Top 10 Whova Alternatives for Event Management in 2026

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Top 10 Whova Alternatives for Event Management in 2026

Andrea DiNardo  · 02/15/2026

A practical comparison of the best Whova alternatives based on features, pricing, mobile experience, and integrations.

If you’re looking for a Whova alternative, there’s a good chance you’ve already used Whova—and found yourself wanting more flexibility, clearer pricing, or a platform that better fits your specific event format.

Whova is widely known for its attendee mobile app and engagement tools, especially for conferences and academic events. But as events become more complex—and expectations rise—many organizers start exploring other options that go beyond app-first experiences.

This guide walks through the best Whova alternatives in 2026, comparing platforms across use cases, budgets, and event types so you can choose the right tool for your next conference or gathering.

What Is Whova and Why Look for Alternatives?

Whova is an event management platform best known for its mobile app, which supports agendas, announcements, networking, and attendee engagement. It’s commonly used for conferences, academic events, and multi-day programs.

Event planners often look for alternatives when they run into:

  • Pricing that scales quickly with event size

  • Limited flexibility outside the mobile app experience

  • Gaps in logistics, registration, or integrations

  • Challenges supporting in-person, hybrid, and internal events equally well

Whova occupies a strong niche—but it isn’t always the best fit for every event model.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Whova Alternative

Before switching platforms, it’s worth evaluating a few core areas:

  • Ease of use for both organizers and attendees

  • Pricing transparency and scalability

  • Integration with CRMs, marketing tools, and registration systems

  • Strength of mobile app and on-site experience

  • Support quality and implementation effort

Different platforms optimize for different priorities, so clarity here makes comparisons far easier.

Top Whova Alternatives Worth Considering

Below are the most common and well-regarded alternatives to Whova, starting with the strongest overall option for teams that want more than just an attendee app.

BoomPop: The Top Whova Alternative for In-Person Events

BoomPop stands out as the top Whova alternative for teams planning in-person events where logistics matter just as much as engagement.

While Whova focuses heavily on the attendee app, BoomPop takes a broader approach—handling the full event lifecycle rather than just the digital layer.

Where BoomPop differs from Whova:

Best fit for organizations that want fewer tools, less coordination overhead, and more ownership of execution.

Attendify: A Mobile-App-Focused Whova Competitor

Attendify is a common Whova competitor for teams that prioritize branded mobile apps.

Strengths:

  • Customizable event apps

  • Strong push notifications and agenda management

It’s best for events where the app is the primary experience, rather than logistics-heavy or multi-format events.

Eventtia: A More Comprehensive Event Management Platform

Eventtia offers broader functionality than Whova, including registration, engagement, and reporting.

Strengths:

  • Flexible event websites and workflows

  • Better suited for complex or multi-day events

  • More enterprise-friendly feature set

Eventtia is often chosen by teams that have outgrown app-first platforms.

Eventbrite: Best for Ticketing and Promotion

Eventbrite excels at ticketing, distribution, and promotion.

Strengths:

  • Built-in audience discovery

  • Simple setup and pricing for public events

It’s less effective for conferences that require deep engagement, networking, or internal coordination.

Stova: Enterprise-Grade Alternative to Whova

Stova (formerly RainFocus) is built for large, complex events.

Strengths:

  • Advanced reporting and data architecture

  • Strong API access and integrations

It’s best suited for enterprise teams with technical resources and long planning timelines.

Bizzabo: All-in-One Event Marketing Platform

Bizzabo combines event marketing, engagement, and analytics.

Strengths:

  • Strong CRM and marketing automation integrations

  • Robust analytics and reporting

Bizzabo works well for marketing-led conferences and customer-facing events.

Cvent: Built for Large-Scale Conferences

Cvent remains a leader for large organizations running complex conferences.

Strengths:

  • Comprehensive feature coverage

  • Enterprise security and compliance

The tradeoff is cost and complexity, which can outweigh the benefits for smaller teams.

Swapcard: AI-Powered Networking and Matchmaking

Swapcard focuses on attendee networking through AI-driven matchmaking.

Strengths:

  • Strong virtual and hybrid capabilities

  • Sponsor and exhibitor tools

It’s a good fit for events where networking is the primary goal.

Splash: Best for Brand-Forward Event Design

Splash emphasizes visual design and brand consistency.

Strengths:

  • Highly customizable event pages

  • Strong marketing workflows

Splash is often chosen by creative and marketing teams over operational planners.

Mobile App Experience: How Alternatives Compare

Whova’s mobile app is a major selling point, but many alternatives now offer:

  • Offline access

  • Push notifications

  • Networking and messaging

  • Live agenda updates

The difference often comes down to how central the app is to the event versus how well it integrates into the overall experience.

Integrations and APIs Across Whova Alternatives

When comparing platforms, look closely at:

  • CRM and marketing automation integrations

  • Registration and ticketing systems

  • Calendar and communication tools

  • Custom API access

Platforms like BoomPop, Bizzabo, and Stova typically offer deeper integration flexibility than app-only tools.

Pricing Breakdown: Finding the Right Value

Whova alternatives vary widely in pricing models:

  • Per-event pricing

  • Per-attendee fees

  • Annual subscriptions

  • Enterprise contracts

Be mindful of hidden costs such as onboarding, support tiers, and app customization fees.

Making the Final Decision: Choosing Your Whova Alternative

When evaluating options, ask:

  • What part of the event causes the most friction today?

  • Do we need engagement tools, logistics support, or both?

  • How much internal time are we willing to spend managing details?

The best Whova alternative is the one that reduces work—not just shifts it around.

The Best Whova Alternative Depends on the Experience You’re Building

Whova remains a solid choice for app-driven conferences and academic events. But for teams planning more complex, in-person, or culture-focused gatherings, app-first platforms often fall short.

For organizations that want a complete event solution—not just an attendee app—BoomPop stands out as the top Whova alternative. By owning logistics, planning, and execution alongside technology, it delivers a more cohesive and less stressful event experience.

The right platform doesn’t just help people navigate your event, it helps you enjoy it.


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