What’s the secret weapon of successful event planners? No, it’s not a bottomless coffee pot or a magic remote that controls time (though both would be nice). It’s something far more accessible — WordPress event registration plugins.
But with so many options out there, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Which plugin will be your event planning soulmate? That’s exactly what we’re here to uncover.
In this article, we’re putting eight top contenders under the microscope. We’ll dissect their features, weigh their pros and cons, and help you find the perfect match for your event needs. From cozy workshops to bustling conferences, we’ve got you covered.
Curious to discover which plugin could revolutionize your event management? Let’s get started!
Top WordPress event registration plugins
How do you pick the best event registration plugin?
- You check the WordPress plugin repository and see there are 682 (and counting) event registration plugins. It’s safe to say you cannot try all of these out.
- So, you Google “best WordPress event registration plugins”. About 20 listicles turn up in the search results. You open at least half of them in multiple tabs and try to find the common plugins among those.
- Finally, you pick 4 to 5 out of those and spend hours comparing their features, pricing, demos, and customer support to pick one and hope for the best.
We have a better way. We’ve done all this legwork for you and shortlisted eight plugins that are, without a doubt, the cream of the crop. The first one on the list is…
1. Event Tickets
Event Tickets is a powerhouse for managing event registrations and ticket sales directly on your WordPress site. Small meetups, community events, exhibitions, mega conferences — this plugin does it all with a ton of features that streamline the event management process.
Key features:
- Versatile ticketing options: Create and manage various ticket types, from free to paid, with customizable pricing tiers.
- RSVP management: Easily collect and track RSVPs for your events, perfect for free or invitation-only gatherings.
- E-commerce integration: The free version includes Tickets Commerce, allowing PayPal and Stripe ticket sales with a 2% fee. Upgrading to Plus removes the Tickets Commerce fee. It also opens up other options, such as full WooCommerce integration with additional payment gateways.
- Customizable emails: Keep attendees informed with easily customizable email notifications.
- Reporting tools: Generate detailed sales and attendee reports to track your event’s performance.
Additional highlights:
- Complete integration with The Events Calendar.
- Mobile-responsive design for on-the-go management.
- Shortcodes to display ticket purchase options anywhere on your site.
- Ticket stock countdown to create urgency.
- Attendee management features.
For $149 per year, the Plus version offers advanced features like:
- Custom registration fields.
- QR code check-ins for efficient event day management.
- Digital Wallet payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).
- No commission fees.
- Premium support.
The Plus version also integrates with popular eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce and Easy Digital Downloads, and payment gateways such as PayPal, Stripe, and Braintree.
Both the free version and Event Tickets Plus offer a user-friendly, customizable solution for WordPress event registration. Its robust feature set and integration capabilities make it a top contender for event organizers of all levels.
2. Registrations for the Events Calendar
If you are already using The Events Calendar and looking for a good registration solution, Registrations for the Events Calendar might be just what you need. This plugin works as an extension to The Events Calendar plugin, streamlining the registration process for all types of events.
Key features:
- Quick setup and customization: Get started fast by adding registration forms to event pages, with options to display them as pop-ups, buttons, or fully visible forms.
- Customizable registration forms: Create personalized forms with unlimited custom fields, control which fields are required, and set limits on the number of registrations. You can place the form anywhere on your page and style the “Register” button to match your site’s look.
- Email notifications: Automatically send confirmation and notification emails to attendees and event managers, with options to customize the content.
- Attendee management: Easy registration management options from your WordPress dashboard to manually add or delete entries, and export attendee data as needed. The plugin also includes GDPR compliance tools, helping you handle data privacy concerns.
- Flexible event display: Choose to display an attendee list on your event page and set registration deadlines to keep your event organized.
For $258 per year, you can upgrade to the premium version, which adds Stripe payment processing, membership features, and advanced email functionalities. However, while the plugin is user-friendly and suited for businesses already using The Events Calendar, it lacks some advanced features found in Event Tickets.
3. Modern Events Calendar
If you’re looking for a plugin that makes your events look as good as they sound, Modern Events Calendar might be your answer. This plugin shines when it comes to creating visually stunning event displays, for all types and sizes of events.
Key features:
- Recurring and repeating events: Easily create events that repeat daily, weekly, monthly, or at custom intervals, offering flexibility for ongoing schedules.
- Advanced booking and ticketing: Customize booking forms, set ticket variations, and manage payments through WooCommerce, making attendee management smooth and efficient.
- Comprehensive display options: Showcase events in 50+ grid, list, timeline, or carousel layouts with advanced filtering and dynamic labels, ensuring a customizable, user-friendly calendar.
- Google Maps integration: Display event locations with advanced Google Maps features, including customizable map styles and directions for a better user experience.
- Integrations and automation: Automate event management with integrations like Mailchimp, Google Calendar sync, and import options from other platforms, streamlining the entire process.
Modern Events Calendar offers a free version, but the Pro version ($99/year for one site) is where it really flexes its muscles. With Pro, you get additional display views and an advanced booking system that can handle complex event setups.
But here’s where it gets interesting — and potentially pricey. The plugin offers a bunch of add-ons for extra features, including RSVP Events at $69/year, Ticket and Invoice at $119/year, and WooCommerce Integration at $39/year.
If you need multiple add-ons for implementing additional features, these costs can quickly add up. Moreover, the variety of options can be overwhelming for new users.
While Modern Events Calendar offers impressive customization and visual appeal, it’s worth considering if the à la carte pricing model fits your budget and needs. If you prioritize stunning event displays and don’t mind paying extra for specific features, this plugin could be a great choice for your WordPress site.
4. Events Manager
Events Manager turns event planning into a breeze, letting you handle everything from ticket sales to venue management — all without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a major conference, Events Manager has your back. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a tool that can handle both event publishing and bookings.
Key features:
- Full event control: Events Manager lets you handle everything from creating custom events to categorizing them with tags, plus it allows for recurring events and advanced user permissions for streamlined management.
- Efficient booking system: The plugin offers customizable booking options, including multiple ticket types, guest bookings, and automated confirmations, making it easy to track and manage attendees.
- Seamless payment integration: Events Manager supports various payment gateways like PayPal and Stripe, and with WooCommerce integration, you can sell tickets alongside products in your store.
- Advanced venue management: Easily manage multiple venues with custom fields, Google Maps integration, and support for Zoom meetings — perfect for both physical and virtual events.
- Automated workflows: Automate notifications, emails, and webhooks based on event or booking triggers. This reduces manual effort and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
With Events Manager, you can easily publish events and let people book them right on your website. The plugin works great when it comes to managing multiple locations, making it perfect for businesses that host events in different places.
The free version offers solid features, but the Pro version ($129/year for one site) adds online payments through PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net, plus the ability to create custom booking forms. You can even set up coupons and discounts to boost your ticket sales.
Despite all these pros, the plugin does have a few drawbacks. The ticket selling features are only available in the Pro version and WooCommerce integration is sold separately as an add-on. It also lacks some advanced features like QR code check-ins found in other plugins
5. WP Event Manager
WP Event Manager is all about making event management easy and flexible. This plugin starts simple but can grow with your needs, thanks to its add-on system. It’s like building blocks for your event website; you start with the basics and add more pieces as you need them.
Key features:
- Effortless event management: WP Event Manager makes it easy to create, display, and manage events on your website. You can add important details, manage attendees, and track events from a simple dashboard, ensuring a stress-free experience.
- Ticket selling and registrations: The plugin comes with ticket-selling add-ons, allowing you to sell event tickets, manage registrations, and handle payments through WooCommerce. This feature simplifies the whole process of handling ticket sales and tracking attendee data.
- CRM integration: With add-ons for CRMs like HubSpot and Salesforce, you can easily sync user data, automate marketing, and keep your customer information organized.
- Virtual and hybrid event support: WP Event Manager is equipped to handle both virtual and hybrid events. With Zoom integration, speaker scheduling, and expo networking add-ons, you can deliver professional online event experiences just as smoothly as in-person ones.
- Flexible customization options: The plugin offers various customization tools, including embeddable event widgets, color coding, and custom fields for locations and organizers.
For the full package, Event Manager Pro costs $199 for one site and includes 27 plugins, including all the ticket-selling tools.
The potential disadvantage with this option is that the add-on model can be difficult to navigate and the setup might feel less convenient than all-in-one solutions if you need lots of features.
WP Event Manager is great if you want to start small and scale up as your events grow. It gives you the freedom to pick and choose the features you need. However, if you’re looking for a plugin with everything included from the start, you might prefer a more comprehensive option.
6. WPForms
While WPForms — the jack-of-all-trades in the world of WordPress plugins — does not wear a cape or call itself an event superhero, this form builder has some serious event registration muscles hidden under its modest exterior.
Key features:
- Drag & drop form builder: Creating registration forms for your events is incredibly simple with the drag-and-drop builder and event registration templates. You can customize forms to fit your event’s needs without touching a line of code.
- Smart conditional logic: Personalize your forms based on user input. Show or hide specific fields depending on the attendee’s responses, ensuring you collect the right information without overwhelming users with too many questions.
- Multi-page forms: For more complex events, WPForms lets you split long registration forms across multiple pages. This improves the user experience and boosts form completion rates.
- Form abandonment recovery: WPForms captures partial entries from users who don’t complete their registration. This allows you to follow up with potential attendees, turning incomplete forms into more confirmed registrations.
- Digital signatures: Collect electronic signatures directly on your registration forms for contracts, releases, or payment agreements — perfect for securing commitments from your attendees.
- Form notifications: Automatically notify attendees and organizers when a registration is submitted. You can customize the messages to ensure everyone stays informed at every stage of the process.
It integrates well with all the popular payment gateways too — Stripe, PayPal, Square, and Authorize.net.
But… (there’s always a “but,” isn’t there?), everything you need to build a perfect form with payments is normally included the Pro version, which costs $399.00.
While WPForms is a fantastic all-rounder, it’s not a dedicated event management solution. If you’re planning the next Woodstock or need fancy features like QR code check-ins, you might want to look at more specialized plugins.
7. Eventin
Eventin is trusted by thousands of users, and for good reason — it takes the chaos out of event planning, so you can focus on making your event unforgettable. Designed to streamline your event registration and ticketing process, this tool is packed with features that help you manage everything from ticket sales to attendee check-ins, whether you’re organizing an in-person, virtual, or hybrid event.
Key features:
- Flexible ticketing options: Eventin allows you to set up multiple ticket tiers, offering a range of prices and packages for your attendees. Whether it’s VIP access or general admission, you can easily manage ticket limits and ensure you never oversell.
- Hassle-free QR code check-in: Checking in attendees is easy with Eventin’s built-in QR code system. Each ticket gets its own unique code, which can be scanned on arrival for smooth, fast entry without any manual tracking.
- Automatic recurring events: If your event repeats on a regular schedule, Eventin’s recurring event feature will save you hours. Set up daily, weekly, or monthly repeats with minimal effort.
- Custom certificates: Want to offer something extra to your attendees? Eventin’s Certificate Builder lets you create custom certificates for participants, complete with your own designs and branding. Send them as PDFs with just a few clicks.
Eventin packs a serious punch when it comes to event management, making it an excellent choice for organizers who want to simplify registration and ticketing. It’s flexible, reliable, and offers a ton of features that let you focus on creating an incredible event experience. However, some of its best features — such as advanced analytics and multivendor support — are only available in the premium version.
8. Event Espresso
Running events can be a headache, but Event Espresso makes it painless. From neighborhood book clubs to planning a massive industry conference, it has you covered. Your attendees get a hassle-free experience while you maintain full control behind the scenes.
Event Espresso offers all the tools you need to handle multiple ticket types, manage attendees, and streamline payments, all from your WordPress dashboard. Plus, you can tweak pretty much everything to match your style, and this plugin gives you full control over your event process.
Key features:
- Sell different ticket types: Event Espresso allows you to set up multiple ticket tiers effortlessly. Whether you need early-bird pricing, VIP tickets, or day-specific passes, this plugin has your back. You can limit the number of available tickets and adjust prices based on your event’s needs.
- Group registrations Save time for your attendees by letting them register multiple participants in one go. With group registrations, one person can handle the booking for several guests at once; perfect for corporate events or family gatherings.
With Event Espresso, you can customize your registration forms to collect exactly the information you need from attendees. Plus, its ticket-scanning app makes check-ins a breeze on event day.
The free “Decaf” version gives you the basics, but you can add more features with paid add-ons. For the full package, the premium version costs $359.95 for one site for businesses and organizations. This unlocks advanced features like promotional codes and an event calendar display.
Event Espresso is known for its quick customer support, which is a big plus if you run into any issues. While it might be a bit more expensive than some options, its focus on automation and scalability could make it worth the investment for growing events.
Why choose Event Tickets?
With so many great options out there, you might be wondering which plugin to pick. While each plugin has its strengths, Event Tickets stands out as a top choice for WordPress event registration because:
- It works perfectly with The Events Calendar, making event management extremely simple. It offers flexible ticketing options for all kinds of events, whether they’re in-person, online, or a mix of both.
- You can create custom registration forms to get exactly the info you need from attendees.
- Need to handle payments? No problem. Event Tickets has built-in support for popular payment gateways.
- On event day, QR code check-ins make getting people through the door quick and easy.
- You get powerful tools for managing attendee lists and analyzing your event’s success.
- And if you run recurring events, Event Tickets has you covered with easy setup for repeated events.
- Event Tickets scales to fit your needs.
- Plus, custom email notifications keep your attendees in the loop before and after the event.
Real-world success: Hospitality Titans
Want to see Event Tickets in action? Look no further than Hospitality Titans, a London-based platform bringing together food industry pros and the hospitality community.
Hospitality Titans hosts a variety of events, from networking mixers to guest speeches and even panel discussions and VIP experiences at restaurant openings. They use The Events Calendar to showcase all these events and Event Tickets Plus handles the RSVPs and ticket sales.
What makes their events stand out is the special access they offer to members, creating a sense of exclusivity that drives more people to sign up and attend.
This setup works like a charm. Just take a look at their ‘Hospitality Titans’ 4th Birthday Bash‘ in July 2024 — it was a complete sellout!
Elevate your events with Event Tickets
Alright, event planners, it’s time to take your game to the next level with Event Tickets Plus. From the moment your attendees hit that RSVP button to the final “thanks for coming” email, this powerhouse handles it all.
It streamlines the entire process, letting you focus on what really matters — creating jaw-dropping, talk-of-the-town events that your attendees will rave about for years to come. Plus, it’s user-friendly enough for the tech-shy but powerful enough for even the most demanding event guru.
Ready to give Event Tickets Plus a whirl today? Don’t let clunky registration processes hold you back. With Event Tickets Plus, you’ll be hosting events so smoothly, they’ll make butter jealous!
Let’s make your next event your best one yet!
The post 8 WordPress Plugins for Managing Event Registrations appeared first on The Events Calendar.