ON24 vs Cvent: Which Virtual Event Platform Suits You Best in 2024?

ON24 is celebrated for its user-friendly setup and seamless Marketo integration, making it a go-to for ease of use. Cvent, on the other hand, offers comprehensive solutions for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, providing flexibility for diverse event needs.

Both platforms have their strengths, with ON24 excelling in ease of use and Cvent shining in all-around solutions and scalability. Let's dive into the key differences and see which one might be your best fit.

Are you still hosting webinars live? While hosting one-off events live is fine, doing the same for recurring webinars will eat up all your time and burn you out — not to mention yield lower attendance rates by making it less convenient for people to attend your webinar.

To learn how to reclaim your time with automated webinars while doubling attendance, watch our on-demand demo or skip ahead to this section!

 

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Without further ado, let's dive into the ON24 vs Cvent platform comparison!

Quick Comparison: ON24 vs Cvent

Overview of Key Differences

Let's look at the main differences between ON24 and Cvent. ON24 is known for its user-friendly setup—people say it's easier to use compared to Cvent. Also, ON24 has a smooth integration with Marketo, which is a bonus for those using that platform.

On the other side, Cvent offers comprehensive solutions, all in one package. Whether you're planning virtual, hybrid, or in-person events, Cvent covers more ground. This can make it a strong option if you need flexibility for various event types.

User Satisfaction Ratings and Common Customer Feedback

Both platforms have their strong points, but user feedback often indicates ON24's ease of use as a standout feature. Users love how easy it is to set up and manage. However, some users find its interface clunky for bigger events.

Cvent customers appreciate its all-around solutions and how it keeps event planning organized with one platform. A quote from an expert says, "Cvent offered enough to help us keep all aspects of the event with one vendor which was a huge plus for us."

List Comparison of Main Functionalities

Here's a basic features comparison table that visually breaks down ON24 vs Cvent.

Declaring the Winner

Overall, Cvent takes the win here due to its versatile nature and all-in-one solutions. While ON24 may offer some ease in setup and is great for webinars, its limitations for larger events can't be overlooked. Cvent excels in providing a holistic platform for various event types. This makes it the stronger choice for businesses with diverse event needs.

How to Evaluate ON24 Key Features for Your Needs

When you're trying to decide if ON24 is the right fit for your virtual events, it's crucial to consider several key areas.

Interactive Engagement Tools

ON24 offers interactive features like polls, surveys, and Q&A sessions to boost attendee interaction. These tools can be particularly valuable if you're engaging with diverse audiences across sectors like technology, healthcare, or finance. The engagement tools provide a much-needed interactive element, fostering participation and feedback during events.

Is ON24 worth it? Yes, if interactive features are a priority for your webinars. The ability to use these tools positions ON24 as a robust platform for facilitating audience engagement.

Integration and Compatibility

A platform's compatibility with other systems can make or break your experience. ON24 integrates well with marketing automation systems, CRM platforms, and other business software. This integration capability helps streamline workflows and synchronize data without a hitch. For event planners, this means less time spent on manual data entry and more on executing successful events.

Analytics and Reporting Capabilities

ON24 shines with its analytics and reporting tools, which can help you enhance your event strategies. The platform collects data on webinar performance, audience interaction, and content appeal. Event planners can use these insights for ongoing improvement.

Why use ON24? If comprehensive analytics and reporting are crucial for you, ON24 is an excellent choice. It provides insight into how well your content is performing and where improvements can be made.

To help you decide, we'll examine ON24 based on these criteria:

1. Unique Selling Point

2. User Experience and Interface

3. Integrations and Compatibility

4. Analytics and Reporting

5. Performance and Reliability

Remember, your needs determine which platform is most effective for your events. This breakdown aims to help you focus your decision-making process.

Is ON24 like Zoom?
Not quite. While both are tools for online engagement, ON24 focuses more on webinars with its powerful engagement and analytics features, while Zoom is better for meetings and general communication.

Understanding Cvent Pricing Comparison and Benefits

Pricing Tiers and Options

Cvent offers pricing tailored to the user's needs, with custom quotes provided by their sales team. They primarily offer two licenses: Professional and Enterprise. Both licenses come with optional add-on services, allowing customization based on unique event requirements.

Annual fees and admin user fees are part of the package, along with potential pre-payment of registration fees. However, ease and flexibility come with options like RegFox, which offers a simpler, pay-as-you-go model. This can appeal to those running less frequent events, as you're not tied to an annual fee.

Here's a simple table comparing the two pricing approaches:

Event Management Features

Cvent equips users with a comprehensive set of tools that are robust for managing all aspects of an event. From venue sourcing to budget management and web surveys, the platform supports participants throughout their planning journey. Based on our testing, these tools boost event planning efficiency significantly, allowing users to streamline their workflow.

Users often praise Cvent for its wide-ranging features and the support that comes with them. One user noted how the platform saved hours of time compared to manual processes. However, smaller organizations sometimes find the platform a bit overwhelming due to its scale.

Benefits Unique to Cvent

Why choose Cvent? The platform is ideal for businesses hosting frequent events with complex needs. Its notable customization options and strong customer support stand out. The setup simplifies handling all event stages, exemplified by its successes in large enterprises and mid-sized companies alike.

While Cvent faces competition from platforms like Eventbrite and RegFox, its comprehensive suite of offerings makes it a go-to for those who need an all-in-one solution. As highlighted by Soo T., meetings manager, "Choose Cvent for event optimization." This encapsulates Cvent's robust management abilities.

By evaluating both pricing and management features, it's natural to conclude Cvent can excel in large-scale, corporate settings, thanks to its powerful and integrated solutions. Cvent shines for those planning multiple events and seeking maximum ROI. So, if you're in this category, it might just be your best bet.

4. Virtual Event Engagement Tools: Enhance Your Events

To really judge ON24 and Cvent, I've used these points. Each aspect will get its own spotlight, helping you figure out the best fit for your needs.

1. Unique Selling Point (USP)

2. User Experience and Interface

3. Content Quality and Versatility

4. Integrations and Compatibility

5. AI Technology and Customization

6. Performance

7. Reliability

8. Accuracy and Error Rate

9. Cost Comparison

10. Learning Curves

11. Customer Support

Both platforms aim to make virtual events engaging. They offer tools to ensure interactions. Before diving into essential tools, here's what Eric Ly, founder of Hub and co-founder of LinkedIn, mentions: "Communities have the opportunity to fill in the gaps between events – they impact and support events. We must make events and communities worth it to carry on." This highlights the need for continuous engagement even outside event hours.

1. Essential Tools for Boosting Engagement

Both ON24 and Cvent provide a variety of tools that enhance participant involvement. ON24 offers polls, surveys, and Q&A features to interact with audiences. Cvent focuses also on audience interaction with similar tools but adds features like virtual booths and live chat. These make events dynamic by allowing real-time feedback and fostering interaction between speakers and attendees.

2. Strategies for Effective Tool Use

To get the most from these tools, you need a strategy. Encourage audience interaction from the start. Use polls and Q&A to keep them involved. Experts recommend allowing enough time for interaction. This helps improve quality of the attendee experience.

3. Measuring Success

Evaluating the effectiveness of engagement tools is essential. Metrics can include participant feedback, engagement rates, and attendance numbers. Successful events often see high repeat attendance. This reflects their impact, guided by the strategic use of engagement tools.

By using these criteria, we can better understand the strengths of ON24 and Cvent, ensuring you invest wisely.

Webinar Software Integration: ON24 and Cvent

Integration Capabilities of ON24

Overview of Systems and Software ON24 Integrates With

ON24 shows strong capabilities when it comes to integrating with various systems. It connects with marketing automation platforms (MAPs), customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and business intelligence tools, allowing for smooth data flow and better engagement tracking. This helps businesses keep their webinar data organized and actionable.

Actual Case Studies of Successful ON24 Integrations

Real-world examples back up ON24’s integration strength. Companies like Texthelp, Protiviti, and Invesco have had success with these integrations. They report significant improvements in pipeline generation and lead nurturing due to the seamless connection between their systems and ON24.

How Cvent Handles Integrations

Summary of Integration Options with Cvent

Like ON24, Cvent offers integration with various event management and marketing tools. These integrations are aimed at boosting efficiency and better data management. However, specific options are somewhat lacking in publicly available detailed examples.

Examples of Enhanced Efficiency Through Cvent Integrations

What we do know is that Cvent integrates well enough to streamline event management for users. Although there is no detailed breakdown, Cvent’s website and support resources might offer additional insights.

Pros and Cons of Each Platform’s Integration

Side-by-Side Comparison of Integration Strengths and Weaknesses

To visually understand how each platform stacks up, a table is effective:

Real-World Feedback on Integration Experiences

Feedback seems to suggest that ON24 excels in creating a two-way data relationship, specifically with CRMs, providing real-time insights. Meanwhile, Cvent’s community discussions indicate a more limited one-way integration with ON24, as one user noted, "the audience URL shared in email communications, is built and coded to the unique event" but doesn’t have the capability to send data back to Cvent.

Tammy Hudson’s observation, "My Cvent contact confirmed for On24 it is not a two-way integration" highlights this drawback.

After our comparative look, ON24 comes out as the winner in terms of integration strengths. Its ability to provide seamless data flow and advanced analytics outweigh the complexity of its setup for customers who prioritize detailed data insights and engagement tracking. Cvent has potential, but lacks in depth, especially for those requiring a robust data exchange.

Supplementary Info: Who Competes with ON24?

Main Competitors in the Market

The virtual event industry is bustling, and ON24 has some heavy hitters to deal with. Competitors like Zoom, GoToWebinar, and Webex all have significant market presence. Each platform offers something unique.

Zoom: Known primarily for its video conferencing capabilities, Zoom offers webinars too. It's simple to use but lacks the deeper integration features of ON24.

GoToWebinar: This platform provides robust webinar functionalities designed for businesses, focusing on ease of use and interactive tools.

Webex: With a strong focus on video conferencing, it offers event organizers a feature-rich environment. It excels in hosting large events due to its network capabilities.

Competitor Offerings Overview Table

Market Position and Unique Selling Points

ON24 holds a solid spot in the virtual events world. Its user-friendly interface and strong analytics set it apart from many competitors. Unlike Zoom's straightforward approach, ON24 excels in analytics and audience engagement tools, making it a fantastic choice for webinars focused on lead generation and feedback.

Unique selling points include high interactivity, CRM integration, and detailed analytics. These allow users to engage better and capture audience feedback effectively. This positions ON24 as a front-runner for businesses that need more than just a general meeting tool.

Considerations for Choosing Alternatives

When deciding if ON24 is right for your organization, think about your priorities. If you want simple video conferencing, then Zoom might suit you better. If deep integration and analytics matter most, ON24 shines here.

1. Audience Size: For larger audiences, platforms like Webex can offer better performance.

2. Budget: Less costly solutions like GoToWebinar might be worth a look if budget constraints are an issue.

3. Integration Needs: If your operations rely heavily on intricate software integration, ON24 might be unmatched.

Comparison Table: ON24 vs Competitors

How to automate webinars with eWebinar (doubling attendance without sacrificing chat and interactivity)

Switching from live to pre-recorded webinars saves you from wasting countless hours and burning yourself out — but you can’t just record a static video then call it a day.

There are three things every automated webinar needs to match surpass the performance of live webinars:

1. Live chat to ensure every question gets answered

2. Flexible scheduling to make attending convenient

3. Interactions that keep attendees engaged

We built our automated webinar platform, eWebinar, with that in mind. The sections below will show you how these elements allow you to automate webinars without sacrificing the interactivity that make them so effective!

Live chat to ensure every question gets answered

eWebinar lets you reply to attendees in real time through live chat or via email after the webinar has ended — allowing you to be there for your audience whenever you want instead of choosing between one or the other.

eWebinar’s chat system was designed to ensure every attendee question gets answered:

1. Automated welcome messages. Attendees receive a personalized welcome message as soon as they join the webinar. If no one's available to reply to them, the autoresponder will set expectations.

2. Instant message notifications. Whenever attendees send a message in chat, you and any assigned moderators are notified via email, browser notifications, or Slack alerts (if you have the integration active).

3. Live chat + email responses. Hosts can reply to attendees during the automated webinar through live chat. Responses sent after the webinar has ended will be automatically forwarded to their email address.

The simple truth is that attendees care more about getting answers to their questions than whether or not the presentation is pre-recorded. If the presentation feels live to an attendee, they’ll consider it as such.

Knowing that someone is on standby ready to respond to them in chat puts attendees at ease and lets you continue scaling without losing the attendee-host interactions that make webinars so effective in the first place.

 

eWebinar Overview & Demo 🔥

Hosted by Melissa Kwan, Todd Parmley

​Tired of doing the same webinar over and over? In this 25-min overview and demo, you'll learn how eWebinar lets you automate your sales demos, onboarding, and training webinars in minutes.

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Flexible scheduling to make attending convenient

Why should you burden yourself with the stress of trying to find the best time/day to host a webinar — only to have people register then no-show — when you could make your presentation available at all times?

eWebinar’s scheduling system was built to make attending your webinar as convenient as possible:

• On-demand availability. On-demand webinars are accessible to attendees at their peak moment of interest or need — allowing them to join a session instantly instead of waiting for days or weeks.

• Recurring schedules. Running automated webinars on a recurring schedule (which automatically adapts to their local time zone) lets you capture registrants who don’t have time to watch immediately.

• Webinar replays. People can register for replays directly instead of no-showing just to get a replay link. Those watching a replay will still be able to message you through the live chat if they have any questions.

eWebinar lets you enable all three scheduling options — on-demand, recurring, and replays — at the same time so people always have a great option for when/how to attend your webinars and no excuse to not attend.

This is why the average attendance rate for automated webinars hosted on eWebinar is 65% — which is significantly higher than the 40% industry average for live webinars.

Many of our customers smash through the platform average and get attendance rates above 90%:

If you want to experience eWebinar firsthand and see how it can double your attendance by making webinars available 24/7, join our on-demand demo!

 

eWebinar Overview & Demo 🔥

Hosted by Melissa Kwan, Todd Parmley

​Tired of doing the same webinar over and over? In this 25-min overview and demo, you'll learn how eWebinar lets you automate your sales demos, onboarding, and training webinars in minutes.

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Interactions that keep attendees engaged

You might think that webinar automation would lead to a passive viewing experience. However, interactions like polls and quizzes keep attendees engaged while collecting invaluable customer feedback from them.

These interactions make the presentation feel live without you having to be there for every single session.

Creating an interactive attendee experience will significantly increase the engagement rate and watch time of your webinars:

If you'd like to experience these interactions from an attendee's point of view then watch our on-demand demo!

 

eWebinar Overview & Demo 🔥

Hosted by Melissa Kwan, Todd Parmley

​Tired of doing the same webinar over and over? In this 25-min overview and demo, you'll learn how eWebinar lets you automate your sales demos, onboarding, and training webinars in minutes.

Powered by

Watch our demo Powered by

 

Conclusion

ON24 and Cvent are top contenders in the virtual event platform space. Both offer robust features for 2024's digital landscape. ON24 shines with its interactive tools. We found its Q&A, polls, and surveys particularly effective for audience engagement. Its analytics provide deep insights into attendee behavior.

Cvent's strength lies in comprehensive event management. It offers flexible pricing tiers to suit various needs. For large-scale events with complex requirements, Cvent's all-in-one solution stands out. However, ON24's focus on engagement makes it ideal for webinars and smaller virtual gatherings.

We recommend Cvent for organizations hosting diverse event types. Its versatility and scalability give it an edge. But for those prioritizing audience interaction in webinar-style events, ON24 is clearly the better choice.