Planning Pod Alternative
ShoSoft vs. Planning Pod
Which is better for venue operators?
ShoSoft is for operators who want a clean, modern platform.
Unlike Planning Pod, ShoSoft is purpose-built for venue operators, not event planners. ShoSoft gives you exactly what you need in a single simple and focused platform.
- Intuitive and simple UI, Included
- All-in-one platform, Included
- Calendar and booking, Included
- Inventory management, Included
- Workforce management, Included
- Accounting and invoicing, Included
- Ticketing, Included
- Floor plan design, On the roadmap
- Exhibitor booth sales, Included
- AI features, Included
9 included · 1 on the roadmap
- Intuitive and simple UI, Partly
- All-in-one platform, Included
- Calendar and booking, Included
- Inventory management, Partly
- Workforce management, Partly
- Accounting and invoicing, Partly
- Ticketing, Included
- Floor plan design, Included
- Exhibitor booth sales, Not included
- AI features, Not included
4 included · 4 partly · 2 not included
- Included
- Partly
- Not included
- On the roadmap
| Compare | | |
|---|---|---|
| The basics | ||
| Best for | Independent event venues | Event planners, caterers, venues |
| Pricing | Free forever · Paid plans from $99/mo | Venue plan from $149/mo |
| Setup time | Under 1 hour | Weeks (40+ tools, steep learning curve) |
| Core platform | ||
| Intuitive and simple UI | Included | Partly. Feature breadth creates complexity |
| All-in-one platform | Included | Included |
| Calendar and booking | Included | Included |
| Inventory management | Included | Partly. F&B rentals only, not a true inventory system |
| Workforce management | Included | Partly. No shift scheduling |
| Accounting and invoicing | Included | Partly. QuickBooks via Zapier |
| Ticketing | Included | Included |
| Events and beyond | ||
| Floor plan design | On the roadmap | Included |
| Exhibitor booth sales | Included | Not included |
| AI features | Included | Not included |
When Planning Pod may be a better fit
Planning Pod is a broad, long-established platform with 40+ tools, including a leading 2D floor plan and seating chart designer. If you're an event planner balancing many client types and need CRM, planning, registration, and proposals in one place, Planning Pod has the breadth you might need. If detailed seating charts are critical or your work skews more event-planning than venue-operations, Planning Pod may be the better fit.
Why venues choose ShoSoft over Planning Pod
If your priority is minimizing tool configuration and decision fatigue, ShoSoft is built for you. ShoSoft is purpose-built for venue operators, and gives you the modules venues actually use in a clean, modern interface you'll be using in under an hour.
Trusted by conference centers, performing arts venues, creative spaces, and more nationwide.
Brands that have hosted events at Magic Box
Frequently asked questions
Talk to our teamYes, and especially for venue operators. Both are all-in-one platforms, but they're built for different users. Planning Pod packs in 40+ tools for event planners, caterers, and venues across many verticals. ShoSoft is purpose-built for venues, with a focused feature set you can learn in under an hour. With ShoSoft, there's less to configure and you reach value faster.
The information presented on this page is provided solely for general informational and comparative purposes to assist prospective customers in evaluating event management software solutions. Comparisons are based on publicly-available information, product documentation, pricing pages, customer-facing materials, and industry sources. Product features, functionality, integrations, pricing, service offerings, implementation timelines, support offerings, and product roadmaps may change at any time and may vary based on subscription tier, customer requirements, configuration, implementation, or other factors. ShoSoft makes no representation or warranty regarding the completeness, accuracy, or current status of any third-party information. Prospective customers should independently evaluate and verify all information.