Best CRM for Event Management

Best CRM for Event Management

A guide comparing CRM options for event planners and coordinators, highlighting end-to-end event management features, attendee and vendor management, and pricing variations to support planning from lead capture to ROI analysis.

Ideal Customer Profile

Event planners and coordinators (solo practitioners to agencies) needing centralized client and vendor management, attendee engagement, and workflow automation.

Common Pain Points

  • Dispersed client and vendor data across tools
  • Manual planning, scheduling, and follow-up
  • Difficulty tracking leads, events, and ROI
  • Coordination between venues, vendors, and clients
5
Top CRMs
100%
Vetted
Free
Options
2025
Updated

Top CRM Picks

5 expert-vetted recommendations

Ranked recommendations based on feature depth, pricing transparency, and adoption within the industry.

Top 1
1
Zoho Backstage
💰 Free option: Yes; starts at $99 per month
Purpose-built event planning CRM for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events with end-to-end planning.

Perfect For

Business owners and event coordinators/planners for businesses and nonprofits.

⚡ Key Features

  • Built-in ticketing
  • Detailed reporting and analytics
  • Exhibition management tools
  • Automation
  • Zoom integration
  • End-to-end planning (speakers, sponsors, venue, ticketing, agenda)

Pros

  • End-to-end event planning
  • Customizable for multiple event types
  • Built-in ticketing and analytics
  • Automation and Zoom integration

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Top 2
2
Event Hub
💰 Pricing: By quote only; Free option: No
Dedicated cloud-based event management platform to streamline paperwork, applications and files, payments, logistics, and more.

Perfect For

Event organizers needing scalable, customizable CRM for vendor and client management.

⚡ Key Features

  • Dashboard with batch updates and notifications
  • Client management and documentation processing
  • Event and exhibitor categorization
  • Multimedia marketplace, lead generation, and document review tools
  • Dedicated event management software

Pros

  • Scalable and customizable
  • Strong vendor and client management
  • Real-time updates/notifications

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Top 3
3
Pipedrive
💰 Pricing: By quote only; Free option: No
Cloud-based CRM focused on activity-based sales; ideal for event planners and coordinators with deal-driven workflows.

Perfect For

Small to mid-sized businesses and event planners/coordinators needing deal-driven workflows and client/event management.

⚡ Key Features

  • Deal-driven workflows
  • Client and events management
  • 360-degree view of clients
  • Mobile app (iOS & Android)
  • Call and email synchronization
  • AI automation

Pros

  • Visualization of client experience
  • Automation and AI
  • Mobile access
  • Integrated calls and emails

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4
Cvent
💰 Pricing: Custom quote; Trial available; Free option: No
End-to-end event automation with strong CRM; tools for vendor and event management, plus analytics.

Perfect For

Event planners needing analytics and end-to-end event management in a single platform.

⚡ Key Features

  • Cloud-based, scalable
  • End-to-end lifecycle tools
  • Vendor management
  • Attendee engagement
  • Analytics
  • Collaboration with venues
  • Large sourcing network

Pros

  • Comprehensive platform
  • Robust analytics
  • Integrated vendor management

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5
GlueUp
💰 Pricing: Starts at $125 per month; Free demo offered
Relationship-focused nonprofit CRM with membership management and event workflows.

Perfect For

Nonprofits needing membership management and event coordination.

⚡ Key Features

  • Membership renewals automation
  • Streamlined event workflows
  • Mobile membership directory
  • Native iOS/Android apps for members and organizers
  • Messaging (email and push)
  • Subscription management
  • Event registration

Pros

  • Strong nonprofit focus
  • Mobile apps
  • Integrated member directory and messaging
  • Comprehensive event/workflow tools

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Buying Guide

Step-by-step guide to finding your perfect CRM

Strategic considerations to shortlist the right CRM platform for your workflow, tech stack, and growth roadmap.

  1. 1

    Define whether you need end-to-end event management or a general CRM with event capabilities

  2. 2

    Consider pricing and whether a free trial or free plan is available

  3. 3

    Check for built-in features like ticketing, attendee management, and vendor collaboration

  4. 4

    Evaluate integrations with other tools and scalability

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