StaffConnect and PopBookings Compared: A Guide for Event Professionals

For event professionals seeking to improve efficiency and reduce errors in event planning, StaffConnect and PopBookings are proving to be the go-to software platforms. These platforms excel in streamlining task organization, efficiently managing schedules, and facilitating seamless communication among team members. However, despite their shared functionalities and benefits, each platform brings a unique set of advantages to meet specific needs and address distinct requirements, distinguishing them as vital yet distinct choices. 

For today’s blog, we discuss the features and pricing of StaffConnect and PopBookings, equipping you with the necessary information to make a well-informed choice for your event management requirements. 

StaffConnect vs. PopBookings: Similar Features

Both StaffConnect and PopBookings provide essential tools for event and staff management, ensuring smooth event scheduling, communication, and tracking. Here are the key similarities between the two platforms:

1. GPS Check-In/Geo Check-Ins

Both StaffConnect and PopBookings offer a GPS-based check-in system. This feature allows managers to verify the location and attendance of staff during events in real-time, ensuring accountability and accuracy.

2. Talent Database/Database Management

Managing a comprehensive talent database is crucial for any staffing platform. StaffConnect provides a Talent Database, while PopBookings has Database Management. Both features help users store, organize, and access information on staff, such as availability, skills, and past work history, simplifying the process of assigning roles.

3. Customizing Features

StaffConnect and PopBookings offer customizable options. StaffConnect has Whitelabel Custom Branding, which allows companies to fully customize the platform, from the URL to the app, to reflect their own brand identity, making it appear as an in-house tool to staff and clients. On the other hand, PopBookings specifically includes a Custom-Branded Talent Portal that allows staff to interact with the platform under the company’s branding.

4. Event Scheduling

Event scheduling is a core functionality of both platforms. StaffConnect offers Event Scheduling features, including a shared, color-coded calendar, talent availability checker, and automated staff recommendations. Meanwhile, PopBookings provides a Drag-and-Drop Scheduling feature. Both systems allow users to easily assign staff to shifts and manage event schedules with efficiency although StaffConnect offers more event scheduling functionalities.

5. Communication/Built-In Instant Messaging

Effective communication plays a crucial role in event staffing, with both StaffConnect and PopBookings offering features designed to enhance this. StaffConnect stands out with a suite of communication tools, including automated reminders, SMS, and a centralized communications hub, allowing for a multifaceted approach to staying in touch with your team. On the other hand, PopBookings streamlines the communication process with its Built-In Instant Messaging feature, facilitating quick and easy exchanges of information.

6. ePayroll/Timesheets, Invoicing & Payroll

When it comes to payroll management, both platforms offer functionality to ensure smooth payment processing. StaffConnect handles this through its Timesheets, Invoicing & Payroll feature, while PopBookings provides ePayroll. Both platforms make it easy to track hours worked and ensure timely payment, though StaffConnect integrates multi-currency payment options into the process.

StaffConnect vs. PopBookings: Unique Features

While StaffConnect and PopBookings share core staffing management features, they differ in how they approach app integration, data management, and other features. Let’s look at what makes each platform distinct:

StaffConnect’s Unique Features

StaffConnect offers features designed to give users more efficiency in data collection, analysis, and app integration. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Quizzes, Surveys & Data Collection

The Quizzes, Surveys & Data Collection feature of StaffConnect enables easy creation and management of online quizzes, surveys, and data collection tools. Customizable quizzes and surveys support various applications, from pre-event assessments to post-event feedback, aiding in skills evaluations and even health compliance.

2. Webhooks

Webhooks in StaffConnect allows you to automatically sync event data with other applications, such as billing platforms, to streamline your business operations. They capture specific events, like generating an invoice, and send that data directly to another application, eliminating manual work.

PopBookings' Unique Features

PopBookings, while less feature-rich in certain areas, offer a few unique tools to make the event management process more intuitive:

1. Event Dashboard with Status Alerts

This feature provides managers with a clear view of event statuses, including alerts, confirmations, and any potential issues that need attention, all in a centralized dashboard. It meticulously tracks and displays various event-related statuses, such as alerts for immediate attention that might affect the event's execution. 

2. 3-Way Confirmations

Ensuring clear communication between all parties, PopBookings features 3-Way Confirmations feature. This ensures that not only managers but also talent and clients are all on the same page about staffing assignments, minimizing miscommunications. 

StaffConnect vs. PopBookings: Price

StaffConnect and PopBookings offer three plans with different prices. Their pricing structure is flexible and scalable, allowing businesses to start small and grow their operations with ease. Below, we discuss the prices of these two powerful platforms in more detail.

StaffConnect Price 

StaffConnect offers three distinct subscription options to cater to various needs: Starter, Professional, and Enterprise. Each plan is designed with a unique set of tools and priced accordingly to match the diverse requirements of their clients.

First up, the Starter Plan, priced at an affordable $99.99 monthly. Ideal for small teams, this plan offers you 1 admin and 50 staff users, alongside unlimited shifts, emails, and chat, not to forget the all-important email support. Need more admin power? No problem, add extra admin users for just $80 each month, and expand your staff roster for a mere $5 per 50 staff contact.

For those needing a bit more management efficiency boost, the Professional Plan at $239.99 a month might just hit the sweet spot. It ramps things up with 3 admin users and a generous allowance of 500 staff users. Just like the Starter, it boasts all the essential features, with the added flexibility to increase your team's admin users for an additional $80 and add 500 staff contacts for only $25 per month.

StaffConnect’s most expensive plan is the Enterprise Plan which costs $799.99 per month, making it the top choice for businesses looking to reach new heights. It's packed with 7 admin users and a whopping 1,000 staff users. Plus, you'll get a dedicated support representative to ensure everything runs smoothly and a white-labeled app for enhanced brand experience.  Expanding is also easy and more cost-effective here, with additional admin users at $60 and 500 staff contacts at just $10.

PopBookings Price 

Whether you're just starting out or looking for unlimited admin and talent user access, PopBookings caters to all with its three-tier subscription model: Starter, Advanced, and Unlimited.

Kick things off with the Starter Plan at $67 per month, perfect for the emerging event organizer. It covers up to 30 shifts, throws in 1,500 SMS texts for easy communication, and doesn’t cap the number of admin and talent users. Plus, you get your very own private talent database and custom talent portal. Need more? Each additional shift is just $2.25.

If you feel like the Starter plan is not enough for your needs, you may check out the Advanced Plan which is priced at $188 per month. In this plan, you get the same features as the Starter Plan but with more shifts and SMS texts. You get up to 100 shifts and a whopping 10,000 SMS texts.

For the event staffing pros, the Unlimited Plan at $750 per month is the ultimate package. Say goodbye to counting shifts or worrying about texting limits—with unlimited shifts, 25,000 SMS texts, API access, and a dedicated support representative. 

Step Up Your Event Management Game With StaffConnect

While both StaffConnect and PopBookings deliver exceptional services that are indispensable to any business, each platform boasts its unique set of advantages tailored to meet your specific needs. If you find that StaffConnect resonates more closely with what you're looking for to elevate your event and staff management to new heights, you may take advantage of a free demo and explore what this app has to offer firsthand.