AbstractWiz

Overview

AbstractWiz is a web-based tool for managing abstract submissions and peer review at academic conferences, workshops, and events. It is best suited to organizers who need a connected workflow from submission through review and event communications. The one-time Standard event fee makes the paid option straightforward, while the Free plan’s 20-submission ceiling may rule it out for larger calls.

Key features

Organizers can accept plain-text, rich-text, or file submissions, with uploaded papers supported for accepted oral submissions. Custom fields and criteria can be added to both submission and review forms, which accommodates event-specific requirements but leaves organizers responsible for designing those forms well.

Reviewers can be invited and assigned submissions according to their preferred areas of expertise, and reviews can be hidden from authors. Together, these options support blind review and subject-aligned assignments. Automated email notifications and customizable bulk messages to selected user groups help organizers target communications rather than send every update to everyone.

A dashboard summarizes submission and review progress, and filtered lists can generate reports. Organizers can export the database to a spreadsheet application; importing submissions is reserved for paid users. Accepted abstracts can be assembled into a customizable book printable through a browser, a useful finish for events that want a collected abstract volume without a separate publishing workflow.

An event license covers the period from creation of the submission instance through the end of the event. The trial lets organizers create an event and explore the platform before paying, with no card details required. AbstractWiz has operated since 2003, emerging from Stellenbosch University. The maker says the service uses HTTPS and ISO/IEC- and PCI DSS-compliant data centres, does not store card details, and retains personal data only as long as needed to provide event services unless users consent to further communication. Its privacy terms also say personal information is not disclosed beyond the event without consent. Support is reached through a contact form; the FAQ says the team will respond promptly.

Pricing

Free preserves the core event workflow but its 20-submission cap and lack of import can become operational constraints. Standard removes the submission limit and includes all features for a one-time event charge, rather than a recurring subscription. Custom pricing is the option for organizers seeking event setup and reviewer or committee assignment services.

Platforms

AbstractWiz runs on the web, so organizers can use it through a browser. No other platform is offered.

Who it's for

AbstractWiz makes most sense for academic conference, workshop, and event organizers who want submissions, blind review, targeted communications, reporting, and an abstracts book under one event license. It is less compelling for a small event that can use a simpler capped workflow, or for organizers who need a stated mobile or desktop application.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Submission formats include text and files, and custom fields can tailor both submission and review forms.
• Pros: Expertise-based reviewer assignments and hidden reviews support a structured review process.
• Pros: Reporting, spreadsheet export, bulk email, and browser-printable abstracts book span several event tasks.
• Cons: Free stops at 20 submissions and excludes import, limiting it for larger or migrating events.
• Cons: Standard costs $270 per event, which may be hard to justify for a small event that fits the free allowance.
• Cons: It is web-only, and custom form flexibility requires organizers to define their own fields and criteria.

Alternatives

For other tools in the category, see Call for Papers Software and Event Abstract Management Software.

• ConfTool is worth considering for smaller non-commercial events that qualify for its free license on request: that offer is limited to 150 participants, local installation, and no support.
• Fourwaves may suit organizers wanting a free annual tier with 25 abstract submissions, unlimited registrations and events, and a 3% service fee.
• HotCRP is an alternative for conferences, journals, or workshops sponsored by ACM or USENIX, which have free plans.
• Sessionize is an option for qualifying free community events; its free plan excludes internal, private, promotional, marketing, profit, and commercial events.
• Airballoon includes a companion event and networking app at no additional charge on its free BalloonUp tier.
• EasyChair offers a free plan capped at 20 submissions with no technical support, or a Professional plan at $3.90 per submission for up to 60 submissions.
• Fireside is a free, open-source option under the Apache-2.0 license.
• MeetingHand Abstract Management may fit events that can stay within its free allowance of 25 registrations or abstracts.

Verdict

Choose AbstractWiz if your academic event needs a complete submission-to-review workflow, targeted communications, reporting, and a printable abstracts book, especially if unlimited submissions justify $270 per event. Look elsewhere if your event fits within 20 submissions and import is unnecessary, or if web-only access and the paid tier do not suit your needs.