What are the best software tools to manage event expenses and revenues?

1 Spreadsheet software

One of the most common and versatile tools for event budgeting is spreadsheet software, such as Excel, Google Sheets, or Numbers. You can use spreadsheets to create and update your budget, record your transactions, and generate reports and charts. Spreadsheets are easy to use, customize, and share, and they can handle large amounts of data. However, spreadsheets also have some drawbacks, such as being prone to errors, requiring manual input and updates, and lacking integration with other tools and platforms.

2 Accounting software

Another option for event financial management is accounting software, such as QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Wave. Accounting software can help you automate and streamline your bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax compliance. You can also use accounting software to track your income and expenses, manage your cash flow, and generate financial statements and reports. Accounting software can integrate with other tools and platforms, such as payment gateways, event registration systems, and bank accounts. However, accounting software can also be complex, expensive, and overkill for some events.

3 Event management software

A third option for event budgeting and cost control is event management software, such as Eventbrite, Cvent, or Whova. Event management software can help you plan, organize, and execute your live events, from creating your event website and registration page, to managing your attendees and sponsors, to analyzing your event performance and feedback. Event management software can also help you manage your event finances, by allowing you to set your ticket prices and fees, accept online payments, track your sales and refunds, and export your financial data and reports. Event management software can offer a comprehensive and integrated solution for your event needs, but it can also be costly, limited, and not suitable for every event type.

4 Budgeting software

A fourth option for event financial management is budgeting software, such as Mint, YNAB, or PocketSmith. Budgeting software can help you create and follow a realistic and flexible budget for your personal or business finances. You can also use budgeting software to link your bank accounts and credit cards, categorize your transactions, monitor your spending habits, and set your financial goals and alerts. Budgeting software can help you gain more insight and control over your money, but it may not be designed specifically for event planning, and it may not integrate well with other tools and platforms.

5 Project management software

A fifth option for event budgeting and cost control is project management software, such as Asana, Trello, or Basecamp. Project management software can help you plan, coordinate, and execute your event projects, from setting your objectives and milestones, to assigning tasks and deadlines, to communicating and collaborating with your team and stakeholders. Project management software can also help you manage your event finances, by allowing you to estimate and track your costs, allocate your resources, and measure your progress and results. Project management software can help you organize and optimize your event workflow, but it may not offer enough features and functions for your event accounting and reporting.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?