Virtual events have become increasingly popular over the past few years, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic restricting in-person gatherings. They provide an opportunity to bring together attendees from around the world to participate in conferences, trade shows, meetings, and other events online.
Compared to physical events, virtual events can be more cost-effective, have global reach, and provide valuable data insights. However, finding the right platform to host your event can be challenging with so many options to choose from.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the top 13 virtual events platforms to consider based on features, use cases, and pricing.
What to Look for in a Virtual Events Platform
When evaluating virtual events platforms, there are several key factors to consider:
Engagement Features – Look for built-in tools to drive attendee participation, such as polls, Q&A, chat, networking lounges, gamification and more.
Flexibility – Ensure the platform supports the type of event you want to run, whether it‘s a large-scale conference, intimate workshop, hybrid event or simple webinar.
Analytics – Track detailed metrics on registration, attendance, engagement and more to optimize your events. Integrations with marketing automation and CRM platforms are also useful.
Customization – Brand the platform with your logo, colors and messaging to provide a seamless experience.
Reliability – Choose a platform that can support your expected number of attendees without technical difficulties or lag.
Affordability – Evaluate pricing models (per event, monthly subscription, etc) to find one that matches your budget.
Ease of Use – An intuitive interface for organizers and a seamless experience for attendees is essential.
Keeping these criteria in mind, let‘s explore the top virtual events platforms on the market today.
13 Best Virtual Events Platforms
1. Adobe Connect
Adobe Connect provides an end-to-end solution for planning, hosting and tracking virtual events of all sizes. Key features include:
- Interactive Broadcasts – Deliver engaging sessions with HD video, real-time chat and Q&A.
- Customizable Environments – Tailor the look and feel with brand colors, logos and backgrounds.
- Integrations – Connect to marketing automation and webinar tools using Zapier and Integromat.
- Analytics – Get detailed reports on registration, attendance and engagement.
- Scalability – Support thousands of attendees across sessions and tracks.
Pricing starts at $50 per month for meetings and webinars. Adobe also offers enterprise pricing for large events.
Ideal Use Cases: Large-scale conferences and trade shows, summits, hybrid events
Pros
- Robust feature set
- Strong security
- Reliable for large audiences
Cons
- Steeper learning curve
- Can get expensive for smaller events
2. The Events Calendar
As a WordPress plugin, The Events Calendar makes it easy to manage virtual and hybrid events directly from your website.
- Registration & Ticketing – Collect RSVPs and sell tickets while capturing attendee data.
- Live Streaming – Embed streams from Zoom, YouTube and more.
- Scheduling – Organize multiple event tracks and sessions.
- Promotion – Drive traffic using SEO best practices.
- Customization – Tailor the experience using WordPress themes and plugins.
Pricing starts at $199 per year for a single site license.
Ideal Use Cases: Conferences, workshops, webinars, mix of virtual and in-person events
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates with WordPress
- Optimized for event discovery
- Affordable compared to other platforms
Cons
- Requires hosting and managing a WordPress site
- Less robust than purpose-built platforms
3. Hubilo
Hubilo stands out for its powerful audience engagement and event management capabilities.
- Interactive Features – polls, surveys, live Q&A, gamification, networking, etc.
- Exhibitor Portal – virtual exhibition booths with lead generation.
- Session Types – workshops, fireside chats, mixers and more.
- CRM Integrations – connect with platforms like Salesforce, Marketo and HubSpot.
- Customization – tailor platform to match branding.
Pricing is customized based on expected number of attendees.
Ideal Use Cases: Large conferences and trade shows, hiring events, fundraising galas
Pros
- Interactive environment mimics in-person events
- Helps drive sponsorships and revenue
- Detailed analytics reporting
Cons
- More complex and expensive for smaller events
- Takes effort to customize platform
4. Goldcast
Goldcast is designed specifically for producing visually engaging virtual and hybrid events.
- Production Studio – Mix live and pre-recorded content with smooth transitions.
- Interactive Features – live polls, Q&A, chat, networking rooms.
- Simulated Expo – virtual exhibition booths for sponsors.
- Integrations – connect to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo and Slido.
- Hybrid Events – incorporate customized in-person event components.
Pricing starts at $780 per event for up to 500 attendees. Custom packages also available.
Ideal Use Cases: Conferences, summits, town halls, client appreciation events
Pros
- Robust production studio capabilities
- Visually engaging event experience
- Support for monetizing events
Cons
- More suited for intermediate-to-advanced users
- Number of events limited on lower tiers
5. Airmeet
Airmeet positions itself as an "all-in-one" virtual and hybrid events platform.
- Event Types – supports conferences, workshops, AMA sessions, career fairs and more.
- Interactive Features – live polls, Q&A, chatbots, speed networking.
- Integrations – connect to marketing, sales and analytics tools.
- Custom Environments – tailor platform with branding, backgrounds, stages and booths.
- Scalability – reliably supports over 100K attendees.
Pricing starts at $99 per month for up to 100 attendees. Enterprise quotes available for large events.
Ideal Use Cases: Enterprise conferences and summits, trade shows, recruitment fairs
Pros
- Extremely scalable for large audiences
- Supports wide range of event types
- Robust monetization capabilities
Cons
- Overkill features and pricing for small events
- Steep learning curve
6. Hopin
Hopin has quickly become one of the most popular virtual events platforms. Notable features include:
- Multi-Session Support – simultaneous networking, breakout rooms, main stage and expo areas.
- Integrated Chat & Video – built-in tools to facilitate networking.
- Sponsor Booths – virtual spaces for branding and lead gen opportunities.
- Post-Event Reporting – provides actionable data and analytics.
- Hybrid Events – incorporate in-person event components.
Pricing scales based on number of attendees, starting at $139 per month for up to 50 attendees.
Ideal Use Cases: Medium-to-large scale conferences, trade shows, business summits and galas
Pros
- Effectively replicates physical events online
- Strong networking and audience engagement tools
- Intuitive user experience
Cons
- Can get expensive for larger events
- Limited customization compared to some platforms
7. Bevy
Bevy is an enterprise-grade virtual and hybrid events platform built for scaling.
- Session Types – main stage, breakouts, networking, expo and more.
- Integrations – connects to marketing, sales and analytics platforms.
- Production – tools to pre-record and stream content.
- Year-Round Community – foster connections before, during and after events.
- Hybrid & In-Person – incorporate physical event components.
Pricing is customized based on each organization‘s needs and event size.
Ideal Use Cases: Large conferences, trade shows, galas and fundraising events
Pros
- Reliably supports very large audiences
- Robust year-round community capabilities
- Enterprise-level security and support
Cons
- Overly complex for smaller events
- Lack of self-service packages
8. HeySummit
HeySummit offers an intuitive way to host virtual events and build audience engagement.
- Landing Pages – beautifully designed pages to promote events.
- Email Marketing – attract and engage attendees.
- Presenter Tools – manage sessions, recordings and chat.
- Analytics – track registrations, attendance, revenue and more.
- Streaming – native support for platforms like YouTube and Zoom.
Pricing starts at $99 per month for up to 500 attendees and 10 events annually.
Ideal Use Cases: Small-to-medium scale conferences, workshops, fireside chats
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Affordable pricing
- Great email marketing and landing page builder
Cons
- Limits on number of events and attendees on lower tiers
- Less robust features compared to some platforms
9. Livestorm
Livestorm combines webinar functionality with powerful virtual event capabilities.
- Event Creation – registration, email and landing pages.
- Engagement Tools – polls, surveys, Q&A, chat, emojis.
- Analytics – detailed insights into event performance.
- Integrations – connect to marketing platforms.
- Streaming – support for YouTube, Facebook and native.
Pricing starts at $99 per month for up to 500 registrants. Custom packages available.
Ideal Use Cases: Webinars, corporate trainings, smaller conferences and meetings
Pros
- Extremely intuitive platform
- Competitively priced
- Great webinar feature set
Cons
- Smaller attendee capacity on lower tiers
- Less customizable than other platforms
10. SpatialChat
SpatialChat centers around replicating real-world event venues and interactions in a virtual setting.
- Custom Spaces – mimic halls, booths, lounges and more.
- VR Capabilities – create immersive environments using VR headsets.
- Integrations – connect to platforms like Salesforce, Slack and Discord.
- Security – enterprise-grade security and encryption.
- Scalability – reliably supports large events and audiences.
Pricing scales based on number of hosts/attendees. Custom options available.
Ideal Use Cases: Enterprise conferences and trade shows, leadership summits, galas
Pros
- Realistic 3D virtual venue recreation
- Future-proofed with VR and metaverse support
- Robust security features
Cons
- Complex platform requiring customer support
- Expensive compared to more basic options
11. Swapcard
Swapcard offers powerful virtual event hosting coupled with effective audience engagement tools.
- Event Portal – registration, agenda builder, dedicated mobile app.
- Networking – 1v1 video, group chats, private meetings.
- Interactive Content – live polls, surveys, gamification.
- Exhibit Hall – virtual sponsorship booths with lead retrieval.
- Streaming – support for tools like YouTube, Twitch and Swapcard Live.
Pricing scales based on expected attendance, starting around $1,000 per event.
Ideal Use Cases: B2B conferences and trade shows, hackathons, career fairs
Pros
- Especially strong networking capabilities
- Helps drive event revenue
- Detailed analytics reporting
Cons
- More complex than some competitors
- Potentially expensive based on attendee count
12. Webex Events
Cisco Webex Events equips organizers to produce engaging virtual, hybrid and in-person events.
- Production Tools – session scheduling, registration, mobile app, presentations and more.
- Hybrid & In-person – supports physical events and attendees.
- Integrations – connects with platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot and Marketo.
- Analytics – detailed reports on registrations, attendance, engagement and revenue.
- Lead Retrieval – capture prospect details from virtual booths.
Pricing customized based on each use case. Volume discounts available.
Ideal Use Cases: Enterprise conferences, trade shows, galas, mix of physical and virtual events
Pros
- Ability to manage virtual aspects of physical events
- Helps drive revenue through registrations and exhibitions
- Reliable delivery at scale
Cons
- Potentially complex and costly based on needs
- Steeper learning curve than some competitors
13. Zoom Events
Zoom Events builds on Zoom‘s extensive web conferencing capabilities to power virtual and hybrid event experiences.
- Production – schedule HD multi-track streaming sessions.
- Networking – spaces for attendees to connect via chat and video.
- Expo – virtual exhibition halls for sponsors.
- Engagement – live Q&A, polls and surveys.
- Hybrid – incorporate in-person event elements.
Pricing based on number of attendees. Packages start around $40 per month.
Ideal Use Cases: Conferences, summits, board meetings, training events and mix of virtual/in-person
Pros
- Leverages proven Zoom web conferencing technology
- Familiar interface for most attendees
- Cost-effective packages for smaller events
Cons
- Less customizable than some competitors
- Missing advanced engagement tools of other platforms
Key Takeaways
The virtual events platform market continues innovating rapidly, providing event organizers more options than ever before. As you evaluate options, focus on finding the best match for your budget, resources, expected audience size and type of event.
The good news is there are solutions on this list suitable for events at all levels of scale and complexity. From enterprise-grade conferences and trade shows to smaller corporate meetings and webinars, these platforms enable creating impactful virtual experiences.
By investing time upfront finding the ideal platform for your needs, you can focus on optimizing other aspects of your event – content development, promotions and attendee engagement efforts – to drive maximum impact.
