7 best CRMs for event management businesses

Running an event management business is tough. You‘re juggling clients, vendors, venues, and countless moving parts. That’s where a great CRM comes in. It keeps everything organized in one place.

This guide breaks down the top 7 CRMs built for event managers like you. We‘ll show you real pricing, actual features, and honest comparisons. Plus, we’ll answer the questions you’re really asking.

Event companies using the right CRM respond to leads faster and keep more clients happy. For example, globally renowned music festival brand UNTOLD saved over 7,000 hours annually after switching to HubSpot.

Table of Contents

What is a CRM for event management?

A CRM for event management is your digital command center. It tracks every client conversation, vendor email, and event deadline. Think of it as your super-organized assistant that never forgets anything.

Regular CRMs work fine for simple businesses. But event planning? That’s different. You need something that handles complex timelines, multiple stakeholders, and constant changes.

HubSpot gets this. It brings together all your guest data and creates personalized experiences across your sales, marketing, and service teams.

Best CRMs for Event Management at a Glance

CRM	Best For	Key Features	Pricing	Free Trial?
HubSpot	Growing event companies seeking comprehensive automation	Event pipeline management, vendor tracking, automated follow-ups	Free tier available; Starter $15/month	Yes
Salesforce	Large event enterprises with complex customization needs	Advanced customization, enterprise integrations, reporting	Essentials $25/month; Platform Plus $100/month	Yes
Pipedrive	Small event planners focused on deal tracking	Visual pipeline, mobile access, email sync	Essential $14/month; Advanced $39/month	Yes
Zoho CRM	Budget-conscious event companies	Affordable pricing, social media integration, automation	Standard $14/month; Professional $23/month	Yes
Airtable	Creative event teams needing visual project management	Database-spreadsheet hybrid, visual project boards	Free tier available; Team $10/month	Yes
Monday.com	Event teams prioritizing collaboration and project tracking	Team collaboration, visual timelines, custom workflows	Basic $9/month; Standard $12/month	Yes
Copper	Event companies using Google Workspace extensively	Google integration, relationship intelligence, automation	Starter $12/month; Basic $29/month	Yes

Best CRM Software for Event Management Businesses

Let’s dive into what makes each platform special for event managers.

1. HubSpot

Best For: Growing event companies who want HubSpot’s powerful automation without the complexity

HubSpot wins hands down for event management. It’s built for businesses that need to scale fast while keeping things simple. Everything connects seamlessly—no more jumping between different tools.

Key HubSpot Features:

• Event Pipeline Management with HubSpot’s Custom Stages – HubSpot lets you create deal stages that match exactly how you work. From first call to final invoice, nothing slips through the cracks.
• Automated Client Communications through HubSpot Workflows – HubSpot sends follow-up emails, contract reminders, and thank-you notes automatically. Your clients always hear from you at the right time.
• Vendor and Stakeholder Tracking via HubSpot’s Contact Management – HubSpot keeps detailed records of every vendor, venue, and client interaction. You’ll know who prefers what and when they last talked.

HubSpot Pricing:

• Free Plan: Basic CRM, contact management, email marketing (up to 2,000 emails/month), forms, and landing pages
• Starter: $15/month per user – Custom properties, basic automation, remove HubSpot branding, meeting scheduling
• Professional: $890/month per user – Advanced automation, custom reporting, A/B testing, sales automation
• Enterprise: $3,600/month per user – Advanced AI features, custom objects, predictive lead scoring, hierarchical teams

2. Salesforce

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Best For: Large event enterprises that need deep customization

This CRM is built for companies running frequent events with enterprise clients.

Key Features:

• Advanced Event Tracking – Custom objects for events, venues, vendors, and attendees with relationship mapping
• Einstein AI Integration – Predictive analytics for event success rates and pricing recommendations
• Enterprise Integrations – Connects with accounting software, marketing platforms, and specialized event tools

Pricing:

• Essentials: $25/month per user
• Platform Plus: $100/month per user

3. Pipedrive

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Best For: Small event planners

This CRM is popular among solo planners or small teams who don’t need too many special features.

Key Features:

• Visual Event Pipeline – Drag-and-drop interface showing potential events from contact to contract
• Mobile-First Design – Update client info and track progress while on-site at events
• Email Integration and Tracking – Automatic email sync with open and click tracking

Pricing:

• Essential: $14/month
• Advanced: $39/month
• Professional: $49.90/month
• Enterprise: $99/month

4. Zoho CRM

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Best For: Budget-conscious event companies that need solid features

This CRM is often used by growing businesses watching their budget.

Key Features:

• Social Media Integration – Monitor brand mentions and engage with potential clients on social platforms
• Workflow Automation – Automated lead assignment, follow-up reminders, and contract milestone notifications
• Multi-Channel Communication – Email, phone, social media, and live chat all in one place

Pricing:

• Standard: $14/month with basic automation and customization
• Professional: $23/month including advanced customization and analytics
• Enterprise: $40/month with advanced automation and territory management
• Ultimate: $52/month with enhanced analytics and premium support

5. Airtable

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Best For: Creative event teams who think in visuals

It’s excellent for creative teams who want their projects laid out visually.

Key Features:

• Database-Spreadsheet Hybrid – Familiar spreadsheet feel with great database capabilities
• Visual Project Boards – Kanban-style boards for tracking event progress and vendor coordination
• Custom Field Types – Attachments, checkboxes, ratings, and formulas for diverse event planning data

Pricing:

• Free: Basic features
• Team: $20/month
• Business: $45/month
• Enterprise: Custom pricing for unlimited records and advanced security

6. Monday.com

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Best For: Event teams who need everyone on the same page

This CRM is ideal for team collaboration.

Key Features:

• Team Collaboration Tools – Real-time updates, @mentions, and file sharing keep everyone synchronized
• Visual Timeline Management – Gantt charts and timeline views for complex event coordination
• Custom Workflow Automation – Automated status updates, deadline reminders, and task assignments

Pricing:

• Free tier
• Basic: $9/month
• Standard: $12/month
• Pro: $19/month
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing

7. Copper

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Best For: Event companies using Google Workspace

This CRM integrates well with Google tools like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive.

Key Features:

• Native Google Integration – Automatic sync with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive
• Relationship Intelligence – AI insights on relationship strength and optimal contact timing
• Pipeline Automation – Moves deals through stages based on email interactions and calendar events

Pricing:

• Starter: $12/month
• Basic: $29/month
• Professional: $69/month
• Business: $134/month

Benefits of CRM Software for Event Management

The right CRM transforms your event business. Here’s how top platforms like HubSpot make your life easier and your business more profitable.

Centralized Communication Made Simple – No more email chaos. HubSpot‘s unified system keeps all vendor, client, and team conversations in one place. You’ll never lose another important email or miss a crucial deadline again.

Timeline Management That Actually Works – HubSpot’s automation handles the boring stuff. Contract reminders, payment alerts, and vendor confirmations are all sent automatically. You focus on the creative work while HubSpot handles the details.

Clients Who Actually Love You – HubSpot’s marketing automation sends personalized follow-ups and thank-you notes. Your clients feel special because they are. Happy clients become repeat clients and referrals.

More Money in Your Pocket – HubSpot‘s analytics show you which events make the most money. You’ll spot trends, optimize pricing, and focus on what works.

Time to Actually Think – HubSpot eliminates busy work. Less data entry, less chasing down information.

8 Important Features for an Event Management CRM

Here’s what your event management CRM absolutely needs to have. HubSpot leads the pack in every category.

• Multi-Project Pipeline Management – Track multiple events simultaneously without losing your mind. HubSpot’s custom pipeline stages show exactly where each event stands, making resource planning a breeze.

• Vendor and Venue Database – Keep detailed records of every supplier, their pricing, and performance ratings. HubSpot‘s contact management system remembers everything, so you don’t have to.

• Automated Communication Workflows – Send the right message at the right time, every time. HubSpot’s marketing automation handles follow-ups, reminders, and thank-you notes automatically.

• Document and Contract Management – Store proposals, contracts, and invoices in one secure place. HubSpot’s document management keeps everything organized with version control and approval workflows.

• Mobile Access That Actually Works – Update client info and track progress from anywhere. HubSpot’s mobile app gives you full CRM power on your phone or tablet.

• Integration Heaven – Connect with your favorite tools seamlessly. HubSpot’s marketplace offers over 1,000 integrations, from accounting software to specialized event tools.

• Reports That Make Sense – See which events make money and which don‘t. HubSpot’s reporting shows revenue trends, client costs, and vendor performance in easy-to-read dashboards.

• Team Collaboration Without the Drama – Keep everyone on the same page with shared inboxes and task assignments. HubSpot‘s collaboration tools mean no more “I didn’t know” moments.

How to Choose a CRM for Event Management (Step-by-Step)

Picking the right CRM doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these steps to find your perfect match.

Step 1: Map Your Event Planning Process. Write down everything you do, from the first client call to the final invoice. Include every email, phone call, and meeting. This will show you exactly what features you need.

Step 2: List Your Must-Have Features. Based on your workflow, pick your non-negotiable features. Most event managers need vendor tracking, timeline management, and automated communication. Don‘t pay for features you’ll never use.

Step 3: Think About Your Tea.m Consider who’ll actually use this system. Are they tech-savvy or tech-phobic? The best CRM is one your team will actually adopt. Pretty features mean nothing if nobody uses them.

Step 4: Calculate the Real Cos.t Look beyond the monthly price. Factor in setup time, training, and potential overage charges. Sometimes the cheapest option costs the most in the long run.

Step 5: Pick a Platform That Grows with Your Event Management Business. Choose something that evolves with you. HubSpot‘s modular approach means you start simple and add features as you grow. After implementing HubSpot’s integrated system, UNTOLD unified 1000+ customer profiles and saved over 7,000 hours of work annually through smart automation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best CRM for event management?

HubSpot wins for event management, no contest. It combines powerful automation with simple usability. HubSpot’s platform handles complex stakeholder relationships while keeping everything organized. Companies like UNTOLD saved thousands of hours annually after switching to HubSpot.

What features should I look for in a CRM for event management?

Focus on pipeline management, vendor databases, automated communication, document storage, mobile access, integrations, and reporting. HubSpot excels in all these areas, especially with Breeze AI for smart automation and over 1,000 integrations for connecting your favorite tools.

Is HubSpot good for event management?

Absolutely. HubSpot is built for service businesses like event management. It handles complex client relationships, automates routine tasks, and provides clear analytics. Real customers like UNTOLD prove that HubSpot delivers massive time savings and operational improvements.

How much does a CRM for event management cost?

Pricing ranges from free (HubSpot, Airtable) to $300+ monthly for enterprise solutions. Most event companies find what they need between $25-75 per user monthly. HubSpot offers the best free tier and pricing that scales with your business growth.

Do I need integrations with other event management tools?

Yes! Integrations multiply your CRM‘s power. Connect accounting software, email marketing, calendars, and specialized event tools. HubSpot’s integration marketplace offers over 1,000 pre-built connections, making it the most integration-friendly choice for event managers.

Meet HubSpot, the Top CRM Choice for Event Management Companies

HubSpot isn‘t just another CRM. It’s the growth engine that powers successful event management companies worldwide. Here’s why smart event managers choose HubSpot.

Why HubSpot Wins for Event Management:

• Pipeline Management That Makes Sense—HubSpot’s customizable deal stages mirror your actual event planning process. With crystal-clear visibility, track every opportunity from inquiry to invoice.

• Automation That Actually Helps – HubSpot’s workflows handle the repetitive stuff automatically. Follow-up emails, contract reminders, thank-you notes – all sent at the perfect time without you lifting a finger.

• Marketing Tools That Generate Leads – HubSpot doesn’t just manage existing clients. It helps you find new ones through lead generation, nurture campaigns, and conversion optimization powered by Breeze AI.

Ready to transform your event management business? Start with HubSpot’s free CRM today. See how proper organization and smart automation can turn event planning chaos into profitable growth.