What are Sites Like Eventbrite?

Sites like Eventbrite are alternative event management platforms that help organizers create, promote, and sell tickets to events without relying on a single provider. These platforms range from simple ticketing tools to full-featured event management solutions. Choosing the right one can save you money, unlock better features, and give attendees a smoother experience.

Here's the thing: Eventbrite works great for many events. But it's not perfect for everyone. Some organizers need lower fees. Others want more customization or better mobile experiences. The good news? You've got plenty of options to explore.

Key Characteristics of Sites Like Eventbrite

• Online Ticketing: All alternatives let you sell tickets through a website or app. Most handle payment processing, refunds, and confirmation emails automatically.
• Event Page Creation: These platforms provide templates to build event listings. You can add descriptions, images, schedules, and speaker information.
• Attendee Management: Track registrations, manage guest lists, and communicate with attendees. Many platforms include event check-in software for smooth entry.
• Payment Processing: Accept credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods. Fee structures vary widely between platforms.
• Marketing Tools: Built-in features help you promote events through email, social media, and SEO. Some integrate with event digital marketing tools.
: Track ticket sales, revenue, and attendee demographics. Data helps you improve future events and measure event ROI.
• Mobile Access: Most platforms offer mobile apps or responsive websites. Attendees can access tickets and event info from their phones.

Types of Eventbrite Alternatives

Full-Service Event Management Platforms

These platforms go beyond ticketing. They handle registration, scheduling, networking, and attendee engagement all in one place.

Full-service options work best for conferences, trade shows, and multi-day events. They typically cost more but save time by eliminating the need for multiple tools. Guidebook's event management platform falls into this category.

Simple Ticketing Solutions

Need to sell tickets without the bells and whistles? Simple ticketing platforms focus on one thing: getting people registered.

• Lower fees than full-service options
• Quick setup for basic events
• Limited customization and features
• Best for small gatherings and one-time events

Niche and Industry-Specific Platforms

Some alternatives target specific event types. You'll find platforms built for:

• Music festivals and concerts
• Academic conferences
• Nonprofit fundraisers
• Corporate meetings and training
• Virtual events and webinars

White-Label and Branded Solutions

Want your event platform to match your brand? White-label solutions let you customize everything. Your logo, colors, and domain create a seamless experience.

These work well for organizations running multiple events. A branded app keeps your identity front and center.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Evaluate Your Event Size and Type

A 50-person workshop has different needs than a 5,000-person conference. Match the platform to your scale.

Small events often do fine with basic ticketing. Large events need robust features like session scheduling, networking tools, and real-time updates.

Compare Pricing and Fee Structures

Fees eat into your revenue. Here's what to watch for:

• Per-ticket fees: Flat rate or percentage of ticket price
• Payment processing fees: Usually 2-3% plus a fixed amount
• Monthly subscriptions: Some platforms charge regardless of ticket sales
• Hidden costs: Premium features, support, or integrations

Check Integration Options

Your event platform should play nice with other tools. Look for integrations with:

• Email marketing platforms
• CRM systems
• Social media channels
• Accounting software
• Survey and feedback tools

Test the Attendee Experience

Sign up for a test event on any platform you're considering. Is registration easy? Does the mobile experience work well? Can attendees find what they need?

A clunky registration process loses attendees before they even arrive.

Review Support and Resources

Things go wrong during events. You need help fast when they do.

Check what support each platform offers. Live chat? Phone support? 24/7 availability? Also look for event planning resources like guides and templates.

Why Sites Like Eventbrite Matter

For Event Success

• Better Attendee Experience: The right platform makes registration, check-in, and engagement smoother for everyone.
• Streamlined Operations: Consolidate tools and reduce manual work. Spend less time on logistics and more on creating great experiences.
• Improved Communication: Keep attendees informed with updates, reminders, and real-time notifications.
• Enhanced Engagement: Features like networking, polls, and Q&A boost participation and satisfaction.
• Reliable Data: Track everything from registration to post-event feedback. Use insights to improve future events.

For Business Objectives

• Cost Savings: Lower fees mean more revenue stays with you. Some platforms save thousands on large events.
• Brand Consistency: Custom branding builds recognition and trust. Your events look professional and cohesive.
• Scalability: Grow from small meetups to major conferences without switching platforms.
• Competitive Advantage: Better event experiences attract more attendees and sponsors.
• Measurable Results: Prove event value with clear metrics and reporting.

Guidebook helps organizations deliver exceptional event experiences. From campus events to enterprise conferences, the platform scales to meet your needs.

Sites Like Eventbrite Best Practices

1. Start with Your Goals: Define what success looks like before choosing a platform. Ticket sales? Engagement? Lead generation? Your goals shape your choice.
2. Run a Pilot Event: Test your chosen platform with a smaller event first. Work out the kinks before going big.
3. Customize Your Event Pages: Generic pages don't convert. Add compelling descriptions, quality images, and clear calls to action.
4. Optimize for Mobile: Most attendees will access your event from phones. Test everything on mobile devices.
5. Set Up Early Bird Pricing: Create urgency with tiered pricing. Early registrations help with planning and cash flow.
6. Integrate Your Marketing: Connect your event platform to email and social tools. Learn how to advertise your event effectively.
7. Prepare Your Check-In Process: Test your check-in system before event day. Have backup plans for tech failures.
8. Collect Feedback: Use built-in survey tools to gather attendee input. This data improves future events.
: Dig into the numbers. What worked? What didn't? Document lessons learned.
9. Build Relationships with Support: Know how to reach help before you need it. Save support contacts and documentation.

Common Sites Like Eventbrite Mistakes

Choosing Based on Price Alone: The cheapest option isn't always the best value. A platform that saves $500 in fees but costs you 100 registrations due to poor UX is a bad deal. Consider total cost of ownership.

Ignoring the Mobile Experience: Over 60% of event registrations happen on mobile devices. If your platform's mobile experience is clunky, you'll lose attendees. Always test on phones and tablets.

Skipping the Trial Period: Most platforms offer free trials or demos. Use them. What looks good in marketing materials might not work for your specific needs. Request a demo before committing.

Overlooking Integration Needs: Your event platform doesn't exist in isolation. If it can't connect to your CRM, email tool, or payment processor, you'll waste hours on manual data entry.

Waiting Too Long to Switch: Unhappy with your current platform? Don't wait until two weeks before your event to make a change. Migration takes time. Plan transitions between events.

Forgetting About Attendee Support: What happens when an attendee can't access their ticket? Make sure your platform provides clear help options for attendees, not just organizers.

Not Training Your Team: A powerful platform is useless if your team doesn't know how to use it. Invest time in training before your event. Review event management tips together.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right Eventbrite alternative isn't about finding a perfect platform. It's about finding the right fit for your events, budget, and goals. The best choice depends on your specific situation.

The event technology landscape keeps evolving. New features, better integrations, and improved mobile experiences emerge constantly. Stay curious about event trends and be willing to reassess your tools regularly.

Great events happen when technology gets out of the way. The right platform handles the logistics so you can focus on creating memorable experiences. That's what attendees remember—not which ticketing system you used.

Ready to explore your options? Guidebook offers a complete event management platform with powerful mobile apps, easy registration, and tools that scale with your needs. Check out our case studies to see how organizations like yours create amazing events. Or browse our templates to get started quickly. Your next great event is waiting.