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Events · head to head

Grip vs Planning Pod

Grip logo

Grip

Events

AI-powered event networking

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Planning Pod logo

Planning Pod

Events

Event planning software that works

From
$59/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Grip no published pricing - requires contacting sales for custom quotes; Planning Pod no transparent pricing table published; pricing determined individually per venue during demo
  • They diverge on capability: Grip covers AI recommendations, Planning Pod covers Lead management.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Grip and Planning Pod actually diverge.

Attributes where Grip and Planning Pod differ
AttributeGripPlanning Pod
Starting priceOn request$59/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
PlatformsWeb, MobileWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20142012

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Events).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Grip

  • AI recommendations
  • Meeting scheduler
  • Intent data
  • Lead scoring
  • Analytics
  • Salesforce
  • HubSpot
  • Cvent

Only in Planning Pod

  • Lead management
  • Floor plans
  • Budgeting
  • Timeline
  • Client portal
  • QuickBooks
  • Stripe
  • PayPal

Both cover

  • Zapier
  • Web support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Grip

  • Event planning
  • Ticket sales
  • Attendee management
  • Virtual events
  • Event marketing

Planning Pod

  • Event planning
  • Ticket sales
  • Attendee management
  • Virtual events
  • Event marketing

Both are used for event planning, ticket sales, attendee management, virtual events, event marketing, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Grip

  • No published pricing - requires contacting sales for custom quotes
  • Roundtables limited to 25 active audio/video participants out of 100 max attendees
  • Only Standard sessions supported for in-person-only events; other formats require virtual or hybrid setup
  • Platform setup requires privacy policy and user agreement, plus delivery manager coordination

Planning Pod

  • No transparent pricing table published; pricing determined individually per venue during demo
  • Pricing based on event volume complexity rather than standard tiers
  • Requires personalized demo to determine exact pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Grip

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the Grip review.

Planning Pod

$59/month
  • Planner$59/month
    • Basic planning tools
    • 5 events
    • Email support
  • Professional$99/month
    • Unlimited events
    • Floor plans
    • Budget tracking
  • Business$199/month
    • Team features
    • Client portal
    • API access

Which should you pick?

Choose Grip if

  • You need ai recommendations.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want meeting scheduler.
Grip review

Choose Planning Pod if

  • You need lead management.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want floor plans.
Planning Pod review

Questions people ask

Is Grip or Planning Pod better?
Neither clearly leads. Grip starts at On request and Planning Pod at $59/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Grip or Planning Pod?
Grip starts at On request and Planning Pod at $59/month.
Does Grip or Planning Pod run on more platforms?
Grip runs on Web, Mobile. Planning Pod runs on Web, Ios, Android.
What is Grip best used for?
Grip is most often used for event planning, ticket sales, attendee management, virtual events.
What can Grip do that Planning Pod cannot?
Grip covers AI recommendations, Meeting scheduler, Intent data, Lead scoring. Planning Pod covers Lead management, Floor plans, Budgeting, Timeline. Both handle Zapier, Web support, Ios support, Android support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Grip: How does Grip's AI matchmaking work?

Grip uses 16 machine learning algorithms on billions of interaction data to generate over 70 million recommendations annually. It analyzes attendee preferences and behaviors to suggest relevant connections.

Source
Planning Pod: How does Planning Pod pricing work?

Planning Pod uses volume-based pricing determined by the number of events your venue manages at any given time. Pricing typically ranges from $199-319/month for single-location venues, but you only pay for the volume you actually run.

Source
Grip: What are the main features?

Grip includes AI-powered matchmaking, interactive floor plans, direct messaging and video, meeting scheduling, sponsored sessions, live streams, and round tables for networking events.

Source
Planning Pod: Does Planning Pod publish a public pricing table?

No, Planning Pod does not publish a detailed public pricing table. To determine your specific rate, you must schedule a personalized demo and discuss your venue's event volume with their team.

Source
Grip: How is Grip priced?

Grip uses custom pricing based on event needs. Pricing is not publicly listed; organizers must contact sales for quotes.

Source
Grip: Can I integrate Grip with existing event management systems?

Yes. Grip acquired Connectiv EMS and integrates with existing event management systems, allowing you to use Grip's features with your current event tech stack.

Source
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