Airballoon vs Sessionize
Airballoon
airballoon.aiSessionize
sessionize.comSide by side
| Figure | Airballoon | Sessionize |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 7 | 3 |
| Spec score · Call for Papers Software | 7.9 (#9) | 7.7 (#11) |
| Integrations | The maker lists Stripe, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Cisco Webex, ORCID, institutional SSO, and ICS calendar standards or integrations. | Sessionize offers API integration and embedding for event websites, mobile apps, and WordPress sites. |
| Security | The maker says it uses encryption in transit and at rest, role-based access controls, least-privilege IAM, audit logging, vulnerability scans, dependency monitoring, backups, and disaster-recovery procedures. | The service uses HTTPS, one-way password hashing and salting, and request-level role-based access control. |
| Support | The contact page says pricing, partnership, Custom-tier, and other inquiries receive a response within 1–2 business days; existing users can report bugs or request features through Report Issues in the sidebar. | Support is available by email, and the Playbook provides articles and guidance for using Sessionize. |
Plans
Airballoon
- AirCore, full conference (Shared participant identity and data)Free
- AirMaster (Conference management)Free
- AirReview (Submission & Review)Free
- BalloonUp (Event app)Free
- AirReg, full conference (Registration)Price not published
- AirReg, standalone (Registration)Price not published
- AirUp (Presentation system)Price not published
Sessionize
- Community eventFree
- Professional event$499, paid once
- BulkPriced on request
In their own words
Airballoon
AirBalloon is a conference-management platform for academic events, covering submissions, peer review, registration, presentations, publishing, and attendee networking. AirMaster provides committee roles, programs and tracks, a website builder, announcements, and webmail. AirReview handles custom submission forms, anonymity checks, expertise matching, bidding, conflict detection, AI review assistance, decisions, and camera-ready collection. AirReg manages ticket types, add-ons, invite codes, fee exemptions, checkout, receipts, invoices, and refunds. AirUp supports session planning, schedules, rooms, chairs, and speaker uploads for onsite or hybrid events. AirExplore handles DOI and citation metadata and proceedings with ISBNs or ISSNs for recurring series. Attendees can use agendas, notifications, connections, QR contact exchange, chat, and a community feed. The platform runs on web and API. The full AirCore conference plan is free on or before December 31, 2026, then 3.0%. Other listed fees include AirReg transaction charges and AirUp presentation and storage charges.
Sessionize
Sessionize is cloud-based event content management software for organizing in-person or online events. Its workflow covers calls for speakers, proposal evaluation, speaker and session management, and schedule building. Organizers can create submission forms with custom fields, submission limits, deadlines, and agent mode. Evaluation options include star ratings, Yes/No decisions, and comparisons. Schedules can be arranged by drag and drop, embedded on websites, or retrieved as JSON or XML. The included attendee app works on phones, tablets, and desktops, supports offline use, and lets attendees build personal schedules. API integration and embedding support event websites, mobile apps, and WordPress sites. Sessionize lists unlimited sessions, speakers, team members, organizers, and evaluators. Its free trial requires no credit card. Community events can use the free plan, while a Professional event costs $499, paid once for one event occurrence. Sessionize does not provide attendee management or ticket selling, live streaming or video hosting, or an event webpage builder. It is available on Android, iOS, and web.