SimplyConf
SimplyConf: A flexible WordPress-based choice for conferences that need self-hosting and add-on control. Ranked #4 of 24 in Call for Papers Software by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan · paid from $29/yr; best for self-hosted conferences needing modular pricing.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan · paid from $29/yr
- Best forSelf-hosted conferences needing modular pricing
- Free planYes
- Paid from$29/yr
- Blind reviewYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free, open-source core with web and self-hosted deployment
- Supports blind review, reviewer assignment, and review progress tracking
- Adds Stripe payments, scheduling, email, and export workflows
Where it doesn't
- Reviews, emails, payments, schedules, and exports require paid add-ons
- WordPress is central to the product's ecosystem fit
- Managed hosting and self-hosting involve different deployment choices
Our verdict on SimplyConf
SimplyConf is a WordPress-based conference management product for academic conferences, universities, program committees, and organizations running one or multiple events. Its free, open-source core covers events, abstract submissions, and users, with configurable fields, file attachments, and role-based access for authors, reviewers, and track chairs. The product supports web and self-hosted deployment, while managed hosting is also available. The self-hosted core is described as unlimited for events, submissions, and users, giving organizers a foundation for conferences with varied submission needs.
Pricing is modular rather than tied to one all-inclusive tier. The Reviews Add-on costs $49 per year and adds peer review workflows, reviewer assignment, and blind review. Emails costs $39 per year for notifications, templates, and bulk messaging; Payments costs $79 per year for Stripe registration fees, pricing tiers, and discount codes; Schedules costs $29 per year for session scheduling and conference programs; and Exports costs $29 per year for CSV, PDF abstract books, and programs. The Professional Bundle is $139 per year, while the Premium Bundle is $169 per year and includes all five add-ons. This structure suits organizers who want to pay for selected capabilities, though teams needing a broad workflow may prefer a bundle.
Its strongest ecosystem fit is WordPress, with Stripe supporting registration payments. Across submissions, peer review, scheduling, communications, payments, and exports, SimplyConf covers much of the academic conference workflow in one product. It supports single- and double-blind review, custom review stages, multi-track schedules, rooms, and time slots. Organizers seeking a narrow submission form tool may find the broader add-on structure more than they need. SimplyConf is a strong match for WordPress-based conferences that value self-hosting and modular expansion; teams seeking a platform independent of WordPress should consider alternatives.
SimplyConf pricing
All 11 SimplyConf plans and prices →
SimplyConf fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $29/yr |
| Blind review | Yes |
| Submission types | Mixed |
| Review stages | Custom |
| Submission limit | Not verified |
| Reviewer limit | Not verified |
| Schedule builder | Yes |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: WordPress, Stripe |
| Pricing | Free plan · paid from $29/yr (source) |
| Website | simplyconf.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
SimplyConf integrations
SimplyConf lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- WordPress
- Stripe
Alternatives to SimplyConf
- Microsoft CMTA free, full-featured system for managing academic submissions, reviews, rebuttals, and schedules.9.0
- EasyChairA broad academic conference workflow with a useful free tier and usage-based upgrades.8.5
- AirballoonA broad web-based conference system covering CFPs, review, event operations, and attendee engagement.8.2
See all SimplyConf alternatives →
SimplyConf vs the competition
- SimplyConf vs Microsoft CMT
- SimplyConf vs EasyChair
- SimplyConf vs Airballoon
- SimplyConf vs MeetingHand Abstract Management
- SimplyConf vs HotCRP
- SimplyConf vs OpenReview
Compare SimplyConf with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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