10 Best AI Tools for Event Planning (January 2026)

The event planning industry is experiencing a seismic shift as artificial intelligence transforms how professionals organize, execute, and measure the success of conferences, trade shows, and corporate gatherings. According to Amex GBT Meetings & Events 2025 Global Forecast, 50% of meeting planners worldwide will use AI in 2025.

AI tools have unlocked endless possibilities for meeting and event planners. The market is responding accordingly, with event technology investments projected to grow substantially as organizations seek to boost productivity while reducing costs. For event professionals managing everything from intimate executive retreats to massive industry conventions, AI has evolved from a nice-to-have innovation to an essential toolkit for staying competitive and delivering exceptional experiences.

Comparison Table of AI Event Planning Tools

1. Grip

Grip is an AI-powered event networking platform designed to facilitate meaningful business connections at events. It uses advanced machine learning algorithms to match conference attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors based on their interests and goals. The platform continuously learns from billions of interactions across events to improve its matchmaking suggestions, helping participants at major conferences (like SXSW and others) find the most relevant people to meet. Grip’s AI recommendations significantly enhance networking ROI by ensuring that attendees connect with those who align with their objectives, thereby driving more business opportunities and partnerships at B2B events.

Another strength of Grip is its end-to-end event engagement solution. The AI matchmaking engine is integrated into a user-friendly mobile event app, through which participants receive personalized session and meeting suggestions. Organizers can leverage Grip to boost attendee engagement and satisfaction, as the algorithm delivers over 70 million personalized recommendations per year based on attendee behavior and profile data. By automating the process of scheduling one-on-one meetings and suggesting networking matches, Grip frees up event planners from manual matchmaking tasks and provides real-time insights into networking activity. This makes it a powerful tool for trade shows and corporate events focused on building business relationships.

Pricing (USD)

• Starter: Custom quote (single events, basic AI matchmaking)
• Professional: Custom quote (multiple events, advanced analytics, dedicated support)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (unlimited events, white-label options, API access)

Visit Grip →

2. Brella

Brella is another leading event platform that uses AI to maximize networking at conferences and exhibitions. It employs an AI-powered matchmaking algorithm to suggest the best connections and meetings. Participants input their professional interests and goals, and Brella’s system analyzes hundreds of data points to find highly relevant matches for each person. This ensures that every attendee – whether at a large trade show or a corporate summit – can efficiently meet those who align with their business objectives, resulting in more valuable interactions.

Brella’s AI also streamlines the process of scheduling those meetings. Once a match is identified, the platform’s smart scheduling tool helps attendees book a meeting at a mutually convenient time, often even suggesting optimal time slots during the event. The user experience is straightforward: attendees receive personalized suggestions of people to network with and can send/accept meeting requests through the app. Brella’s focus on smart networking has made it a trusted solution for thousands of event organizers aiming to boost engagement.

Pricing (USD)

• Basic: Custom quote (single event, up to 500 attendees)
• Professional: Custom quote (multiple events, unlimited attendees, sponsor tools)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (white-label, API access, dedicated CSM)
• Annual Plans: Available with volume discounts

Visit Brella →

3. ClickUp

ClickUp is a popular project management platform, and its built-in AI assistant has features tailored specifically for event planners. ClickUp AI comes with hundreds of role-specific prompts and tools, effectively functioning as a smart co-pilot for organizing events. Within an event planning workspace, you can ask the AI to help generate task lists, timelines, or even creative ideas. For instance, if you need help finding a keynote speaker or brainstorming session topics for a conference, ClickUp AI can produce suggestions by analyzing the context you provide. This integration of AI means you can manage your to-do list and simultaneously get intelligent assistance without switching platforms.

One of ClickUp AI’s strengths is how well it integrates with the overall project management workflow. All AI-generated tasks or content can be immediately turned into ClickUp tasks, assigned to team members, and tracked on dashboards. This creates a seamless loop from AI suggestion to execution. Event planners can use ClickUp AI to draft event plans, write promotional emails, or even utilize event-specific templates that the platform provides. The result is a more efficient planning process – mundane or time-consuming tasks (like writing copy or making checklists) are accelerated by AI, allowing the human planners to focus on higher-level decisions. 

Pricing (USD)

• Free Forever: $0 (100MB storage, unlimited users, limited features)
• Unlimited: $10/user/month (unlimited storage, integrations, 1,000 automations/month)
• Business: $19/user/month (unlimited teams, advanced features, Google SSO)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (white-label, HIPAA compliance, dedicated success manager)
• ClickUp AI: Add $7/user/month to any paid plan

Visit Clickup →

4. Spark

Spark is a generative AI platform created for event professionals, born from a collaboration between event tech company Gevme and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). Officially launched in late 2023, Spark was trained on data from thousands of event planners, venues, and destinations, giving it a rich foundation of industry-specific knowledge. Its primary purpose is to enhance event experiences and analytics through AI-generated content and insights. For example, at conferences, Spark can provide real-time session summaries and key takeaways. A feature called Spark Takeaways analyzes live presentation content and distills the key insights in real time, displaying summary points and even “idea clouds” of the main themes for attendees as a session concludes. This helps attendees quickly digest information and remember important content without waiting for post-event reports.

Beyond live summarization, Spark aids planners in capturing and repurposing event content. It can automatically generate post-event recaps, translate insights into multiple languages, or create personalized highlights for different attendee segments. By processing qualitative data like session feedback and Q&A discussions, Spark’s AI uncovers trends and preferences that would be time-consuming to identify manually. All of this enables event organizers to demonstrate value to stakeholders: they can easily show which content resonated most or provide sponsors with instant analytics on attendee engagement.

Pricing (USD)

• Free: $0 (PCMA members only, basic features, limited usage)
• Pro: Custom quote (advanced features, destination search, PDF uploads)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (enhanced security, ISO certified, custom training)
• Accelerator Programs: Custom quote (3-week Explorer or 2-month Innovator training)

Visit Spark →

5. Vendelux

(Source: Vendelux)

Vendelux is an AI-powered event intelligence platform that helps corporate event planners and marketers make data-driven decisions about which events to host, sponsor, or attend. It aggregates a massive database of over 200,000 global B2B events and millions of attendee data points, then uses AI to extract insights and predictions. For example, Vendelux can predict attendee decision-making patterns and forecast the potential ROI of participating in specific conferences. This means if you are deciding which trade show will yield the best leads or which industry conference your sales team should sponsor, Vendelux can provide data-backed recommendations rather than leaving the choice to gut feeling.

One of Vendelux’s strengths is how it personalizes event recommendations to a company’s target audience and goals. The platform can identify the top industry events that attract your desired customer profile, helping you prioritize where to invest your event budget. It also monitors event sign-ups; for instance, you can be notified if a major client or competitor is attending a particular event, which might influence your plans. By measuring and comparing attendee demographics, engagement levels, and past outcomes, Vendelux enables planners to maximize the value of events. Essentially, it ensures you are present at the right events and helps you tailor your own event strategy for better ROI. This makes it a valuable AI tool for event marketers juggling a packed events calendar.

Pricing (USD)

• Pro: Custom quote (event research, 250,000+ event database, email support)
• Plus: Custom quote (sales features, CRM integration, priority support)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (unlimited users, API access, dedicated CSM)
• Note: Annual contracts required, volume discounts available

Visit Vendelux →

6. Zenus

Zenus offers an innovative way to gauge attendee engagement at events through AI-powered facial analysis. Dubbed “ethical facial analysis,” the technology works via cameras at event venues to anonymously measure audience reactions and demographics in real time. Importantly, Zenus is designed with privacy in mind – it does not store personal data or identify individuals. Instead, it aggregates metrics like the number of impressions (views) a booth or session receives, the approximate age group and gender breakdown of attendees, and even the sentiment (positive/negative expressions) of the crowd. These live analytics give event organizers immediate feedback on what’s capturing attendees’ interest.

The strength of Zenus lies in replacing or augmenting traditional post-event surveys with real-time behavioral data. Rather than relying solely on attendees filling out feedback forms about what they enjoyed, organizers can see engagement levels moment-to-moment. For example, a spike in positive sentiment and dwell time in front of a particular exhibit can indicate strong interest, allowing organizers or exhibitors to take note instantly. This data is valuable for making on-the-fly improvements (like adjusting content if people look disengaged) and for post-event analysis to show sponsors their true exposure. By integrating with digital signage and other on-site tech, Zenus can also display aggregate engagement stats or trigger content changes. 

Pricing (USD)

• Per Event: Custom quote (hardware rental, setup support, basic analytics)
• Annual License: Custom quote (unlimited events, advanced analytics, API access)
• Hardware Purchase: Custom quote (one-time purchase, software license included)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (multi-venue support, custom integrations, white-label options)

Visit Zenus →

7. Nowadays

Nowadays is an AI-driven platform that acts as a virtual event planner, specializing in corporate events. Launched by a Y Combinator-backed startup, it promises to eliminate much of the hassle in organizing events, particularly the time-consuming task of venue sourcing. With Nowadays, planners input their event requirements – such as date, city, number of attendees, and preferences – and the AI will automatically reach out to suitable venues on their behalf. Remarkably, the platform actually contacts venues and handles the initial stages of negotiation (availability checks, price quotes), functioning like an AI-powered venue broker. This can compress weeks of emails and phone calls into a much shorter exchange handled by the AI assistant.

The platform adapts to a company’s unique tastes and needs, learning from past events to tailor more personalized suggestions over time. For example, if a company prefers boutique hotels for retreats or has specific A/V requirements, Nowadays will incorporate those preferences when suggesting venues and vendors. It operates with quick response times and boasts an “unlimited reach,” meaning it can scour a wide range of options beyond the immediate locale. In fact, Nowadays has even obtained IATA certification to function as a travel agency, which implies it can assist with booking group travel or accommodations as part of the event planning process. This all-in-one approach (venue + travel logistics) makes it a powerful AI co-pilot for corporate event managers.

Pricing (USD)

• Starter: Custom quote (single events, venue sourcing, basic negotiations)
• Professional: Custom quote (unlimited events, travel booking, expense management)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (multi-team access, API integration, custom workflows)
• Note: Includes IATA-certified travel booking at all tiers

Visit Nowadays →

8. ChatGPT

(Source: Alex McFarland/Unite AI)

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a versatile AI tool that, while not built exclusively for events, has become indispensable for many event planners. Debuted in late 2022, ChatGPT is a conversational AI model that can generate human-like text based on the prompts given. For event professionals, this means it can assist with a wide array of text-based tasks: brainstorming creative themes or session titles, drafting emails and promotional material, creating initial versions of agendas, and more. For instance, if you provide ChatGPT with details about your upcoming conference (audience profile, industry, key topics) and ask for session ideas or speaker suggestions, it will produce a list of ideas to kickstart your planning process. 

One of ChatGPT’s strengths is idea generation and overcoming writer’s block. Planners often use it to outline content such as invitation letters, social media posts, or press releases for events. While the AI will not always be perfect on the first try, with iterative prompting you can refine the output until it is useful. It is also helpful for problem-solving; you can ask questions like “How can I increase attendee engagement for a virtual event?” and get a range of suggestions to consider. ChatGPT’s knowledge includes vast event-related information, from technical production tips to marketing strategies. 

Pricing (USD)

• Free: $0 (GPT-4o mini, limited usage, slower responses)
• Plus: $20/month (GPT-4o access, faster responses, image generation)
• Pro: $200/month (unlimited GPT-4o, o1 model access, advanced voice, Sora video)
• Team: $25/user/month (minimum 2 users, admin controls, shared workspace)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (unlimited access, SSO, dedicated support)

Visit ChatGPT →

9. Cvent Video Tools

Cvent Video Tools is one part of Cvent’s comprehensive event planning solution. It is designed to enhance the video production and engagement aspects of events. Tailored specifically for event organizers, it uses AI to simplify the creation, editing, and distribution of event videos. From capturing key moments to producing highlight reels and live streaming sessions, Cvent helps streamline the entire process, making it easier to share event experiences with a broader audience. This tool is particularly valuable for corporate events and conferences where high-quality video content can significantly boost brand presence and attendee engagement.

In addition to video creation, Cvent provides robust analytics and optimization features. Event planners can track viewer engagement, monitor performance metrics, and gain insights into audience behavior, allowing them to refine future video content for maximum impact. With seamless integration into event management workflows, the tool ensures that video production becomes a natural extension of the overall event strategy. Its AI-driven features help reduce manual editing time and improve content quality, ultimately making event video production more efficient and effective.

Pricing (USD)

• Webinar Pro: Starting at custom quote (unlimited webinars, basic integrations)
• Webinar Premium: Custom quote (advanced integrations, CRM tools, analytics)
• Event Suite Add-on: Custom quote (full video tools, automated editing, live streaming)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (unlimited usage, white-label, dedicated support)

Visit Cvent →

10. Beautiful.ai

Beautiful.ai is an innovative presentation design platform that uses AI to create visually stunning and professional slides. The tool helps users craft presentations quickly by automatically adjusting layouts, color schemes, and design elements, ensuring consistency and aesthetic appeal throughout. Its AI-driven approach allows event planners to produce pitch decks, event proposals, and keynote presentations that capture attention and convey messages effectively. This platform is especially useful for business events and corporate meetings where high-quality visual communication is essential.

In addition to its design automation, Beautiful.ai offers collaborative features that streamline the presentation creation process. Teams can work together in real time, share feedback, and make adjustments on the fly, ensuring that the final product meets the strategic objectives of the event. The platform’s intuitive interface and vast library of templates and design assets make it accessible to both design professionals and beginners.

Pricing (USD)

• Pro: $12/month or $144/year (unlimited slides, PowerPoint export, analytics)
• Team: $50/user/month or $480/user/year (Pro features plus collaboration, custom branding)
• Enterprise: Custom quote (SSO, advanced permissions, priority support)
• Free Trial: 14 days (full Pro features, credit card required)

Visit Beautiful.ai →

How to Choose Your AI Event Planning Tool

Selecting the right AI tool for your event planning needs requires careful consideration of several factors.

Here’s a comprehensive 7-step guide to help you make the best choice:

1. Event Type and Scale

Start by evaluating your typical event profile. Large B2B conferences with complex networking needs will benefit most from specialized platforms like Grip or Brella, while corporate event planners managing multiple smaller gatherings might find Nowadays or ClickUp more suitable. Consider whether you primarily run virtual, hybrid, or in-person events, as this will narrow your options significantly.

2. Budget Considerations

Your budget will play a crucial role in tool selection. While platforms like ChatGPT and ClickUp offer robust free tiers, specialized event AI tools often require significant investment. Calculate the potential ROI by considering time savings, improved attendee satisfaction, and enhanced sponsor value. Remember that many platforms offer volume discounts for multiple events or annual contracts.

3. Integration Requirements

Examine your existing tech stack carefully. If you’re already using Cvent for registration, their video tools might offer the smoothest integration. Similarly, if your team lives in ClickUp for project management, adding their AI features could be more efficient than adopting an entirely new platform. Consider API availability and integration costs when making your decision.

4. Team Technical Proficiency

Be realistic about your team’s technical capabilities and appetite for learning new systems. Tools like ChatGPT require minimal training, while platforms like Vendelux or Zenus might need dedicated onboarding. Factor in training time and potential resistance to change when evaluating implementation timelines.

5. Primary Pain Points

Identify your most pressing challenges:

• If networking and matchmaking are priorities, focus on Grip or Brella
• For content creation and marketing, consider ChatGPT or Beautiful.ai
• If ROI measurement is crucial, Vendelux or Zenus might be your best bet
• For end-to-end event management, ClickUp or Nowadays could provide the most value

6. Privacy and Compliance

With increasing regulations around data protection, especially in the EU, carefully review each platform’s privacy policies and compliance certifications. Zenus’s ethical facial analysis approach and Spark’s enterprise security features might be particularly important for organizations with strict data governance requirements.

7. Scalability

Consider not just your current needs but where your event program is headed. Platforms that work well for a dozen small events might struggle with a major conference. Look for tools that can grow with your organization and offer enterprise features when you need them.

The Bottom Line

Each of these AI tools offers distinct advantages for event planning. By combining specialized event AI platforms with general AI assistants, planners can automate routine tasks, gain data-driven insights, and ultimately create more engaging and successful events. Whether it is matching people at a networking event or crunching data to choose the best conference to attend, AI is already an essential ally in the business events industry. Using the right mix of tools from the list above can help event professionals save time, reduce costs, and deliver memorable experiences backed by intelligent technology.

FAQs (AI Tools for Event Planning)

How can AI personalize event agendas and networking for attendees?

AI analyzes attendee profiles, interests, and behavior to suggest relevant sessions, exhibitors, and networking matches. Platforms like Grip and Brella use machine learning to create personalized agendas and connect attendees with the most valuable contacts for their goals.

What AI-powered tools are most effective for automating event marketing tasks?

ChatGPT excels at generating promotional copy and emails, Beautiful.ai automates presentation design, and Spark repurposes event content into marketing materials. These tools can create campaigns in minutes rather than hours, with some teams reporting 75% time savings.

How do AI chatbots improve attendee support during virtual events?

AI chatbots provide instant 24/7 answers to common questions about schedules, technical issues, and logistics in multiple languages. They typically reduce support tickets by 70% while cutting response times from hours to seconds.

In what ways does predictive analytics help optimize event logistics and attendance?

AI forecasts attendance numbers, predicts resource needs, and optimizes room layouts based on historical data and registration patterns. This data-driven approach reduces waste by 20-30% while ensuring adequate staffing and supplies.

What real-world success stories show AI transforming event planning processes?

Companies using AI report 250% increases in qualified meetings (Grip), planning time reduced from 5 days to 1 day (ClickUp), and 3x ROI improvement for exhibitors using engagement data (Zenus). Major corporations like Google and Stripe have successfully automated their event planning with AI tools.