In the ever-evolving academic world, organizing conferences is becoming increasingly complex. Starting from managing abstract submissions, review processes, participant registration, to publication of proceedings, organizers need a platform that can simplify the entire conference workflow efficiently.
Two commonly used platforms are EasyChair and Leconfe. EasyChair has long been the global standard in conference management. However, Leconfe is here as a new alternative that is specifically designed with a local approach and the specific needs of the academic community in developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia.
So, how do the two compare? And which one is smarter to use in your academic conference?
Platform Overview
EasyChair
EasyChair is a web-based conference management platform that has been used by thousands of conferences worldwide. It supports manuscript submission, review, and basic program scheduling.
Leconfe
Leconfe is a modern, open-source conference platform that integrates manuscript submission, review, registration, payment, and publication in one system. Inspired by Open Journal Systems (OJS), Leconfe offers the flexibility and simplicity that conference organizers of all sizes need.
User Experience & Flexibility
EasyChair has a minimalist interface, but is often considered unintuitive, especially by new users or non-technical reviewers. Customization is very limited and less flexible to the unique needs of the conference.
In contrast, Leconfe comes with a more user-friendly interface, responsive on mobile devices, and can be customized to any conference model—be it academic, scientific, or institutional. Leconfe also provides a real-time notification system, role-based settings, and status tracking for authors and reviewers.
Cost & Accessibility
EasyChair operates on a freemium model. While basic usage is free, most conferences must pay for extended functionalities such as conference hosting, program scheduling, or technical support. Integration with external tools (like payment gateways or proceedings publishing) often incurs additional costs and effort.
Leconfe is open-source and completely free to use. Conference teams can host it independently, reducing long-term costs. Optional cloud hosting and support services are available, but the core software remains free.
Community & Support
Although EasyChair is widely used, documentation and user support are still limited, especially for non-Western regions.
Leconfe is developed by a community that is actively involved in journal and conference management in Indonesia. The development team provides documentation in English and a discussion forum.
Conclusion: Which is Smarter for You to Choose?
If you’re looking for a proven global platform that only requires basic features for manuscript management and review, then EasyChair is still a safe bet.
However, if you want a more flexible, comprehensive platform that’s tailored to your local needs—including registration, payments, and publishing—then Leconfe is a smarter and more efficient choice.
With its ever-expanding features, local community support, and free open-source license, Leconfe is a modern academic conference solution that’s not only cost-effective, but also supports your scholarly quality and reputation.