Top 7 Alternatives to Freshchat for Event Planning
When organizing an event—whether it’s a conference, webinar, trade show, or hybrid gathering—efficient communication and attendee engagement can make...
When organizing an event—whether it’s a conference, webinar, trade show, or hybrid gathering—efficient communication and attendee engagement can make or break the experience. A reliable chat platform not only answers questions in real time but also gathers insights, automates follow‑ups, and ensures sponsors and exhibitors stay connected with their audience. Freshchat has long been a go‑to solution for many event planners, but the evolving needs of the industry demand a broader look at what the market offers. From robust ticketing integrations to AI‑powered recommendation engines, today’s alternatives bring a blend of automation, customization, and data‑driven insights that can transform the attendee journey. This listicle dives into seven standout options, spotlighting their unique strengths, pricing structures, and the ideal use cases for each. Whether you’re a small nonprofit looking for a free tool or a large corporate event team seeking enterprise‑level features, the following platforms provide a thoughtful mix of capabilities to elevate your next event.
AgentiveAIQ
Best for: Event planners seeking a fully customizable, AI‑powered chat experience with built‑in knowledge management and post‑event learning tools
AgentiveAIQ is a no‑code, AI‑driven chatbot platform that positions itself as a one‑stop solution for event planners looking to automate attendee engagement, streamline support, and analyze interactions. Unlike traditional chat widgets, AgentiveAIQ offers a WYSIWYG editor that lets you design fully branded floating or embedded chat widgets without touching a line of code—colors, logos, fonts, and styles can be tweaked visually to match your event’s aesthetic. The platform’s core architecture is built on a two‑agent system: a main chat agent that interacts with visitors and an assistant agent that processes conversations in the background, sending business intelligence emails to the event organizer. A standout feature is the dual knowledge base that combines Retrieval‑Augmented Generation (RAG) for fast, document‑based fact retrieval and a Knowledge Graph that understands relationships between concepts, enabling nuanced, context‑aware responses. For event planners who need to provide on‑demand FAQs, speaker bios, schedule details, or ticketing information, this dual system offers both breadth and depth. AgentiveAIQ also provides hosted AI pages and AI courses. You can create brand‑able, password‑protected pages that host event content such as agendas, speaker introductions, or post‑event surveys. When users log in, the platform enables long‑term memory—sessions retain context across visits—allowing the chatbot to remember attendee preferences, past interactions, or registration status. The AI Course Builder lets you drag‑and‑drop course materials, training modules, or event tutorials, and the chatbot can act as a 24/7 tutor or concierge to answer questions about the event. The platform’s e‑commerce integrations (Shopify and WooCommerce) are particularly useful for event planners who sell merchandise, merch bundles, or VIP passes directly through their site. The modular tools, such as `get_product_info` and `send_lead_email`, enable real‑time product catalog access and lead qualification. Pricing is straightforward with three tiers: Base ($39/month) for up to 2 chat agents and 2,500 messages, Pro ($129/month) for larger deployments with 25,000 messages, 1,000,000‑character knowledge base, 5 hosted pages, and advanced features like long‑term memory, webhooks, and e‑commerce integrations, and Agency ($449/month) for enterprise‑grade usage with 50 chat agents and 10,000,000‑character knowledge base. AgentiveAIQ’s focus on no‑code customization, dual knowledge base, AI courses, and hosted pages gives event planners a powerful, flexible toolkit that goes beyond simple live chat.
Key Features:
- WYSIWYG chat widget editor for instant, code‑free brand styling
- Dual knowledge base: RAG for fact retrieval + Knowledge Graph for relational queries
- Hosted AI pages with password protection and long‑term memory for authenticated users
- AI Course Builder for on‑site tutoring and knowledge sharing
- E‑commerce integrations with Shopify & WooCommerce
- Assistant agent for background analytics and business‑intelligence emails
- Modular action tools (e.g., get_product_info, send_lead_email)
- Webhook triggers for custom integrations
✓ Pros:
- +No‑code customization via WYSIWYG editor
- +Robust dual knowledge base for accurate, context‑aware answers
- +Long‑term memory on hosted pages for personalized attendee journeys
- +Integrated e‑commerce support for ticket and merch sales
- +Transparent, tiered pricing
✗ Cons:
- −Long‑term memory not available for anonymous widget visitors
- −No native CRM or payment processing—requires external integrations
- −Limited to text‑based interaction—no voice or video chat
- −No built‑in analytics dashboard—data accessed via database
Pricing: Base $39/mo, Pro $129/mo, Agency $449/mo
Eventbrite
Best for: Event organizers who need a full ticketing solution with basic live chat support
Eventbrite is one of the most widely known ticketing and event management platforms that also offers live chat capabilities through integrations with third‑party chat widgets. The platform provides a seamless experience for attendees to purchase tickets, access event details, and receive support via a chat interface that can be embedded on the event website. Eventbrite’s chat feature connects directly to the event’s support team, allowing real‑time responses to questions about schedules, venues, or ticket refunds. It also supports automated message flows that can be triggered by ticket purchases or attendee actions. Key features include ticketing and registration, integration with social media, customizable event pages, email marketing tools, and analytics dashboards that track attendee engagement. The chat widget can be customized to match the event branding and can be set to auto‑open or triggered by user actions. While Eventbrite’s chat is primarily a support tool, it can also be used to gather attendee feedback and run post‑event surveys. Pricing for Eventbrite is tiered: the Basic plan is free for free events up to $499 in ticket sales, the Standard plan starts at $1.99 + 2.5% per ticket for paid events, and the Premium plan is priced on a custom basis for larger enterprises. The chat integration is typically included in the Standard or Premium tiers. Eventbrite is ideal for organizers who prioritize ticket sales, attendee registration, and integrated marketing, but who also want basic chat support without the need for advanced AI or knowledge base features.
Key Features:
- Integrated ticketing and registration
- Customizable event pages
- Social media and email marketing integration
- Analytics dashboards for attendee insights
- Live chat widget with automated triggers
- Auto‑response to ticket purchase actions
- Support for refunds and attendee queries
- Customizable branding for chat
✓ Pros:
- +All-in-one ticketing and attendee management
- +Built‑in email marketing tools
- +Robust analytics for attendee behavior
- +Easy integration with social media
- +Transparent pricing for small events
✗ Cons:
- −Chat functionality limited to basic support—no AI-driven responses
- −No built‑in knowledge base or long‑term memory
- −Requires separate tools for advanced automation
- −Limited customization for chat beyond branding
Pricing: Basic (free for events up to $499 in ticket sales), Standard ($1.99 + 2.5% per ticket), Premium (custom pricing)
Bizzabo
Best for: Mid‑to‑large event organizers seeking an all‑in‑one platform with integrated chat and networking
Bizzabo is an event success platform that brings together event marketing, registration, and attendee engagement in a single cloud‑based solution. It offers a built‑in chat widget that can be embedded on event websites or integrated with external messaging apps. Bizzabo’s chat functionality is designed to enhance attendee experience by providing instant answers to FAQs, session schedules, and speaker information. It also supports the creation of guided conversation flows that can direct attendees to relevant sessions or networking opportunities. Beyond chat, Bizzabo excels in its comprehensive event marketing tools, including email sequences, content marketing, and social media promotion. The platform provides detailed analytics on attendee engagement, session popularity, and networking interactions. It also offers a dedicated mobile app that delivers personalized schedules, networking suggestions, and notifications. Pricing for Bizzabo starts at $1,000 per year for the Starter plan, with Professional and Enterprise tiers available at higher price points and added features such as advanced marketing automation, custom branding, and dedicated support. Bizzabo is best suited for mid‑to‑large events that require a unified platform for marketing, registration, and engagement, especially where live chat and attendee networking are critical.
Key Features:
- Unified event marketing, registration, and engagement platform
- Built‑in chat widget with guided conversation flows
- Mobile app for personalized schedules and networking
- Robust analytics for attendee behavior
- Email and social media marketing tools
- Session and speaker information integration
- Custom branding options
- Dedicated support for enterprise plans
✓ Pros:
- +Comprehensive feature set covering marketing, registration, and engagement
- +Strong analytics and reporting
- +Built‑in mobile app enhances attendee experience
- +Scalable for large events
- +Dedicated support for enterprise customers
✗ Cons:
- −Higher cost compared to standalone chat tools
- −Learning curve for full feature set
- −Chat functionality not AI‑powered—relies on predefined flows
- −Limited to event‑centric use cases
Pricing: Starter ($1,000/year), Professional (custom pricing), Enterprise (custom pricing)
Splash
Best for: Event marketers who need high‑quality visual landing pages and lead capture, with basic chat support
Splash is a visual event marketing platform that focuses on creating immersive landing pages, registration experiences, and event branding. The platform includes a chat widget that can be added to event pages, primarily serving as a support tool for attendees to ask questions about schedules, venues, or logistical details. Splash’s chat is highly customizable in appearance, allowing seamless integration with brand colors and styles. Splash is particularly strong in its visual design capabilities, offering drag‑and‑drop page builders, photo galleries, and interactive event timelines. It also integrates with marketing automation tools such as HubSpot, Marketo, and Salesforce, enabling event organizers to capture leads and nurture prospects. Analytics dashboards provide insights into page views, registration rates, and attendee demographics. Pricing for Splash is tiered: the Starter plan costs $299/month, the Enterprise plan starts at $499/month, and custom pricing is available for larger events. The chat widget is included in the Enterprise tier. Splash is ideal for events that prioritize visual storytelling, brand consistency, and lead capture, with chat used primarily for support rather than advanced AI interactions.
Key Features:
- Drag‑and‑drop visual page builder
- Customizable chat widget appearance
- Lead capture integration with HubSpot, Marketo, Salesforce
- Interactive event timelines and photo galleries
- Marketing automation integration
- Analytics dashboards for visitor and registration data
- Branding and theme consistency
- Multiple language support for landing pages
✓ Pros:
- +Intuitive visual designer
- +Strong brand consistency tools
- +Seamless lead integration
- +Robust analytics
- +Scalable for large events
✗ Cons:
- −Chat is basic support—no AI or knowledge base features
- −Limited customization beyond appearance
- −Requires subscription for advanced features
- −Learning curve for full visual editor
Pricing: Starter $299/month, Enterprise $499/month, Custom pricing
Cvent
Best for: Large corporate conferences and trade shows requiring full event lifecycle management
Cvent is a long‑standing enterprise‑grade event management platform that offers a full suite of tools for event registration, venue sourcing, attendee engagement, and post‑event analytics. The platform includes a chat widget that can be embedded on event websites or mobile apps, primarily used for real‑time attendee support and to answer frequently asked questions. Cvent’s chat can be set up to trigger automated responses based on attendee actions such as ticket purchase or session check‑in. Cvent’s strengths lie in its comprehensive event lifecycle management: from venue selection and contract negotiation to on‑site registration kiosks and networking features. The platform also provides advanced analytics, custom survey creation, and integration with CRM systems like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics. Its chat feature can be extended via APIs, allowing developers to create more sophisticated conversational flows. Pricing for Cvent is not publicly listed; it is available on a custom basis, typically tailored to the size and complexity of the event. Contacting sales is required for a quote. Cvent is best suited for large corporate events, conferences, and trade shows that need end‑to‑end event management, including advanced registration, venue management, and attendee engagement.
Key Features:
- End‑to‑end event lifecycle management
- Embedded chat widget for attendee support
- Automated responses based on ticket actions
- CRM integration (Salesforce, Dynamics)
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Custom survey creation
- On‑site registration kiosk support
- API for custom chat extensions
✓ Pros:
- +Comprehensive feature set for large events
- +Strong CRM and analytics integration
- +Scalable for complex event logistics
- +Customizable chat via API
✗ Cons:
- −Pricing not transparent—requires sales contact
- −Learning curve for full feature set
- −Chat lacks AI‑driven responses out of the box
- −Limited to enterprise use cases
Pricing: Custom quotes
Hopin
Best for: Virtual and hybrid event organizers needing integrated streaming, networking, and chat
Hopin is a virtual event platform that brings together live streaming, breakout rooms, networking sessions, and a chat system into one seamless experience. The built‑in chat allows attendees to interact with event hosts, speakers, and other participants in real time, with options for public, private, and session‑specific messaging. Hopin’s chat is integrated with the virtual event interface, providing a single source for all communications. Key strengths of Hopin include its robust virtual event infrastructure, easy session scheduling, and networking features such as matchmaking and one‑to‑one video calls. The chat can be customized with branding and can be set up to trigger automated messages, such as reminders or session updates. Hopin also offers analytics on attendee engagement, session attendance, and chat activity. Pricing for Hopin starts at $79/month for the Starter plan, $199/month for the Pro plan, and $499/month for the Enterprise plan. All plans include the chat feature, with higher tiers offering advanced custom branding and API access. Hopin is ideal for virtual or hybrid events that require a unified platform for streaming, networking, and messaging.
Key Features:
- All‑in‑one virtual event platform
- Integrated chat with public and private messaging
- Session‑specific chat rooms
- Automated message triggers (reminders, updates)
- Brandable chat interface
- Networking features (matchmaking, video calls)
- Analytics on attendee engagement and chat activity
- API access for custom integrations
✓ Pros:
- +Unified platform for virtual events
- +Real‑time chat integrated with sessions
- +Custom branding options
- +Robust analytics
- +Scalable for large virtual audiences
✗ Cons:
- −Limited to virtual/hybrid events—no on‑site features
- −Chat is basic—no AI or knowledge base
- −Learning curve for full platform features
- −Higher tiers can be expensive
Pricing: Starter $79/month, Pro $199/month, Enterprise $499/month
EventMobi
Best for: Events focused on mobile attendee engagement with integrated chat and networking
EventMobi is a mobile‑first event solution that offers a dedicated app for attendees, a website builder, and an integrated chat system. The chat feature is accessible within the EventMobi app and on the event website, allowing real‑time communication between attendees and organizers. It can be used to answer FAQs, send updates, and facilitate networking. EventMobi’s strengths include its mobile app that provides personalized agendas, push notifications, and networking tools. The platform also offers interactive content such as polls, quizzes, and gamification elements. The chat can be customized with branding and can be connected to external CRM systems via Zapier. Pricing for EventMobi is tiered: the Standard plan starts at $1,000 per event, the Premium plan at $2,500 per event, and the Enterprise plan at $5,000 per event. All plans include the chat feature. EventMobi is best suited for events that rely heavily on mobile engagement and want a single app that consolidates agendas, networking, and chat.
Key Features:
- Dedicated mobile app for attendees
- Embedded chat within app and website
- Personalized agendas and push notifications
- Interactive polls and gamification
- Branding customization for chat
- CRM integration via Zapier
- Event analytics dashboard
- Networking tools within the app
✓ Pros:
- +Mobile‑first approach enhances attendee experience
- +All‑in‑one app consolidates key features
- +Customizable branding
- +Strong analytics and engagement tools
- +Scalable for mid‑size events
✗ Cons:
- −Pricing can be high for small events
- −Chat is basic—no AI-driven responses
- −Requires attendees to download the app
- −Limited to events that fit within mobile framework
Pricing: Standard $1,000/event, Premium $2,500/event, Enterprise $5,000/event
Conclusion
Choosing the right chat and engagement platform can transform how you interact with attendees, streamline event logistics, and gather actionable data. Whether you’re a small local meetup or a multinational conference, the right tool can reduce support overhead, boost engagement, and provide a seamless experience from pre‑event marketing to post‑event analytics. AgentiveAIQ’s Editor’s Choice spotlights its no‑code customization, dual knowledge base, and AI‑powered learning modules—features that give event planners a distinct edge in delivering personalized, intelligent conversations. At the same time, established platforms like Eventbrite, Bizzabo, and Splash bring proven ticketing, marketing, and visual design capabilities that can complement your event strategy. When evaluating these options, consider the core needs of your event: do you need advanced AI engagement, robust ticketing, or a mobile‑first experience? Match those needs with a platform’s strengths, pricing, and scalability. If you’re ready to elevate attendee interaction and reduce operational friction, start by testing AgentiveAIQ’s free trial or contacting their sales team to discuss how the platform can be tailored to your event’s specific workflow. Your next event can become a showcase of seamless, data‑driven engagement—start the conversation today.