Bizzabo Review: A Virtual Event Solution Review
Have an upcoming virtual event? On the hunt for the perfect event management platform? You’re not alone! With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the best fit.
If you’ve come across Bizzabo during your research, you’ve come to the right place though. In this in-depth Bizzabo review, we’ll explore all its pros, cons, key features, and pricing to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your event. Plus, we’ll introduce you to Remo, a compelling alternative you’ll want to consider before you make your final decision.
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Bizzabo - Quick Review
Bizzabo is a top player in the event management space, offering everything you need to run virtual, in-person, or hybrid events. Whether you’re organizing a small gathering or a large corporate conference, Bizzabo helps streamline the management process—from setting up event registration to marketing and networking. The platform is designed to be an all-in-one tool that brings together your event data, integrates with other systems, and gives you access to detailed analytics.
What really sets Bizzabo apart though is its focus on creating engaging event experiences. With tools that boost attendee interaction, like live polling and Q&A sessions, and their Klik Experiential technology (wearable badges for in-person events), you can really enhance the overall experience.
However, Bizzabo isn’t the cheapest option out there, especially for smaller events. The website builder is pretty limited unless you’re up for some custom coding, which can be a hassle if you’re not tech-savvy. Plus, sorting registrants by custom fields means having to export the data to Excel, which is far from ideal. And the branding options? They’re a bit basic, leaving you wanting more customization.
While Bizzabo does offer features that can grow with your needs and supports hybrid, in-person and virtual events, those limitations can be a pain. That’s where Remo comes in! Remo offers more flexibility and user-friendly features, making it a better choice for those looking to personalize their events and create an immersive experience.
But let’s explore Bizzabo’s platform in more detail, along with Remo’s features, so you can find the best option for your event needs.
What is Bizzabo?
Founded in 2011 by Boaz Katz, Alon Alroy, and Eran Ben-Shushan, Bizzabo is headquartered in New York and Tel Aviv. What started as a B2C (business-to-consumer) app for networking at conferences became so much more. The company has now expanded and become a B2B (business-to-business) solution focusing on corporate clients and marketing agencies looking to host their own events.
Let’s go back to where it all started; in the beginning, Bizzabo was solely a networking platform. However, the founders felt that something was missing, their customers were fleeting, and the app itself seemed half-baked; that’s when they decided to do more. In 2015, they launched a full-fledged event management platform, with everything from website building, email marketing, and agenda creation to registration management.
Over time, Bizzabo has expanded its platform and added more services, like Bizzabo Studios, a premium service that combines event technology with creative production expertise. This comprehensive service helps marketers produce engaging events while effectively managing budget constraints.
Bizzabo has a diverse portfolio of clients, from tech to creatives; the platform has tapped into various industries. Bizzabo’s primary targets are:
- Corporate Clients
- Marketing Agencies
- Event Experience Leaders
With these innovative features, Bizzabo has established itself as one of the leading virtual event platforms, alongside other well known solutions like Remo.
Event Types Supported by Bizzabo
Wondering what event types Bizzabo supports? This virtual platform is like a Walmart, you get everything in one place. Here are the primary event types supported by Bizzabo:
In-Person Events
With in-person restrictions lifted post-pandemic, Bizzabo seized the opportunity to expand its offerings for live events. The platform provides tools to create seamless in-person experiences, including fast check-in processes, custom badge printing, and mobile apps designed to boost attendee interaction.
Virtual Events
Bizzabo also offers an online space, offering custom virtual environments with high-quality video production, live polls, Q&A features, and networking tools to connect attendees. But here's a little secret—Remo offers a wider range of interactive features, like virtual tables, free attendee movement, and its unique shuffle guests feature for spontaneous, natural networking.
Hybrid Events
Looking for the best of both worlds? Bizzabo excels at hybrid events, combining in-person and virtual experiences with integrated networking and customized content delivery for each audience type. This platform has a smart badge that makes in-person events a networking goldmine!
Webinars
Bizzabo supports traditional webinars as well with built-in video production tools. However, if you're looking for a more interactive webinar experience, Remo goes the extra mile with polls, immersive sound effects, and Simulive features to ensure your webinar stands out (and converts well!).
Now that we’ve laid out the essentials Bizzabo brings to the table, it’s time to dive deeper into some of its key features!
Bizzabo Key Features
Bizzabo claims to have everything an event organizer needs to manage a successful event. Here are the features it offers:
- Event Registrations
Looking to add a personal touch to your event registrations? Like most other registrations and ticketing platforms, Bizzabo provides customizable registration options for all types of events—from simple RSVPs for dinners to dynamic flows for large conferences. Bizzabo supports different ticket types (free or paid) and promo codes. You can even embed Bizzabo’s widget on your website to drive conversions directly.
- Onsite Services and Klik SmartBadge™
When it comes to in-person events, Bizzabo makes managing check-ins a breeze with its dynamic dashboard. Attendees can easily navigate the venue, create their own personalized agendas, schedule 1:1 networking meetings, access FAQs, and download digital content.
But that’s not all! To really elevate the event experience, Bizzabo has introduced the Klik SmartBadge™. This cool feature lets attendees exchange contact info with just a tap, plus it uses color-coded lights to help identify different groups or alert you when it’s time for a session. It’s a fantastic way to break the ice and ramp up networking opportunities. Plus, it’s a win for sponsors and exhibitors, too, with brandable badges and one-tap lead capture to drive conversions.
- Event Networking
Looking to elevate your event’s networking potential? Bizzabo’s AI-powered networking features help attendees find meaningful connections based on their profiles and data. Through the branded event app, attendees can browse the attendee list, send messages, and schedule 1:1 meetings, giving them a more personalized experience.
However, it’s worth noting that Bizzabo primarily focuses on 1:1 networking solutions and doesn’t offer as robust options for group networking like Remo does, which can enhance interactions in a more dynamic way.
- Event Marketing
Bizzabo helps you maximize your event marketing efforts. You can attract the right audience, increase registrations, and boost ticket sales with ease. Bizzabo lets you build branded websites without any technical expertise, while implementing tracking codes, pixels, and integrations with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to measure your campaigns.
- Mobile Event App
Need a way to keep your attendees connected? Bizzabo’s mobile event app allows attendees to engage with the event on-the-go, with features like interactive agendas, push notifications, and 1:1 messaging. The app also lets users search and sort through connections, ensuring they can easily network and stay informed during the event.
- Event Analytics
Bizzabo’s Event Experience OS provides detailed data analytics throughout the event lifecycle, from registration to post-event insights. Powered by AI, it automatically surfaces the most relevant content and networking opportunities for each participant, ensuring they get the most out of the event.
While Bizzabo does help you make informed decisions about your event program—covering everything from attendee engagement to post-event survey feedback—its data is updated at a slower pace compared to Remo.
- Integrations
Bizzabo integrates seamlessly with popular martech tools like Marketo, HubSpot, Eloqua, Pardot, and Salesforce through direct integration. Whether you’re managing leads, tracking campaigns, or automating your marketing efforts, Bizzabo ensures that data flows smoothly between the event platform and the tools you already rely on.
Pros & Cons
Bizzabo may be one of the leading event management platforms but it does have certain limitations you should consider before committing.
Bizzabo Pros
- All-in-One Solution
Bizzabo integrates registration, ticketing, event websites, and analytics into one platform, reducing the need for multiple tools and streamlining your event planning.
- Flexibility for Event Types
Bizzabo supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, allowing organizers to create customized experiences for different audience types.
Bizzabo Cons
- Customer Service Issues
Users often face delays in issue resolution, involving multiple team members and requiring repetitive explanations. Additionally, Bizzabo offers limited customer support on lower-tier plans, leaving users feeling unsupported.
“Overall customer service could be better. The site goes through a lot of updates which have an impact on down time for us and we do not get a heads up a lot of the times. And if there is an issue - we are driven to to the FAQ page verse having a POC we can call easily.”
- Erin B, Sr. Director
- Difficult for Organizers to Use
Organizing events with Bizzabo can come with its share of challenges. For example, uploading large datasets can take a long time, which can really slow down preparations, especially if you’re dealing with a big crowd. Plus, changing email addresses on registrations can be trickier than you'd expect, leaving attendees feeling frustrated.
“Large data uploads take forever or just don't upload due to sizing issues. Changing emails on a registration is so complicated. For a large paid ticket effort it doesn't seem to have that capacity on the communications side. The actual event ticketing side it does well.”
- Joseph B.
- Branding Limitations
Some users have pointed out inconsistencies in Bizzabo’s branding capabilities, which can limit customization and affect brand representation. While the platform offers some options, specific design needs may not be fully met due to restrictions in website design and event app customization, making it tough for users to achieve their desired look.
“Some of the system limitations when creating event pages.”
- Verified User in Information Technology and Services
Now that you have a better idea of what Bizzabo has to offer, let's take a look at their pricing.
Bizzabo Pricing
Bizzabo offers two pricing plans with premium add-ons. The two plans offered are:
1. Event Experience OS:
Starts at $17,964 per year for 3 hosts ($499/host/month; billed annually)
Features Include:
- Unlimited events and registrations
- Ticketing and registration
- Event website builder
- Mobile app
- Reporting and analytics
2. Klik SmartBadge™
Custom pricing available upon contacting support.
Features Include:
- Fully branded Klik SmartBadges™
- Interactive networking
- Intuitive lead capture
- Gamification
- Integration with third-party event and registration apps
Additional Costs
It's important to note that many essential features are offered as premium add-ons, which can significantly increase your total costs. For example, integrations, a sponsor portal, virtual production suite, and additional branding options all come at an extra price. This means that while the base plan may seem attractive, the overall expense can add up quickly.
With a starting price of nearly $18,000 per year, Bizzabo's pricing is significantly higher compared to Remo, which starts at $897 per quarter, making it less accessible for smaller teams or organizations.
User Reviews
Enough of our review of Bizzabo, hear directly what past customers have to say about Bizzabo:
Modern, Flexible, Reasonable Solution Hit All The Needs
We needed to step up our event platform and app to align with our growth and attendee experience. Integration with HubSpot will drive a lot of useful data. Love how we can keep building on what we have to improve each event as the ROI grows.
- Sevag S, Digital Director
Bizzabo good for ticketing - bad for web design
The website builder is extremely limited unless you do custom coding
- Tia J, Events Services
Bizzabo for event management
As event organizer company Bizzabo solved some of our problems easily and time efficiently. But some additional features would be nice like professional reporting so on. Customer service is not fast enough.
- Kamran Y, Regional Director of Business Development
A lot of promises, not many deliveries
The application was a sticking point with our customers during our recent event. We had 1000+ users, and there were constant force closes, data errors, and a myriad of other inconsistencies. Our account manager was unresponsive for the majority of our contract with them, and this led to several mad scrambles to get issues resolved.
- Ryan W.
Remo – A Bizzabo Alternative
Now that we’ve covered Bizzabo, let’s take a look at Remo, a platform you shouldn’t miss. Remo offers user-friendly features like dynamic networking, customizable event spaces, and real-time analytics. These tools make it easy to create engaging virtual and hybrid events. Before deciding, explore what Remo has in store—you might find it’s exactly what you need (at a more affordable price)!
Remo is an immersive virtual platform that transforms your mundane virtual meetings into real-life events. It’s a complete event management platform with a wide array of features such as custom floor plans, live chat and more.
Remo Key Features
Want to know more about how Remo enhances virtual meetings and event management? Take a look at its features!
- Virtual Event Networking
Networking in the virtual world is easier than ever on Remo—in just a few clicks you can connect with anyone around the globe. With Remo's networking capabilities, you get a dynamic and immersive experience that allows you to build real connections and boost your social currency without the pressure. Here’s what makes Remo’s networking truly stand out:
- Virtual Tables: Move freely between virtual tables, just like in real life, and meet a variety of people.
- High-Quality Audio and Video: Experience smooth, uninterrupted connections with no technical hiccups.
- Shuffle Guests: Randomly mix up guests to encourage fresh conversations.
- Live Chat Tools: Engage in 1:1 or group chats, sharing GIFs and emojis to keep things fun.
- Participants List: Browse profiles and network more effectively.
- Custom Avatars and Profiles: Break the ice with personalized avatars and custom attendee profiles.
Check out our Virtual Networking 101 Guide to know more about virtual networking and how to host a successful virtual networking event.
- Custom Floor Plans
With custom floor plans on Remo, you can design a virtual event space that feels just like a real venue. Unlike standard video call platforms, Remo lets you create unique and immersive environments that perfectly fit your event’s vibe. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek conference room or a casual networking lounge, you have the freedom to craft the perfect atmosphere.
What really makes Remo stand out is how we focus on creating an immersive attendee experience. Our lively and interactive floor plans allow participants to move around and connect with each other in ways that traditional platforms just can’t match.
Imagine your guests mingling freely in beautifully designed areas, each one inviting them to explore and engage. This immersive experience not only keeps everyone interested but also encourages meaningful conversations and networking like never before. With Remo, you’re not just hosting an event; you’re creating a memorable experience that truly stands out from the crowd.
- Webinar Presentation
Looking for a platform that adds a much-needed 'human touch' to your webinars? Remo has everything you need to make your webinars more engaging and far from common. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Instant Attendee Feedback: Use polls and quizzes to know what your attendees are thinking in real-time.
- Virtual Stage: Share the spotlight by inviting attendees on stage.
- Immersive Sound Effects: Keep engagement high with sound effects—add applause or drum roll to simulate the dynamics of an in-person event!
- Simulive Content: Blend live and pre-recorded content to suit your goals.
- Dynamic Q&A: Enhance interactions with anonymous questions and hand-raising.
- RTMP Livestreaming: Stream directly to platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and LinkedIn.
Take a look at, “How to Host a Successful Webinar” to make sure your next webinar is an event that your attendees will never forget.
Remo Pricing
Remo offers three pricing plans:
- Starter: Starting at $299/month; billed quarterly or annually with unlimited events and registrations
- One-Time Events: Starting at $699 per event with customizable event limits
- Enterprise: Custom quote based on your exact needs
Additional Benefits:
- Full Feature Access: With Remo, you can enjoy unlimited events, registrations, and a robust set of features across all plans, ensuring a seamless event experience.
- Free Trial: Remo offers a 14 day free trial with all features, including unlimited events, allowing you to explore its features before making a commitment (not even a credit card is required!).
- Special Pricing: If you’re a start-up, small business, or non-profit organization, you may qualify for special pricing, making Remo an even more affordable option.
These are just a few ways Remo can transform your virtual events and webinars into dynamic, interactive experiences—explore the full virtual event platform to discover even more features tailored to your event needs. Ready to see it in action? Schedule a demo today!
Final Verdict
Choosing the right event management platform can be a mind-numbing task. Bizzabo’s robust features, especially for hybrid and in-person events, make it a solid choice for many organizers. However, if you're looking for a more interactive and user-driven virtual experience, you might want to consider Remo. With its unique networking capabilities and immersive webinar tools at a fraction of the cost, Remo could offer the personalized touch that makes your events the talk of the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Remo enhance networking compared to Bizzabo?
Remo excels at creating interactive virtual networking experiences through features like virtual tables, shuffle guests, and custom avatars, providing a more spontaneous and personalized networking environment than Bizzabo.
2. What makes Remo a better choice for virtual events over Bizzabo?
Remo offers immersive features such as high-quality audio and video, highly realistic 3D virtual environments, and the ability for attendees to move freely between virtual spaces, making it ideal for creating a dynamic and engaging virtual event atmosphere.
3. Can Remo support hybrid or in-person events like Bizzabo?
While Remo primarily focuses on virtual events, it offers some hybrid capabilities. Though it’s best suited for organizers seeking to create highly interactive and user-friendly virtual experiences.