Building and managing a successful event—whether it’s a concert, conference, festival, or local workshop—requires more than just great planning. A professional online presence is key to promoting the event, selling tickets, and keeping attendees informed. For event organizers, choosing the right website builder can be a game-changer, helping streamline logistics and enhance the attendee experience.
TLDR
Event organizers need tools that do more than just create webpages—they need platforms that integrate ticket sales, schedule management, and communication features. Website builders like Eventbrite, Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress with plugins are top choices, each offering distinct features. Some are excellent for beginners seeking simplicity, while others support deeper customization and third-party integration. The best choice depends on the event’s scale, complexity, and the organizer’s technical skill level.
What to Look for in a Website Builder for Events
Before diving into individual platforms, it’s important to understand what features make a website builder ideal for event organizers. Here are the top functionalities to consider:
- Ticketing and Payment Integrations: Seamless support for selling tickets and accepting payments is crucial.
- Scheduling and Agenda Management: An intuitive system to manage multi-day schedules or panel-based events is a must.
- Customization and Templates: Attractive, event-specific design templates that can be easily tailored to brand identity.
- Email and Communication Tools: Ways to send updates or reminders to participants.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Attendees often access event websites on their phones, so mobile optimization is critical.
Best Website Builders for Event Organizers
1. Eventbrite
Best For: Organizers focused on ticket sales and user-friendly scheduling
Eventbrite is one of the most popular platforms for event management. It allows users to create a professional event page in minutes, sell tickets, set up schedules, and promote through built-in tools.
- Integrated ticketing and payment processing
- Automatic mobile optimization
- Email invitation and reminder system
- Built-in analytics for tracking attendee stats
While Eventbrite does charge a fee per ticket sold, its all-in-one platform and ease of use make it a top choice for one-time or recurring event planners.
2. Squarespace
Best For: Visually-driven events and brand-oriented organizers
Known for stunning design templates and versatility, Squarespace is an excellent option for those who want a professional and modern looking site with integrated event tools. While it doesn’t have native ticketing, it supports integration with services like Acuity Scheduling and Eventbrite.
- Drag-and-drop functionality for simple design customization
- Templates tailored for events, concerts, or portfolios
- Integrated email campaigns and automation
- Easy integration with scheduling and ticket platforms
Event organizers who care heavily about branding and design aesthetics will appreciate Squarespace’s flexibility and polish.
3. Wix
Best For: Beginners who want a DIY, customizable experience
Wix provides a wide range of templates and a drag-and-drop interface perfect for users with limited design or coding knowledge. Its Wix Events app expands its core capabilities, allowing for ticket sales, RSVP management, and attendee tracking.
- Over 900 templates, including event-specific layouts
- Wix Events app for end-to-end event management
- Support for recurring events and multiple ticket tiers
- Mobile-optimized design customization
It’s especially useful for small to medium-sized events and workshops where direct control and minimal technical experience are preferred.
4. WordPress + Plugins
Best For: Tech-savvy organizers or those managing complex events
WordPress offers the most flexibility and possible integrations for event sites. With plugins such as The Events Calendar, Event Tickets, and WooCommerce, you can build a tailored platform suited for everything from festivals to virtual conferences.
- Full control over design and functionality
- Vast plugin ecosystem for ticketing, scheduling, and email
- Scalability for large or multi-day events
- Open source with tons of community support
This option does require more setup and possibly some developer knowledge, but in return, organizers get a powerful, scalable web presence that can handle any type of event setup.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
- Weebly: Simple interface, ideal for nonprofits or local community events. Offers basic RSVP tools.
- Ticket Tailor: A strong standalone tool for selling tickets that can integrate into existing websites via widgets.
- Whova or Hopin: Better suited for virtual or hybrid events, more platforms than builders but great for hosted schedules and webinars.
Choosing the Right Builder for Your Needs
There’s no single “best” website builder that fits all events—it depends on your goals, audience, and technical experience. Consider these points when deciding:
- Ease of Use: Do you need a platform you can use immediately, or are you comfortable navigating a steeper learning curve?
- Ticketing Complexity: Will you be offering group discounts, early bird pricing, or VIP tiers?
- Design Importance: Is branding and aesthetic top-of-mind or is functional scheduling the priority?
- Budget: Some platforms are free to use but deduct a fee per transaction, others charge monthly subscriptions.
Organizers managing large festivals may prioritize scalability and payment flexibility, whereas smaller event holders may value ease of use and beautiful design more.
Conclusion
An effective website builder can streamline the many moving parts of event planning, from managing schedules to selling tickets and promoting your brand. Whether it’s user-friendly drag-and-drop simplicity or a full-featured platform tailored with plugins, choosing the right builder can elevate your event’s success. Consider what features matter most to your specific needs, and match that with the builder that delivers functionality without sacrificing usability.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use free website builders to host my event?
A: Yes, platforms like Wix or WordPress.com offer free plans, but may limit branding, integrations, and e-commerce features. Upgrading is often necessary for professional ticketing and scheduling tools. - Q: Which builder is best for virtual events?
A: Platforms like Hopin or Whova excel for virtual or hybrid events, while WordPress with plugins can be customized for webinars and live streaming schedules. - Q: Do all website builders allow on-site ticket purchases?
A: Not all platforms have this natively. Eventbrite, Wix (with Wix Events), and WordPress (with WooCommerce) allow for integrated ticket sales directly on your website. - Q: Do these builders handle refunds and cancellations?
A: Ticketing-specific tools like Eventbrite and Ticket Tailor come with built-in cancellation policies and refund settings. Always review these features before choosing a platform. - Q: Will my event website work on mobile devices?
A: Most modern builders—including Wix, Squarespace, and Eventbrite—automatically optimize sites for mobile viewing, ensuring a smooth experience for attendees on any device.
