OpenCFP

Overview

OpenCFP is a PHP-based application for running a conference call for proposals and the subsequent selection process. It suits organizers prepared to host and administer their own service, especially those wanting a focused submission workflow rather than a full event platform. The zero-cost license is compelling, but maintenance mode makes its long-term fit dependent on your willingness to operate an aging project.

Key features

Speaker registration collects contact information, and a speaker portal lets contributors submit talk proposals and maintain their profiles. Application forms, a speaker portal, and email automation cover the core call-for-papers journey without requiring a separate intake system.

The administrative dashboard gives reviewers access to talks and rating tools, while administrators can inspect speaker information, mark favorite proposals, and make final selections. This separation is practical for committees with distinct reviewing and decision-making responsibilities. It is a submission-and-review tool, not a broader conference registration or attendee-management suite.

Command-line utilities handle user administration and reviewer or administrator groups. That provides granular operational control, but it also means routine account and role work may sit with someone comfortable using a shell. SMTP configuration sends system notifications, with Mailgun cited as an example provider. Settings for OpenCFP Central single sign-on can simplify authentication when that service is part of your setup.

Deployment can follow the supplied Docker Compose file and container instructions. The stated environment includes PHP 7.4 and recommends Apache 2 or later with mod_rewrite and AllowOverride enabled, so hosting still demands attention to server configuration. The setup guidance recommends enabling secure_ssl when possible, which requires a valid SSL certificate. Privacy-conscious operators are asked not to share collected personal information with third parties without explicit permission, and the README recommends deleting database data within 15 months of accepting submissions.

Pricing

OpenCFP has one published plan: OpenCFP costs free. It is a self-hosted PHP conference talk submission system with application forms, a speaker portal, and email automation. There is no free trial because the product is already free, and there are no paid tiers or subscription renewals to budget for. The trade-off is operational: you supply hosting, deployment, security configuration, updates, and administration yourself.

Platforms

OpenCFP runs on Linux as a self-hosted web application. Docker Compose offers a container-based route, while the documented PHP and Apache requirements provide a conventional installation path. Choose it when your organization controls suitable infrastructure; teams seeking a vendor-hosted service should look elsewhere.

Who it's for

It is a good match for conference organizers with technical staff who need speaker registration, proposal collection, reviewer ratings, and administrator selection in one focused system. It also fits organizations that prefer self-hosting and can enforce their own privacy and retention practices.

It is a weaker choice for teams expecting active feature development, managed hosting, or a polished event-management ecosystem. The project is in maintenance mode and accepts only security fixes, so new workflow requirements may remain yours to solve.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free self-hosted plan: there is no software charge or recurring renewal.
• Complete proposal workflow: registration, profile management, submissions, ratings, and selection are covered in one application.
• Role-aware administration: reviewer and administrator capabilities support committee-based decisions.
• Deployment flexibility: Docker Compose and conventional PHP/Apache guidance accommodate different hosting teams.
• Operational integrations: SMTP notifications and OpenCFP Central single sign-on provide useful infrastructure hooks.

Cons

• Maintenance-only status: only security fixes are accepted, limiting prospects for feature growth.
• Technical ownership: self-hosting, command-line administration, SSL, and server configuration are your responsibility.
• Retention burden: operators must manage deletion of database data within the recommended 15-month period.

Alternatives

Indico is another free, open-source self-hosted option, with Android, iOS, API, and web access in addition to self-hosting; choose it when broader platform reach matters.

Novex Speaker Management offers a free-forever Beam plan for one event and up to 150 attendees, plus hosted mobile and web platforms, making it preferable when you want a managed freemium service.

ConfTool has a free license on request for smaller non-commercial events of up to 150 participants, with local installation and no support; it suits organizations within those limits.

Fourwaves provides a free Starter tier with 25 abstract submissions per year, unlimited registrations and events, and a 3% service fee, which favors hosted event operations with modest submission volume.

Sessionize offers a free Community event plan for qualifying community events, so choose it when your event meets its non-commercial eligibility rules and you want a hosted service.

Callboard is open source under the MIT license and self-hosted, giving technically minded teams another no-cost deployment choice.

EasyChair has a free plan capped at 20 submissions and no technical support, with paid per-submission tiers for higher limits; it is suited to small events that prefer a hosted web tool.

OpenConf offers a community edition for up to three events and journals per calendar year, with paid editions for organizations needing more capacity and support.

For a wider shortlist, see Speaker Management Software.

Verdict

Choose OpenCFP if you need a free, self-hosted pipeline from speaker registration through committee selection and have the technical capacity to run it. Its main advantage is concentrated functionality without licensing cost. Look elsewhere if you need active product development, hosted operations, or a broader event platform: maintenance-only status and infrastructure responsibility are significant constraints.