Throwing a community event sounds fun — until you’re knee-deep in spreadsheets, forgotten RSVPs, and “Where’s the venue link again?” texts!!
Whether it’s a cultural night, alumni reunion, or community meetups- planning a community event means more than just booking a venue. You’re bringing people together. And that takes the right tools to manage RSVPs, sell tickets, track attendees, and keep everyone in the loop.
Good news: now you don’t have to wing it. We’ve gathered the 10 top event management software that will do the heavy lifting — ticketing, payments, registration, even custom T-shirt sizes — so you can focus on what matters: people showing up, connecting, and coming back for more.
What Features to Look for in Community Event Management Software
Before choosing a platform, consider these essential features to ensure it fits your community’s needs:
Ease of Event Creation
The platform should let you create and publish events quickly, with the ability to add cover photos and descriptions and set access controls.
Built-in Ticketing and Payments
Choose software that lets you sell tickets, collect payments, and manage discounts or promo codes easily.
Custom Registration Fields
Look for flexible forms that allow you to ask specific questions — like dietary preferences, t-shirt sizes, or organization affiliations.
Smart Attendee Management
The system should give you a real-time attendee list, export options, and tagging for easier follow-up and segmentation.
Privacy and Access Controls
You should be able to mark events as public, private, or invite-only — and limit access to only approved members.
CRM or Member Directory Integration
For recurring events or ongoing relationships, a built-in CRM helps maintain continuity and context with your attendees.
Mobile Accessibility
Ensure the platform is mobile-friendly or has an app so attendees can register and view event details on the go.
Analytics and Reporting
Track registrations, payments, and engagement to improve future event planning.
Virtual or Hybrid Event Support
If your events are online or hybrid, make sure the tool supports providing meeting links, video, breakout rooms, or live stream integration.
Top Alumni Management Software in 2025: The Ultimate Comparison Guide
Top Event Management Software for Community Events
Here is a quick comparson
Gradnet – Best All-in-One Platform for Community Events & Memberships
Website: gradnet.io
Pricing: Custom plans
Gradnet is a powerful platform built for mission-driven communities. It’s trusted by over 100+ diaspora groups, alumni associations, and nonprofits to host both free and paid events. Beyond event tools, Gradnet offers a full-fledged CRM for managing community members, donors, and mentors.
Key Features:
- ✅ Easy Event Creation: Upload a banner, fill in details, and go live in minutes
- ✅ Ticketing & Payments: Sell tickets and accept payments globally
- ✅ Custom Registration Fields: Collect info like t-shirt sizes, transport needs, or meal preferences
- ✅ Smart Attendee Management: View and export attendee data instantly
- ✅ Privacy & Access Control: Make events public, private, or invite-only
Best For:
Alumni networks, diaspora communities, student groups, nonprofits
Pros:
✔ Combines events + CRM
✔ Built-in fundraising & donor tools
✔ Affordable for growing communities
Cons:
⚠️ Designed for ongoing communities, not one-time commercial events
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Eventbrite – Best for Public Community Events
Website: eventbrite.com
Pricing: Free for free events, service fees on paid tickets
A go-to choice for organizers worldwide, Eventbrite is ideal for local meetups, workshops, or public events. It’s incredibly user-friendly and widely recognized.
Key Features:
- Branded event pages
- RSVP and ticketing
- Email confirmations
- Event promotion tools
Pros:
✔ No cost for free events
✔ Fast setup
✔ Broad discovery via Eventbrite’s directory
Cons:
⚠️ High fees for ticketed events
⚠️ Limited customization for forms
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Whova – Best for Volunteer Summits and Conferences
Website: whova.com
Pricing: Paid plans only
Whova is built for multi-session events, especially for volunteer-driven conferences, educational events, or hybrid town halls.
Key Features:
- Mobile event app
- Agenda builder and session tracking
- Attendee engagement tools
- Sponsor and exhibitor booths
Pros:
✔ Great attendee interaction
✔ Polished user experience
Cons:
⚠️ Premium pricing
⚠️ May be complex for small gatherings
Wild Apricot – Best for Clubs & Membership-Based Events
Website: wildapricot.com
Pricing: Starts at $60/month
Wild Apricot is perfect for community associations, churches, and volunteer groups that host regular events and manage memberships.
Key Features:
- Event listings and registration
- Member directory
- Email automation
- Online payments
Pros:
✔ Membership + events in one
✔ Custom forms and auto-reminders
Cons:
⚠️ Interface looks slightly dated
⚠️ Limited design flexibility
Hopin – Best for Virtual & Hybrid Community Events
Website: hopin.com
Pricing: Paid plans
Hopin is designed for communities that need a robust virtual event experience—perfect for webinars, hybrid town halls, and virtual reunions.
Key Features:
- Main stage + breakout rooms
- Networking lounges
- Virtual booths
- Event analytics
Pros:
✔ Scalable for large or international audiences
✔ Interactive features
Cons:
⚠️ Learning curve
⚠️ Higher cost
Cvent – Best for Large Community Galas and Fundraisers
Website: cvent.com
Pricing: Enterprise pricing
Cvent is an enterprise-grade platform ideal for formal nonprofit galas, summits, and fundraisers with complex registration needs.
Key Features:
- Custom workflows
- On-site check-in tools
- Sponsor and exhibitor management
- Post-event analytics
Pros:
✔ Robust features
✔ Suited for high-volume events
Cons:
⚠️ Expensive
⚠️ Not beginner-friendly
Aventri – Best for Mid-Large Community Events
Website: aventri.com
Pricing: Quote-based
Aventri supports complex community events with features like multi-track agendas, venue logistics, and advanced integrations.
Pros:
✔ Suitable for regional and multi-session events
✔ Good reporting tools
Cons:
⚠️ May be overkill for basic needs
Donorbox Events – Best for Community Fundraisers
Website: donorbox.org
Pricing: Free to start, platform fee for transactions
If your event has a fundraising component, Donorbox Events is a lightweight tool with integrated donor management.
Pros:
✔ Donation + ticketing in one
✔ Seamless with Donorbox campaigns
Cons:
⚠️ Not ideal for complex or recurring events
Splash – Best for Branded Community Experiences
Website: splashthat.com
Pricing: Free & paid plans
Splash specializes in visually-driven event pages, making it a great fit for youth-focused or cultural community events.
Pros:
✔ Stylish design templates
✔ Great for brand-conscious organizations
Cons:
⚠️ Less functionality on the backend (e.g., CRM)
Airmeet – Best for Virtual Reunions & Online Communities
Website: airmeet.com
Pricing: Free tier available
Airmeet offers a social-first virtual event experience—great for engaging diaspora communities or educational groups remotely.
Pros:
✔ Interactive lounges
✔ Real-time Q&A and polls
Cons:
⚠️ Mostly for virtual-only events
How to Choose the Right Event Platform for Your Community
Choosing event software isn’t just about bells and whistles — it’s about finding the right fit for your community’s goals and workflows. Here’s how to go about it:
Define Your Event Types and Goals
- Are you organizing casual meetups, annual galas, or large fundraisers?
- Do you want to raise funds, increase awareness, or deepen community ties?
Knowing your priorities helps narrow down the features you truly need.
Map Out Your Must-Have Features
Use the feature list in this guide to create your checklist:
- Ticketing and payments?
- Private or invite-only access?
- CRM for managing members?
- Custom registration fields?
Match platforms based on the features that support your use case
Set Your Budget
- Are you looking for free tools, low-cost solutions, or enterprise-level systems?
- Don’t forget to factor in payment processing fees or add-ons like emails or CRM.
Compare both upfront and long-term costs.
Check for Integration with Your Current Tools
- Does it sync with your mailing list, donation system, or CRM?
- Can it export data easily for follow-up?
Smooth integration = fewer headaches later.
Test User Experience
- Try the free trial or a demo event.
- Is the event setup process intuitive?
- Can non-techy team members manage it without training?
Your volunteers and staff will thank you
Read Reviews from Similar Communities
Check testimonials or case studies from nonprofits, alumni groups, or member-based organizations to see how the tool performs in real life
Think Long-Term
If you host recurring events or want to build a member base, go for platforms that offer:
- CRM or directory
- Engagement tracking
- Membership features
You want a tool that grows with your community.
Tips to Boost Community Engagement Using Events
Last but not the least here are some extra tips. you can use these tips before, during, and after your event to maximize community engagement:
✅ Before the Event
- Promote Early and Widely: Use email, social media, and community platforms to generate interest.
- Involve Members in Planning: Ask for topic or theme input to increase ownership.
- Segment Your Invites: Personalize invitations based on interests, geography, or affiliation.
- Offer Early-Bird Incentives: Discounts or limited swag can drive early signups.
✅ During the Event
- Create Interaction Points: Use live polls, Q&As, or networking circles.
- Recognize Members: Give shoutouts to volunteers, donors, or attendees.
- Facilitate Networking: Use chat groups or seating arrangements to encourage connection.
- Capture Moments: Share real-time updates on social media or in a live feed.
✅ After the Event
- Send a Thank-You Email: Include event photos, recordings, and a feedback form.
- Invite to Next Steps: Promote follow-up events, mentorship programs, or community forums.
- Share Highlights: Post photos, videos, and testimonials across channels.
- Reward Loyalty: Offer discounts or recognition for repeat attendees.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re managing monthly mixers or major event, having the right software makes a big difference. If your group values relationships and long-term engagement, platforms like Gradnet offer more than just event tools — they help you build and nurture your entire community.
