Fourwaves vs Sessionize

Fourwaves is a conference management service for academic and scientific events, covering abstract submissions, peer review, registration, event websites, programs and attendee apps. Submission forms can support calls for papers and abstracts, and organizers can export abstract books with author indexes. Review workflows offer single- or double-blind processes, reviewer conflict detection and custom scoring grids. Its iOS and Android app includes the event program, personal agenda, participant list and presentation materials, and works offline. An API with organization-specific keys provides endpoints for event, registration, form, submission and session data. The free Starter plan costs nothing and caps yearly submissions at 25. Essential costs $999 a year with a 100-submission limit; Advanced costs $2,599 a year with a 300-submission limit. Each lists a 3% service fee. When a yearly cap is reached, new submissions pause until an upgrade, though existing submissions, registrations and event websites remain accessible. The company describes its audience as research communities, universities, scientific societies and research networks.

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.