Everyone is conducting virtual events because of COVID-19 closures and shutdowns. Every day, hundreds and thousands of exciting virtual events take place. Face-to-face engagement will never be old, but there are instances when going virtual is an essential aspect of your event strategy. But how do you transform a multi-day conference full of networking opportunities, instructional sessions, and attendee insights into virtual events?
With rising competition in the virtual event industry, you need a virtual event platform that stands out to generate conversions, gain attention, and enhance attendance for your next virtual event. This blog covers the top SpotMe alternatives to help you choose the ideal virtual event platform for your next event. So stay tuned as we dig in!
What Is SpotMe?
SpotMe is a virtual event platform that brings events to your audience’s doorstep, no matter where they are. You can provide your attendees with a venue that is both web and mobile-friendly, along with an easy-to-use UI and customized tools.
All event management, video creation, and app development capabilities are available and you can access them simply from your browser. The system is appropriate for everything from simple webinars to elaborate events with high production qualities.
SpotMe simplifies the management of attendance, speakers, and event agendas. Backstage allows you to submit and amend lists, as well as link speaker information to their sessions on the agenda. Planners may also build bespoke registration webpages, track registrations, limit session capacities, and send customized push alerts and emails to guests to notify them of changes or updates. Furthermore, you can brand practically every aspect of the event, whether with logos, color palettes, or other design features.
However, SpotMe may not be suitable for event planners with small event programs or who do not want significant branding and security features. Some users also report that the technology isn’t always dependable on-site and that the competency varies from contact to contact. Outages and changes that consumers aren’t aware of in advance frequently cause problems on-site.
“The administrator side is absolutely nauseating to learn, navigate, and manage. It is not user-friendly at all. I’ve used other event app CMSs before that are just so much easier and actually make sense.” – Megan M – Industry Marketing Specialist
Due to these limitations, users look out for SpotMe alternatives and competitors. Here’s a list of the top 5 SpotMe alternatives that you can choose for your next virtual event.
SpotMe Alternatives
vFairs
vFairs is a comprehensive solution to all of your virtual, hybrid, and in-person event requirements. It is a completely virtual environment that simulates a physical one. vFairs provides a virtual exterior building that you can duplicate to mimic any event location of your choice, in addition to a landing page and a lobby. It is more than just a simple video and chat platform that looks like a website.
A virtual auditorium, exhibition halls, poster halls, and networking lounges are among the features available. The platform integrates with various software, including Miro Whiteboard, Zoom, and Kahoot. You can also add new ones based on your needs. We are always adjusting to our clients’ needs.
Each of vFairs’ event categories offers solution-specific functionality. The platform offers everything you need to host a virtual event. Whether you’re holding a 50-person event or a 500,000-person event, vFairs ensures that everything works well. Even attendees convert into customers at vFairs events because they are so memorable. vFairs has more third-party integrations than any other virtual event platform provider. We have everything from real-time translations to games and collaborative apps.
vFairs also has the High Performer badge in the virtual event platform category for Spring 2022 on G2!
Key Features
Quality Customer Support
All vFairs clients attest to the excellent service provided by vFairs. Each customer gets their own project team, which includes a dedicated project manager and an event planner. The entire crew works hard to produce a seamless virtual event customizable to your specific requirements. vFairs provides service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from event preparation through live events.
Embedded Chat Feature
vFairs provide an embedded chat option, allowing guests to network with speakers, attendees, and booth representatives from wherever in the event. You can start a conversation by opening the embedded chat, searching for your person of interest, and starting a conversation. When you’re finished, click the minimize button! Even if you navigate away from the chat, it remains secure and visible.
Tags are also available within the chat tabs, allowing you to quickly determine whether the persons in the list are speakers, booth reps, or other attendees.
Attendee Networking Tools
vFairs allows multiple participants to engage with exhibitors and admins via text chat. Representatives and guests can also engage in one-on-one conversations via text, voice, and video chat. By adopting breakout rooms, you may also boost collaboration and engagement by doing activities in smaller groups.
Another big advantage is that your members will no longer have to spend hours manually scrolling through other people’s profiles. The vFairs auto-matchmaking tool pairs attendees based on various abilities, interests, or areas of competence. Users can fill out various form fields inside the registration form or fill out their user profile within the event for more accurate matches. Attendees and exhibitors can simply say hello and network with other attendees with a single click.
3D Virtual Environment
vFairs has held hundreds of successful virtual and hybrid events throughout the years. vFairs provides a three-dimensional virtual environment with animated avatars and event gamification. vFairs ensures that the user experience is not hampered by continuous upgrades.
Your participants will never know they are in a virtual venue when they use vFairs. The vFairs platform features dynamic lobbies, personalized avatars, and 3D designs that give it the feel of an actual venue. When opposed to SpotMe, vFairs offers a distinct experience.
EventMobi
EventMobi is also on our list of SpotMe alternatives and competitors. Event organizers can easily plan, market, monetize, and execute compelling virtual, hybrid, and in-person event experiences.
The EventMobi event management platform streamlines your workflow so you can spend less time managing technology and more time designing engaging event experiences for your attendees, whether you host one event or hundreds.
EventMobi is a fully integrated platform accessible on any device with a stable internet connection. You can also quickly develop a custom branded look for your virtual space and event app. With its Advanced Analytics, the software also delivers insights on attendance behavior and interests.
However, EventMobi has certain limitations as well. The software has a slight learning curve which makes it difficult for non-tech-savvy users. A few areas can be time-consuming to change and enter data into. Another significant drawback is that you can’t add images in the chat feature.
Pros
- The alerts are easy to use and go out immediately. You can also pre-program them.
- The support staff is attentive.
Cons
- It is very manual – copy and paste sometimes does not work.
- Importing and exporting can be tricky.
- You buy an app based on the number of users now. This was not the case previously.
Whova
Whova is a low-cost and easy-to-use event management software. It is appropriate for conferences, trade shows, expos, corporate events, and community gatherings. Whova saves event organizers time on event logistics while also producing a contemporary and elegant event experience. The Whova platform features award-winning event software, online registration, and event marketing tools. It also provides event management tools that save time for in-person, virtual, or hybrid events.
However, some people find Whova to be overwhelming and difficult to use. There are too many tabs and sections, making it difficult to go through each one. Furthermore, many users claim that the fixed pricing plan includes irrelevant features, leading them to believe they are overpaying.
Pros
- Improved communication.
- Excellent client service.
- Simple to navigate.
- Integration with social media.
Cons
- Email marketing and notifications require an upgrade.
- For new users, it can be a little overwhelming.
Hopin
Hopin is a virtual event management software that is one of the top SpotMe alternatives. It delivers a virtual experience that is similar to navigating a web page. There is a reception page, event stages, and breakout sessions. Interactive features include polls/quizzes, 1:1 conversations, and group video networking sessions.
Hopin works with Streamyard Studio to allow hosts to broadcast live or pre-recorded videos into Hopin. Customers can upload their logos, banners, and other branding elements. Speakers can enter a virtual green room to wait before the event begins.
Hopin does, however, have several drawbacks, such as poor customer service and a limited number of attendees and event duration. Users comment on how these limitations affect the entire experience for their audience. The registration process is also somewhat clumsy. According to users, Hopin should update the email templates to make them more editable.
Pros
- Event material and video templates are customizable.
- A green room where speakers can wait before the session starts.
- Hosts can get real-time analytics, event feedback, and lead tracking.
- Integrations with Hubspot, MailChimp, GoFundMe, Miro Whiteboard, and Kahoot.
Cons
- StreamYard is the only available option for webcasting.
- There are only 100 attendee seats available in each package.
- The event has a 72-hour time limit.
Webex Events
Webex Events provides you with the resources you need to create a successful event, whether it’s a conference, a trade fair, or an internal event. Webex Events includes a comprehensive event platform that enables marketers and event organizers to host spectacular events.
You can add as many icons as you like to the event application, in any sequence you desire, and label them as you see suitable. If none of the provided icons appeal to you, you can even create your own. Furthermore, you may submit your content in bulk using the simple Excel templates, or manually enter information using the user-friendly interface. Webex Events allow you to personalize the appearance and feel of your event by changing the colors, splash pages, and app icons to provide participants with a memorable, branded experience.
The software’s most irritating feature, though, is during events. It’s inconvenient to have to move between different screens to locate faults or malfunctions and then solve them on the backend. In addition, as the capabilities improve, the overall pricing per event and extra features continue to rise.
Pros
- Customer support is attentive.
- The app is visually appealing.
- The interface is simple to use.
- Offer excellent attendee engagement tools.
Cons
- Multiple glitches hinder the workflow.
- The reporting is quite basic.
Cvent
Cvent is a software solution for event registration and payment processing that is accessible on the cloud. It helps you navigate and manage the whole event life cycle, from meeting request management to delivering data-driven event analytics.
Custom websites, email marketing, a check-in app, virtual and hybrid event solutions, payment tracking, and data analytics are all part of Cvent’s Event Management Platform. Cvent assists you in managing each stage of the event lifecycle while offering the data and insights you require to maximize your value. You will have a single platform with everything you require. You can engage your audiences, maximize sponsor value, and collect critical event data whether the event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid.
Considering Cvent offers so many capabilities, it can be difficult to figure out the website editor and other tools. It can seem overpowering at times. Another downside of Cvent is that reps sometimes work various hours and are not always ready to jump on a Zoom call and help with a minor issue. You can contact the 24/7 support line for assistance, but you cannot share a screen to walk them through the issue in detail.
Pros
- Integrates with Zoom.
- Personalization options.
- Capabilities for email automation and filtering.
Cons
- The certificate builder function requires an upgrade.
- Customer service is unresponsive.
Our Two Cents
Of course, we believe, out of all the SpotMe alternatives listed above, vFairs is the best for its ease of use and value for money. You can learn more about vFairs and its robust features by scheduling a demo!
