AbstractWiz vs OpenReview

AbstractWiz is a web platform for academic conference, workshop and event organisers managing abstract submissions and review. Submissions may be plain text, rich text or files; accepted oral submissions can include uploaded papers. Organisers can add fields or criteria to submission and review forms, invite reviewers and assign work based on reviewers’ preferred expertise areas. Reviews can be hidden from authors. Automated email notices and customizable bulk messages to selected user groups support communication. A dashboard tracks submission and review progress, filtered lists can produce reports, and accepted submissions can be compiled into a customizable book for browser printing. Abstracts can be imported and the database exported to a spreadsheet, though the Free plan excludes import. That plan allows up to 20 submissions at free. Standard costs 270.00 USD once per event, with unlimited submissions and all features. A trial event can be created without card details. The maker says AbstractWiz emerged from Stellenbosch University in 2003; an event license runs from creation of the submission instance through the event’s end.

OpenReview is a configurable web and API platform for peer review and scientific communication. Venues can track submissions and coordinate authors, reviewers and editors through multiple review stages. Organizers configure review forms, permissions and timing, while accepted papers can retain reviews, comments and ongoing discussion. Reviewer-paper matching can use expertise, bids, constraints and reviewer balancing. Venues may enable real-time committee chat on paper forums; messages are hidden from authors and the public by default. The REST API covers records, groups, documents, invitations, assignments, conflicts and workflow automation. OpenReview’s web interface is free software under the GNU Affero General Public License v3, and other platform components are also open source. Its free plan provides free paper access and submissions with no fees. Organizers request a venue through a support form, then the OpenReview team reviews and deploys it. For venues with separate track deadlines and review forms, organizers are instructed to request a separate venue for each track. General inquiries use the support form.