Our Review of 8 Best Abstract Management Software In 2025

Looking for the best abstract management software for your event?

Managing speaker abstracts and presentations can be a logistical nightmare, unless you have the right tools. Conference organizers today need more than just a submission portal; they need a centralized platform that streamlines workflows, automates reviewer assignments, tracks submission statuses, and integrates with the rest of the event planning ecosystem.

That’s where purpose-built solutions like EventsAir come in. As an all-in-one event management platform, EventsAir empowers planners with a powerful abstract and presentation management module that covers the full cycle: from speaker submission and reviewer feedback to agenda integration and live session delivery, whether onsite or virtual.

In this guide, we’ll compare top abstract management software options, including EventsAir, Oxford Abstracts, OpenWater, and Ex Ordo. You’ll get a breakdown of their key features, pricing models, and the pros and cons to help you choose the best platform for your next conference or academic event.

What is abstract management software?

If you’ve ever juggled hundreds of speaker submissions in spreadsheets or scrambled to assign reviewers last minute, you already know the headache that comes with managing abstracts manually.

That’s where abstract management software comes in. These tools are built to simplify the entire process. From collecting submissions and assigning reviewers to tracking decisions and organizing accepted content into sessions. Instead of wasting hours on admin, you can focus on curating a strong program and delivering a standout event.

For conference organizers dealing with tight deadlines and large volumes of content, abstract management software ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Plus, when integrated with your broader event tech, like registration, agenda planning, or mobile apps, it becomes a central hub that keeps your entire team aligned and your event running smoothly.

Why is abstract management software important?

Abstract management software is essential for simplifying the event process and improving efficiency. Here are the top reasons why:

• Saves time: Automates tasks like submission and sorting.
• Ensures accuracy: Reduces human error in the review process.
• Improves collaboration: Keeps everyone, from organizers to reviewers, on the same page.
• Streamlines workflows: Integrates easily with event scheduling systems.
• Enhances user experience: Provides a smooth process for both organizers and participants.

8 Best abstract management software

Quick look

Software	Best for	Pricing	G2 rating
EventsAir	Comprehensive event management	Custom pricing	4.5/5
Cvent	Large-scale events & venues	Contact for pricing	4.3/5
Whova	Hybrid & virtual events	Contact for pricing	4.8/5
OpenWater	Awards, grants, & abstract reviews	Contact for pricing	4.4/5
Oxford Abstracts	Academic & medical conferences	From $830/event	N/A
Dryfta	Academic conferences & universities	From $1,499/year	4.8/5
X-CD Technologies	Associations & medical societies	Contact for pricing	N/A
Ex Ordo	Academic & scientific conferences	Contact for pricing	4.8/5

Now, let’s look at each abstract management software in detail.

1. EventsAir

EventsAir is a versatile event management platform that simplifies abstract management for conferences, workshops, and other events. It allows organizers to manage abstract submissions, reviews, and scheduling in one seamless workflow. Trusted by event professionals globally, EventsAir delivers a comprehensive solution that streamlines every phase of event planning.

Key features

• Abstract management: Streamlines submission, review, and scheduling, reducing manual work and saving time.
  
• Reviewer assignment: Automatically assigns abstracts to reviewers based on topics, themes or keywords.

• Customizable submission forms: Adjust forms to fit the event’s needs and capture all necessary details.
• Integrated event scheduling: Syncs accepted abstracts with event schedules, simplifying session creation.

• Multi-user access: Supports collaborative work by allowing multiple users to manage submissions and reviews.
  
• Real-time tracking: Provides event managers with live updates on submission and review status.
  
• Collaboration tools: Keeps communication flowing between reviewers, presenters, and organizers.
  
• Advanced analytics and reporting: Offers customizable reports to track progress, analyze reviewer performance, and gather insights to improve future events.

Pricing

Pricing depends on the size and needs of the event. We offer custom plans for single or multiple events. Contact us for more details.

Pros

• Customizable workflows: Tailor the entire process to meet unique event needs.
  
• Integrated with event scheduling: Ensures abstracts are easily tied to session schedules.
  
• Automated reviewer assignment: Saves time by auto-assigning reviewers based on abstract topics.
  
• Real-time tracking: Allows managers to monitor progress instantly.
  
• Mobile app integration: Offers attendees easy access to abstracts via a branded mobile app.
  
• Comprehensive reporting: Generates detailed analytics on abstract submissions and reviews.

Cons

• Small conference organizers may find it expensive.

2. Cvent

Cvent Abstract Management streamlines the process of collecting, reviewing, and selecting content for events. It offers a customizable platform tailored to the specific needs of conferences and academic gatherings. The system integrates seamlessly with other Cvent tools, providing a cohesive event management experience.

Key features

• Customizable submission forms: Design forms to collect relevant information from authors.
  
• Automated reviewer assignments: Assign abstracts to appropriate reviewers based on topics.
  
• Blind review capabilities: Maintain impartiality by anonymizing submissions during the review process.
  
• Real-time tracking: Monitor the status of submissions and reviews as they progress.
  
• Integrated session creation: Convert accepted abstracts directly into event sessions.
  
• Automated notifications: Send timely updates to authors and reviewers regarding submission status.

Pricing

Cvent’s pricing is tailored to the specific needs of each event. For detailed pricing information, contact Cvent directly.

Pros

• Customizable workflows: Adapt the process to fit the unique requirements of each event.
  
• Seamless integration: Works well with other Cvent event management tools.
  
• User-friendly interface: Designed for ease of use by organizers and participants.
  
• Efficient reviewer management: Simplifies the assignment and tracking of reviews.
  
• Real-time updates: Provides up-to-date information on submission and review statuses.
  
• Automated processes: Reduces manual tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.

Cons

• Limited customization: Some users find the platform’s customization options restrictive.
  
• Integration challenges: Difficulties in integrating with other software platforms have been noted.

3. Whova

Whova’s Call for Speakers is an integrated abstract management system designed to streamline the submission, review, and selection process for events. It consolidates all tasks into a single platform, reducing the need for multiple tools and manual data entry.

Key features

• Customizable submission forms: Tailor forms to collect specific information from speakers.
  
• Automated email notifications: Send invitations, confirmations, and reminders to speakers and reviewers.
  
• Reviewer assignment: Assign reviewers manually or automatically based on topics or tracks.
  
• Multi-criteria evaluation: Use customizable rubrics to assess submissions consistently.
  
• Session integration: Convert accepted abstracts directly into sessions in the event agenda.
  
• Speaker management: Collect and display speaker bios, photos, and presentation details.

Pricing

Whova offers tiered pricing based on the scale and features required for your event. Specific pricing details are available upon request through their website.

Pros

• Integrated platform: Combines abstract management with event scheduling and attendee engagement.
  
• User-friendly interface: Simplifies the submission and review process for both organizers and participants.
  
• Customizable workflows: Adapt the system to fit the unique needs of your event.
  
• Automated processes: Reduces manual tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.
  
• Real-time updates: Monitor submission and review statuses instantly.
  
• Scalable options: Suitable for events of various sizes, from small workshops to large conferences.

Cons

• Difficult navigation: Unresponsive links and readability issues.
• Notification overload: Overwhelming notifications need disabling for usability.

4. OpenWater

OpenWater is a platform designed to streamline the abstract submission and review process for conferences, awards, and grants. It offers a unified solution that integrates submission forms, review workflows, session scheduling, and communication tools, aiming to simplify event planning and management.

Key features

• Customizable submission forms: Design forms to collect specific information from authors.
  
• Multi-round review process: Facilitate multiple evaluation stages with customizable scoring criteria.
  
• Session builder: Organize accepted abstracts into sessions and schedules.
  
• Email automation: Send automated notifications and reminders to authors and reviewers.
  
• Mobile app integration: Provide attendees with access to schedules and abstracts via a mobile app.
  
• Analytics and reporting: Generate reports to track submission trends and reviewer performance.

Pricing

Third-parties estimate that OpenWater’s pricing starts at $5,250 per year for up to 3,500 submissions. Additional modules, such as mobile app integration and live chat, are available at extra cost. For detailed pricing information, contact OpenWater directly. 

Pros

• Customizable workflows: Adapt the process to fit the unique requirements of each event.
  
• Seamless integration: Works well with other systems like Salesforce and iMIS.
  
• User-friendly interface: Designed for ease of use by organizers and participants.
  
• Efficient reviewer management: Simplifies the assignment and tracking of reviews.
  
• Real-time updates: Provides up-to-date information on submission and review statuses.
  
• Automated processes: Reduces manual tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.

Cons

• Limited features customization: Some users find the platform’s customization options restrictive.
• Weak event marketing capabilities

5. Oxford Abstracts

Oxford Abstracts is a user-friendly platform designed for academic conferences. It simplifies the abstract submission and review process, offering tools for managing submissions, reviews, and decisions. The platform supports events of various sizes, from small meetings to large conferences.

Key features

• Customizable submission forms: Tailor forms to collect specific information from authors.
  
• Auto-save for reviewers: Reviewers can pause and resume their work without losing progress.
  
• Instant abstract books: Generate formatted abstract books quickly.
  
• Dynamic submission changes: Make real-time updates to submissions without requiring resubmission.
  
• Auto-assign reviewers: Assign reviews based on categories, streamlining the process.
  
• Integrated ticketing: Manage event ticketing with options for discounts and add-ons.

Pricing

Oxford Abstracts offers transparent pricing:

• Basic: Free for small meetings with fewer than 25 submissions.
  
• Abstract Management: $830 per event, including all features of the Basic plan.
  
• Conference Plans: Starting from $2,120 per event, adding features like live conference sites and program builders.

Pros

• User-friendly interface: Easy to navigate, reducing the learning curve.
  
• Transparent pricing: Clear cost structure aids in budgeting.
  
• Responsive support: Prompt assistance from the support team.
  
• Customizable forms: Adapt submission forms to event needs.
  
• Integrated ticketing: Simplifies event registration and payment processes.
  
• Auto-save feature: Prevents data loss during review processes.

Cons

• Limited customization: Some users find customization options restrictive.
  
• Basic reporting tools: Advanced reporting features are limited.

6. Dryfta

Dryfta serves as an all-in-one event platform with a strong focus on abstract and peer-review workflows. It supports submission, review, scheduling and engagement from one dashboard. Organizers at universities, non-profits and research events often turn to Dryfta for its combined capabilities.

Key features

• Customizable submission forms: Build entry forms per submission type with tailored fields.
• Automated and manual assignments: Assign submissions by topic or manually via bulk tools.
• Multi-stage review workflows: Support single-, double- and triple-blind evaluations.
• Abstract book publishing: Generate formatted abstracts in PDF or CSV for publication.
• Conversion to schedule: Move accepted abstracts into the event agenda seamlessly.

Pricing

Dryfta lists a Small plan starting at $1,499/year for up to 100 submissions. For mid-sized and large events, pricing is available on request. 

Pros

• Intuitive dashboard: Allows authors and reviewers to self-manage submissions.
  
• Strong author workflow: Supports multi-file uploads and panel submissions.
  
• Rich review controls: Offers detailed scoring and discussion tools.
  
• Full integration: Handles abstracts, scheduling, registration and app features.
  
• Transparent entry-level pricing: Starting cost is public and clear.
  
• CSV/ PDF export: Facilitates external reporting and archives.

Cons

• Learning curve: Some users say setup takes longer than expected.
  
• Add-on costs: Some modules (e.g., app branding or on-premise hosting) incur extra fees.

7. X-CD Technologies

X-CD Technologies offers a comprehensive module for abstract management within its full conference platform. It supports submission, peer review, scheduling, and integrates with mobile apps and virtual components. The system is built to scale for both academic and association events, with strong focus on multi-type and multi-round review workflows.

Key features

• Custom forms with conditional logic: Allows organizers to build submission forms that change based on input.
  
• Multi-level peer review module: Supports numerous review rounds, blind or non-blind, and tracks conflicts of interest.
  
• Drag-and-drop program builder: Enables quick scheduling of accepted abstracts into sessions and tracks.
  
• Seamless integration across modules: Abstracts, registration, mobile app, and virtual/hybrid event features all work together.
  
• Large-event scalability: The platform handles tens of thousands of submissions and scheduled sessions without performance loss.
  
• Robust reporting and export tools: Hundreds of pre-built reports, with customizable exports into CSV/PDF as needed.

Pricing

Detailed pricing is not publicly listed. X-CD offers a product demo where pricing is tailored to the number of submissions, attendees, and modules required. 

Pros

• Flexible submission logic: Handles complex workflows without custom code.
  
• Deep peer-review control: Tracks conflicts, reviewer load, and rounds.
  
• Unified event system: Abstracts + registration + mobile app in one platform.
  
• High-scale performance: Processes tens of thousands of submissions smoothly.
  
• Mature & proven: Over 25 years of experience in academic conferences.
  
• One-vendor solution: Reduces need for multiple tools and integrations.

Cons

• Setup time: Complex features may require longer configuration than simpler tools.
  
• Price on request: Lack of published pricing may slow evaluation for smaller events.

8. Ex Ordo

Ex Ordo serves as a connected platform for managing abstract submissions, peer review, and full event programming. It supports academic, technical and scientific gatherings with tools for abstracts, registration, scheduling and virtual content.

Key features

• Custom submission forms: Let organizers collect abstracts, papers or panels with flexible fields.
  
• Allocation engine: Assigns submissions to reviewers based on expertise and availability.
  
• Review-progress tracking: Monitor which reviewers have started, are pending or finished tasks.
  
• Dashboard notifications: Send acceptance or rejection letters directly from the platform.
  
• Integrated registration and virtual event space: Manage delegates, payments and online sessions in the same system.
  
• Exportable data and reports: Download submission and review data for external use. 

Pricing

Ex Ordo does not publish fixed pricing. The vendor requests you contact them for a quote based on your event size, module needs and submission volume.

Pros

• Comprehensive review workflows: Suits single- and multi-round reviews for complex events.
  
• Integrated event toolset: Combines abstracts, registration and virtual sessions in one platform.
  
• Strong academic focus: Tailored for scholarly and research-based conferences.
  
• Reviewer-friendly interface: Reviewers get clear prompts and status updates.
  
• On-demand content support: Hosts live and recorded sessions alongside abstracts.
  
• Respectable brand track record: Trusted by professional societies in over 60 countries.

Cons

• Price on request: No transparent pricing may slow decision-making for smaller events.
  
• Setup complexity: Custom workflows may require more setup time than simpler tools.

Choose the right abstract management tool for your event

We’ve explored the top abstract management tools available, each offering unique features for managing submissions, reviews, and session scheduling. We’ve highlighted tools like EventsAir that provide all-in-one solutions tailored to event organizers’ needs.

EventsAir stands out with its customizable workflows, seamless integrations, and advanced reporting capabilities. It’s designed to simplify abstract management, saving time and reducing errors for event planners.

Ready to start with EventsAir? Book a demo.