Event Management

The advantages and disadvantages of free event tools

Who hasn't experienced this: as an event manager, the next event is just around the corner and within a very short time an event tool for, for example, participant management, live voting or networking should be evaluated and implemented. Time is pressing and the budget may not include an item for software licences. So it seems tempting to rely on a free event tool to minimise the supposed investment risk for the purchase of a software licence. In order to make the right decision in this situation, the most important advantages and disadvantages of free event tools are listed below.

By Marc Blindenbacher
Work on the laptop

Advantages of free event tools

  • Cost-effective for simple requirements

  • Basic functions can generally be used without prior knowledge

  • Immediate use

  • Many online help articles

  • Small financial risk

Disadvantages of free event tools

  • Risk of further use of subscriber data for advertising purposes by providers

  • Unexpected additional costs

  • Heavily restricted functions

  • No personal event support

  • Limited customisation options
 
  • No guaranteed availability

Conclusion

It can therefore be seen that the use of a free event tool is definitely associated with risks. This risk assessment should be done before using a solution. Nevertheless, free event tools are always a good way to find out how a digital solution can simplify and improve the event experience. Optimally, you should allow enough time before the event to sufficiently test your requirements with the available event tools. 

Laptop with image from Zoon website

Zoon
Event Manage­ment Software

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