pretalx
pretalx: A capable open-source choice for CFPs, reviews, speakers, and conference scheduling. Ranked #9 of 34 in Event Scheduling Software by our editors (8.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source CFP scheduling.
At a glance
- Editor score8.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source CFP scheduling
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Custom CFP workflows with branding, deadlines, languages, and domains
- Review teams, anonymous proposals, speaker communication, and outbox review
- Conflict-aware scheduling with tracks, rooms, RSS, static export, and API
Where it doesn't
- Attendee-app support is outside its stated feature focus
- Verified integrations are not part of its stated positioning
- Self-hosting requires an organisation’s own Linux server
Our verdict on pretalx
pretalx is open-source conference management software for organisers running conferences and other events such as music festivals. It covers the workflow from call for participation through proposal review, speaker communication, schedule creation, and public publishing. Organisers can configure event branding, deadlines, languages, domains, tracks, rooms, and review workflows. The software is available as a hosted service at pretalx.com or for installation on an organisation’s own Linux server, with web, API, and self-hosted access options.
Pricing depends on the route chosen. The open-source edition is free and can be installed on a Linux server. The hosted service is free to test, with payment required when an event is made public. Hosted pricing depends on expected attendees and the standard ticket price rather than a single fixed starting amount. For teams that want control over deployment and customization, the self-hosted model pairs with plugin-based extension and a REST-style API. Teams that prefer a managed service can use the hosted option instead.
Its strongest fit is an event team that needs more than a basic timetable. CFP publishing supports custom branding, deadlines, languages, and domains; reviews can be anonymous or open and organised through reviewer teams; and speaker emails use editable templates with outbox review. The schedule editor considers speaker availability, warns about conflicts, and supports parallel rooms and tracks. Public schedules can be published through RSS and static export. The trade-off is a narrower ecosystem focus: attendee-app support and verified integrations are not part of its stated positioning. Choose pretalx for open-source CFP and conference operations; choose another product if attendee-facing mobile experiences or a broad integration ecosystem are central requirements.
Your product? Our editors can test pretalx in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
pretalx pricing
pretalx fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Attendee limit | Not verified |
| Session tracks | Yes |
| Room scheduling | Yes |
| Speaker management | Yes |
| Attendee mobile app | Not verified |
| Hybrid event support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Linux |
| Support | Email, Phone, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | pretalx.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to pretalx
- Zoho BackstageA broad event platform covering registration, programming, engagement, and hybrid delivery.9.2
- FourwavesA strong fit for research conferences needing submissions, scheduling, and hybrid event tools.8.8
- SchedA feature-rich event platform for schedules, reservations, check-in, and mobile apps.8.7
See all pretalx alternatives →
Also Ranked In
pretalx is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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