Cvent vs InEvent (2026): Side-by-Side Comparison for Modern Event Teams

Introduction

If you’re here, chances are you're either shopping for a new event management platform or looking for something less rigid than Cvent.

Maybe you’ve hit a wall with long contracts, stacked add-ons, or systems that weren’t built for how fast your team moves today. Or perhaps you’re just exploring better ways to manage on-site check-in, branded registration pages, or post-event analytics without going through five layers of support.

Cvent has been around for decades. It’s well-known, feature-rich, and widely used in large, procurement-heavy organizations.

InEvent, on the other hand, is gaining traction with modern event teams who care about speed, support, and complete control over how their virtual, hybrid, and in-person experiences are built and measured.

This guide was built for event marketers, field ops leaders, and internal communications teams who want a complete picture, before sitting through another sales call.

Here’s what you’ll find:

• A full feature comparison table
  
  

• Real screenshots of both platforms
  
  

• Verified user reviews
  
  

• When to choose Cvent vs InEvent
  
  

• A breakdown of pricing philosophies
  
  

• A real migration tutorial
  
  

• An FAQ section with answers to your questions

What Is Cvent?

Cvent is one of the longest-standing event technology platforms in the industry. Founded in 1999, it’s built a massive footprint across enterprise, government, higher education, and association events. At its core, Cvent is known for helping large organizations manage venue sourcing, registration, attendee tracking, and post-event reporting at scale.

One of Cvent’s biggest advantages is its venue sourcing ecosystem, where planners can search, RFP, and book with thousands of suppliers worldwide. It also offers a wide array of modules across different event workflows, from email marketing to mobile apps to on-site badging.

Cvent often appeals to organizations with complex approval chains, procurement requirements, and a preference for big-vendor enterprise support. It's frequently chosen when venue courcing is a critical part of the workflow or when teams already use it for other event types across business units.

That said, many users report that Cvent's interface and setup processes feel outdated, especially for smaller or more agile teams. It's also common to see frustration with opaque pricing structure, steep learning curves, and a high number of upsells across different product tiers.

For teams that don’t need all the modules or sourcing marketplace, Cvent can feel bulky and expensive, relative to how fast internal and external events now move.

Why Compare InEvent vs Cvent?

Choosing an event platform today isn’t about checking a feature box. It’s about finding a solution that works the way your team actually runs events. That’s why so many event marketers, field teams, and enterprise operations leads are now searching for better Cvent alternatives.

Here’s what we hear most often:

• “We’re stuck in a long contract with too many limitations.”
• “Our team moves fast, but the platform doesn’t.”
• “We’re not using half the features, but we’re paying full price.”

“It feels like we have to work around the tool instead of with it.”

Cvent is one of the biggest names in the industry, and it’s been a go-to for many large-scale event programs over the years. But as event strategies evolve, especially in hybrid, VIP, and data-driven formats, teams are re-evaluating what they really need in a platform.

That doesn’t mean Cvent is “bad.” It means event teams are looking for something better suited to how they work today.

InEvent is often chosen by teams seeking more flexibility, a better UI, integrated check-in and badge printing, and a more responsive support model. But instead of making claims, we’re giving you the full picture.

Whether you’re managing global summits, internal town halls, field activations, or partner programs, this guide is built to help you find the best Cvent competitor or confirm that Cvent’s still the right fit.

Which Platform Fits Your Team Best?

If you're short on time (or just here for the bottom line), here's a quick comparison:

Choose if you	InEvent	Cvent
1. Want speed and flexibility to launch fast	Yes	No
2. Need robust venue sourcing tools and RFP workflows	No	Yes
3. Prefer simple, transparent pricing	Yes	No
4. Run hybrid + in-person events in one unified system.	Yes	No
5. Require strict procurement and vendor controls	No	Yes

• InEvent works best for modern teams that value speed, branding control, on-site execution, and clear support.

• Cvent still fits well if your workflow depends heavily on venue sourcing and established procurement processes.

InEvent vs Cvent: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Choosing an event platform isn't just about ticking boxes, it's about understanding how those features show up in real workflows. Below is a side-by-side look at how Cvent and InEvent compare on the core functionality enterprise event teams rely on most.

Features	Cvent	InEvent
Event Website Builder	Yes	Yes
Badge Printing	Yes	Yes
Hybrid Events	Limited	Yes (Native)
Mobile App	Yes	Yes
Email Automation	Basic	Yes (Advanced)
CRM Sync (Salesforce, Hubspot)	Yes	Yes
Analytics & Reports	Basic	Yes (Real-time)
Matchmaking/Networking	Manual	Yes (AI-Driven)
Ease of Use	Mixed	Yes
AI-Powered Workflows	No	Yes (Built-In)
Pricing Transparency	No	Yes (Clear)

What do these differences actually mean?

If you’re planning just one event per year, a few limitations or setup delays might be acceptable. But for high-volume programs, field marketing events, internal rollouts, partner activations, speed, data, and control aren’t optional. They’re how you win back time and drive real outcomes.

Here’s how these differences play out in the real world:

• Hybrid Events: Cvent offers hybrid via integrations or separate tools. InEvent handles it natively, with virtual lobby, streaming, and attendee engagement in the same platform. No patchwork.
  
  

• Email & Automation: Cvent requires separate workflows or add-ons for complex nurture paths. InEvent lets you create dynamic email flows triggered by attendee behavior, registrations, or engagement, all in one dashboard.
  
  

• Analytics: With Cvent, reporting is often delayed or locked behind exports. InEvent gives you real-time dashboards with per-attendee breakdowns, conversion tracking, and live engagement scores.
  
  

• Matchmaking: Cvent allows for basic filters. InEvent adds AI-powered networking, meeting suggestions, and auto-matchmaking logic for hosted buyers or VIPs.
  
  

• AI-Powered Workflows: InEvent bakes AI into form generation, agenda planning, and engagement scoring, saving hours on manual admin tasks. Cvent currently lacks these automations.
  
  

• Pricing: Cvent's pricing is typically revealed late in the sales process and varies widely based on add-ons. InEvent publishes its license tiers and offers a clear scope from day one, no surprises.
  
  

So if your team is running 10, 20, or 50+ events a year or needs to pivot fast between formats, these feature differences compound fast

4 Signs You've Outgrown Cvent?

Cvent is the name many teams start with but it’s not always the platform they grow with. If your team is evolving, expanding, or expected to do more with less, here are four signs it might be time to move on:

1. You’re Spending More Time Managing the Platform Than Managing Events

If launching a registration page still takes tickets, approvals, or workarounds, that’s a red flag. Cvent was built for a different era, one where long lead times and clunky interfaces were the norm. Today, you need to move fast, test ideas, and launch branded experiences in hours, not weeks.

2. Your Budget Is Being Burned by Add-Ons and Service Fees

Need badge printing? That’s extra. Mobile app? Also extra. Want to run multiple events? You’re in a new pricing tier. Cvent’s legacy model often means ballooning costs with every added feature, user, or event. If you’re constantly justifying line items instead of scaling your program, you’ve outgrown the platform.

3. You Want a More Modern, Connected Workflow

Your CRM is modern. Your marketing stack is agile. But your event platform still feels disconnected. If syncing data, setting up integrations, or pulling event insights into your dashboards still requires IT, custom code, or an export-import dance—you’ve outgrown the stack. It’s time for a platform that plugs in cleanly.

4. You’re Running More Events, But Not Getting More Insights

More events should mean more data. But with Cvent, reporting can feel like an afterthought, especially in real time. If you're still relying on post-event exports or manual reports to get the full picture, you're missing the speed and visibility your team needs to make smarter decisions across the event lifecycle.

If your event program has scaled and your team needs more control, automation, and transparency, it’s time to switch to something purpose-built for today’s events. InEvent gives you the tools to move fast, track everything, and launch without limits.

When Is InEvent The Better Choice For You?

If your event team values speed, control, and real support (not just software) InEvent is likely a better fit. It’s built for modern teams running high-volume, high-impact programs who don’t have time to wait for procurement gates or vendor handoffs.

Here’s where InEvent shines:

1. You Run Hybrid Field Programs

InEvent is ideal for teams managing multiple activations across cities, partners, or business units. Whether you're hosting executive briefings, customer dinners, or branded pop-ups, you can spin up events quickly, apply consistent branding, and support hybrid attendance without stitching tools together.

With one license, you can manage dozens of mid-sized events per year—on-site, virtual, or both—all from the same dashboard.

2. You Need Onsite Check-In and Badge Printing That Just Works

InEvent’s onsite suite includes native badge design, real-time check-in tracking, and seamless printer integrations (including Zebra and Chose2rent). No patchy third-party add-ons. No clunky hardware surprises. Just smooth ops from the moment attendees arrive.

It’s also a major win for teams that want branded badges with QR codes, custom fields, and fast reprints.

3. You Want Fast, Fully Branded Event Pages—Without Devs

InEvent includes a powerful drag-and-drop website and form builder with brand lockups, conditional fields, image/video support, and iFrame embedding. Build once, reuse across your portfolio. No external web team needed.

4. You’re Running CRM-Connected Sales Plays

InEvent connects directly with Salesforce, HubSpot, Marketo, and others—so sales and marketing can track leads, follow up based on behavior, and attribute pipeline to events. Whether it’s an SKO or a VIP breakfast, data flows both ways.

5. You Expect Support That Shows Up

Every InEvent license comes with a dedicated project manager, 24/7 support, and optional onsite staffing. You’re not just buying software—you’re getting a partner who knows your event inside out.

Bottom line: If you want to move fast, own the experience, and rely on actual humans when it counts, InEvent is built for your team.

Pricing Comparison: Transparency vs Complexity

If there’s one thing most teams want when evaluating platforms, it’s simple, predictable pricing. But that’s often the hardest thing to get, especially in enterprise event tech.

Here’s how pricing models compare between Cvent and InEvent, based on what real teams experience during the buying process.

1. Cvent Pricing: Enterprise-Centric and Opaque

Cvent follows a traditional enterprise pricing model. That typically means:

• Long discovery cycles before a proposal is shared
  
  

• Feature-based packaging, where basic functionality may require add-ons
  
  

• Multi-year contracts with limited flexibility once signed
  
  

• Pricing varies widely depending on your industry, event type, or sales region
  
  

• Implementation support and onboarding may incur additional fees
  
  

• Hidden costs can emerge when you scale usage, add more events, or need integrations
  
  

Cvent is built for big procurement workflows. If your org is used to large-scale vendor onboarding and multi-quarter buying timelines, this might not be an issue. But for teams that want to move fast—or run cost-sensitive programs—it can be a blocker.

2. InEvent Pricing: Modular, Predictable, Transparent

InEvent was designed to remove friction from both the sales process and long-term budgeting. The platform offers:

• License-based pricing (no hidden module stacking)
  
  

• Clear feature tiers tailored by use case and event format
  
  

• Included Project Manager support for onboarding and implementation
  
  

• On-site support and badge printing are available as part of bundled packages
  
  

• Transparent sandbox access, so teams can test workflows before committing
  
  

• Pay-for-what-you-use model with volume flexibility for high-frequency events
  
  

InEvent’s approach is especially helpful for teams that don’t want to re-negotiate every new event or who need clean quotes for internal approvals. You know what you're getting—and who’s helping you get it done.

It also gives growing teams flexibility. You can start with a single license, test it live, and then scale confidently without hitting unexpected walls.

Pricing Philosophy: It's Not Just About Cost

It’s not just “which platform is cheaper.” It’s about how predictable and scalable your costs are once you start running 5, 10, or 50+ events a year. Surprise charges, upsells, and waiting weeks for a custom quote can grind momentum to a halt.

In contrast, InEvent’s pricing is built to keep you moving, from first proposal to final registration scan.

What Real Users Are Saying: Cvent vs InEvent

We pulled recent reviews to surface recurring themes, both positive and critical, for each platform. Use these to understand how real event teams experience each tool.

1. Support Experience & Onboarding

A. InEvent

"Customer support was very responsive and always a few minutes away" - InEvent user (via Software Advice)

Many reviewers praise InEvent's dedicated account managers and hands-on onboarding. Teams that switch from older platforms often highlight how quickly they can go from sign-up to their first event (sometimes under a week).

B. Cvent

"Cvent keeps everything in one place, from registration to reporting. It makes event management easier." - Cvent user (Via Capterra).

On the plus side, Cvent's long history means they offer more mature support resources and extensive documentation. On the downside, some new users mention steep learning curves as a downside to onboarding, especially when using advanced modules.



2. Feature Accessibility & Ease of Use

A. InEvent

“The best part of InEvent is its vertical integration of services — from registration to streaming to check-in to reporting.” — InEvent user (via G2/Capterra)

Multiple reviewers note that InEvent feels intuitive even for non-technical users. This usability becomes more valuable when teams run hybrid or frequent users and don't want to tussle with a complex setup.

Cvent

“It can do a lot in terms of managing registrations and reporting… but it takes time to fully understand all features.” — Cvent user (via Capterra)

Some feedback notes that while Cvent is powerful, its interface can feel dense, which can slow down smaller or simpler events.

3. Speed of Implementation & Time-to-Launch

A. InEvent

Because InEvent bundles registration, website builder, streaming, check-in, and analytics in one platform, manay users say they can launch mid-sized or hybrid events within hours or a few days which is dramatically faster than older enterprise platforms.

B. Cvent

For large or complex events, Cvent is often seen as thorough and robust but that depth comes with setup overhead. Teams sometimes need longer onboarding, staging, and planning to take full advantage of the platform’s breadth. Capterra


4. Post-Event Analytics & Reporting

A. Cvent

Several users appreciate Cvent’s comprehensive reporting tools, especially for large conferences and enterprise events, where detailed attendee tracking, registration, and vendor management are critical. (Capterra)

B. InEvent

Reviewers highlight that InEvent's built-in analytics are particularly valuable for hybrid and virtual formats, giving real-time attendee data, engagement metrics, and easy export for CRM or marketing follow-up.


5. Flexibility vs Rigidity: Customization, Add-ons, & Scaling

A. InEvent

"With InEvent, I can build an event website, publish registration forms and launch an event without five layers of approval" - Event Organizer (via InEvent Site)

Many small to mid-sized teams appreciate the modular, transparent pricing and lack of heavy vendor bureaucracy, giving them much-needed agility. Software Advice

B. Cvent

For enterprises that rely on sourcing, procurement, vendor management, or legacy approval chains, Cvent structured approach and complete suite are often necessary. But that same structure can feel rigid for smaller or more agile teams—some report under unitilization of features or paying for ununsed modules.



What This Feedback Means for Your Decision

• If you need speed, agility, ease of use, and a platform that supports hybrid or frequent events, InEvent consistently wins in real-user feedback.
• If your events require deep sourcing, detailed reporting, vendor/venue management, and enterprise-style procurement compliance, Cvent remains a strong, trusted option.
• For teams testing event tech for the first time or running smaller-to-mid events, InEvent offers lower friction, faster setup, and more predictable outcomes.

For large enterprises executing complex, multi-stakeholder events, Cvent's mature feature set and long track record offer stability and scalability.

How To Migrate From Cvent to InEvent

Switching platforms doesn’t need to feel like a rebuild from scratch. In fact, many teams move from Cvent to InEvent in under two weeks, without losing data or disrupting event timelines.

Here’s a simple 6-step migration process based on real customer workflows. Every InEvent license includes a dedicated project manager, so you're never left figuring it out alone.

MIGRATION STEPS

Steps	What To Do
1. Audit your current setup	Review how you're using Cvent: registration fields,  session logic, badge templates, email automation, reports, and integrations. Your InEvent PM will help you map what to keep, rebuild, or simplify.
2. Export core data	Export registrant lists, email templates, attendee tags, and event settings from Cvent. Most exports are available as CSV or through built-in data tools. If needed, request a complete account export from Cvent support.
3. Rebuild workflows in InEvent	Use InEvent's drag-and-drop website builder and registration forms to recreate your flows. This often includes conditional logic, ticket types, and email confirmations. Your PM will guide this, or handle it entirely if scoped in.
4. Connect CRM & Payments	Reconnect your integrations (Salesforce, HubSpot, Stripe, etc.) using InEvent's built-in connectors. You can also import historical attendee data into InEvent's analytics dashboard.
5. Launch A Test Event	Before going live, create a small internal test event to verify email sends, check-in logic, QR codes, and badge printing. Run through a complete dry run with your stakeholders.
6. Full Cutover	digeuig Once you're satisfied, begin using InEvent for all upcoming events. For some customers, this starts with a single pilot event before complete transition. For others, the switch happens portfolio-wide. Your pace, your choice.

What About Security, Branding, and Training?

• InEvent supports SSO, multi-factor auth, and data residency in your preferred region (AWS or Azure)
  
  

• You can upload brand kits, logos, fonts, and reuse layouts for consistency across events
  
  

• Onboarding is included with every license—InEvent trains your team, tests your setup, and stays involved
  
  

Pro Tip: Start With a “Low Risk” Event First

Most teams migrate by starting with:

• A small internal meeting
  
  

• A field marketing activation
  
  

• A regional partner event
  
  

This lets your team build confidence and collect feedback before transitioning your full event calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is InEvent cheaper than Cvent?

In many cases, yes. InEvent offers modular, license-based pricing with no surprise add-ons. Pricing is transparent and predictable—even at scale. Cvent typically uses enterprise bundles with variable pricing and additional charges per feature or usage tier.

2. Does InEvent offer the same features as Cvent?

It depends on what you use. InEvent covers the full registration-to-check-in journey, including website builder, badge printing, CRM sync, real-time analytics, email automation, and virtual/hybrid features. However, InEvent does not include a venue sourcing marketplace like Cvent does.

3. How hard is it to migrate from Cvent to InEvent?

Most teams fully migrate in under two weeks. InEvent includes a dedicated Project Manager who helps you export data, rebuild workflows, and onboard your team. You can start with a sandbox or pilot event to test everything first.

4. Is InEvent secure and compliant?

Yes. InEvent supports SSO, multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regional hosting via AWS or Microsoft Azure. The platform is GDPR-compliant and used by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and healthcare organizations.

5. Can I use my current badge printers with InEvent?

Yes. InEvent works with most industry-standard badge printers, including Zebra models. You can use your own hardware or rent from certified vendors like Chose2Rent. Setup support is included.

6. What support does InEvent offer?

Every license includes a dedicated Project Manager and 24/7 technical support. InEvent also provides training, onboarding sessions, and live chat to guide you through implementation and your first events.

7. Is InEvent only for large companies?

Not at all. While InEvent supports large enterprises, it’s also used by startups, agencies, universities, and mid-sized teams looking for flexibility. The modular structure means you only pay for what you use.

8. What if I already have a Cvent contract?

You can still explore InEvent by setting up a sandbox environment or running a pilot event in parallel. Many teams gradually transition while wrapping up existing vendor contracts.