Trustworthy resources can make the difference between a surviving and a thriving business. Finding trustworthy event planning resources can be very difficult.
There are many online resources that streamline business transactions and provide helpful tips. The problem is that it is hard to find industry-specific resources.
It is also difficult to search the internet to find truly dependable resources.
This article cuts through the clutter. It provides a list of online event planning resources.
These are the best resources of 2021 that event planners need.
Software for Event Planners
Amelia
Amelia is a powerful event management system that works flawlessly with WordPress sites of all kinds. It has a minimal, yet powerful appointment and event planning interface designed to ease your workflow, automate repetitive tasks, avoid double booking, and make appointment booking a breeze for your customers.
You can even have email notifications and SMS notifications so that nobody forgets about their appointment bookings.
In order to book an appointment or event, the complete user interaction takes a few clicks with this WordPress event management tool. Moreover, with it, you can accept online payments via PayPal and Stripe, perfect for those who want to pay in advance to book appointments.
As a business owner, you can monitor KPIs in the WordPress dashboard and analyze other important data to keep a pulse on your business. Amelia is a straightforward, no-nonsense event calendar plugin and an amazing option for those who want an around-the-clock solution for their WordPress site.
Amelia also has an Events Calendar module integrated within its features.
You can now automate your event bookings as well. To be more precise, it means that you will be able to schedule a single day, a multi-day, and also recurring events with Amelia.
Did we mention that you can manage multiple locations and that you have Google Calendar integration?
All of these and much more are under only one license, no add-ons are needed.
To test things for yourself, I’d suggest checking out the demos and seeing how things look on the front end as well as in the back end.
Eventbrite.com
Eventbrite has built a powerful reputation amongst event planning resources. It is an event management software that provides every feature imaginable.
It also has a good reputation for its intuitiveness.
Eventbrite is especially useful for planning multiple events with different guest lists. It helps planners manage multiple events at once with ease.
One unique feature that it offers is a set-up for affiliate marketing opportunities. This enables others to promote your event while making a little money.
Twtvite
Twtvite is an event platform that manages email lists, waiting lists, RSVPs, and more. It is one of the few event planning resources that manage social media event planning tools.
Many event planners are now using social media to promote their events and to invite guests. Attendees usually have at least one social media account.
An event professional can use Twtvite to manage social media promotions and invites. Twtvite can be used for Twitter, Facebook, or email.
It compiles a list of guests from these platforms. All an event planner has to do is create an event and Twtvite can manage the RSVPs, invitations, and email lists.
Hubb
Hubb is a platform that helps manage any type of event. This includes virtual and in-person meetings and events, or hybrid events.
Event organizers or conference managers often struggle to compile an event’s programming information. Hubb is an event technology that facilitates this task.
It offers a way to get content quicker. It also allows speakers to upload their own information which decreases administrative work.
Boomset
Next on this list of event planning resources is Boomset. It offers fast check-in tools, guest list management, and attendee tracking tools.
Boomset offers:
- on-demand badge printing
- facial recognition check-in
- RFID- wristband tracking
Attendees can even use badges and wristbands to purchase meals, drinks, and merchandise during an event. It uses advanced event technology to take a meeting or event to the next level.
Trello
Trello is another great meeting and event planning resource. It works really well for teams.
An event planner can create different boards. Then they can add categories to each board and assign tasks on cards.
Users can drag and drop the task cards into the different categories. Team members can see how the event planning is progressing and which tasks are complete.
For example, someone can set up a board named “Caterer”.
Categories in that board might include “sourcing”, “negotiation”, and “signed contract”. When a task is complete, the event planner moves the card to the corresponding category.
Trello has a free plan for individuals. It also has a premium plan with per-user fees for teams who want pro features.
Tripleseat
Tripleseat is a popular event planning app for unique event venues. Its main use is for sales and event management in restaurants, hotels, and other venues.
Tripleseat helps event planners streamline the event planning process and increase event sales. This software allows users to:
- capture event leads
- convert leads to bookings
- create contacts
- create banquet event orders
- measure ROI
- measure other metrics
Whova
This all-in-one event management software is popular among organizations around the world. Whova is a great option for any type of event.
It works for corporate, academic, government, and other events. It also is useful for conferences, festivals, trade shows, and more.
It seamlessly combines marketing, online registration, and management tools in one event app. It saves event planners a lot of time and helps with the logistics of event planning.
It helps to:
- organize time
- maximize attendee engagement
- maximize networking
Other Event Planning Resources
Meeting Professionals International
Meeting Professionals International is the largest meeting and event association. It provides education, networking opportunities, and business exchanges.
Founded in 1972, MPI has built an international community of industry leaders from more than 75 countries. Members of the MPI receive much support through:
- industry news
- industry research
- training events
- networking
- the Meeting Professional magazine, and much more
Google Alerts
Event organizers know how important keywords are in understanding current trends. Keywords are also a useful tool in boosting awareness and enthusiasm for an event.
Google Alerts keeps event planners abreast of trending keywords and other industry news.
An event planner can create a list of keywords and hashtags. Google Alerts will send emails when new articles are published with those keywords.
It keeps event professionals up-to-date with real-time news feeds. It is also useful for finding valuable one-off articles on other sites.
Peerspace
Next on the list of event planning resources is Peerspace. Peerspace is an online booking platform for event venues.
It is one of the largest marketplaces for event venues. It has thousands of listings that span across hundreds of cities.
Event planners can find a venue for any kind of event. These include weddings, baby showers, engagement parties, corporate meetings, and more.
It is also very intuitive and easy to use. Users can search the type of event they are planning as well as the city.
Then they can browse the hundreds of search results. Each venue includes high-quality images and detailed descriptions.
Reviews from past clients are also displayed.
Event Marketing Institute
The Event Marketing Institute and its website (EventMarketer.com) is a respected provider of event management content. They provide information for event and trade show industries.
They provide helpful tips and tricks for meeting planners, event managers, and event agencies. They cover a wide range of topics such as:
- sponsorship
- event marketing
- corporate events
- trade shows, and more
Subscribers to this service receive special announcements and the latest news.
They also receive access to a plethora of information. This helps to expand their industry knowledge and improve their business.
Cvent Blog
Cvent is a popular event management software. The Cvent blog provides content about organizing conferences, meetings, and events.
The blog is set out in categories so visitors can find specific information with ease. Some categories include:
- social media
- site selection
- budgeting
- event marketing, and much more
It also includes rankings of top meeting hotels and event destinations. It is a treasure trove of information on organizing, running, and managing events.
Bplans sample event planning business plans
Writing down a business plan is a proven way to help a business become successful faster. If someone is starting an event planning business, they need a business plan.
Of course, writing a business plan is easier said than done. This website provides free downloadable event business plan templates.
Visitors can download these templates in PDF or Word doc format and use them to write their own plan.
BizBash
This website provides how-to guides and instructional articles. It focuses on day-to-day activities and the logistics of being an event planner.
It offers a lot of information on production, strategy, current trends, and suppliers. Browsing their website will provide inspiration and ideas for:
- style
- decor
- catering
- venues
- destinations
Users can narrow down their events to metropolitan areas and target local trends. It provides access to the names of local and relevant venues and suppliers.
Twitter and Instagram Hashtags
This is an unconventional event planning resource but is still very valuable. Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms are great for event planning inspiration.
Other planners often post their work. Their pictures could spark an idea for your event.
Follow event planners or search for keywords to find event ideas. Type in any keywords that relate to your event and see what comes up.
Some hashtags to search include:
#Catering
#EventInspiration
#EventManagement
#EventMarketing
#EventPlanner
#EventPlanning
#EventProfs
#EventPros
#EventTechnology
#EventThemes
#EventTips
#EventTrends
#Events
#EventsChat
#MeetingProfs
#MeetingPros
#WeddingThemes
Final thoughts on the best event planning resources
The event planning resources in this article can help event organizers achieve their goals.
Planners may use some of these resources in a stand-alone capacity. Or they may choose to combine resources to create an even more impressive tool.
These resources offer useful information that helps to decrease an event professional’s workload.
The event industry has an innovative and dynamic nature. So there is always room for improvement.
Some event organizers have been in the industry for years. Others are only beginning their career.
With these event planning resources, all can stay updated on new insights and best practices.
If you enjoyed reading this article about event planning resources, you should check out this one with event WordPress themes.
We also wrote about a few related subjects like event registration software, event websites, event booking systems, and fitness event ideas.
Not only that, but we also created articles with event scheduling software, using PayPal for event registration, event registration landing pages, and how to make money hosting events.