When planning an event, having the right tools and resources can streamline the process, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Here are some essential tools and resources for event planning:
Project Management and Collaboration Tools
- Asana: Task management software that helps teams organize and track their work.
- Trello: A visual tool for organizing tasks using boards, lists, and cards.
- Monday.com: A work operating system that powers teams to run projects and workflows with confidence.
- Slack: A messaging app for teams that facilitates communication and collaboration.
Event Registration and Ticketing
- Eventbrite: A platform for event registration and ticketing, suitable for events of all sizes.
- Cvent: Comprehensive event management software for event registration, venue selection, and event marketing.
- Ticket Tailor: An affordable ticketing solution for events, with no per-ticket fees.
- Splash: Event marketing software that provides tools for creating, marketing, and measuring events.
Event Marketing
- Mailchimp: An all-in-one marketing platform that helps manage email marketing campaigns.
- Hootsuite: Social media management platform to schedule and monitor social media posts.
- Buffer: Another social media management tool to help schedule and publish posts.
- Canva: Design tool to create marketing materials, including social media graphics, posters, and flyers.
Virtual Event Platforms
- Zoom: A popular video conferencing tool that supports virtual events, webinars, and meetings.
- Hopin: An all-in-one event management platform for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events.
- Remo: A virtual event and networking platform that allows participants to move between virtual tables and engage in conversations.
Venue Sourcing and Management
- VenueBook: An online marketplace for booking event spaces.
- Peerspace: A platform to discover and book unique spaces for events.
- The Knot: A resource for wedding venues and vendors, also suitable for other events.
- Social Tables: Event diagramming, seating, and check-in software for venues and event planners.
Budgeting and Financial Management
- Budget Your Event: Budgeting software specifically designed for event planning.
- Expensify: An expense management tool to track receipts and manage expenses.
- QuickBooks: Accounting software to manage finances, track income and expenses, and generate financial reports.
Event Survey and Feedback
- SurveyMonkey: A survey tool to collect feedback from event attendees.
- Typeform: A platform for creating engaging and interactive surveys.
- Google Forms: A free tool for creating and distributing surveys, collecting responses in a Google Sheet.
On-Site Event Management
- Bizzabo: An event success platform for managing events, including check-in, networking, and analytics.
- Attendify: A mobile event app for attendee engagement, networking, and event management.
- Boomset: On-site event management software for check-in, badge printing, and lead retrieval.
Additional Resources
- Event Planning Blogs and Websites: Websites like Event Manager Blog, BizBash, and your own zenithevent.com offer tips, trends, and insights into event planning.
- Industry Associations: Joining organizations like the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or Meeting Professionals International (MPI) can provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and industry news.
- Educational Courses: Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on event planning, marketing, and management.
These tools and resources can significantly enhance the efficiency and success of your event planning endeavors.
