Key Point

Key Point CRM streamlines event management tasks efficiently. Running an event management business involves juggling clients, vendors, venues, and many moving parts. Using a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system designed specifically for event management can organize these elements in one place, improving efficiency and client satisfaction. For example, the globally renowned music festival brand UNTOLD saved over 7, 000 hours annually by switching to HubSpot’s CRM. This case study explores the top 7 CRMs for event management, focusing on their features, pricing, and suitability, supported by real-world metrics and pricing details to help you choose the best tool for your business.

Understanding CRM role for event management success

A CRM for event management acts as a digital command center that tracks every client conversation, vendor email, and event deadline. Unlike generic CRMs, event-specific CRMs handle complex timelines, multiple stakeholders, and constant changes typical in event planning. HubSpot’s CRM, for example, integrates guest data across sales, marketing, and service teams to create a seamless experience. This integration helps event companies respond faster to leads and keep clients happier, as shown by UNTOLD’s significant time savings.

Comparing top CRMs for event management needs

Here is a quick glance at the best CRMs tailored for event management with pricing and key features: – HubSpot: Best for growing event companies seeking automation; free tier available, Starter plan $15/month. – Salesforce: Suited for large enterprises needing deep customization; pricing from $25 to $100/month. – Pipedrive: Ideal for small planners focused on deal tracking; plans from $14 to $99/month. – Zoho CRM: Budget-friendly with social media integration; pricing from $14 to $52/month. – Airtable: Great for creative teams needing visual project management; free tier available, Team plan $20/month. – Monday.com: Focused on team collaboration and project tracking; pricing starts at $9/month. – Copper: Best for Google Workspace users; plans from $12 to $29/month. All offer free trials, helping you test features before committing.

HubSpot features driving event management growth

HubSpot CRM stands out for event companies looking to scale efficiently without complexity. It offers event pipeline management with customizable deal stages that mirror your workflow, ensuring no task is missed from initial contact to invoice. Automated workflows send timely client follow-ups, contract reminders, and thank-you notes, boosting client engagement without manual effort. HubSpot also tracks vendors and stakeholders comprehensively, keeping detailed records of every interaction. Pricing ranges from a free plan with basic CRM and email marketing (up to 2, 000 emails/month) to an Enterprise plan at $3, 600/month per user featuring AI-driven predictive lead scoring and advanced automation. This tiered pricing allows companies to start small and scale according to their needs.

Salesforce features for enterprise event management

Salesforce is designed for large event enterprises requiring complex customizations and integrations. It supports advanced event tracking with custom objects for events, venues, vendors, and attendees, plus relationship mapping. Salesforce’s Einstein AI provides predictive analytics on event success rates and pricing recommendations, enabling data-driven decisions. Enterprise integrations connect Salesforce with accounting, marketing, and specialized event tools. Pricing starts at $25/month per user for Essentials, rising to $100/month for Platform Plus. This flexibility suits large companies managing frequent and complex events with extensive data needs.

Pipedrive for small event planners focused on deal tracking

Pipedrive attracts solo planners or small teams who prioritize simplicity and deal tracking. Its visual event pipeline uses a drag-and – drop interface to track events from initial contact through contract signing. The mobile-first design lets users update client info and progress on-site, a key feature for event managers on the move. Email integration with open and click tracking automates communication insights. Pricing starts at $14/month for Essential and goes up to $99/month for Enterprise. This affordability and ease of use support small event planners managing fewer but important deals.

Main Features

Zoho CRM offers budget-friendly features for growing companies. Zoho CRM combines affordability with solid features for budget-conscious event companies. It integrates social media monitoring to track brand mentions and engage clients on various platforms, a vital feature in today’s digital marketing landscape. Workflow automation handles lead assignment, follow-up reminders, and contract milestone alerts, reducing manual workload. Multi-channel communication consolidates email, phone, social media, and live chat into one interface. Pricing ranges from $14/month for Standard to $52/month for Ultimate, making it accessible for growing businesses needing reliable CRM functions without breaking the bank.

Airtable

Airtable suits creative teams needing visual project management. Airtable appeals to creative event teams who prefer visual organization. It blends spreadsheet familiarity with database power, supporting custom field types like attachments and formulas. Visual project boards, including Kanban-style layouts, help track event progress and coordinate vendors effectively. Airtable’s free plan offers basic features, while paid plans start at $20/month for teams and go up to $45/month for business users. The platform’s visual approach helps teams grasp complex event workflows at a glance, boosting collaboration.

Monday.com enhances team collaboration and timelines

Monday.com is designed for event teams that need synchronized collaboration and clear timeline management. It provides real-time updates, @mentions, and file sharing to keep everyone on the same page. Visual timeline tools like Gantt charts help manage complex event schedules. Custom workflow automation automates status updates, deadline reminders, and task assignments, reducing manual follow-up. Pricing begins at $9/month per user, making it affordable for teams focused on project coordination and communication.

Step Guide

Choosing the right CRM for your event business step-by – step. Start by assessing your company size, event complexity, and budget. Small teams may prefer Pipedrive or Zoho CRM for affordability and ease of use, while larger enterprises benefit from Salesforce’s customizability and AI analytics. Growing companies seeking automation without complexity often choose HubSpot, which offers a free plan and scalable pricing. Next, identify must-have features like event pipeline management, automated communication, vendor tracking, or visual project boards. Use free trials to test how each CRM handles your workflows and integrates with your existing tools. Finally, consider customer support quality and upgrade paths to ensure your CRM grows with your business.

Summary CRM choice boosts event management efficiency

Using the right CRM tailored for event management can save thousands of hours annually, improve lead response times, and enhance client satisfaction. HubSpot’s CRM led UNTOLD to save over 7, 000 hours yearly, a powerful example of CRM impact. Evaluate your needs carefully, test the top CRMs discussed, and select the one that fits your event business size, budget, and workflow complexity to maximize your success.