pretalx

pretalx is an open-source, self-hosted web application designed for conference planning and management. It facilitates the entire lifecycle of an event, from the initial call for papers to the publication of the final schedule. The software is deployed as a server application and is used by organizers to manage submissions, coordinate reviews, and communicate with speakers throughout the planning process.

Organizers use the platform to curate event content and handle logistics for conferences with multiple tracks and days. The system provides a structured workflow for collecting talk proposals, scoring them through a collaborative review process, and assigning them to specific time slots and rooms. After the event concludes, the software supports the collection of speaker feedback and the hosting of presentation slides and recordings for attendees.

Key features

• Configurable call for participation with custom questions and session types
• Collaborative review and scoring system for submission selection
• Schedule builder with versioning and public agenda views
• Templated email communication for invitations and feedback
• REST API for external integrations
• Extensible plugin system for custom functionality
• Support for multiple conference tracks and event days
• Internationalization for multi-language support

The application is built with Python and Django, requiring PostgreSQL and Redis for its data storage and caching needs. It can be installed manually or deployed using Docker for easier environment management. Because it includes a documented API and a plugin architecture, developers can extend the core functionality to meet specific event requirements or integrate the tool with other internal systems. The software is designed for event organizers who need a centralized system to manage the transition from a call for papers to a published program, ensuring that communication between reviewers and speakers remains organized.

pretalx serves as a comprehensive management tool for academic, technical, or professional conferences that require a structured submission and scheduling process.