Organizing a successful conference is hard. From handling registrations to managing submissions and creating a dynamic conference experience, the workload can quickly become daunting. The pressure to make everything perfect can weigh heavily on your shoulders, leaving you searching for solutions to streamline your work and take some of the burden off your team.
We understand how exhausting the logistics can be. Maybe you’ve been swamped by endless emails from participants needing help with registration, or perhaps you’ve faced technical issues while managing paper submissions. It’s easy to feel lost when you’re juggling so many moving parts. What if there was a way to make all this simpler, smoother, and less stressful? That’s where choosing the right conference management platform comes into play.
Finding the right platform that meets your needs is key to a successful event. Whether you’re managing a small academic conference, a large international symposium, or a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual attendees, the right tools can make all the difference. With the growing number of platforms available, however, the question arises: how do you choose the best one for your conference? It’s not just about features — it’s about finding a solution that truly resonates with the kind of event you’re organizing and the audience you’re serving.
To help you navigate the crowded market of conference platforms, we’ve carefully curated some of the top players in 2024. Each platform brings its own strengths, and we’ve listed their pros to give you a clear picture of what they offer. From user-friendly interfaces and advanced virtual event features to affordability and customization, these platforms are designed to help you deliver a memorable and well-managed event. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, simplicity, or robust support for hybrid events, there’s an option here for you.
Leconfe
Leconfe is an open-source conference management platform designed with flexibility and customization in mind. It’s particularly well-suited for academic publishers, societies, and organizers who need to manage from simple to complex workflows, such as paper submissions and peer reviews.
Key Features:
- Open-source architecture
- End-to-end conference management
- Multi-conference support
- Indexing support (Google Scholar, Crossref DOI, etc.)
- Cost-effective with free community edition
- Community-driven development
- Extendability with plugins
This platform represents a paradigm shift in conference management, offering a level of customization and comprehensive functionality that sets it apart in the market. Its plugins system allows for unparalleled flexibility, making it an intriguing option for those who value control over their digital infrastructure.
Strengths:
- Comprehensive coverage of conference lifecycle: From registration to proceedings publication, Leconfe handles every aspect of conference management seamlessly.
- Adaptable to various conference types and sizes: Whether it’s a small conference or a large academic symposium, Leconfe’s fits diverse needs.
- Enhanced discoverability: Support for indexing in platforms like Google Scholar and Crossref DOI increases the visibility and impact of conference proceedings.
- Efficient multi-conference management: Organizations running multiple conferences can manage them all from a single, unified platform while maintaining individual customization.
- Budget-friendly options: The free community edition caters to small conferences and budget-conscious organizers, while affordable managed hosting is available for larger events.
- Continuous improvement: Backed by a global community of developers, Leconfe evolves rapidly, incorporating cutting-edge features and improvements.
Ideal For: Organizations seeking a tailored, comprehensive solution for complex or unique conference requirements, especially those with technical expertise or the desire for full control over their platform. It’s particularly well-suited for academic institutions and research organizations managing multiple events or requiring advanced publishing features.
Ex Ordo
Key Features:
- Intuitive paper submission and review system
- Comprehensive academic workflow management
- Robust communication tools for authors and reviewers
Ex Ordo has established itself as a go-to platform for academic conferences, offering a polished user experience that resonates with researchers and scholars.
Standout Qualities:
- User-friendly interface designed for academics
- Exceptional support for managing peer reviews
- Seamless integration with scholarly publishing workflows
Best Suited For: Universities, research institutions, and academic associations hosting conferences with rigorous peer-review processes.
ConfTool
Key Features:
- Affordable pricing tiers
- Essential conference management tools
- Multilingual support
ConfTool demonstrates that effective conference management doesn’t require a hefty investment, offering core functionality without unnecessary complexity.
Key Advantages:
- Low-cost solution for small to medium-sized events
- Quick setup and minimal learning curve
- Support for international conferences with multiple language options
Ideal For: Budget-conscious organizers, small academic departments, and non-profit organizations running focused conferences or workshops.
Oxford Abstracts
Key Features:
- Rapid deployment and ease of use
- Specialized abstract management tools
- Mobile-responsive design
Oxford Abstracts excels in its straightforward approach, allowing organizers to focus on content rather than technical intricacies.
Notable Strengths:
- Streamlined abstract submission and review process
- Intuitive interface for both organizers and participants
- Excellent accessibility across devices
Best For: Research conferences, medical symposiums, and events prioritizing efficient abstract handling and accessibility.
Fourwaves
Key Features:
- Advanced virtual and hybrid event capabilities
- Customizable virtual environments
- Integrated networking and engagement tools
In the era of hybrid events, Fourwaves offers a comprehensive solution that bridges the gap between in-person and virtual attendance.
Distinguishing Factors:
- Immersive virtual conference spaces
- Robust tools for attendee interaction and networking
- Seamless integration of live and on-demand content
Perfect For: Large-scale conferences, trade shows, and events aiming to provide a cohesive experience for both in-person and remote participants.
Conclusion: Navigating the Platform Landscape
As we’ve explored, the conference platform market in 2024 offers diverse solutions to meet a wide array of needs. From comprehensive, customizable systems to specialized tools for academic events, there’s a platform for every type of conference.
When selecting a platform, consider factors such as:
- The nature and scale of your event
- Your technical resources and expertise
- Budget constraints
- Specific workflow requirements
- The level of customization you need
- Long-term scalability and multi-event management capabilities
- Integration with academic indexing and publishing systems
The trend towards greater flexibility and customization is clear, with some platforms offering end-to-end solutions that cover the entire conference lifecycle. Open-source options are particularly worth considering for organizations with unique or evolving needs, as they provide the ultimate in adaptability and community-driven innovation.
Cost-effectiveness is another crucial factor, with some platforms offering free editions for smaller events or budget-conscious organizers. This democratization of conference management tools allows a wider range of organizations to host professional, impactful events.
Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific goals and resources. By carefully evaluating each option against your requirements, you can select a platform that not only meets your current needs but also positions your conferences for success in the rapidly changing landscape of event management.
As you move forward, remember that the right platform is more than just a tool—it’s a partner in creating engaging, impactful, and memorable conference experiences for your participants. Whether you prioritize customization, academic integration, budget-friendliness, or ease of use, there’s a solution out there that can elevate your conferences to new heights.