START Conference Manager
START Conference Manager: A configurable choice for research events with structured, multi-stage review workflows. Ranked #12 of 29 in Event Abstract Management Software by our editors (6.2/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for research events needing hierarchical review workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score6.2 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forResearch events needing hierarchical review workflows
- Free planNo
- Submission typesMultiple
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports blind review, author anonymity, bidding, and automated assignments.
- Handles multiple tracks, hierarchical reviewing, revisions, and decision management.
- Available as Softconf-hosted web software or for self-hosted installation.
Where it doesn't
- Requires contacting Softconf for a usage-specific quote.
- No free plan is offered.
- Self-hosting requires installation on an organization's own server.
Our verdict on START Conference Manager
START Conference Manager is a web-based system for conferences and workshops that manage peer-reviewed abstracts and papers. It is designed for conference chairs, program committees, track managers, reviewers, and authors, with separate configurable views for each role. Its workflow covers submission, review, revisions, decisions, accepted-paper lists, and archived abstracts, making it a fit for research events with formal program structures rather than simple event registration.
The published plans use a contact-sales model. The Single-event license covers one year's meeting of a conference or workshop and includes free support and upgrades during the license period. The Multiple-use license supports several meetings of the same conference or different conferences; its marginal per-use price can be discounted as contracted events increase, with free support and upgrades during the license period. There is no free plan. Organizations can use Softconf hosting through the web platform or download and install START on their own server, giving teams a choice between vendor hosting and self-managed deployment.
Its strongest area is review workflow depth. Configurable forms support quantitative or qualitative criteria, while blind review, reviewer bidding, automated assignment generation, multiple tracks, and hierarchical reviewing address complex program-committee processes. Authors can submit revisions before the deadline, and organizers can manage reports, comments, decisions, accepted-paper lists, and archived abstracts. START should suit events that need structured review controls and publication-oriented outputs. Teams running small, informal events or seeking a simple submission tool may prefer a narrower product with less workflow configuration and a simpler purchasing process.
START Conference Manager pricing
All 2 START Conference Manager plans and prices →
START Conference Manager fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Submission types | Multiple |
| Review workflow | Custom |
| Scoring tools | Yes |
| Blind review | Yes |
| Author revisions | Yes |
| Poster handling | Yes |
| Publishing tools | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Tickets, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Pricing on request (source) |
| Website | softconf.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to START Conference Manager
- CongressioA full conference workflow with a useful free plan and scalable paid tiers.10.0
- SciencesconfA focused free option for scientific abstract, poster, and peer-review workflows.9.0
- Microsoft CMTA free academic conference system with unusually deep submission, review, and scheduling workflows.7.7
See all START Conference Manager alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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