Event App Builder: Create Sign-Up and Registration Apps
Build native iOS and Android event management apps with registration, calendar integration, and push notifications. The complete guide to creating event apps that attendees love.
Founder, Newly
Creating a sign up app for events has become essential in today's mobile-first world. The global event management software market reached $15.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 17.4% through 2029. Whether you're organizing conferences, workshops, or community gatherings, a dedicated event app builder can transform how attendees discover, register for, and experience your events.
Key Takeaways
- Registration & ticketing — custom forms, secure payments, and QR code tickets
- Calendar integration — sync events to attendee calendars on iOS and Android
- Push notifications — reminders, updates, and real-time announcements
- Check-in tools — QR scanning, badge printing, and attendance tracking
- Full code ownership — export and customize your app without vendor lock-in
Event App Market in 2026
Sources: Grand View Research, Mordor Intelligence
Why Build a Custom Event App?
While platforms like Eventbrite and Cvent dominate the event registration space, they come with limitations: high per-ticket fees, limited branding options, and no source code ownership. A custom registration app gives you complete control over the attendee experience.
Building your own event management app means you control the branding, keep 100% of ticket revenue (minus payment processor fees), and can add custom features that off-the-shelf solutions don't offer. With AI-powered development tools, creating a native mobile app is no longer limited to organizations with large development budgets.
Essential Features for Event Apps
According to Guidebook's research, 59% of event apps now incorporate gamification, and mobile-responsive design is no longer optional—it's essential. Here's what modern attendees expect from a booking app builder solution:
Event App Feature Planner
Select the features you need for your event app. We will show you what Newly can build.
Registration & Ticketing
The foundation of any event app is a robust registration system. According to Whova's 2026 analysis, the best registration platforms offer:
- ✓Custom form fields — collect exactly the data you need
- ✓Multiple ticket types — VIP, early bird, group rates
- ✓PCI-compliant payments — Stripe, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- ✓Automated confirmations — instant email and in-app receipts
On-Site Check-In
The connection between online registration and on-site operations has become seamless. Modern event apps sync data instantly, allowing staff to:
- ✓QR code scanning — contactless check-in under 2 seconds
- ✓Real-time attendance — see who's arrived and who hasn't
- ✓Badge printing — on-demand name tag generation
- ✓Session tracking — monitor individual breakout attendance
Event App Platform Comparison 2026
Choosing the right platform depends on your event size, budget, and customization needs. Here's how the leading solutions compare according to Capterra's 2026 analysis:
| Platform | Best For | Pricing | Native App | Code Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eventbrite | Public events, ticketing | 3.7% + $1.79/ticket | Partial | ✗ |
| Cvent | Enterprise conferences | $1,000-5,000+/mo | ✓ | ✗ |
| Bizzabo | B2B experience management | Custom (enterprise) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Whova | Conferences 50+ attendees | 3.0% + $0.99/ticket | ✓ | ✗ |
| Newly | Custom native apps | From $25/month | ✓ Full | ✓ 100% |
When to Use Traditional Platforms
- →You need built-in audience reach (Eventbrite marketplace)
- →Enterprise-grade venue sourcing is required (Cvent)
- →You have a dedicated team for complex setup
When to Build Custom with Newly
- ✓You want your own branded native app
- ✓You need custom features platforms don't offer
- ✓Code ownership and no vendor lock-in matter
Calendar Integration & Push Notifications
Two features that separate native event apps from web-based solutions are deep calendar integration and push notifications. According to Accelevents research, real-time push notifications are now expected by attendees at scale.
Native App Capabilities
Calendar Integration
- •One-tap add to iOS Calendar or Google Calendar
- •Automatic reminders based on user preferences
- •Session-by-session scheduling for multi-track events
- •Time zone handling for global attendees
Push Notifications
- •Event reminders (1 day, 1 hour, 15 minutes before)
- •Real-time updates (room changes, delays)
- •Personalized announcements by ticket type
- •Interactive notifications with action buttons
Newly Advantage: Built on React Native and Expo, apps created with Newly have full access to native calendar and notification APIs on both iOS and Android. The included Supabase backend handles push notification delivery through edge functions.
Building Your Event App with AI
Creating a professional event app builder solution used to require a team of developers and months of work. With AI-powered platforms, you can generate a fully functional native app in minutes.
Describe Your Event App
Tell the AI what kind of events you're hosting and what features you need:
# Example prompt for Newly:
"Build an event registration app for tech conferences. Include attendee registration with custom fields, multiple ticket types with Stripe payments, QR code check-in, session scheduling with calendar sync, push notifications for reminders, and a networking feature to connect attendees with similar interests."
AI Generates Your App
The AI creates production-ready React Native code with all your requested features, plus a configured Supabase backend for:
Customize & Iterate
Refine your app with natural language. Want to add a feature? Just ask:
Deploy to App Stores
When ready, deploy to the App Store and Google Play with one click. Or export your source code to GitHub and deploy using your own infrastructure. You own 100% of the code—there's no vendor lock-in.
Ready to Build Your Event App?
Create a native iOS and Android event app with registration, calendar sync, and push notifications. No coding required. Full source code ownership. From $25/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What features do event apps need?
Essential event app features include registration forms, secure payment processing, QR code ticketing, push notifications for reminders, calendar integration, attendee management, and real-time check-in capabilities. Advanced features may include networking tools, live polling, and session scheduling.
How do I handle registrations and sign-ups in my event app?
Event registrations require customizable forms, secure payment processing, automated confirmation emails, and ticket generation. Modern platforms like Newly provide built-in authentication and database support through Supabase, making it easy to store and manage attendee data securely.
Can I integrate calendar and push notifications in my event app?
Yes, native mobile apps can integrate with device calendars to add events automatically and send push notifications for reminders, updates, and announcements. React Native and Expo provide APIs for both iOS and Android calendar integration and native push notification support.
Which platforms support event app features?
Platforms like Cvent, Eventbrite, and Bizzabo offer event management solutions with varying features and pricing. For custom native mobile apps, Newly provides AI-powered development with full source code ownership, Supabase backend integration, and deployment to both App Store and Google Play.
How much does it cost to build an event management app?
Traditional event app development costs range from $50,000 to $150,000+ for custom solutions. Enterprise platforms like Cvent start at $1,000+ per month. AI-powered builders like Newly start at $25/month with full native app capabilities, making event app development accessible to organizations of all sizes.