Explore the main differences between event software and venue software to determine which is the best fit for your needs.
Whether you're running events or managing venues, it's all a digital juggling act. You're constantly trying to keep track of bookings, attendees, logistics, and everything in between. That's where event software and venue software can make life easier. But here's the million-dollar question: when it comes to event software vs venue software, which one do you actually need? Are you focused on the event experience or keeping the venue running smoothly?
To cut through the confusion, we’re diving into the key differences between these two powerful tools, so you can make the right choice for your needs.
Event professionals - you're in charge of delivering an exceptional event. You have to manage venue location, speakers, attendees, schedules, and a million tiny details. This is where event management software comes in. It's your digital assistant, handling everything from online registrations, accommodation, event agendas, and catering orders, to creating an event app that gets attendees talking.
To make life easier, you’re looking for event software features like email marketing tools to keep everyone in the loop, templates for quick quotes and BEO creation, easy invoice management, analytics to see which messages have resonated with your contacts and a unified channel for accommodation, venue selection, catering, agenda creation, and speaker management. It's about making the event shine, not just the room it's in.
Who is event software for? Event planners, event marketers, associations, and anyone who lives and breathes event logistics. If your main gig is making sure an event runs smoothly, event management software is the tool for you.
Venue managers – You're in charge of managing event spaces and making sure these spaces are filled year-round. You’re managing multiple rooms, back-to-back bookings, catering orders, and a whole team to coordinate. That’s where venue management software steps up. It's the operational backbone of your venue.
Venue professionals need software that includes booking calendars, inventory systems, task management tools, and the right integrations to cut manual admin. Plus, tools to manage catering, vendor relationships, and keep all venue facilities in tip-top shape.
Who is venue software for? Venue managers, venue sales managers, hotel and conference or function centre managers, stadium operators, educational institutions, and anyone who needs to keep a physical space filled with events.
Venue software vs event software: what’s the real difference? |
| It comes down to focus. Event software is about managing the event experience, while venue software is about managing a venue's operations. If you're still unsure, consider: |
Who’s using it? event planners vs. venue managers On the other hand, venue professionals use venue management software to manage day-to-day facility operations. They rely on software features like resource scheduling, maintenance tracking, and real-time monitoring to ensure the venue is running smoothly. Venue managers use data to optimise resource utilisation, automate manual administration, and market venue spaces. What is it tracking? attendee data vs. venue data
What’s it connecting to? marketing platforms vs. POS systems
Venue management software integrates with point of sale (POS) systems, CRM systems, accounting systems, and operational tools like property management systems and payment gateways to streamline venue operations, improve financial management, and ensure seamless service delivery. These integrations create a connected environment. This means data flows between systems, automating workflows and offering a holistic view of venue performance. It allows for more informed decision-making, ultimately improving both efficiency and profitability. |
Before you invest in any event or venue software, take a good look at your current workflow. What are your pain points? What’s eating up your time? When you have answers, start exploring options. Ask for product demos, read reviews and case studies, and make sure you have a clear understanding of a provider’s onboarding process.
Make sure shortlisted software options play nicely with other systems you currently use - integration is key. And don’t forget about customer support. When you need solutions, you want a software provider that’s available 24/7.
At the end of the day, it's about finding the tools that enable you and your team to save time and streamline processes. Whether you're making events unforgettable or keeping venue spaces fully booked, the right venue or event software can make all the difference.