Best Whova Alternatives in 2026: Honest Comparison

TL;DR Best Whova Alternatives in 2026

• Best overall Whova alternative: Nunify - Best for teams that want DIY flexibility, strong analytics, AI features, and 24/7 global support without enterprise lock-ins.
• Best enterprise alternative: Cvent - Works well for large associations and enterprises that value brand recognition and venue sourcing, but comes with high costs and complexity.
• Best for simple ticketed events: Eventbrite- Ideal if you only need ticketing and payments. Not suited for complex event management or ROI tracking.
• Best for marketing-led events: Bizzabo: Strong for pipeline attribution and marketing teams, weaker for operations-heavy or internal events.
• Best for Cisco-first organizations: Webex Events: Good choice if you’re already invested in Webex and run primarily virtual or hybrid events.

Looking for the best Whova alternatives in 2026?

You’re here because Whova isn’t cutting it anymore.

Or you’re evaluating event management software for the first time and want to avoid an expensive mistake.

Either way, you want a straight answer.

I've spent years in the event management trenches and talked to hundreds of teams making this exact decision. 

I've watched teams scramble with broken check-in systems at 7 AM. 

I've seen the chaos when badge printers fail during a 2,000-person trade show. 

I've dealt with the nightmare of trying to pull analytics data from platforms that promise "comprehensive reporting" but deliver spreadsheets that look like they were designed in 2008.

So here's the truth about Whova alternatives: no fluff, no affiliate-driven rankings. Just what actually works, and for whom.

Before we dive deep, here's the fast version. Based on my research and what I’ve worked and tried, this is how the major Whova alternatives stack up: 

(BONUS a FREE must-have event app checklist)

Quick take:

 If you want flexibility to DIY your event apps with strong analytics and 24/7 global support, Nunify delivers across all event sizes. 

If your budget is unlimited and internal brand recognition matters, Cvent is the safe enterprise pick.

If you just need ticketing, Eventbrite works.

Before we talking alternatives, let's be honest about why you're shopping around.

Most teams don’t wake up wanting to switch event platforms.

They switch because something breaks, scales poorly, or becomes too expensive to justify.

Pricing Complexity

Whova's pricing structure makes sense until it doesn't. 

Once you're running multiple events or scaling to larger conferences, the cost-per-attendee model can balloon quickly. 

In practice, we've talked to event managers who saw their software costs triple year-over-year without a proportional increase in value.

Analytics Limitations

Yes, Whova has reports.But proving ROI to leadership is another story.

If you’re exporting data into Excel to build dashboards manually, that’s not a workflow.

That’s a workaround.

Integration Headaches

Your marketing team uses HubSpot. 

Your sales team lives in Salesforce. 

Your ops team needs data flowing into a dozen other systems. 

Whova integrates with some of these, but the depth of those integrations varies wildly. Sometimes you get real-time sync. Sometimes you get a CSV export and a prayer.

Mobile App Usability

The Whova mobile app works. But "works" is a low bar when your attendees are comparing their experience to consumer apps they use daily. 

Usability issues, clunky navigation, and limited offline functionality frustrate both attendees and event staff.

Scalability Questions

As your event program grows from a handful of events to dozens annually, or from hundreds of attendees to thousands, platform scalability becomes critical. 

Some organizations find they outgrow Whova's capabilities as their ambitions expand.

Customer Support Variability

Event management is a high-pressure business. 

When something breaks at 6 AM on event day, you need someone who picks up the phone. Response times matter.

 Onboarding quality matters. 

This is where platforms differentiate themselves and where Whova has received mixed reviews.

To avoid shallow comparisons, we evaluated platforms using criteria that actually impact execution.

Event Management Capabilities

Registration workflow flexibility, badge printing, check-in systems, access control, and credential management for complex events.

Mobile App Experience

Usability testing, gamification features, push notifications, session scheduling, networking tools, and offline functionality.

Analytics and Data

Real-time dashboard capabilities, ROI tracking, lead generation attribution, data visualization, and export flexibility.

Pricing Transparency

Clear pricing models, hidden fee identification, value assessment for different event sizes and frequencies.

API and Integration Ecosystem

Integration depth with CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, payment processors, and custom development capabilities.

Customer Support and Onboarding

Response time testing, knowledge base quality, implementation support, and training resource availability.

Hybrid Event Features

Live streaming quality, web conferencing tools, virtual event engagement, video on demand, and cross-format analytics.

Security and Privacy

Single sign-on support, encryption standards, GDPR compliance, access control granularity, and regulatory compliance.

Nunify - Best for Flexible Event Management with DIY Capabilities

Overview: Nunify is a comprehensive B2B event management platform to automate manual event processes. What sets it apart is the DIY flexibility, teams can self-serve and build unique event apps without depending on vendor support for every change.

Best For: Organizations of all sizes wanting flexibility, corporate event teams, trade shows, hybrid events, teams who want to customize without constant vendor dependency.

Analytics and Data Capabilities

Nunify's artificial intelligence capabilities set it apart from traditional event management software. The platform provides:

Real-time Performance Dashboards

• Registration conversion tracking with funnel visualization
• Session engagement metrics beyond simple attendance counts
• Lead generation scoring and qualification automation
• Sponsor ROI measurement with attribution modeling
• Attendee behavior pattern analysis across touchpoints

Data Management Excellence In our experience, most event platforms treat analytics as an afterthought. Nunify built data management into the core architecture. You get clean exports, flexible reporting, and the ability to prove event ROI to skeptical finance teams.

API and Integration Ecosystem

The integration depth is where Nunify genuinely differentiates:

Native CRM Connections

• HubSpot: Bi-directional sync, marketing automation triggers based on event behavior
• Salesforce: Real-time contact and lead updates, campaign attribution
• Marketo: Lead scoring integration, nurture campaign triggers

Additional Integrations

• Slack: Real-time team notifications for registrations and alerts
• Payment processors: Stripe, PayPal, and regional payment gateways
• Open API: Documented, maintained, and actually used by their customer base

The API isn't an afterthought. It's documented, maintained, and actually used by their customer base for custom integrations.

Check-in and Access Control

Multiple options including QR code scanning, facial recognition system integration, kiosk deployment, and traditional badge printing. The access control system handles complex credentialing for trade shows where different badge types access different areas.

Most importantly: it works offline. When the conference center's WiFi inevitably fails, your check-in doesn't stop.

Mobile App and User Experience

Full-featured mobile app with:

• Gamification to drive engagement
• Push notifications for schedule updates
• Offline mode for areas with poor connectivity
• Networking tools connecting attendees
• Redesigned home screen with customizable widgets. Attendees see what matters most (agenda, notifications, networking) the moment they open the app.

Hybrid Event Infrastructure

Live streaming, web conferencing, virtual event tools are all built into the same platform managing your in-person experience. Single sign-on keeps the experience seamless. Analytics track engagement across both audiences.

Onboarding and Customer Support

This is where Nunify genuinely shines. The platform offers 24/7 global customer support, not just a ticket queue, but actual humans who understand event management challenges and can help you solve problems in real-time.

The onboarding process is detailed and thorough. The team takes time to understand your specific problems before configuring the platform. This isn't cookie-cutter implementation, they work with you to build solutions that match your actual workflow.

DIY Flexibility Once onboarded, you're not dependent on Nunify for every change. The platform is flexible enough that teams can:

• Build unique event apps without developer support
• Customize workflows without submitting tickets
• Make real-time adjustments during live events
• Create templates for repeatable event types

Based on teams we've worked with, this self-service capability is a major differentiator. Most platforms lock you into rigid structures or charge for every customization request.

When Nunify May Not Be the Right Fit

To be fair, no platform is perfect for everyone:

• You only need basic ticketing: If selling tickets is your only need, Eventbrite's simplicity might be sufficient
• You're locked into a Cisco ecosystem: If your organization already uses Webex for everything, Webex Events may integrate more seamlessly
• You need extensive venue sourcing: Cvent's supplier network is stronger for this specific use case

That said, Nunify's flexibility means it works for simple events just as well as complex ones. The platform scales to your needs rather than forcing you into a rigid structure.

AI & Automation Features

Nunify shipped significant AI capabilities in 2025 that are now live:

Zuno: AI Chatbot for Attendees.Your attendees can ask questions about sessions, speakers, timings, venues, and recommendations. 24/7. No more "check the website" replies. No more staffing a help desk for basic questions.

AI Theming:Upload your logo. The AI generates matching colors, templates, and visuals across your entire event. Consistent branding without hiring a designer or fighting with Canva.

RFP Management + AI Evaluator: Send RFPs to multiple vendors, compare responses side-by-side, track everything in one place. The AI evaluator summarizes responses, enriches them with context, pulls in past vendor history, and scores them so you can compare in minutes instead of hours.

Pricing

Nunify offers custom pricing based on your event portfolio and feature needs. No hidden fees, no surprise overages. They're transparent about what you're paying for

Cvent - The Enterprise Default for Large Organizations

Cvent is the Salesforce of event management. Everyone knows the name. It's the safe choice that won't get you fired. And like Salesforce, it's powerful, expensive, and sometimes feels like it was designed by committee.

Best For: Large enterprises, associations, nonprofit organizations, academic conferences with dedicated event teams and substantial budgets.

Management and Feature Breadth

Registration, badge management, mobile app, email marketing, analytics, virtual events  Cvent has a feature for essentially everything. Whether those features are best-in-class is another question, but coverage isn't the problem.

Venue Sourcing Network

If finding and booking venues is a significant part of your workflow, Cvent's supplier network is genuinely useful. This is a differentiator that most competitors don't offer.

Analytics and Reporting

Cvent offers extensive reporting capabilities, though many organizations find themselves exporting data for external analysis. The platform handles large data volumes well but the user experience for building custom reports has room for improvement.

API and Integrations

Cvent integrates with major CRMs and marketing automation platforms, but implementation often requires professional services. Budget for integration work beyond the license cost.

Pricing Reality

Cvent isn't trying to win on price. Enterprise contracts start in the mid-five figures annually and scale up from there. For large organizations managing dozens of events, the ROI math can work. For mid-market companies? The budget conversation gets uncomfortable.

User Experience Concerns

Cvent has been around since 1999. That longevity brings stability but also legacy design decisions. The user interface feels dated compared to newer platforms. Your team will spend more time learning the system than they would with more modern alternatives.

Customer Support Variability

Enterprise accounts with dedicated success managers report good experiences. Everyone else reports... different experiences. Support quality depends heavily on your contract tier.

Eventbrite - Best for Ticketed Events and Simple Registration

Let's be clear: Eventbrite isn't really a Whova alternative for enterprise event management. But it appears in every comparison because it dominates a specific use case — ticketed events where registration and payment processing are the primary needs.

Best For: Public ticketed events, workshops, community gatherings, simple conferences without complex credentialing needs, nonprofit fundraising events.

Payment Processing Excellence

If you're selling tickets to an event and need registration plus payment in one seamless flow, Eventbrite is hard to beat. The platform handles the complexity of payment processing — credit card payments, refunds, fee structures — so you don't have to.

Usability and Quick Setup

You can go from zero to live event listing in under an hour. No implementation project. No onboarding calls. Just start. The user experience is consumer-grade — intuitive enough that anyone can set up an event.

Marketing and Discovery

Eventbrite's marketplace puts your event in front of people actively looking for things to do. For public events, this discovery feature has real value.

Management Limitations

Badge management? Minimal. Check-in? Basic. Analytics? Surface-level. Mobile app for attendees? Exists but limited. If you need actual event management software, Eventbrite isn't it.

Pricing Structure

Free for free events. For paid tickets: percentage of ticket price plus fixed per-ticket fee. Pricing varies by plan tier. Those fees add up for high-volume events.

Aventri (Stova) - Enterprise Complexity for Enterprise Budgets

Aventri (now part of Stova following acquisition) targets the large enterprise and association market with comprehensive event management features. It competes directly with Cvent for the same customer base.

Best For: Large enterprises already evaluating Cvent, organizations with dedicated event management teams, trade show organizers needing full lifecycle management.

Data Management Capabilities

Strong reporting and data export options. Organizations that need to move event data into data lakes or business intelligence tools find Aventri accommodating.

Hybrid Event Support

Virtual event capabilities integrated with in-person management. Web conferencing, live streaming, and on-demand content in one platform.

Pricing and Complexity

Like Cvent, Aventri isn't competing on cost. Budget accordingly. Complex platforms require implementation resources — factor in time and potentially professional services costs beyond the software license.

Acquisition Considerations

The Stova merger may affect roadmap, support, and product direction. Worth asking about during evaluation.

Bizzabo  Marketing-Forward Event Management

Bizzabo positions itself at the intersection of event management and marketing automation. If your events are primarily lead generation vehicles, this positioning resonates.

Best For: Marketing-driven organizations where events are explicitly tied to pipeline generation, B2B companies with sophisticated marketing operations.

Marketing Integration Focus

Deep connections to marketing automation platforms. Lead scoring based on event engagement. Attribution tracking for marketing campaigns. If your CMO cares more about pipeline impact than operational efficiency, Bizzabo speaks their language.

User Experience

Compared to legacy platforms, Bizzabo feels contemporary. The design reflects more recent thinking about usability and user interface patterns.

Hybrid Event Tools

Good virtual event capabilities alongside in-person management.

Operational Limitations

If your events are primarily operational (internal conferences, training, complex credentialing), the marketing focus may not align with your needs. The platform is optimized for external, customer-facing events.

Webex Events (Cisco)  Virtual-First with Enterprise Security

Cisco acquired Socio and rebranded it as Webex Events, integrating it with the broader Webex web conferencing ecosystem.

Best For: Organizations already invested in Cisco Webex for video conferencing and collaboration, enterprises prioritizing security and compliance.

Web Conferencing Integration

If your organization uses Webex for meetings, the integration is seamless. Single sign-on, consistent user experience, unified administration.

Virtual Event Strength

Cisco's infrastructure means reliable live streaming and web conferencing capabilities. For organizations where virtual events are primary, the technology foundation is solid.

Enterprise Security

Cisco's security reputation extends to the events platform. Encryption, compliance certifications, enterprise-grade infrastructure. For regulated industries, this matters.

Market Maturity

Webex Events is newer to the market. The feature set, while growing, isn't as mature as dedicated event management platforms. The in-person event features are catching up to the virtual capabilities.

Analytics and Data

Budget Tiers

Under $5,000 annually: Eventbrite (if ticketing-focused) or entry-tier solutions for smaller organizations.

$5,000 - $25,000 annually: Mid-market sweet spot. Nunify, Bizzabo, and others compete here with full-featured offerings.

$25,000 - $100,000+ annually: Enterprise territory. Cvent, Aventri, premium Nunify implementations with full integration work.

Hidden Cost Factors

Watch out for:

• Per-attendee pricing that scales poorly
• Module-based pricing where essential features cost extra
• Integration professional services
• Support tier upgrades required for adequate response times
• Overage charges for exceeding limits

Negotiation Leverage

• Multi-year discounts (typically 15-25% for 3-year commitments)
• Event volume pricing for high-frequency organizers
• Integration support inclusion
• Support tier upgrades bundled
• Pilot period before full commitment

Trade Shows

Trade show management demands robust check-in, badge management, access control, and lead generation tracking. The chaos factor is high — thousands of attendees, exhibitor coordination, multiple credential types, sponsors expecting ROI data.

Recommended: Nunify (for comprehensive management and analytics) or Cvent (for enterprises with budget)

Corporate Conferences

Internal communications events, sales kickoffs, leadership summits. These require branding consistency, workflow integration with existing corporate tools, and reliable execution.

Recommended: Nunify (for integration depth) or Webex Events (for Cisco-invested organizations)

Nonprofit Events

Budget constraints, donor management integration, membership considerations. Nonprofit organizations need value without enterprise pricing.

Recommended: Nunify (for scalable pricing) or Cvent (for large associations with budget)

Academic Conferences

Peer review management, abstract submission, academic paper presentation workflows. Tertiary education events have specific requirements around research presentation and academic community needs.

Recommended: Specialized academic tools integrated with broader platforms, or Cvent (strong in education vertical)

Hybrid Events

When virtual and in-person must work together seamlessly with unified analytics and consistent attendee experience.

Recommended: Nunify (built for hybrid) or Bizzabo (strong hybrid capabilities)

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Enterprise organizations require SSO integration with identity providers. This eliminates password sprawl and enables centralized access control. Nunify, Cvent, and Aventri support SSO. Eventbrite does not.

Data Encryption

Both data in transit and at rest should be encrypted. Ask vendors about encryption standards — AES-256 for storage, TLS 1.2+ for transmission.

GDPR Compliance

If you have European attendees, GDPR compliance isn't optional. Data processing agreements, right to deletion, consent management — verify your platform handles these requirements.

Access Control

Who can see what data? Role-based access control lets you restrict sensitive information to authorized team members. This matters especially for organizations with distributed event teams.

Buying Features You'll Never Use

Enterprise platforms like Cvent offer hundreds of features. But if you're running 10 corporate events annually, you don't need venue sourcing networks and global supplier databases. Pay for what you'll actually use.

Underestimating Integration Needs

"We'll figure out integration later" becomes "we have manual data entry processes and nothing talks to each other." Map integration requirements before vendor selection. Your marketing team's HubSpot workflows and your sales team's Salesforce processes should drive platform requirements.

Ignoring Total Cost of Ownership

License fees are obvious. Hidden costs include:

• Professional services for implementation
• Integration development or customization
• Training time for your team
• Ongoing support tier upgrades
• Overage charges and per-attendee fees

Choosing Based on One Event Type

Your organization might run trade shows, internal conferences, training sessions, and customer events. Evaluate against your full event portfolio, not just the largest event.

Skipping Reference Calls

Marketing materials show best-case scenarios. Talking to actual customers, especially those with similar event programs reveals reality. Ask vendors for references and actually call them.

Artificial Intelligence That Actually Helps

AI in event management is maturing beyond buzzwords. Practical applications now include:

• Predictive registration forecasting - Knowing whether you'll hit capacity helps with venue planning, catering, and staffing
• Personalized attendee recommendations - Suggesting relevant sessions based on behavior patterns
• Anomaly detection - Flagging unusual registration patterns that might indicate problems

Automated content generation - Drafting event descriptions, session summaries, and marketing email copy

Hybrid Event Maturation

Virtual event tools have moved from emergency pandemic response to strategic capability. The question isn't whether to support hybrid  it's how well your platform handles the complexity.

Key hybrid requirements:

• Unified analytics across in-person and virtual attendance
• Consistent attendee experience regardless of participation mode
• Seamless live streaming integrated with in-person sessions
• Networking tools that connect virtual and physical attendees
• Single registration flow serving both audiences

Data-Driven Event Strategy

Event management is becoming more quantitative. Marketing teams demand attribution data. Finance teams demand ROI metrics. Leadership demands evidence that events contribute to business outcomes.

Platforms differentiating on analytics real-time dashboards, lead generation tracking, performance indicators that matter  will win in this environment.

Timeline Expectations

Simple Platforms (Eventbrite, Nunify): Days to weeks. Self-service setup.

Mid-Market Platforms (Bizzabo): 4-8 weeks including configuration, training, and pilot event.

Enterprise Platforms (Cvent, Aventri, Nunify enterprise): 3-6 months including procurement, complex integration work, team training, and organizational change management.

What Good Onboarding Looks Like

• Dedicated implementation manager who knows your account
• Structured training program for different user roles
• Data migration support from your previous platform
• Integration configuration assistance
• Pilot event guidance with backup support

Red Flags

• No dedicated contact ("submit a ticket and we'll get back to you")
• Training consists only of recorded videos
• Integration setup requires expensive professional services
• Unrealistic timelines that don't account for your team's learning curve

What is the best Whova alternative for enterprise events?

For enterprise events requiring advanced analytics, deep CRM integration, and hybrid event capabilities, Nunify offers the most comprehensive solution with the added benefit of DIY flexibility and 24/7 global support. Cvent is also strong for enterprises prioritizing brand recognition and venue sourcing, though at significantly higher cost.

What is the best free Whova alternative?

For free events, Eventbrite charges nothing. For everything else, most platforms offer tiered pricing where you pay for what you use. True "free" event management software with enterprise features doesn't exist  you're either paying with money or with limitations.

How does Whova compare to Cvent?

Whova is generally more affordable than Cvent and easier to implement, making it popular with mid-market organizations. Cvent offers deeper enterprise features, venue sourcing, and brand recognition but comes with significantly higher costs and complexity. In our experience, organizations outgrowing Whova often evaluate both Cvent and Nunify as alternatives.

How long does it take to switch from Whova to another platform?

Plan for 3-6 months including procurement, implementation, training, and a pilot event. Rushing the transition creates unnecessary risk. Based on teams we've worked with, the most successful migrations allow time for parallel operation before fully cutting over.

Can I integrate event software with Salesforce and HubSpot?

Yes  but integration depth varies dramatically. Nunify offers native HubSpot and Salesforce connections with bi-directional sync. Cvent integrates but may require professional services. Eventbrite has limited CRM connectivity. Always verify integration specifics before committing.

What about data security and GDPR compliance?

Enterprise platforms (Nunify, Cvent, Aventri) offer encryption, single sign-on, and GDPR compliance features. Verify specifics for your regulatory requirements during evaluation. Most enterprise buyers we work with require SOC 2 compliance and data processing agreements.

Is there an event management software with good customer support?

Nunify stands out with 24/7 global customer support and detailed onboarding that takes time to understand your specific challenges. Their team doesn't just configure software  they help solve actual event management problems. Enterprise tiers at other platforms often include dedicated success managers, but support quality at standard tiers varies significantly. Always ask for references from similar customers.

What are the main Whova competitors?

The primary Whova competitors include Cvent (enterprise), Eventbrite (ticketing), Bizzabo (marketing-focused), Aventri/Stova (enterprise), Webex Events (Cisco ecosystem), and Nunify (comprehensive/AI-powered). Each serves different use cases and budget levels.

Before You Leave Your Current Platform

• [ ] Export all historical attendee data
• [ ] Document current integration configurations
• [ ] Map field structures for data migration
• [ ] Identify stakeholders who need training
• [ ] Set realistic timeline expectations (3-6 months)

During Implementation

• [ ] Assign dedicated internal project owner
• [ ] Schedule structured training sessions
• [ ] Configure integrations with CRM and marketing automation
• [ ] Run pilot event before full commitment
• [ ] Establish support escalation paths

Post-Migration

• [ ] Validate data migration accuracy
• [ ] Gather team feedback after first event
• [ ] Optimize workflows based on actual usage
• [ ] Document internal best practices

There's no universal "best"  only what fits your specific situation.

Choose Nunify if:

• You want DIY flexibility to build and customize without vendor dependency
• You need 24/7 global support that actually understands event management
• AI-powered planning and advanced analytics matter for proving ROI
• Hybrid events are part of your strategy
• You want a platform flexible enough for simple events AND complex conferences
• Integration depth with HubSpot, Salesforce, and marketing automation is important

Choose Cvent if:

• Enterprise brand recognition matters for internal buy-in
• Venue sourcing is a significant part of your workflow
• You're a large association or nonprofit with dedicated event staff
• Budget isn't the primary constraint

Choose Eventbrite if:

• Ticketed public events are your focus
• You need speed and simplicity over sophistication
• Registration and payment are the core requirements
• Marketing distribution through their marketplace has value

Choose Bizzabo if:

• Events are explicitly marketing and pipeline generation tools
• Marketing automation integration is the top priority
• You prefer a modern user interface

Choose Webex Events if:

• Your organization is already Cisco-invested
• Virtual and hybrid events are primary
• Enterprise security requirements are strict

Still researching? Here's how to move forward efficiently:

1. Define your requirements - Which features are actually non-negotiable vs. nice-to-have?
2. Establish budget parameters - What can you realistically spend annually?
3. Identify integration needs - What systems must connect with your event platform?
4. Request demos - See the actual software, not just marketing materials
5. Ask for references - Talk to customers with similar event programs
6. Pilot before committing - Test with a real event before signing multi-year contracts

The right event management software transforms how your team operates. The wrong one creates expensive frustration. Take the time to choose well.