Pros & Cons of EventCreate: Analysis of a Popular Event Management Software

EventCreate is an event management software that is quickly becoming popular among event organizers. It allows users to create beautiful event websites and manage invitations, reservations, and ticketing from within the platform. The solution has a good mix of front-end and back-end features that can be comprehensive enough for many use cases. These include managing conferences, weddings, and even a corporate events calendar with recurring events. The platform is very easy to use. First-time users can create event websites and send invitations in minutes.

But, of course, no software offering is perfect. This is even with unique solutions like EventCreate that have but a handful of direct comparisons. So, this article on the pros and cons of EventCreate will only revolve around how it delivers on its promise and its ease of use. We hope that you will find this guide useful in deciding whether the solution would fit your event management needs.

The number and quality of events are growing. These days, you can imagine an event in any niche and it actually exists—from fan conventions to academic conferences. And when you look at the numbers, the trend is likely to continue based on projections. The worldwide event industry’s value in 2020 was $887 billion. If the growth rate stays constant, by 2028, the value will reach $2.19 trillion. But, like most industries, it has its challenges.

Apart from the impact of COVID-19 on businesses (19%), internal management challenges (19%) and the impact of digitalization (16%) still plague the events industry. Of course, the pandemic had its effects. Many firms were forced to pivot in terms of accommodating more hybrid formats. This entailed adopting various event production and management software solutions. But as the pandemic draws to a close, many in the industry still believe that the role of digital technology will remain a significant aspect of future events.

While 80% of exhibition and events organizing companies feel that the pandemic confirmed the value of face-to-face events, 73% believe that a push towards hybrid and more digital elements in events is there. This is with 24% stating that they are sure and 49% thinking that it will most probably do. Given that digital technology is already woven into the fabric of consumer behavior, our research team feels the same. As such, event organizers are advised to keep up with general experiential marketing trends and take advantage of what software tools offer, one of which is EventCreate.

Overview of EventCreate

EventCreate is an event management software that offers an event website-centric solution for marketing and admissions management. The platform, firstly, provides users with a website builder to quickly create stunning and highly-functional event websites. Secondly, the platform doubles as an invite, reservation, and admission management solution. Its backend features help users market and manage events in terms of getting the audience through the door. The platform also has intelligence tools for organizers to understand their audiences better. These include advanced features for tracking VIPs, managing RSVPs, and getting to know meal preferences and other special needs.

Its functionality doesn’t end there, though. EventCreate is also packed with tools for selling events as well. It has an advanced ticketing solution, flexible enough to support unlimited ticket types, coupons, custom registration forms, and add-ons. Plus, you can sell tickets via the platform as well. And, unlike other solutions, EventCreate doesn’t charge anything for ticket sales. Only the normal processing fees apply to tickets purchased using credit cards.

Other features include an email builder for invitations, event analytics, website analytics, and funnel analysis tools. The program also integrates with Zapier. This allows for custom integrations with thousands of third-party software. Furthermore, it has built-in integrations for popular CRM solutions such as Salesforce. This helps you prevent data siloes and facilitate cross-app business management. Lastly, EventCreate has five available plans, including a free version that supports one active event with up to 100 attendees. Paid plans start at $29 per month.

With these, we proceed to examine a number of EventCreate pros and cons. Analyze each entry so you’d know if this is the right event management tool for you.

Pros and Cons of EventCreate

Easily create front-facing event websites

EventCreate offers a WYSIWYG event website builder that is very easy to use. In fact, it is reminiscent of PowerPoint. All its features are accessible in just a few clicks and it comes with templates. The builder is connected to the backend command center. It uses a content block format with front-end features tethered to back-end functionalities. Content blocks are there for call-to-action, contact forms, maps/location, event countdown, photo gallery, sponsors list, and video, among others. Additionally, it has an event calendar feature that is useful to businesses holding year-long event schedules with recurring events.

With this block-based format, you can customize your event website. This is from front-facing branding elements to back-end management functionalities. The downside, however, is that it lacks the unlimited flexibility offered by top website builder software solutions. Content blocks are functionality-first with a design focus on pragmatics rather than flash. While there are also blank columns that you can configure, they don’t really encourage you to do anything crazy with them.

But this is exactly what you need from an event website. You want it to be straightforward, informative, and intuitive for your target participants. Also, EventCreate makes up for this with its design partners program that connects professional web designers with event organizers. So, if you want a highly-customized design-heavy website, it is definitely possible.

A screenshot of the EventCreate website builder tool

Market events on different channels

The platform also has invitation and marketing solutions available. It has email and text message tools that you can use to create and send invitations. You can also use these tools to provide updates and promos. Plus, EventCreate allows you to share your event directly on social media via the platform. What’s also great is that it has an affiliate tracking feature to help you monitor which channels are efficient in bringing people in. You can easily find these sharing tools on the left panel of the website builder. So, you can quickly share your event website after you created or updated your web pages. These tools are pretty straightforward and they do what they say they do.

EventCreate allows you to share and market your event.

Manage and track registrations

Once you have sent your invites, EventCreate also helps you track how your event is doing in terms of registrations. It allows you to collect RSVPs and reservations in real time. So, you will have an idea of your performance from the launch of your website right to the day of the event. You can even customize your registration process to fit any format you like.

On the registration setup page, you can choose from four main registration types: ticketed, simple registration, RSVP, or multi-event. Registration forms are customizable and you can implement the pipeline you prefer. These include features such as custom confirmation pages and emails. EventCreate allows you to create custom confirmation messages for attending, not attending, and when registrations are closed. And it even allows you to issue PDF tickets as well. So, everything registration-related can be dealt with on the platform.

Advanced features, however, such as email notifications are only available on paid plans. Free plan users also can’t remove the EventCreate branding on audience-facing touchpoints. However, paid plans start at a low $29 per month. Pay annually and it’ll only amount to $4 per month. The pricing is not so bad for these features. But the free tools are quite enough if you manage simpler and smaller events.

EventCreate allows you to customize your registration process

Get to know your invitees and audience

The registration setup also has a customizable forms feature. With this, you can collect necessary guest information that can make your event more of a success by creating a pleasant meaningful personal experience for your guests. The forms can be customized not only to gather personal information such as address and phone number. You can also use them to prompt registrants to give suggestions and make requests if they have meal preferences or special needs. As such, you can serve them better and, hopefully, get rave reviews in return. This feature, however, is only available on paid plans. Free plan users can try the feature out for free for seven days.

There are many available fully functional event website templates on EventCreate

Take advantage of free ticketing

What’s uniquely helpful about EventCreate is that it has a free ticketing solution. You don’t have to go outside the platform to provide make tickets available. Moreover, you can easily create ticket types, from general admission to the front row or backstage passes. You can add categories. For instance, you can have tickets with add-ons such as consumables or inclusive of merch. Your creativity is the only limit. Another notable thing about this function is its capability to issue PDF tickets with QR codes that attendees can easily print at home. This cuts down on printing fees and the man-hours spent on making hard copies.

Create custom tickets with pricing and caps.

Sell tickets without commission charges

Running events cost money. And when ticket sales are not that good, capital invested will be capital lost. This becomes a bigger problem when ticketing platforms also charge commission fees for every ticket sold. With EventCreate, this does not happen. It does not charge anything from its ticketing service to actual ticket sales. The only cut from your ticket sales would come from credit card companies for processing fees. You get to keep more of your revenue to help you recover your investment. Of course, when tickets sell well, it’s even better news. The profit margin is simply increased.

Moreover, you can receive payments directly from the platform. Payment is powered by Stripe and accepts all major credit cards. Plus, it has this unique feature that allows users to set who will shoulder the credit card processing fee to either the attendee or the event organizer. This is for the standard 2.9% + $0.30 for every ticket sale. Should you choose to shoulder the fee, it will be deducted from the ticket sale price. If you set it to be paid by attendees, the fee will be added to the purchase total. This makes it clear and convenient for everybody involved. Also, payments have a 256 encryption. So, you can rest assured that transactions are safe and secure. Furthermore, it supports multiple currencies. So, with regard to selling on the platform, it is all pros and no cons. It simply is an excellent offering.

Add content blocks with back-end functionalities.

Increase performance visibility

EventCreate offers an extensive reports package. More precisely, it has 10 reports available that provide you with real-time summaries of performance in a variety of areas. These include tickets sold, add-ons sold, coupons, affiliates, offline payments, cart abandonment, and attendees. Furthermore, it has an intuitive event website analytics dashboard.

It provides real-time data about KPIs such as unique page views, and average time on the page. It also has a map showing visits by country and charts on technical details such as devices used and browser types. This can help you generate insights on how to optimize your marketing campaign. You can also install your AdWords tracking code or Google Analytics tracking code to view traffic performance across your web properties. Of course, it is not as comprehensive as standalone business intelligence software solutions. For its scope, however, it is more than enough.

View event website performance in real-time

Track admissions via an iOS check-in app

EventCreate helps you see your event through from launch to the day of your event. It helps you track attendees compared to those that registered via digital check-in options. You can access the event check-in solution via the web, its iOS app, and direct ticketing scanning integration with Android. Those attending the registration table can either manually check in attendees or scan the QR codes on their tickets via their phones. Moreover, the interface for the check-in app is very intuitive. It is clean and simple. So, any digitally literate staff can man the station.

With this, event organizers will have a real-time view of the turnout and even check who’s already arrived. In this way, they can be immediately serviced if they have special needs or requests. This is useful for dealing with VIPs and attendees with disabilities.

EventCreate provides a clean UI for checking in.

What are the customer support options for EventCreate users?

EventCreate offers multiple customer support options to assist users with any challenges. Here’s a look at the key support features:

• Responsive Email Support: EventCreate provides email-based support where users can reach out with questions or technical issues. This is suitable for general inquiries and troubleshooting, though response times may vary based on the issue and user tier.
• Help Center and Resources: EventCreate includes a comprehensive help center with FAQs, articles, and step-by-step guides. This resource lets users quickly resolve common issues and explore the platform’s functionalities independently.
• Live Chat for Premium Users: Higher-tier users can access live chat support for quicker, real-time help with issues. This option is especially beneficial during events when time-sensitive issues may arise.
• Priority Support for Enterprise Plans: EventCreate may offer priority support as part of its premium services for larger organizations and enterprise-level users, ensuring faster response times and more personalized service.
• Tutorial Videos: To help users become familiar with EventCreate’s features, the platform provides tutorial videos that walk through essential functions and best practices.

A Highly-Specialized Event Management Solution

As the pros and cons of EventCreate show, this platform is a highly-specialized event management solution. While it doesn’t have the usual project management features associated used for production, it provides a front-facing solution that helps puts people in the seats. Internal management is simply out of the scope of EventCreate. But what it offers may feel indispensable when you start using it.

The event management platform is very intuitive and has a straightforward checklist workflow, from website customization and registration setup to scheduling follow-ups and email reminders. Virtually attendance-related can be managed from within the platform. It is flexible enough to support any event of any size, from simple corporate meetings and real estate showings to grand weddings and large conferences. As such, it is quickly becoming a go-to solution for event organizers.

But even though it is highly specialized, the platform makes up for this in two ways. Firstly, it integrates seamlessly with other software products. Hence, you’d be able to seamlessly incorporate it into your overall digital architecture. It has integrations with all the top CRM solutions and one for Zapier, allowing you to create custom workflows so, you can connect it to your preferred internal management tools as well. Secondly, the pricing is very reasonable. Even though you will more than likely need to supplement it with internal management tools, the price points are not really that steep. It offers flexible pricing and payment schemes that allow you to find a plan that fits your immediate or long-term needs. So, do we recommend EventCreate for your software stack? Well, there’s a free version to try and paid plans start at just $29 per month. With everything here considered, we say that it is worth a try.

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."