The world of event management software is vast, with almost 300 options to choose from. But not all platforms are created equal, nor do they cater to every type of event. Some specialize in registration systems, while others focus on attendee engagement. Certain platforms are tailor-made for corporate events, while others have been adapted to fit academic conferences. However, none of these platforms were originally designed with academic conferences in mind.
Academic conferences are dynamic, multifaceted events that require a unique set of tools. They’re not just about presenting papers or reviewing abstracts. These events foster knowledge-sharing through numerous sessions and workshops, enable networking among attendees, speakers, and researchers, and provide opportunities to collect leads, schedule meetings, and much more.
From an organizer’s perspective, the management of academic conferences goes far beyond abstract reviews. It involves creating tailored registration processes, segmenting attendees for targeted communication, setting up program schedules, managing payments, creating badges, and monitoring check-ins—all while ensuring the event is engaging and valuable for attendees.
At Dryfta, we recognized this gap and set out to build a comprehensive solution that could cater to every aspect of an academic conference. By equipping our platform with essential tools, we’ve made it possible for organizers to manage their conferences seamlessly and for attendees to maximize their experience.
Why Dryfta Is the Go-To Event Management Software for Academia
Dryfta has been carefully developed to address the unique needs of academic conferences, ensuring every step of the process—from registration to post-event follow-ups—is efficient, intuitive, and impactful. Let’s take a closer look at the features that make Dryfta stand out:
1. Seamless Attendee Registration
The foundation of any conference is its registration system. Dryfta offers a highly customizable attendee registration form, allowing organizers to collect exactly the data they need. You can add custom fields to gather preferences, dietary requirements, or professional details and integrate payment gateways like Credit Card, PayPal, and offline options such as cheques and demand drafts.
2. Comprehensive Abstract Management
Academic conferences thrive on the submission and review of abstracts. Dryfta provides a robust Call for Abstracts system that includes:
- Abstract deadlines and word limits.
- A Save & Submit Later feature to ensure authors don’t lose their work.
- Peer review capabilities with multi-reviewer assignment.
- The option to anonymize author details for double-blind reviews.
- A customizable Topics Manager to organize abstracts by themes or tracks.
3. User Dashboards for Authors and Reviewers
Dryfta empowers authors and reviewers with dedicated dashboards:
- Author Dashboard: Submit and manage abstracts, edit profiles, add sessions to personal schedules, manage tickets and invoices, and even collect vCards (contact details) from other attendees.
- Reviewer Dashboard: Access assigned abstracts, submit and edit reviews, and manage personal schedules.
These dashboards provide a seamless interface for users to stay organized and engaged.
4. Advanced Program Builder
Creating a detailed and engaging conference program is critical for success. Dryfta’s Program Builder allows organizers to:
- Add sessions, workshops, and breaks with unlimited tracks, formats, and session locations.
- Create invite-only sessions and send personalized invitations to selected attendees.
- Auto-populate sessions with accepted abstracts to save time.
5. Tools for Enhanced Networking and Engagement
Networking is a cornerstone of academic conferences, and Dryfta enables attendees to connect in meaningful ways:
- Lead Retrieval: Attendees can exchange contact details by sending vCard requests or scanning QR codes with the built-in mobile app scanner.
- One-to-One Meeting Requests: Attendees can schedule private meetings with peers directly from their dashboard.
- Personal Schedule Builder: Individuals can customize their schedules by selecting the sessions they want to attend.
6. Efficient Check-Ins and Badge Creation
Dryfta simplifies event check-ins and badge management:
- Check-In System: Organizers can check in attendees with a simple button, accessible from iPads and tablets.
- Session Check-Ins: Attendees can mark their attendance at specific sessions.
- Badge Builder: Generate professional, customized badges for all attendees in one go.
7. Mass Mailing and Segmentation
Effective communication is key to a well-run conference. Dryfta provides tools for both mass and targeted outreach:
- Mass Mailer: Send notifications to all attendees instantly.
- Segmentation: Group attendees by topics, demographics, or registration details to send tailored messages. This feature supports targeted email marketing that drives engagement.
8. Responsive, Cross-Compatible Conference Website
A well-designed conference website is essential for creating a professional and accessible experience. Dryfta ensures that your website:
- Is fully responsive across devices (desktop, tablet, and mobile).
- Loads quickly, ensuring seamless user experiences.
- Includes a personalized schedule view, program details, and session links.
9. Customizable Email Notifications
Communication doesn’t end with mass mailings. Dryfta includes 32 system-generated email notifications for various actions, all of which can be customized to match the tone and branding of your event.
10. Reporting and Analytics
Organizers need data to measure the success of their events. Dryfta offers:
- Customizable reports that provide real-time insights into attendee information.
- The ability to share reports across teams to keep everyone updated.
- Options to analyze registration trends, attendance rates, and more.
What’s Next for Dryfta?
Dryfta is committed to continuous innovation. We’re already working on a host of exciting new features to make the platform even more versatile:
- Improved Abstract Book Builder: Enhanced tools for generating abstract books in PDF and CSV formats.
- Expanded Payment Gateways: More options to accommodate global users.
- Journal Manager: Simplify the process of publishing conference papers in journals.
- Task Manager and Budget Manager: Streamline project planning and financial tracking.
- Live Streaming Integration: Cater to hybrid and virtual events.
Why Academia Chooses Dryfta
Dryfta has become academia’s preferred platform because it goes beyond the basics. It doesn’t just facilitate event management; it transforms how academic conferences are organized and experienced. Here’s why Dryfta stands out:
- Comprehensive Features: From abstract management to networking tools, Dryfta covers all aspects of an academic conference.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive interfaces for both organizers and attendees make the platform accessible to everyone.
- Customization: Every element—from forms to notifications—can be tailored to your needs.
- Scalability: Whether it’s a small seminar or a large international conference, Dryfta scales to meet your requirements.
Elevating Academic Conferences with Dryfta
Organizing an academic conference is no small task, but with the right tools, it can be a seamless and rewarding experience. Dryfta’s event management platform is designed specifically to address the unique challenges of academic conferences, providing organizers with everything they need to succeed.
With features that simplify logistics, enhance networking, and improve attendee engagement, Dryfta is setting the standard for conference management in academia. And with exciting updates on the horizon, the platform is only getting better.
Ready to upgrade your next academic conference? Choose Dryfta—the platform that helps you focus on what matters most: advancing knowledge, fostering connections, and creating impactful experiences.
