Abstract Software
Session Builder and Scheduling
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Conference Management Software for Associations & Higher Ed
Choosing the right speakers and meaningfully recognizing attendees are two of the most challenging aspects of conference management. OpenWater’s application and review platform simplifies both processes with one solution!
Trusted by 750+ Organizations
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Conference Management Software Users Say
Based on stellar reviews on
"Our team deals with over 80 different programs that are reviewed by 80 different committees who each have 3-12 volunteers. OpenWater makes it easy for us to collect the information that needs to be reviewed and enforce unique and diverse applicant requirements. This year, OpenWater has allowed our team to process over 1,200 applications reviewed by around 320+ volunteers."
"We use OpenWater not only for our awards programs, but also for grants, fellowships and generally anything that requires an application or judging process. All of this in one central system that integrates nicely with our association management system."
"ASHA uses the OpenWater platform for awards programs, grant and scholarship applications, mentoring enrollment, course registration, volunteer applications and leadership programs. The flexibility of the OpenWater platform functionality is crucial to efficiently and successfully manage these various types of programs, each with unique requirements."
"OpenWater is a company that treats you with a personal touch and we find that of great value. We have enjoyed the relationship we have built with them and have come to rely on them for the support that we need to continue to grow our program."
"The Awards and Prizes team at the Institution of Engineering and Technology operates several awards, prizes and scholarship schemes, all with different entry and reporting requirements. The flexibility and functionality of the platform has led to many improvements and efficiencies in how IET awards are run. The support from the OpenWater team has been excellent."
“Applications are very intuitive and easy to build (even with layers of complexity and if/then processes, and judging options are very customizable, reporting options are extensive and detailed. I did not have any experience building an application and do not come from a technical background, but I was able to build our application without issues due to the ease of using the program and the prompt and helpful assistance of customer support.”
Key Features of OpenWater’s Application & Review Software
OpenWater’s platform is uniquely designed to handle every aspect of every application-based process your organization might leverage (more on this later!). Here is an overview of the tools you can use to streamline all of these activities.
01Application Website Creation
Develop an eye-catching website that’s branded to your organization and showcases your opportunities to prospective applicants directly in OpenWater—with no coding required!
02Drag-and-Drop Form Builder
Customize your submission forms to capture all essential information and accept attachments of any size in multiple file formats, all within an interface that’s simple to navigate.
03Multi-Round Review
Upload standardized review rubrics to collect data in one place, then assign each submission to multiple judges so they can complete their evaluations with just a few clicks.
04Session Builder
Once your team approves abstracts, organize them by topic or presentation style within OpenWater to establish the flow of your conference sessions.
05Public-Facing Conference Calendars
Display the conference sessions you’ve built on an easy-to-navigate, branded calendar so attendees can browse their options and plan their event days in advance.
06Mobile App
Give attendees control over their conference experience and make the process convenient by meeting them where they likely already are—on their smartphones.
07Email Wizard
Keep your community in the loop about calls for proposals, submission deadlines, decisions, conference plans, and other important updates with our customizable email templates.
08Reporting & Analytics
Collect and review data on your abstract management efforts to fine-tune the process for both administrators and applicants.
09Integrations Hub
Connect OpenWater with more than 60 popular management systems, directories, payment gateways, and databases (including iMIS, Salesforce, and Higher Logic) to ensure seamless information transfer.
Key Features of OpenWater’s Conference Management System
Whether you need support for abstract management or award presentation during conferences, OpenWater has you covered with a full suite of features, both process-specific and generalized for all programs that involve application and review.
01Website Builder
Create an entire branded conference microsite that wows potential speakers, award nominators, and attendees right in OpenWater—with no coding required.
02Form Creation
Use our drag-and-drop form builder to customize the fields on your award nomination and abstract submission forms, accept various file attachments, and set conditional logic.
03Multi-Round Review
Minimize bias in abstract and award selection with standardized review forms, optional anonymization, and automatic distribution of submissions to multiple judges.
04Email Wizard
Efficiently notify award winners and prospective speakers about their participation in your conference and explain next steps with branded, customizable, and reusable email templates.
05Session Scheduling
Move approved abstracts directly to your conference agenda and build sessions based on presentation topics and formats, then share the schedule with attendees via OpenWater’s app.
06Gallery Showcase
Build an online gallery to celebrate award winners’ achievements with conference attendees and non-participants in your organization alike.
07Reporting & Analytics
Track data on every aspect of awards and abstract management so you can capitalize on your strengths and improve your processes as needed from conference to conference.
08System Integrations
Connect OpenWater to more than 65 popular AMS, CRM, payment gateway, and directory tools to develop a unified tech stack for conference management.
Explore OpenWater’s Conference Management Capabilities
Abstract Management
Abstract management is notorious for its complexity—but it doesn’t have to be difficult! With OpenWater, your team can collect proposals, review abstract submissions, organize sessions, and manage speakers within a single, user-friendly platform. Plus, everyone involved in the process—administrators, judges, event planners, leadership, and applicants—stays on the same page with custom reporting and streamlined, AI-powered workflows.
Awards Management
What better time is there to recognize community members who’ve gone above and beyond than when your entire organization is gathered together for a conference? OpenWater makes it easy to create multiple award categories, accept peer and self-nominations, and objectively choose the most deserving recipients so you can spend less time on administration and more time creating a recognition experience award winners will remember.
