We’ve all been there: you’re planning an event and realize that the guest sheet is in one Google Doc, the catering list is in some spreadsheet, and you have no idea where you put that list of venue contacts. As you sit there trying to sort through the mess, you wonder if there’s an easier way to streamline this process. An event planning tool may be the answer you’ve been searching for. If you are planning an event in 2025, you’re in luck. Here are our favorite tools to help you plan the perfect event.

Free Tools

Trello

Trello’s Kanban-style boards are an effective tool for event planning due to their visual, flexible, and collaborative features.  Invite team members to work with you and assign tasks to individuals for a smoother event planning process. It’s easy to visualize timelines, making tracking your process a breeze. Trello is also available on both your computer and mobile device. While Trello is a free tool, many features are behind a paywall. 

Asana

Another great task management tool that is free to use is Asana. It excels at building detailed checklists, assigning vendors, and tracking deadlines. However, Asana is only free for a maximum of 10 members. 

Google Workspace

While Google didn’t develop Workspace specifically for event planning, many of its tools are particularly useful within this context. You can easily formulate sheets for budgets, documents for proposals, and forms for RSVP collection. If you have already used Google Workspace for other projects, you may find that this is the easiest tool to use since you’re already familiar with its interface.  

Eventbrite

Eventbrite is free for organizers to use, allowing them to publish unlimited free events with no fees. However, Eventbrite charges Ticketing Fees (a service fee and a payment processing fee) to attendees for paid events, though you can choose to cover these yourself. There are also optional, paid marketing tools like Eventbrite Ads.

Paid Tools

Whova 

While Whova is not an entirely free service, it does offer flexible, per-event pricing and the option to host free events without incurring ticket fees. However, remember that this “free” service does not give you access to the full suite of event management tools. One big plus for Whova is that, unlike many other platforms, it offers instant payouts into your Stripe account as tickets sell. Whova also boasts enhanced features for sponsors or gamification at an additional cost. Remember that Whova’s prices may vary based on the size of your event and any extra features you’d like to use. 

Cvent

If you’re looking for a tool to assist you from the initial planning steps to post-event analysis, Cvent may be the best event planning tool for you. Cvent provides budget management, registration, and marketing tools like other event planning software. However, it also provides a comprehensive post-event report to help you measure the success of your event. Cvent is also optimized for both in-person and virtual events. This tool may also be handy for hybrid events like conferences; some attend in person while others attend virtually. 

Bizzabo

Bizzabo strives to make event planning as simple and streamlined as possible, offering customization through no-code tools and templates. Because Bizzabo was built to integrate with other business tools, this Operating System may work best for corporate events. Like Cvent, Bizzabo was also designed to manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.

Splash

Splash provides a flexible, user-friendly interface for tracking attendee engagement, ticketing, and even creating branded event pages. It is also integrated with other marketing tools like Zoom and Marketo, which allows them to offer more high-quality features. Splash also provides video tutorials, making the program easy to navigate for beginner event planners.

Hopin

Lastly, Hopin is uniquely suited for events with virtual elements. This event planning tool provides distinct virtual areas that attendees can navigate through. These include a virtual reception area, a main stage, a virtual exposition hall, and the option to create smaller breakout sessions for up to 20 people. 

There are plenty of event planning tools to choose from. Which is right for you will depend on the needs of your specific event, but this list of the best free and paid event planning tools should get you off on the right foot. Event planning doesn’t have to be a hassle with these excellent event planning tools. Want to host an event in San Diego, CA? We are here for you. Contact our team to see how you can host an event at one of our 13 indoor and outdoor event venues.