ChartStead review
Open-source tools for managing conference proposals, speakers, schedules, and public programs.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ChartStead is open-source conference-programming software for organizers managing a call for speakers through a published schedule. It covers public CFP submission forms, track-scoped proposal review, speaker onboarding, agenda construction, and an embeddable public program. Its audience is conference teams that need structured program operations, especially those seeking a self-hosted deployment or an adaptable system for speaker and session workflows.
The strongest part of ChartStead is the connection between submission, review, speaker preparation, and scheduling. Speaker onboarding includes tasks, bios, headshots, and logistics, while agenda construction supports rooms and tracks. Agenda conflict warnings help organizers identify scheduling issues, and the Course Check workflow adds an acceptance and publication review step. Public program and speaker gallery components can be embedded, extending the finished program to an event website or other public-facing experience.
ChartStead also offers a scoped HTTP API and MCP access, alongside web and self-hosted use. The MIT-licensed source gives teams room to run and adapt the software, while a hosted production environment is documented for teams that prefer that route. Its focus is deliberately narrower than a full event platform: ticketing, payments, advertising, and broad event CRM are outside the product’s stated scope. Choose ChartStead when conference programming and speaker management are the main requirements, particularly for a team comfortable operating or adapting self-hosted software. Choose another category of tool when the event also needs ticket sales, payment workflows, advertising management, or broad CRM functions.
ChartStead pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Open-source CFP and track-scoped proposal review
- Speaker onboarding covers tasks, bios, headshots, and logistics
- Agenda tools include rooms, tracks, and conflict warnings
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on programming rather than ticketing or payments
- Self-managed hosting and support sit with the operating team
- Broader event CRM capabilities are outside its focus
ChartStead fact sheet, pricing and score →
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