HotCRP vs Sciencesconf

HotCRP manages conference paper submissions and reviews, either as open-source software for self-hosting or through the hosted HotCRP.com service. Submission tools include customizable forms, optional registration, program-committee conflict collection, and configurable PDF checks. Papers can be assigned by hand, in batches, or automatically, including through globally optimal assignments. Search, sorting, bulk downloads, formulas, and tags help organize submissions. Review workflows support custom forms, LaTeX math, multiple rounds, offline reviewing, delegation, and external reviewers. Program committee meeting tools include rebuttals, votes, rankings, a live tracker, decision types, and mailing users. The REST API uses bearer tokens that can be scoped, including for read-only access or selected papers. HotCRP.com connects with ACM publication services for copyright forms, final versions, PDF checks, proceedings, and Digital Library export. Self-hosting requires a web server and software including Nginx, PHP 7.3 or higher, MariaDB, and PHP packages. Listed free plans serve certain sponsored events and classroom use; independent conferences pay $7.50 per submission after the deadline.

Sciencesconf is a free web service for managing scientific events from submission through peer review, scheduling, registration and proceedings. After an event request passes validation, it supplies a hosted site on a dedicated sciencesconf.org address, so organizers do not need local infrastructure. Organizers can assign roles, edit templates and menus, and use email templates, mailing lists and mailing tools. Submission workflows support calls for papers, abstracts or full texts, communication types, themes, proposal selection, programming and proceedings. Review features include grids, theme coordination, reviewer invitations, reminders, and review distribution and follow-up. Registration tools cover periods, forms, registrant lists and participant communication, with Paybox or Azur colloque payment configuration. HAL can autocomplete author and affiliation data and receive transferred papers when settings permit. Sites remain public after events, but administration ends after two years. Virtual conference tools are not integrated.