OpenRostrum
OpenRostrum: A free, open-source CFP and speaker-operations platform with scheduling and publishing. Ranked #20 of 24 in Call for Papers Software by our editors (7.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source speaker and CFP operations.
At a glance
- Editor score7.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source speaker and CFP operations
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Searchable speaker CRM with segments, scores, notes, and history
- Conditional CFP forms, proposal decisions, and speaker portals
- Conflict-aware agenda building with public schedule publishing
Where it doesn't
- Peer-review depth is less emphasized than speaker operations
- Self-hosted deployment adds an infrastructure choice to manage
- Optional AI scoring is a first-pass aid, not a complete review workflow
Our verdict on OpenRostrum
OpenRostrum is an open-source platform for conference speaker relationships, call-for-speakers workflows, proposal review, presenter coordination, and program publishing. It is designed for conference organizers who need one system for speaker records, CFP forms, submission decisions, communications, deliverables, agenda planning, calendar invitations, and public event pages. Organizations can use it as a hosted web application or deploy it on their own infrastructure.
The published pricing model is free, with no paid tier, and the product is MIT-licensed. That makes OpenRostrum a clear fit for teams seeking open-source CFP operations without a tiered subscription structure. Platform options cover web and self-hosted use. Calendar connectivity includes Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Calendar, while public outputs include schedules, speaker pages, session pages, galleries, itineraries, embeds, and feeds. Calendar invitations use ICS attachments and support schedule updates.
Its strongest area is the connection between speaker operations and program delivery. The speaker CRM supports searchable directories, segments, scores, notes, and history; multi-step forms can reuse fields and show conditional questions; and speaker portals organize bios, headshots, slides, forms, and submission status. Organizers can track outstanding deliverables, manage confirmations and reminders, and build a day-by-room agenda with drag-and-drop placement and conflict detection. Optional AI first-pass scoring adds rationale to an initial review. Choose OpenRostrum when speaker coordination and publishing matter as much as submissions. Choose an alternative when deep peer-review workflows are the primary requirement.
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OpenRostrum pricing
OpenRostrum fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Blind review | Not verified |
| Submission types | Not verified |
| Review stages | Not verified |
| Submission limit | Not verified |
| Reviewer limit | Not verified |
| Schedule builder | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs, Tickets |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Gmail, Outlook, Apple Calendar |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | openrostrum.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
OpenRostrum integrations
OpenRostrum lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Gmail
- Outlook
- Apple Calendar
Alternatives to OpenRostrum
- Microsoft CMTA free, full-featured system for managing academic submissions, reviews, rebuttals, and schedules.9.4
- AirballoonA broad web-based conference system covering CFPs, review, event operations, and attendee engagement.9.2
- EasyChairA broad academic conference workflow with a useful free tier and usage-based upgrades.9.0
See all OpenRostrum alternatives →
Also Ranked In
OpenRostrum is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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