Sessionize

Sessionize is cloud-based software for managing event content at in-person and online events. Its workflow covers calls for speakers, proposal evaluation, speaker and session management, and schedule creation. Organizers can configure submission forms with custom fields, limits, deadlines, and agent mode, then evaluate entries using star ratings, Yes/No decisions, or 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; a Professional event is $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.

Sessionize focuses on event content, speaker proposals, and schedules, with an attendee app included. Organizers needing ticketing, streaming, or an event webpage builder will need those capabilities elsewhere.

Sessionize may suit organizers of in-person or online events who need to manage speaker submissions and schedules. Its attendee app also serves attendees who want to create personal schedules, including offline.

Overview

Sessionize is a cloud service for collecting event proposals and turning accepted sessions into a program. It suits conference teams whose priority is speaker and schedule coordination, especially when attendees also need a personal, offline-capable agenda. It is a focused content tool, not a replacement for ticketing or the rest of an event’s digital infrastructure.

Key features

Organizers can tailor speaker-submission forms with custom fields, limits, deadlines, and agent mode, then assess proposals using star ratings, Yes/No decisions, or comparisons. Together with speaker and session management, tracks, and room scheduling, those tools cover the path from an open call to a planned program. The range of evaluation methods is useful for teams with different review processes; teams that need to manage attendees or sell tickets will still need another service.

Schedules are built by drag and drop and can be embedded on websites or retrieved as JSON or XML. API integration and embedding options for event websites, mobile apps, and WordPress sites help teams carry program data into their existing channels. The attendee app lets people make personal schedules, works on phones, tablets, and desktops, and supports offline use—practical for attendees who need their agenda without a dependable connection.

Sessionize states that sessions, speakers, team members, organizers, and evaluators are unlimited. That gives content teams room to grow without those stated quotas becoming a constraint. It does not provide live streaming or video hosting, or an event webpage builder, so events needing those capabilities must assemble a broader toolset.

Security measures include HTTPS, one-way password hashing and salting, and request-level role-based access control. Sessionize also states that data is encrypted at rest, backups are geo-redundant, and hosting uses Microsoft Azure and Amazon AWS; its stated uptime is 99.9%. Email support and the Playbook’s usage guidance provide help, while priority email support is included with the Professional event plan.

Pricing

The free Community event plan costs nothing and is restricted to free community events. It excludes internal, private, promotional, marketing, profit, and commercial events, making it appropriate only when the event fits that narrow definition.

Professional event costs $499, paid once, billed for one event occurrence. It includes priority email support and a fully functional test mode, with no credit card required. Its per-occurrence structure fits organizers paying for an individual event rather than seeking an ongoing subscription; teams running multiple events should compare the total against their event cadence.

Bulk has custom pricing and is for five or more events per year, with activation codes purchased in advance. A free trial is available without a credit card, and sign-in can use Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Office 365, or Twitter. The stated plans do not impose caps on sessions, speakers, or team members, but Sessionize’s lack of attendee management and ticket sales remains a separate operational limit.

Platforms

Sessionize is available on the web, Android, and iOS. Its attendee app also supports tablets and desktops, and can be used offline.

Who it's for

Sessionize is a strong fit for conferences and other events whose organizers need to collect proposals, evaluate speakers, and publish a structured schedule with an attendee agenda. It is less suitable as the central platform for teams that need ticket sales, attendee management, streaming, video hosting, or event-page creation in the same product.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Custom submission forms and multiple evaluation modes support a tailored review process.
• Pros: Unlimited stated content-team and program quantities avoid caps on sessions, speakers, team members, organizers, and evaluators.
• Pros: Attendee schedules work offline, while schedule embedding and data retrieval give teams several ways to publish program information.
• Cons: No attendee management or ticket selling means organizers need separate tools for registration operations.
• Cons: No streaming, video hosting, or event webpage builder limits its usefulness as an all-in-one event platform.
• Cons: The free plan excludes commercial and private events, and the Professional plan charges per event occurrence.

Alternatives

Fourwaves is worth considering for organizers who want a free annual tier with unlimited registrations and events, but its Starter plan caps abstract submissions at 25 per year and charges a 3% service fee.

ConfTool may suit smaller non-commercial events that can use a free license on request and local installation, accepting a limit of 150 participants and no support.

Ex Ordo is another option for teams willing to contact sales for a personalized quote.

Airballoon is an alternative for event app needs.

HotCRP is another option to consider.

MeetingHand Abstract Management offers a free tier capped at 25 registrations or abstracts, making it relevant to smaller submission needs.

OpenConf is an alternative for teams considering self-hosted conference software.

SimplyConf offers a free-forever Core plan with unlimited events, submissions, and users, which may appeal to teams prioritizing those quantities.

For more options, see Call for Papers Software, Speaker Management Software, and Event Scheduling Software.

Verdict

Choose Sessionize if your event team’s central job is managing proposals, speakers, and schedules, and you want attendees to have a personal agenda that works offline. Its flexible submission and evaluation workflow, broad stated quotas, and publishing options make that focus practical. Look elsewhere if you need ticketing, attendee management, streaming, or an event webpage builder in the same service.