Attending an event is typically an enjoyable experience, but booking tickets to an awaited event can be quite a hassle. Often, one has to wait in long queues or connect with event managers on phone calls to secure tickets; these processes are time-consuming and do not guarantee ticket reservation. In this scenario, event booking software applications are the most effective solutions for quick and timely reservations. These applications also help organizers manage ticket sales.

Features to look for in an event booking software

1. Real-time booking information
An event booking software system should provide real-time data on seats available at an event, staff, resource availability, information on the auditorium, etc. This way, event organizers will have sufficient clarity on the booking details and venue specifics, facilitating smoother program planning and management.

2. Diverse scheduling options
Attending an event entails a lot more than just the program itself. It also involves other aspects like transportation, accommodation, dining, etc. Organizers should consider this potential requirement and choose a booking software for events that considers all these aspects. Ideally, the application should redirect attendees to check out hotel rooms and dining options near the venue and look for transportation options.

3. A hassle-free online payment portal
Online payment gateways have significantly improved daily life. That’s why event attendees naturally gravitate toward applications with easy-to-use, built-in online payment gateways that prioritize safety. Before choosing an event booking application, it is important to examine the functionality and safety of its online payment portal.

4. A user-friendly, centralized interface
An event-scheduling software application should have a user-friendly interface that can be operated even by individuals who aren’t well-versed in technology. It should also offer a centralized interface with all the resources a company would require to manage events conveniently. A centralized interface also prevents context switching, increasing patron satisfaction while using the app.

5. Real-time analytics and reporting
Finally, an event booking software system should offer real-time reports and analytics, enabling event organizers to easily access data such as the number of event tickets sold daily or weekly and the demographics of event attendees. Such insights help organizers optimize their event strategies effectively.

Benefits of event booking software

1. Reduced administrative costs
An event booking software system typically reduces the number of steps involved in booking event tickets by more than half. This makes the ticket-booking process highly convenient for users and streamlines business operations for event organizers. As a result, administrative costs are reduced considerably in the long run.

2. Increased productivity and bandwidth
Another significant benefit of event-scheduling software is that it automates several mundane manual processes. These include tasks like manual data collection and analysis, payment processing, and seat availability checking. By automating these processes, event organizers can focus on other meaningful tasks, such as scaling, networking, and building a strong workforce.

3. Elimination of errors
While an employee may be highly proficient at their task, achieving 100% accuracy is often challenging. But, an event booking software system helps eliminate errors in tasks like payment processing and seat reservations.

4. Better patron satisfaction
With increased accuracy and more streamlined business processes, event organizers provide users with a smooth, hassle-free experience right from the booking stage. Since event booking is a user’s first step in engaging with the organizer, it helps develop a positive first impression. Also, a user-friendly, secure booking interface significantly improves their overall satisfaction.

5. No last-minute booking chaos at the venue
When event organizers do not offer online booking or have websites that crash frequently, offline booking becomes the only alternative for customers. This usually means long queues at the event venue, even minutes before the event begins. There are also chances of illegal reselling of tickets in these cases. An online booking software system makes the booking process transparent and organized, increasing clarity and eliminating chaos and the likelihood of unethical activities.

Things to consider when selecting an event booking software

1. The software provider’s reputation and expertise
The software provider offering the event booking software system should have considerable technical expertise and experience building software applications. The panel of professionals designing the app should have a solid technology background and an in-depth understanding of the event management space and its requirements.

2. Customer service
Even with the best software, one cannot eliminate the possibility of roadblocks, such as the app crashing or lagging. In such cases, the software provider should be able to assist clients as quickly and efficiently as possible and be accessible through different sources, such as a toll-free number, a dedicated email address, and a chat system.

3. The software price vis-a-vis features offered

Before choosing an event booking software provider, one should review the app’s features and consider its cost. Comparing the features and prices of different applications can help one choose an app that best meets one’s requirements while falling within one’s budget range.

Popular event management software applications

• Whova
• Cvent
• Eventbrite
• Social Tables
• Momice
• Boomset
• monday.com