PartyLabz Event Management Platform [Review]

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PartyLabz: What Is It?
PartyLabz allows event planners to set up a dedicated event website without the hassle of backend coding. The company offers both a free and a paid version of their services, with the free version limited to events that have under 100 invitees.
While the name PartyLabz might lead you to think that the platform caters to parties and other social gatherings, it is equally adaptable to corporate events and team-building exercises. PartyLabz uses a ‘what you see is what you get’ (WYSIWYG) editor that includes instructions throughout the interface. You can specify the “who, what, where and when” details of your event on the page that appears when you first sign in. This page incorporates map functionality, with the option to set location pins without a registered address. Two tabs, titled “Description” and “Guests,” will also appear by default.
You can set up a maximum of ten additional tabs, or twelve tabs in total. It’s important to know that PartyLabz has created ten different tab templates suited to specific needs.
There is no need to use every available template, and you can use a specific template more than once if you want multiple tabs with the same functionality. When adding a new tab, you are prompted to select from one of the following core functionalities:
1. Content
2. Signup list
3. Agenda/Schedule
4. Polls
5. Images
6. Secret Santa
7. Comments
8. Payments
9. Files
10. Activity Stream
All of these functions have applications to a business setting — even the Secret Santa tab could be adapted to a team-building game or other corporate activity. You can edit the title of each tab to whatever you want, so it is really the specific tab features that matter.
Let’s take a closer look at the platform.
Main Feature Categories
Customizable Tabs. Each of the tabs listed above include multiple options for customization. We will cover these features in more detail further down.
Messaging Center. The “Guests” tab includes a “Send” button that allows you to send group messages to people you have added to your guest list. The potential distribution lists are further broken down into different categories based on their level of interaction; for example, you can choose to send your message only to those “who have not visited the event page,” or only to those who have already indicated that they’re “planning to attend the event.”
Automated RSVP Collection. The “Guests” tab of your event page will automatically display RSVP responses as they come in. By default, it is visible to the host only. You can edit the visibility so that everyone can have access to the names and RSVP status of each invitee. Guest contact information, however, will always remain hidden.
Unique QR Codes for Each Guest. When guests RSVP, they will receive a unique QR code, along with a text-based code. Either of these codes can be used when a guest checks in at your event. When you scan or enter the code at your registration desk, the guest’s status will automatically update from “Going” to “Arrived” under the “Guests” tab. Again, if you choose to make this information visible to everyone who RSVP’d, guests can look at your event page to skim through the list of people who have already checked in.
Umbrella Organizer Page. When you hit the “Menu” button in the upper righthand corner, you have the option to “Go to my events.” Here, you can set up an “Organizer page” complete with your company name and description, along with a link to your external website or social media account. If you are publishing more than one event on the PartyLabz platform, you can choose to list them on your organizer page. Another advantage is the ability to copy past events — all of the tabs will be duplicated along with the guest list and any information that was entered during the RSVP process. (Only uploaded images, files, and responses to polling questions will fail to transfer.)
Review
Designed around a WYSIWYG template, PartyLabz has a simple, user-friendly layout. There are limited options to modify the page’s appearance, but it includes many customizable features in terms of functionality. Additionally, it was designed with semi-automated setup in mind.
The guiding principle behind PartyLabz seems to be convenience. The initial registration process requires you to provide the name of your event along with your email address. A verification code will then be sent to the address provided; once you have entered your verification code, the website will remember you for a year.
When you first sign in, the PartyLabz platform will automatically select a banner picture for your event based on the title you provided when you registered. You can always modify this picture if you would prefer to add your own or replace it with another image from the PartyLabz catalogue. You can even embed a video from YouTube or Vimeo, but keep in mind that any advertising on the original platform will be carried over.
Many of the customizable features have default settings that are likely to work for most events. If you don’t get around to customizing every feature, chances are pretty good that the readymade content will work for your event.
Additionally, instructions are peppered throughout the interface so that you don’t have to hunt through the “Help” section for guidance on how to design your page.
The drop-down menu is the only feature that you might miss on your first glance, but it can be activated by clicking on the “Menu” button in the upper righthand corner of the event page. This menu provides customization options beyond the ones available on individual tabs. For example, under “Event Settings,” you can modify the RSVP process to include a waiver form, or to ask for personal information, like job title and address.
Who is it for?
PartyLabz provides a simple website template that is designed around an event planner’s key needs. It is best suited to small corporate meetings or team-building events. As the company name suggests, it is also a good fit for a wide variety of social gatherings.
If you don’t need a mobile app that accommodates networking features and third-party software integration, it may be a product worth exploring.
Features
Default Description Tab
Default Guest Tab
Signup List Tab
Agenda/Schedule Tab
Polling Tab
Images Tab
Secret Santa Tab
Comments Tab
Payments Tab
Files Tab
Activity Stream Tab
This list of features covers the basic functions of the PartyLabz platform. You can explore the platform for free if you want to learn more about its customization options.
Pricing and Plans
PartyLabz has both a free and a paid version of its service. The free version limits you to 100 guests, including anyone accompanying your invitees. With that said, if some of your invitees decline their invitation, you can remove them from your list to free up space for new invitees on your account.
In addition to accommodating more guests, the paid service also allows you to send invitations via text message. You can also see the delivery status of emails and text messages. Further, all advertisements will be removed from your event page.
You can also pay an extra fee to hide the PartyLabz logo. The full pricing options are detailed in the chart below.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordability: The basic service is free, and the paid options are competitively priced.
- User-friendly interface: The platform is designed for easy setup, and many of the customizable features have default settings that effectively create a semi-automated process.
- Ability to fundraise: The website’s integration with Stripe allows you to collect funds and deposit them directly into a dedicated account.
- Automatic QR production: The ability to automatically assign unique QR codes to each guest makes it easy to coordinate a smooth check-in process for your event’s attendees.
Cons
- No native mobile app: PartyLabz is currently supported on web browsers only.
- No push notifications: Although the paid version does facilitate text messaging features, the website does not support push notifications for updates to your page.
- No ticket selling functionality: While guests can use the Payments tab to submit voluntary donations, the website cannot process payments made in exchange for tickets.
- No integration with third-party software: Aside from using Stripe to facilitate payments, PartyLabz does not currently support third-party software integration.
IN CONCLUSION
When it comes to pricing, it’s hard to beat free. The free version of the program allows you to experiment with it for smaller events before committing to a bigger investment.
Although the website offers limited customization of the layout and visual design, it is very versatile in terms of its functionality. The interface is also easy to use with clear instructions throughout.
PartyLabz provides an economy option for planners with basic requirements. If you don’t need a mobile app with networking features, a PartyLabz website may work for you.
Disclaimer: Reviews are paid for placements. While Event Manager Blog receives a fee to extensively look at the tool and review it in detail, the content of the review is independent and by no means influenced by the company. If you have any questions please use the contact us section.