OpenCFP

Overview

OpenCFP is a free, self-hosted PHP system for collecting conference talk proposals and managing their review. It suits organizers who can maintain a web application and want a focused submission workflow. Its role-based review tools are useful, but maintenance-only development makes it a choice for teams prepared to own the upkeep.

Key features

Speakers register with contact information, submit proposals, and manage profiles through a portal. Reviewers can view and rate talks, while administrators can inspect speaker information, favorite proposals, and make selections. This division supports a deliberate review process, though it does not replace a broader event-management system.

Command-line utilities handle user and reviewer or administrator group management. That gives operators control over roles, but requires comfort with administration beyond the web interface. Configured SMTP sends system notifications, with Mailgun offered as an example provider; settings also support OpenCFP Central single sign-on.

Docker Compose and container instructions provide a deployment route. The project names PHP 7.4 and recommends Apache 2 or later with mod_rewrite and AllowOverride enabled, so hosting compatibility and maintenance are practical considerations. The setup guide advises enabling secure_ssl when possible, which requires a valid SSL certificate.

OpenCFP asks installers not to share collected personal information with third parties without explicit permission and recommends deleting database data within 15 months of accepting submissions. Those responsibilities fall to the event operator.

Pricing

OpenCFP is free: its OpenCFP plan costs nothing. There is no paid tier or trial, so organizers avoid subscription costs but also take responsibility for hosting and system administration.

Platforms

OpenCFP is available for Linux, the web, and self-hosted deployment. It is not presented as a mobile app; participants access its speaker portal through the web application.

Who it's for

OpenCFP is a sensible fit for conference teams that need speaker submissions, ratings, and administrator selections, and have the technical capacity to deploy and maintain a PHP application. Its maintenance-only status means teams seeking ongoing feature development should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free and self-hosted: organizers can run proposal collection and review without a subscription.
• Distinct review roles: reviewers rate talks, while administrators can examine speaker information and make selections.
• Deployment and operations options: Docker Compose, SMTP configuration, and command-line administration support teams managing their own installation.

Cons

• Maintenance-only development: the project accepts security fixes only, limiting its suitability for teams that expect active feature work.
• Technical operating requirements: deployment calls for compatible PHP and Apache configuration, and secure_ssl requires a valid certificate.
• Operator privacy duties: organizers must handle personal data carefully and follow the recommended retention period.

Alternatives

Speaker Management Software is the broader category to explore when comparing tools for speaker workflows.

Indico is another free, self-hosted option, with Android, iOS, API, and web platforms in addition to self-hosting. Choose it if those platform options better fit your event environment.

Novex Speaker Management offers a free-forever Beam plan for one event and up to 150 attendees, with email confirmations, QR e-badges, and on-site QR check-in. It is a better match when those attendee-facing event tools matter more than OpenCFP's self-hosted review workflow.

Fourwaves has a free Starter plan with 25 abstract submissions per year, unlimited registrations and events, and a 3% service fee. Consider it when a capped submission allowance and registration capabilities suit the event.

ConfTool offers a free license on request for smaller non-commercial events, capped at 150 participants, with local installation only and no support. It may suit organizers whose event fits those limits and who can operate a local installation.

Sessionize has a free Community event plan restricted to community events, excluding internal, private, promotional, marketing, profit, or commercial events. Choose it when the event qualifies and a hosted web option is preferable.

OpenConf has a Community Edition for three or fewer events and journals per calendar year, while its Plus Edition costs $400 a month. It is worth comparing if those edition limits and terms align with the organizer's needs.

pretalx is open-source software published under the Apache License and can be installed with pip. Consider it if that installation route and license are a better fit.

Speaker Dream offers a free plan with unlimited events, sessions, and speakers. It may appeal to organizers whose priority is those stated capacity limits.

Verdict

Choose OpenCFP if your conference needs a free, self-hosted system for submissions and structured proposal review, and your team can take responsibility for deployment, privacy, and maintenance. Its focused workflow is the main reason to use it; its security-fixes-only status is the main reason to seek an actively developed alternative.