From venue layout to lead tracking, even the smallest hiccup can derail months of planning. That’s why Zoho is doubling down on innovation with its all-in-one event platform, Zoho Backstage, now retooled for the demands of large-scale conferences and exhibitions.
At a recent industry event, Pratik—senior product manager at Zoho and one of the minds behind Backstage—unveiled how the platform has evolved from a basic ticketing tool into a sophisticated event management solution.
Related articles 10 Easy Ways To Use QR Codes for Marketing
From Modest Beginnings to a Convention Powerhouse
Originally developed to help small businesses manage workshops and meetups, Zoho Backstage has rapidly scaled. “We started with basic conference needs,” Pratik explained. “Now, we’re supporting complex, multi-day exhibitions with thousands of attendees.”
This growth reflects a strategic pivot as Zoho positions Backstage as a go-to platform for large events in convention centers and expo halls.
Dynamic Floor Planning: No More Pen-and-Paper Chaos
One of the platform’s standout features is the dynamic floor planner—a game-changer for booth management. Organizers can now design and update exhibition layouts in real time with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Exhibitors, in turn, can view available spaces and book booths instantly—removing the guesswork and long email threads that once bogged down this process.
Lead Scanning That Actually Works
Networking is a core value proposition of any event—but traditional methods for capturing leads, like business cards or manual forms, are clunky and often ineffective. Zoho Backstage now integrates a lead scanning app, enabling exhibitors to scan attendee QR codes on the spot. The data flows directly into Zoho’s CRM tools, accelerating follow-up and sales workflows after the event ends.
A Full-Spectrum Solution for Organizers
Beyond floor plans and lead capture, Backstage now offers end-to-end management for event planners. From managing exhibitor registrations to coordinating logistics, the platform centralizes communication, schedules, and workflows—minimizing human error and saving valuable time.
“The goal is to give organizers control and clarity,” Pratik noted. “You don’t need to juggle five different tools to run one event anymore.”
Empowering Exhibitors with Self-Service Tools
Exhibitors get their own control center through a self-service portal, where they can upload brand materials, manage their event presence, and even update their public-facing booth profile. The result: more polished exhibitor experiences and richer attendee engagement.
Positive Reception and What’s Ahead
Early adopters have praised Backstage for its ease of use, flexibility, and integrated functionality. Event teams report smoother execution, fewer miscommunications, and better outcomes overall.
Looking ahead, Zoho is preparing to host its own Zoho Backstage Exhibit, a showcase of the platform’s capabilities—and a testing ground for new features.
The Bottom Line: A New Era for Event Planning
Zoho Backstage is no longer just a tool—it’s becoming the backbone of modern event management. With smart features that address real-world pain points and a vision for continuous improvement, it’s poised to reshape how organizers, exhibitors, and attendees experience events.
For businesses looking to scale their event operations with precision and professionalism, Zoho Backstage may be the upgrade they’ve been waiting for.
