The OpenWater Blog

5 Questions You Should Ask When Considering Conference Submission Software

You know you need abstract submission software to be both cost- and time-efficient. However, you can’t invest in any abstracts software and expect the same results.

Though many abstract softwares appear similar on the surface, they’re likely quite different. All will have different features and, therefore, a different impact in how entrants, reviewers, and your staff use the software.

That being said, there are important questions to ask when you’re making the all-important decision of choosing a new software system. Here are our top 5 to ensure you invest in a system you’ll use not just next year or for the next 5 years, but for decades to come.

Question 1: Is the system flexible?

No two abstracts conferences are quite alike. As such, while every organization can make use of the main features, not every organization will use these features the same way.

By ensuring a system is flexible, you’re guaranteeing that it will suit your current needs and any future needs you can’t yet anticipate.

Question 2: Is the system well-suited for the submission process?

In almost every article, we talk about how your conference is built for your attendees. So, is the software you’re considering built for attendees as well?

Attendees will use the software during the submission process, for registration, to pay fees, and during the conference through the mobile app. As such, you must consider whether the software is user friendly and designed for optimal user experience before taking the plunge.

Question 3: Does the system handle all of my needs?

Because systems will differ in their features and capabilities, it’s important to evaluate each software solution in light of your needs. The entire point of software is simplicity and streamlining all processes.

If the software you’re considering allows you to automate some tasks and not others, it’s best to move on and evaluate other options.

Question 4: Does the system generate data and reports?

The only way to evaluate the success of this year’s conference is through the data you collect and the reports you use to analyze this data. If the abstracts software you’re considering doesn’t generate reports or doesn’t allow you to generate custom reports, it’s best to keep looking.

Question 5: Does the system come with robust support?

While most abstracts software is intuitive and easy to use, there is still a lot to learn, especially in the beginning. The best abstracts software should have customer support and a  wealth of resources if you don’t want to call in but still need to fix a problem.

It’s important that you partner with a responsive company for your software. It’s also important that you partner with a company that is forward-thinking and always offering updates and new features to continue anticipating and responding to your needs.

Finding the Right Software Doesn’t Have to be Difficult

There are countless options when you’re in the market for abstracts software, making the process overwhelming at times.

By keeping these five questions in mind, you can sort through your choices with clarity and direction to ensure you make the right choice for your organization.

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