Top 5 Brella Alternatives & Competitors

For event organizers looking for greater creative freedom and customization, frustration often arises with platforms like Brella. While Brella is recognized for facilitating reliable and efficient personalized 1-to-1 meetings at events, it can be perceived as too restrictive for those wanting more control over their event’s unique aspects. This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry who feel that Brella’s rigidity limits their ability to fully tailor their events to their specific vision and requirements.

To help you find the best fit for your unique event planning needs, we have rounded up a list of the top Brella alternatives for 2024, catering to the increasing demand for efficient and feature-rich event management solutions.

Brella Alternatives Comparison at a Glance

What is Brella: Overview

Brella is an event networking platform designed for large exhibitions and conferences, facilitating connections between attendees and sponsors through AI-powered matchmaking. Its main features include intent-based matchmaking, 1:1 meeting booking, video conferencing, and chat for face-to-face meetings. However, some users have noted drawbacks such as limited customization options and integrations, which can restrict the flexibility needed for more personalized event experiences.

Key Features

AI-Powered Networking

Utilizes artificial intelligence to intelligently match attendees based on their interests and goals, facilitating meaningful connections. This includes the capability to book 1:1 meetings and conduct video conferences for face-to-face interactions, enhancing networking opportunities at both physical and virtual events.

Event Management

Supports a hybrid model by providing features for both physical and virtual events. This includes live meeting areas for in-person interactions and virtual meeting areas equipped with tools for remote participants, ensuring seamless engagement across different event formats.

Agenda Management

Enables organizers to create and manage multi-track agendas, allowing attendees to choose from various sessions and tracks. Additionally, it offers the flexibility to present agendas in attendees’ local time zones, ensuring clarity and convenience for a global audience.

Attendee Communication

Provides a robust notification system to keep attendees informed about any delays or changes to the event schedule. This includes push notifications and alerts, ensuring attendees are always up-to-date with the latest information.

Content Management

Allows organizers to upload and manage sponsor and exhibitor content, making it easily accessible to attendees. This feature supports various types of content, such as brochures, videos, and presentations, enhancing the visibility and engagement of sponsors and exhibitors.

Reviews

• “I use it for tradeshow events that I am attending to pre-book appointments for either before-the-show meetings or on-site. It’s great to see the attendance ahead of time. I had a login issue, and Support emailed me back in 3 minutes. After a couple of exchanges, they figured out the fix in under 10 minutes—very fast.” – Brendan S., Sales Rep
• “It is an exceptional platform, but it lacks intuition and sometimes its use tends to be frustrating, adding that it does not contain a free system to get to know it a little and be sure that you want to buy it.” – Amelia g., Senior Software Engineering
• “All needed tools are in one platform. The best part is that I have my calendar synch with my PC, as well I can access all my meetings and the events of the summit in one place; there were minor bugs in the earlier versions, but I have seen that all those bugs were solved in the latest version. I don’t see a tool in the market for events that cover all the event requirements and meetups like Brella for the moment.” – Mohamed H., CEO
• “A bit restrictive in functionality at times. I hope they start giving the organizer more freedom to change things in the app without compromising on the great design. Still, there are slight lags and problems when signing on, we have had some attendees struggle to log in at times. I don’t see much of any other blocking problem on the platform other than that point.”  – Kristoffer L., CEO

Now let’s take a look at some of Brella alternatives.

Top 5 Brella Alternatives & Competitors

vFairs

Number one on our list of the Brella alternatives is vFairs, an all-in-one event platform and a great alternative to Brella, widely acknowledged for its adaptability in managing virtual, hybrid, and in-person events.

vFairs provides a dynamic virtual environment with customizable booths, networking lounges, and interactive elements designed to enhance attendee engagement. The platform seamlessly integrates virtual and in-person experiences, offering features like live streaming of physical sessions and virtual audience participation. 

Its comprehensive tech stack supports efficient event management across all formats, including event registration, ticketing solutions, and streamlined badge printing and check-ins. Additionally, vFairs offers custom-branded pages and intuitive mobile event apps, empowering organizers to create engaging experiences that resonate with attendees.

While Brella offers AI-powered matchmaking, 1:1 meeting booking, and video conferencing for networking, vFairs also offers the same features as Brella, including robust networking capabilities through its interactive lounges and engagement tools. This makes vFairs a versatile choice for delivering unforgettable events across all types of formats.

Key Features

Event Ticketing & Registration 

vFairs offers a comprehensive event management solution designed to streamline event registrations and payments across virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats. Customize registration forms effortlessly, implement tiered pricing structures, and facilitate group registrations seamlessly with vFairs event registration platform.

With integrated payment options through PayPal and Stripe, collecting payments is a breeze. Tailor access to event content for various user types with ease, crafting personalized registration forms using the intuitive drag-and-drop form builder.

Badge Printing & Check-Ins

Attendees can check-in seamlessly using vFairs’ event management software. They have the option to scan a QR code or use self-serve kiosks for self-check-in. Upon scanning the QR code, the badge printer is automatically prompted to print the attendee badge within seconds.

In addition to streamlined check-in processes, vFairs allows extensive customization options for virtual, hybrid, or in-person events. Personalize virtual environments, landing pages, and exhibitor booths to create a unique and engaging experience. Furthermore, integrate custom fields into registration forms to gather pertinent data that aligns with your event objectives.

Effortlessly generate and print tailored badges for attendees, exhibitors, and sponsore with our robust badge printing tool. Designed to simplify the badge printing process, this powerful tool enables you to create customized badges adorned with attendee names, logos, and pertinent information. 

Event Customization

Opt for either configuration or customization to tailor your event setup to your exact specifications. Configuration allows for adjustments such as branded colors, logos, and text labels within predefined templates, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance. On the other hand, customization offers bespoke event designs, white-labeled apps, and tailored features to boost engagement and maximize ROI.

vFairs’ all-in-one event management software provides extensive customization options for virtual, hybrid, or in-person events. Personalize every aspect, from virtual environments and landing pages to exhibitor booths, creating a unique and engaging experience. Additionally, you can incorporate custom fields into registration forms to gather pertinent data that aligns with your event objectives.

Mobile App

The vFairs mobile event app has essential tools for seamless operations. You can provide exhibitors and sponsors with various branding opportunities within the app with sponsor hub, splash ads, banners and branded booths. Ensure easy movement across the event for attendees with instant check-in at entry and floor maps. 

Foster engagement through live polls and timely notifications. Tailor the app to your needs with case-specific features like job advertising and automated certificates, supported by detailed analytics and eco-friendly document uploads. 

Lead Capture App & Lead Retrieval

Easily capture, qualify and monitor event leads with vFairs Lead Capture and Retrieval feature. Provide exhibitors with robust attendee search and filtration tools, enabling them to identify and connect with targeted participants seamlessly. 

With the ability to mark potential prospects as favorites and add contextual notes to each contact, exhibitors can enhance lead context, ensuring effective follow-up actions and fostering meaningful conversations. Onsite contact capture enables exhibitors to gather real-time data, which, combined with thorough event ROI analysis and data analytics, provides valuable insights. 

This comprehensive suite of features equips exhibitors with the tools they need to maximize their participation, drive valuable connections, and assess the success of their efforts at your event.

User Reviews

• “I think vFairs’ Event Management Platform is extremely robust and extensive. I like that they have the internal processes and procedures in place to help facilitate our events “soup to nuts.” The coordination and integration between the website, mobile app, on-site representation, and backend support helped us elevate our brand and offer an enhanced experience for our clients and event attendees.” – Sandra  D., Small-Business
• “We pushed the vFairs platform to its limits and beyond and vFairs are always keen to help us find a good solution! Our rep also was a great help in terms of helping take some tasks off my plate, something that I will be forever grateful for!” – Claire N, Event Manager
• “ Loved having the options of having a desktop and mobile app experience. The team support was exceptional with being timely, accommodating and flexible with finding solutions that fit our needs. Overall, it was a positive experience that enabled us to have a highly impactful summit.” – Matt B, Mid-Market
• “We had an upcoming event 6 weeks away, so my intent was to gather information for future events, but they walked me through the feasibility of implementing the platform for our event in the immediate future. With their support we were able to turn our in-person-only event into a hybrid event and expand our attendee base.” – Corbin S., Chief Administrative Officer

Whova

Next on our list of Brella alternatives, Whova offers  online registration, badge printing and check-in, attendee engagement, and  event marketing features. 

Its versatility caters to in-person, online, or hybrid events, making it a valuable tool for various organizational needs. 

The platform offers an event mobile app tailored for in-person events, facilitating seamless attendee engagement and access to event resources on-the-go. Additionally, it serves as a hybrid and virtual event platform, enabling organizers to host events in various formats. Its comprehensive event management tools include online registration and payment processing, streamlining the event planning process and enhancing attendee experience.

However, mastering its advanced features can be challenging for users without technical expertise. Additionally, the pricing structure is often perceived as complicated, with multiple tiers and feature sets spread across different packages, making it difficult for users to select the most suitable option.

User Reviews

• “Whova is a one-stop shop and it has it all to drive attendee engagement and provide a space where organizers can effectively utilize and organize information about the event. Not only was it easy to use there were plenty of features and guides to help easily implement each of the available amenities through the available and speedy reply of customer support. ” – Tasha S, Small Business Owner
• “It didn’t come with instructions’ ‘ from the event organizers so you do have to at least have some base-level smartphone skills and be intuitive to where you might need to be or what you might need to do. In this age, you have to be able to figure some stuff out without instructions so I don’t see this as a Whova deficiency but instead an intendee need for professional development if this was an issue for them.” – Melissa L, Project Manager
• “As a Vendor, it would have been helpful if there were some live one-on-one chat. As a conference participant, it would be nice if there were a way to prioritize alerts. Much of what showed up as alerts wasn’t important to me and there were so many that I had a difficult time catching the things that were important, i.e., I missed a group notification.” – Melissa G, Program Evaluator
• “It is quite overwhelming for first-time users with limited tech background and I think the User Guide could be improved to include some things that may be considered minor. Also, the mobile app should be updated to allow attendees to view event time in local time, as is the case on the web app.” – Piniel Tawanda Z.

Stova

Securing third place on our list of the top Brella alternatives is Stova. It emerged from the merger of Aventri, MeetingPlay, and Eventcore. From intimate gatherings to expansive conferences and exhibitions, Stova caters to events of all scales and types.

The platform offers comprehensive meeting management for seamless scheduling, alongside efficient online registration capabilities. It supports both virtual and hybrid events, catering to diverse audience preferences. Its event marketing tools allow organizers to promote effectively, while content management ensures rich event experiences. Additionally, networking and attendee management tools facilitate meaningful connections among participants, enhancing overall event engagement and success.

A user on G2 mentioned that STOVA lacks a clear product description for new users. Although training sessions are provided, they are insufficient on their own, making the role of project managers crucial in navigating the platform.

User Reviews

• “Excellent service and response time. The platform delivered without a single problem and all last minute changes were accommodated without any issues. Streaming content was clear and professional with no interruptions or bandwidth challenges. It was perfect!” – Thomas F, COO
• “Their pricing model leaves a lot to be desired. Everything seems ala carte, which made me feel like I was being nickeled and dimed. I would have preferred to have pricing based on a basic package, medium-sized event package, or a grande experience. It’s one thing to have some specialty ala carte items, but with so many options that should be standard, it made contracting hard.” – Gwendolyn P, Director of Global Events
• “They are very professional, responsive, and knowledgeable about their platform. We felt handled through a new way of producing events and so much so that we decided to refer other clients to their services.” – Julia T, Producer
• “The system is slow and a little clunky with specific things. Like the agenda, you have to go to a certain page to make edits, which once you figure out makes sense but it is not very intuitive. If there is a way to add several events in a day at once it would be amazing. It also has a very slow load time and there are some glitches like sometimes links are blue and underlined and other times they are the wrong color.” – Adriana L, Creator

Bizzabo

Bizzabo, one of the more comprehensive Brella alternatives, empowers organizers with a range of functionalities to streamline event planning and execution. From building event websites to facilitating ticket sales, fostering event communities, and offering attendees a mobile app, Bizzabo covers some aspects of event management. Its suite of analytics tools enables organizers to gauge event success effectively.

Bizzabo offers a comprehensive suite of features to streamline event management. Its registration tools simplify the user registration process, including payment processing and mobile check-in. The platform facilitates event creation, from website development to email automation and contact list management, enhancing marketing and communication efforts. 

Despite its popularity in the events industry, many users find Bizzabo challenging to use at first, leading to a time-consuming event setup process.

User Reviews

• “The Bizzabo app is also a real plus when it comes to onsite communication and networking – it is also very easy to design and customize per our own needs.” – Benedicte F, Head of Global Communications
• “It’s a nice platform but I would like it to be more intuitive. There are things in the set-up that are very important to do but we can forget to change, maybe to have a sort of notification would be great. For the language it’s not flexible. we have to create our own landing pages when we want to do webinars other than in English.” – Lina G.
• “One of the best assets of using Bizzabo is its UI. It gives a very straightforward approach that makes it easy to use in implementing and monitoring forms and events, which is important since the Bizzabo platform is frequently used in our BAU tasks and its numerous features make it easier.” – Joe M., Production Manager
• “Becoming familiar with all the­ features of Bizzabo can be time­ consuming. It might feel overwhe­lming at first. Although the platform prioritizes networking, incorporating additional virtual e­ngagement tools could enhance­ remote participation. The re­porting function is robust but could benefit from streamlining to make­ it more user-friendly.” – Yasmine H, Communications Coordinator

Cvent

Next on our list of Brella alternatives is Cvent which caters to a diverse range of events, including webinars, online, in-person, and virtual gatherings, offering specialized features like reporting and analytics, venue management, and email marketing. 

With a focus on simplifying manual event management tasks, Cvent enables planners to create branded events efficiently, saving time and effort. The software provides  tools for creating custom events with personalized backgrounds and layouts, while also offering features like surveys, polls, and emojis to boost attendee engagement. 

Speakers and organizers have the flexibility to present content in live, semi-live, or recorded formats, ensuring a dynamic and interactive event experience. However, the platform falls short of offering sponsorship opportunities within its mobile app, a feature commonly found in other Cvent alternatives. Additionally, its pricing model, which includes both an annual license fee and a per-registrant fee, varies based on the specific solution type, potentially complicating the decision-making process for users.

Check out the top Cvent alternatives.

User Reviews

• “Once I read and understand the program, it’s easy with tutorials and articles in the help section to figure out what I want to do step by step. If those do not work there is an excellent customer service to assist.” – Mary Ann H, Event Coordinator
• “Cost is a bit higher than other event management platforms, but tends to have very few glitches (if any) and provides excellent management of events from a couple of people to thousands. I have worked with other platforms that could not handle large groups without crashing, so the consistency in performance is a comfort. Oftentimes, you’ll find the cost of the platform is offset by time savings.” – Julie Michelle D, Program Manager
• “Cvent is nice in that it has thought of many of the different scenarios planners need to communicate, offer registration for and track for each event. The integrated credit card processing makes handling the financial aspect of meetings much easier.” – Beth C, Executive Director
• “I think that the reporting could be more robust!” – Nicole G, SMMS Operator

Key Takeaways

Among Brella alternatives, vFairs stands out as the top choice for event management in 2024. Unlike Whova, vFairs offers extensive customization options for design and registration forms. Compared to Webex Events, vFairs guarantees robust performance for events of any size. Unlike Eventzilla, vFairs integrates seamlessly with a wide array of tools. Additionally, vFairs boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface, resolving the steep learning curve issues often encountered with Cvent.

With vFairs, you gain comprehensive event management capabilities that enhance engagement and streamline operations for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. 

Experience the difference firsthand by requesting a demo with vFairs today!