Cvent vs Bizzabo vs Swapcard: Onsite Badge Experience Compared

Cvent, Bizzabo, and Swapcard are three of the most popular event platforms. But their badge printing workflows differ significantly. Here's how they compare for onsite badge production.

Cvent

Cvent is the market leader for enterprise events. Its OnArrival check-in app supports badge printing through Zebra and Brother printers.

Badge Export

• Format: CSV or direct integration via OnArrival
• Fields: Name, company, title, registration type, QR code
• Custom fields: Supported, map any registration field to the badge

Onsite Workflow

1. Attendees check in via OnArrival app
2. Staff prints badge from connected Zebra printer
3. Badge design managed in Cvent's badge designer

Printer Support

• Zebra ZD-series (recommended)
• Brother QL-series
• Dymo LabelWriter (limited)

Pros

• Mature badge printing workflow
• Large printer compatibility list
• Strong QR code generation

Cons

• Badge designer is basic, advanced designs need external tools
• OnArrival requires internet connectivity

Bizzabo

Bizzabo targets mid-market and tech events. Its Klik smart badges use NFC, but standard badge printing is also supported.

Badge Export

• Format: CSV export from attendee list
• Fields: Name, company, role, ticket type, custom questions
• API access: Available for custom integrations

Onsite Workflow

1. Export attendee list as CSV
2. Import into external badge printing software
3. Print badges at registration desk

Printer Support

• Any printer supported by your badge software
• No native printer integration

Pros

• Flexible badge design (use any design tool)
• Strong API for custom workflows
• Great for branded, design-heavy badges

Cons

• No native badge printing, requires third-party software
• More technical setup

Swapcard

Swapcard focuses on matchmaking and networking. Badge printing is supported but secondary to its app-based networking features.

Badge Export

• Format: CSV or Excel from admin dashboard
• Fields: Name, company, job title, interests, QR code
• Badge design: Limited native options

Onsite Workflow

1. Export attendee list before event
2. Design badges externally
3. Print via mail-merge or dedicated badge software

Printer Support

• Any printer (no native integration)
• QR codes work with any scanner

Pros

• Strong networking features
• QR codes integrate well with lead retrieval
• Simple export process

Cons

• Weakest native badge support of the three
• Requires most external setup

Comparison Summary

Feature	Cvent	Bizzabo	Swapcard
Native badge printing	Yes	No	No
Badge design flexibility	Low	High	Low
Printer integration	Built-in	Third-party	Third-party
QR code quality	High	High	Medium
Setup complexity	Low	Medium	Medium
Best event size	500+	100-1,000	100-500

Which Platform for Badge Printing?

Choose Cvent if: - You want the simplest setup - Your team isn't technical - You're printing 500+ badges

Choose Bizzabo if: - Badge design is a priority - You have technical staff - You want full creative control

Choose Swapcard if: - Networking is your primary goal - Badge printing is secondary - You have a simple badge design

Hardware Works With All Three

The good news: badge printers don't care which platform you use. A Zebra ZD621 prints the same badge whether your data comes from Cvent, Bizzabo, or Swapcard. The difference is in the export and setup process.

Need help connecting your platform to badge printers? Request a quote and we'll handle the CSV mapping, template setup, and printer configuration.