14 Best Virtual Event Platforms for Hosting an Engaging Event

Hosting an engaging event takes a lot of work unless you’re using an all-in-one event management platform. 

However, the right platform is one that:

• Has a user-friendly interface

• Fits into your budget

• Helps you generate leads and revenue

• Includes customization and interactive features

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the best virtual event platforms for both newbies and experienced event planners. 

Firstly, Do You Actually Need a Virtual Event Platform?

Running virtual events isn't always necessary but it's certainly helpful because they can:

• Level up audience and community engagement

• Increase the likelihood of generating leads and a loyal customer base

We ran a quick survey and asked 19 of our users at random why they decided to sign up for HeySummit, a virtual event platform. Here's what we learned:

If you find yourself in a similar situation as some of our survey respondents and you want to create higher quality virtual events without the headache that comes with it, you'll greatly benefit from using a virtual events platform.

Now, let's dive into our top picks.

1. HeySummit

We understand the struggles of hosting a virtual event from the ground up. 

Hopping across different platforms constantly isn’t ideal. What is ideal is if you have all the features and software you need assembled in one place so everything is easier to organize. It’s also ideal if you were able to streamline the time-consuming tasks like setting your own event schedules. 

Now, we know this for a fact because we’ve spoken to many solopreneurs, CEOs, and founders of companies of all sizes who understand the potential of using events as a core part of their marketing strategy to generate leads and revenue. 

And that’s why HeySummit is built as the closest thing to a complete done-for-you virtual events solution. 

From the moment you sign up, simply select the type of event you want to create and fill in the forms provided. In other words, the only thing you have to do is customize your online event based on your needs, which is straightforward using HeySummit’s built-in components that guide you each step of the way. 

Daniel used HeySummit and maximized each of the features available. This led to nothing short of success – over $26,000 in revenue and 3,000 attendees. You can read Daniel’s full story here. 

Top Features

Here’s some of our most popular features that over 10,000 users love:

• Talk management

• Speaker dashboards

• Ticketing tools

• Landing page builder

• Marketing & viral tools

Other essential features include:

• Attendee registration flow

• Software integrations

• Speaker directory

• Reporting and analytics

We’ll give you a brief rundown of how the first 5 features work as an example of how straightforward HeySummit has made it to create a virtual event.

Talk Management: How Does It Work?

Talk management enables you to include: 

• Rich content

• Live and pre-recorded videos

• Automatic replays

• Real-time chat features

• Premade speaker promo images

• Custom URLs 

Here’s how it works.

After signing up for an account, you’ll proceed to answer a few questions step-by-step so that HeySummit can create your event. Once that’s done, head over to the content header to find the talks tab. 

From there, select “add talk”.

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Then, simply fill in the fields provided on each page. 

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Speaker Dashboards: How Does It Work?

Add the speakers and hosts for the sessions you have planned. You can also allow speakers to fill out certain details of their profile themselves. 

Here’s how it works. 

Go over to the content header from your event dashboard to find the speakers tab on the left side of the page. Then, click on “add speaker” as shown below. 

Next, simply fill in the fields provided on each page. 

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Ticketing Tools: How Does It Work?

Our ticketing system has various degrees of access and restrictions. 

From your event dashboard, head over to the revenue header to find the tickets tab on the left side of the page. 

Then, click on “add ticket” as shown below. 

From there, simply fill in the fields provided on each page as shown below. 

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Landing Pages: How Does It Work?

Although it’s a simple process to create virtual events with HeySummit, it’s equally simple to build and customize your landing pages. 

In your events dashboard, click on the “manage” menu and select “edit landing page(s)” as shown below. 

You’ll then be taken to the landing page builder which looks something like this:  

From there, edit your landing pages to fit your preferences. Simply drag and drop the blocks and components provided on the right side of the page. 

Here’s an example below of a landing page below that was created using HeySummit by Daniel, one of our customers. Or you can see his full landing page here. 

Marketing and Viral Tools: How Does It Work?

From built-in affiliate programs and sponsorship management to flexible drip campaigns, promote your events with ease using HeySummit’s marketing features. 

Under the email header from your dashboard, users can send custom automated email sequences to segmented audiences. Here’s how it looks from the inside below. 

And under the promoting header from your dashboard, you’ll find a range of customizable marketing tools including:

• Media assets

• Swipe copy

• Testimonial features

• Banners

• Sponsorship management

• Host schedules and scripts

Here’s how this looks below. 

Whichever you want to optimize, you’ll be taken into a step-by-step process. The purpose of having HeySummit built like this is to make it as seamless as possible to organize your event. 

How Much Does It Cost?

• Starter plan: $49/mo

• Growth plan: $119/mo

• Success plan: $349/mo

We also offer a free 14-day trial. 

HeySummit Overview

In short, HeySummit removes all technical obstacles by making almost everything a step-by-step process. Creating an online summit for every workshop and every speaker is a piece of cake. From setting up speakers to marketing and event analytics, creating a successful event is seamless from start to finish. 

Even if you have no experience, HeySummit has made it easier than ever to deliver an engaging, interactive event that drives traffic, leads, and revenue. 

HeySummit continues to develop the platform and our team is quick to respond to each of your needs. You’re in good hands if you’re looking to scale or adopt events as a core part of your marketing strategy to grow your business and make a profit. 

Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or a manager at a large company, HeySummit is well-suited for the creator economy as a whole. 

‍Sign up here for a free 14-day trial.

2. Cvent

Cvent is an event management software with a focus on end-to-end management for larger companies. With a wide range of solutions available, corporations can integrate with Cvent without compromising their workflow. 

How Much Does It Cost?

No exact figure is shown on their website. You’ll need to get in touch for a quote. 

Is Cvent Worth It?

Cvent is a powerful platform with a suite of features available. It’s effective for event planners in the hospitality industry focused on end-to-end management. However, it may not be the best solution for beginners in comparison to HeySummit.

3. vFairs 

vFairs specializes in bringing an immersive experience by using virtual reality. They offer a solution for hosting lifelike events where both speakers and attendees can engage as they normally would face-to-face by using a virtual environment to replicate real life.

How Much Does It Cost?

No exact figure is shown on their website. You’ll have to get in touch for a quote. 

Is vFairs Worth It?

It can be a great solution for networking events thanks to their use of VR technology to emulate the physical experience. When compared to HeySummit, this is something they specialize in. 

4. Airmeet

Airmeet is another popular virtual event software in the industry. It’s great for large-scale events as they offer MarTech integrations and reporting tools. They also offer a social lounge feature where people can network in a virtual space. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Airmeet offers a free version. Paid plans start at $500/mo.

Is Airmeet Worth It?

They’re a platform focused on delivering a memorable experience. It can be a good choice for marketing professionals that are well-versed in using events to help a business scale.

5. Hopin

Hopin focuses on hosting interactive events. By providing users with a range of attendee engagement features, they enable you to create virtual events that emulate the feel of an in-person event. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Hopin offers a free version. Paid plans start at $99/mo.

Is Hopin Worth It?

One of Hopin’s key features includes interactive tools that prompt the participation of event attendees. Hence, it’s an effective solution that’s similar to HeySummit as both strive to put on an engaging show. 

6. PheedLoop

PheedLoop is an event management software that automates the process of managing online events and conferences. They also offer integrations with popular software including HubSpot, Salesforce, and Zapier.

How Much Does It Cost?

Paid plans start from as low as $1.  

Is PheedLoop Worth It?

PheedLoop is a comprehensive platform for growing your business with all sorts of events. In subtle contrast, HeySummit puts more emphasis on helping you develop an effective event marketing strategy from scratch than PheedLoop. 

7. InEvent 

InEvent enables you to create and run high-quality professional events. They can also help you tailor your events based on the industry you’re in and the type of event you’re looking to host. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Paid plans at $9990 for an annual subscription. 

Is InEvent Worth It?

It’s worth it when events are a core part of your marketing strategy and you want to continue scaling on your existing success by running events at a larger scale. However, HeySummit offers a more versatile solution at more affordable rates than InEvent. 

8. SpotMe

SpotMe offers interactive elements, personalized agendas, and mobile app integrations for enterprises looking to host a virtual event. Aside from managing events, they also provide users with content management features.

How Much Does It Cost?

No exact figure is shown on their website. You’ll have to book a free demo first. 

Is SpotMe Worth It?

Compared to HeySummit, SpotMe has a more targeted positioning towards enterprise-level companies. Though SpotMe can be a great solution, HeySummit is a more versatile platform for all types of online events. 

9. Bevy

Bevy emphasizes building communities by running online conferences and gatherings that spark a personal connection. They also have a list of customers who are leading companies in their industries like Twitch and Slack.

How Much Does It Cost?

No exact figure is shown on their website. You’ll have to book a free demo first. 

Is Bevy Worth It?

Bevy offers a comprehensive platform for managing a virtual conference. However, HeySummit offers a more affordable solution than Bevy that gives users all the tools required to create an engaging event. 

10. EventMobi

EventMobi is an event management software where users can create interactive professional and corporate events. Moreover, they offer a customizable mobile app to provide a seamless user experience for both event organizers and attendees. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Paid plans start from $1458.

Is EventMobi Worth It?

EventMobi enables firms and corporations to customize their events to the next level. However, it might not be within the budget of smaller brands or event marketing beginners in comparison to HeySummit. 

11. Hubilo

Hubilo is designed for hosting events that lead to business results. They have a strong focus on prompting audience engagement as well as enabling users to create events that drive conversions. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Paid plans start from $650/mo. 

Is Hubilo Worth It?

Hubilo has a sleek format that allows users to create a custom virtual booth. This makes it a good option for events involving sponsors and exhibitors. HeySummit also offers similar features except they take a more step-by-step approach to simplify the process more than Hubilo. 

12. Splash

Splash is a virtual events platform focused on creating branded virtual experiences. With well-designed events and audience engagement features, users can enhance their marketing strategy. 

How Much Does It Cost?

Splash offers a free version. No exact figure is shown on their website for paid plans. You’ll have to book a free demo first. 

Is Splash Worth It?

Splash could be a good choice for experienced event marketers at corporations that are looking for an array of design features to embed. However, HeySummit offers customization options too like Splash so that users can create events that capture their brand aesthetic. 

13. Webex

Webex events are also formerly known as Socio. This event management platform enables users to deliver a personalized experience to attendees.

How Much Does It Cost?

Webex offers a free version. No exact figure is shown on their website for paid plans. You’ll have to get in touch for a quote. 

Is Webex Worth It?

It’s more than just planning an event. You’re given all the tools required for end-to-end management. However, it may not be as straightforward for beginners compared to HeySummit.

14. Bizzabo

Bizzabo is a holistic platform with customers including leading marketing companies such as HubSpot. They provide you with tools to deliver a positive attendee experience that leads to an ROI. 

How Much Does It Cost?

No exact figure is shown on their website. You’ll have to book a free demo first. 

Is Bizzabo Worth It?

Bizzabo enables you to create all types of events like HeySummit. While it may not be the best first choice for an individual content creator or solopreneur, it can be a good choice for running large online events at scale if you have the budget. 

What About Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams?

Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft teams are enough for online meetings. But their features are limited when it comes to doing more than just a meeting as they lack features that allow you to manage registrations and sponsorships. Moreover, they’re not optimized for networking events or hybrid events like some of the virtual conference platforms we’ve listed in this article. 

Now, that’s not to say you shouldn’t use Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams… 

It’s possible to run an online event without a virtual events platform. One big exception though is that you’ll need to operate on multiple platforms since everything won’t be in one place. For instance, use ActiveCampaign to run your email marketing sequences and Eventbrite to handle ticket restrictions. 

However, using a virtual events platform enables you to centralize all the tools you’re using so that everything is easier to manage. 

If you’re looking to run an event that generates leads and revenue by delivering an exceptional experience for attendees, using one of the online event platforms listed like HeySummit would be ideal. 

Moving Forward: Start With a Flexible Platform

The best virtual event platforms are the ones that are capable of meeting your most unique needs. While there are many great solutions to explore from this list, HeySummit is a flexible all-in-one virtual event platform that works for all content creators and businesses. 

We recommend giving HeySummit a go especially if you’re new to the event industry. Users at HeySummit can create an online event with the capability of generating leads and revenue with zero headaches because the entire process is simplified to a step-by-step formula.  

Before making a decision, it’s also worth looking into closer side-by-side comparisons between each platform as well as seeing what the user reviews say. That’s why we’ve included links to our comparison posts throughout this guide to help you make a more informed decision. 

Try HeySummit for free!