If you have a WordPress site there are an impressive array of plugins to handle your event registration. Here we look at 6 plugins, each with different strengths.
All of them will install directly into your WordPress site, include the event basics, use Google maps for locations but do not have particularly sophisticated admin functions for managing tickets. I wouldn’t recommend any of them for organizing a trade show or conference – but for other types of events (workshops, shows, parties, golf tournaments, networking events, fundraisers) there are some great choices here. They all use Paypal as the payment gateway so don’t forget to include the Paypal fee of 0.30 cents per transaction plus 2.9% of the ticket fee when calculating the cost of using each system.
Events +
If you are a small association that organizes events, I recommend taking a look at Events +. In addition to the basics, this system includes some cunning extras – for example you can hook-up with the Membership plugin and provide free registration for members while non-members have to pay. While the tool is simple in its online registration capabilities, it provides for a google map and social media sharing. Events + has a one-time cost of $19 – although it will cost you somewhat more if you start hooking it up with their other plugins.
Tickera
Tickera is a complete event website theme allowing you to broadcast information on the events, speakers, schedule and so forth as well as providing the ability to sell tickets. Tickets are emailed to the attendee with a QR code and included in the system is an iPhone application for checking people in. Tickera is suitable for fairly simple events and costs $149 plus PayPal fees.
Tikipress
Tikipress is free plugin that allows you to sell tickets to your event from your WordPress site. Nice features include an attendee list and name badge generator. However, I couldn’t find an active example of a Tikipress site and it looked a little too complicated for me to go to the effort of installing and trying it. You can only use Tikipress if you have a number of other plug-ins already (WP-e-Commerce, EventPress, BuddyPress, BuddyPress). Tikipress is an older plugin than Events+ and Tickera and I have a feeling has been usurped by its sleeker, more modern rivals.
Eventbrite
The Eventbrite team brought out a plugin in 2010 that allows you to leverage all the functionality of Eventbrite from within your WordPress site. Eventbrite is a little more costly than the other options – charging 0.99c + 2.5% on top of your Paypal fees. However, it is really ahead of the field in the breadth of options it provides such as number limits, discount codes and waitlists. The plugin features an Events Calendar, google maps and the registration page itself. Eventbrite has been reviewed more fully here.
EventsManager Pro
If you are organizing a series of events, Events Manager Pro is a good option. This is another complete event website plugin including registration forms, calendars, event listings and google maps. While there is a free version for free events, you will need to upgrade to EventsManager Pro if you want to collect money for your tickets using Paypal. EventsManager Pro includes early bird and group registrations, number limits and flexible questions. They handle multiple event listings very nicely – with a directory of events with images and the ability to register for each. EventsManager Pro costs a one-time fee of $75 for use for multiple events and multiple sites.
Event Espresso
Event Espresso is a sweet Word Press plugin with an impressive range of features including early-bird discounts, number limits, group registrations, wait lists, promo codes and customized questions. They also have mobile ticketing check-in, QR codes and social media sharing. Event Espresso is impressive. The only thing I didn’t really like was the look of the registration form which I would describe as just a bit “gobby”. Event Espresso costs $89.95 and integrates with 15 different payment gateways including Paypal.
Summary
My favourite: Event Espresso
Great for multiple events: Events Manager Pro
For small associations with small budgets: Events +
Pricier superstar: Eventbrite
Freebie for the more techie folk: Tikipress
Close but no cigar: Tickera