UK event management software ranges from free tools such as Luma up to enterprise platforms. Eventbrite charges 3.7 per cent plus a fixed fee per paid ticket for public events, Bizzabo and Cvent are enterprise platforms on custom pricing, Whova suits conferences, and Hopin handles virtual and hybrid events. The right choice depends on event format and scale.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 1 SEPTEMBER 2026
- Eventbrite charges 3.7 per cent plus a fixed fee per paid ticket for public events.
- Bizzabo and Cvent are enterprise platforms on custom pricing; Whova suits conferences.
- Hopin and vFairs handle virtual and hybrid events; Luma is a free event page builder.
UK event management platforms by type
| Platform | Type | Pricing | Best for |
| Eventbrite | Public ticketing | Free events free; 3.7 per cent + fixed fee | Simple public ticketed events |
| Bizzabo | Enterprise experience OS | Custom (from ~£14,000/yr) | Connected conferences and hybrid |
| Cvent | Enterprise + venue sourcing | Custom (enterprise) | Large programmes and venue contracting |
| Whova | Conferences and associations | Per event or annual | Mobile engagement and networking |
| Swoogo | Registration and websites | Per user, transparent | Event websites and registration |
| Hopin (RingCentral) | Virtual and hybrid | from ~£79/mo | Online conferences and webinars |
| Luma | Free event pages | Free | Small gatherings and RSVPs |
Source: Provider published pricing, mid-2026
KEY FACTS
- Eventbrite charges 3.7 per cent plus a fixed fee per paid ticket; free events are free to list.
- Bizzabo and Cvent are enterprise platforms on custom pricing, typically five figures a year.
- Whova is a conference and association platform known for its mobile engagement app.
- Hopin, now part of RingCentral, handles virtual and hybrid events from around £79 a month.
- Luma is a free event page builder suited to small gatherings.
Choosing an event platform by format
| Event type | Option | Note |
| Public ticketed event | Eventbrite | Pay per ticket; discovery audience |
| Enterprise conference | Bizzabo, Cvent | Registration, onsite, analytics, ROI |
| Association or academic | Whova | Strong mobile app and networking |
| Virtual or hybrid | Hopin, vFairs | Built for online formats |
| Small free event | Luma | Free event page and RSVP |
Source: Provider information, 2026
Ticketing versus event management
Two different products share the label. Ticketing platforms such as Eventbrite sell tickets to public events, charging 3.7 per cent plus a fixed fee per paid ticket while free events are free to list. Full event management platforms such as Bizzabo and Cvent handle the whole lifecycle for corporate and enterprise events: registration, event websites, agenda management, onsite check in, a mobile app and post event analytics. If you sell tickets to the public, you need the first; if you run structured conferences, you need the second.
The enterprise platforms
Bizzabo and Cvent dominate the enterprise tier. Bizzabo positions as an event experience operating system, strong on connected in person, virtual and hybrid events with 2,500 plus integrations and its Klik SmartBadge for onsite networking, on custom pricing that typically starts in five figures a year. Cvent adds deep venue sourcing and hotel contracting for complex programmes. Both require budget and dedicated staff, so they suit organisations running a portfolio of events rather than the occasional one.
Conferences, virtual and small events
Between the extremes sit focused tools. Whova is built for conferences and associations, consistently rated for its attendee mobile app and networking features, often priced per event. Swoogo focuses on registration and event websites with transparent per user pricing. For virtual and hybrid formats, Hopin, now part of RingCentral, and vFairs specialise in online conferences and virtual booths. For a small free gathering, Luma offers a free event page and RSVP without any of the enterprise weight.
How to choose
Match the tool to the event, not the feature list. A public workshop under 500 people needs nothing more than Eventbrite or Luma. A recurring corporate conference programme justifies Bizzabo or Cvent. An academic or membership event is best served by Whova's networking app. A webinar or online summit belongs on Hopin. The most expensive mistake is buying enterprise software for a simple event, or running an enterprise programme on a ticketing tool that cannot handle it.
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DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
What does Eventbrite charge in the UK
Eventbrite lists free events for free and charges 3.7 per cent plus a fixed fee per paid ticket, plus payment processing. A Pro tier adds marketing features.
What is the best enterprise event platform
Bizzabo and Cvent lead the enterprise tier. Bizzabo is strong on connected event experiences and integrations; Cvent on venue sourcing and complex programmes. Both use custom pricing.
Which platform is best for virtual events
Hopin, now part of RingCentral, and vFairs specialise in virtual and hybrid events, with online conference and virtual booth features.
Is there free event management software
Luma offers free event pages and RSVPs for small gatherings, and Eventbrite lists free events at no cost. Full management platforms are paid.
What is the difference between event booking and event management
Event booking and ticketing sell tickets to public events. Event management platforms handle the whole lifecycle of structured conferences, including registration, onsite tools and analytics.
SOURCES
- GOV.UK: business guidance – accessed 1 September 2026
- ICO: UK GDPR guidance – accessed 1 September 2026
