos, read recent reviews, and compared pricing models. The goal: recommend options for both beginners and experienced planners.

Top 5 SaaS tools for event apps (quick snapshot)

Here’s the short list first, with the use-case that suits each:

• Whova — Best for attendee engagement and all-around event app features.
• Bizzabo — Strong for event marketing and growth-focused programs.
• Cvent — Enterprise-grade event management and scalability.
• Splash — Great for branded event pages and marketing-first events.
• Attendify — Simple, reliable event apps focused on networking.

1. Whova — best for attendee engagement and networking

Whova shines when you want a polished event app that drives networking and content discovery. In my experience it’s especially good for conferences and multi-track events.

• Key features: agenda, live polling, community boards, sponsor pages, matchmaking.
• Strength: Excellent attendee engagement tools and easy onboarding.
• Use case: Mid-size conferences that want strong networking features.

For more on their feature set, see the Whova official site.

2. Bizzabo — best for event marketing and growth

Bizzabo blends event management software with marketing automation. If your focus is growing attendance and measuring ROI, this one’s worth a look.

• Key features: registration, email campaigns, CRM integrations, analytics.
• Strength: Tight marketing and analytics — great for events where growth is the KPI.
• Use case: Conferences and trade shows that need to measure lead gen and conversions.

3. Cvent — enterprise-grade event management software

Cvent is the go-to for large organizations. It’s robust — sometimes overwhelmingly so.

• Key features: full lifecycle event management, venue sourcing, complex registration logic, compliance features.
• Strength: Scalability and integrations for enterprise IT stacks.
• Use case: Large corporate events, complicated registration rules, or high-security needs.

Learn more on the Cvent official site.

4. Splash — best for branded event marketing and beautiful pages

Splash is marketing-first. If brand experience and registration conversion matter most, Splash helps you build beautiful event pages and track campaign performance.

• Key features: drag-and-drop event pages, RSVP funnels, integrations with marketing tools.
• Strength: Design-forward templates and conversion-focused tools.
• Use case: Product launches, experiential events, and promotional meetups.

5. Attendify — simple apps for networking and attendee experience

Attendify keeps things straightforward. You get a clean app experience and reliable networking features without heavy setup.

• Key features: attendee profiles, messaging, social feed, simple analytics.
• Strength: Quick setup and lower cost for smaller events.
• Use case: Small to mid-size events focused on community and interaction.

Comparison: features, price signals, and ideal use

Below is a compact comparison to help you scan differences fast. Prices change often — use this to guide vendor conversations.

How to choose the right event app (quick checklist)

• Define your primary goal: attendee engagement, lead gen, or brand experience?
• Consider scale: number of attendees, parallel sessions, global access.
• Check integrations: CRM, marketing tools, payment processors.
• Ask about data & security: exportable reports and compliance needs.
• Test the attendee experience: demo the mobile app; if it feels clunky, attendees will notice.

Real-world examples

A regional tech conference I worked with used Whova to boost networking — attendee meetups increased 40% and session ratings rose. Another client moved to Bizzabo when marketing needed better attribution; their email-to-registration conversion improved noticeably. These are small wins that compound.

Further reading on event management

If you want background on the industry and why platforms evolved, see Event management on Wikipedia for a concise overview of event types and processes.

FAQs

FAQ quick answers for planning

• Do I need a native mobile app or is a web app enough?
  Native apps give a better offline experience and push notifications; web apps are cheaper and faster to deploy. For large conferences, native is worth it.
• How much do event apps typically cost?
  Costs vary widely: from a few hundred dollars for a simple web-based app to tens of thousands for enterprise solutions with custom features.
• Can these tools handle virtual events?
  Yes — most top SaaS platforms added virtual event and hybrid support after 2020; check streaming and networking integrations.
• What metrics should I track?
  Track registrations, session attendance, engagement actions (polls, chats), lead captures, and post-event NPS for a full view of success.
• Which tool is best for small community meetups?
  Attendify or Splash often fit small events: lower cost, faster setup, and a simple attendee experience.

Next steps: shortlist two vendors that match your goals, run short demos with your team, and test the attendee flow on mobile before signing a contract. Small pilot events reveal a lot.