Software Support
Check out these excellent software tools to aid your event business
by Lindsey Getz | Published in July 2009 Features | event currents | software
Check out these excellent software tools to aid your event business
There are many software options out there that can help you better manage your business. Here’s a roundup of some of the best, and what tools and new features they have to offer.
Caterease. Offering user-friendly features and tools, Caterease allows planners to book events, generate custom event reports, create invoices and contracts, and more. In addition to the Caterease desktop solution, Caterease Connect, a fully Web-based program, allows you access from any computer with a high-speed Internet connection. The company also now offers a Web ordering tool, so that customers can enter their own orders online. The ordering module also allows users to publish any or all of their Caterease menu items to the Web instantly. »caterease.com
Sirius Pro.
Designed for the rental industry, Orion Software’s Sirius Pro software allows users to get automatic price and tax calculations, offer professional and complete invoices to customers and track customers’ credit limits and accounts receivable, among other functions. The software’s extensive inventory maintenance also helps users prevent oversights, increase sales and simplify new employee training. »orion-soft.com
Vivien Virtual Event Designer.
Vivien 2.0 is a 3D event design and sales software tool that allows users to create visually stunning images. The company has also recently announced the upcoming release of Vivien09, which picks up where version 2.0 leaves off with the added realism of streaming video, real-life beam footprints and better shadowing. »viviendesign.com
ReServe Interactive.
ReServe Interactive’s event management and catering software solutions help streamline and optimize all aspects of managing events. The software centralizes multiple event books and controls function space; coordinates menus, pricing and equipment lists; enhances employee communication; and manages customer databases and marketing campaigns, among other functions. The software is available in two versions: a desktop version that is installed on the computer and the Web-based ReServe Anywhere. »reserveinteractive.com
Certain Sourcing. Certain Software’s just-released Certain Sourcing is a Web-based strategic software solution designed to help meeting planners make informed decisions about which venues and suppliers will best serve the needs of their meetings. The easy-to-use sourcing system features a complete application for the management of RFP, site search, hotel evaluation and contract processes. »certain.com
IntelliEvent Express.
IntelliEvent’s inventory control event management software system provides the tools necessary to run a more efficient operation, as well as the ability to create reports that are needed to analyze the factors involved in becoming more profitable. The system comprehensively tracks every aspect of a venue or event, including labor, transportation, logistics and inventory. The software also enables the user to easily develop and present proposals and track purchase orders. »intellievent.com
ActiveEvents.
Just released, WingateWeb Conference 5.1 is the latest edition of ActiveEvents’ enterprise event management solution, which now includes a new lead management and retrieval system offering advanced data mining, built-in reports and integrated e-mail capabilities. It can manage the details involved in all aspects of a show, fully automating everything from registration to easy follow-ups. Additionally, the company has also just released ActiveEvents OnDemand, a Web-based event management solution that offers scaled pricing based on business needs. »activeevents.com
Enterprise Solutions. From Synergy International, the Enterprise product manages almost all of the business process. This is one of the company’s most popular products, as it bundles most of its features and products into one complete package with full pre-costing, sales profit and loss analysis, and comprehensive sales personnel performance. It also allows users to financially analyze recipes, ingredients, and inventory control, and perform menu management, purchasing and production. »synergy-intl.com