OpenConf

What OpenConf is

OpenConf is software for managing peer review, conferences, and abstracts. Organizers can create submission forms from built-in fields or add custom fields, then assign reviews manually or match reviewers and submissions by topic or bids. Its workflow covers scoring, acceptance decisions, notifications, and committee discussion. Accepted submissions can be scheduled into a web program or print booklet, and proceedings can be published online. OpenConf can be installed on a customer's server or used through the maker-administered hosting service. Authentication options include passkeys, magic links, and OIDC or SAML single sign-on. Privacy controls include consent checkboxes, personal-information review, and administrator-managed deletion. Professional Edition lists IEEE eCopyright, ACM copyright export, and ORCID reviewer credit features. OpenConf 8 requires an HTTP server with TLS/SSL, PHP 7.3 or later, and MySQL 8.0.4 or later. Hosting pricing includes a secure TLS/SSL connection; the maker says hosted data is backed up hourly on- and off-site. Community Edition is limited to three or fewer events and journals per calendar year, and users receive no support. Paid pricing includes standard licenses from $400, paid once and hosting at $600 a year.

Who it suits

OpenConf suits conference and journal organizers who need submission, review, decision, and program workflows. Community Edition is aimed at users who can install and maintain the software themselves and need basic submission and review functions.

Limits

Community Edition is for three or fewer events and journals per calendar year, and its users do not receive support. The hosting service lists 100 submissions and 10GB storage; paid editions and standard licenses list unlimited submissions and one installation.

Getting started

1. Visit the OpenConf website.
2. Choose a self-hosted installation or the maker-administered hosting service.
3. For self-hosting, prepare an HTTP server with TLS/SSL, PHP 7.3 or later, and MySQL 8.0.4 or later.
4. Select Community Edition, a paid edition, a standard license, or hosting based on the listed options.
5. Set up submission forms and configure review assignment and workflow.

Verdict

OpenConf covers submission collection through review decisions, proceedings, and program scheduling. Choose between self-hosting and the hosted service, and account for the technical requirements and Community Edition support limits.