Joomla!
Self-HostedOpen-source CMS with robust conference management extensions
Overview
Joomla! is an open-source PHP/MySQL CMS ideal for conference management via its extensive extension ecosystem. Components like Ohanah and JEvents enable registration tracking, speaker profiles, schedule management, venue details, and payment-integrated ticketing. It supports self-hosting on standard web servers (PHP/MySQL) or Docker for simplified deployment, with customizable templates for branding consistency. Flexible workflows adapt to small meetups or large conferences, making it a versatile choice for event organizers.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
joomla:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: joomla
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Extensible with conference-specific components (Ohanah, JEvents)
- Registration & ticketing with payment gateway integrations
- Speaker, venue, and schedule tracking
- Customizable event portals for branding
- Self-hosted or Docker-deployable
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Joomla! hard to install for conference management?
Core Joomla! is easy to install (one-click on most hosts), but setting up conference extensions may need basic technical skills (installing components, configuring settings). Docker images simplify self-hosted deployment, and pre-installed instances are available on many web hosts.
? Is it a good alternative to Eventbrite for conferences?
Yes—Joomla! (with extensions like Ohanah) offers self-hosted data control, customizable branding, and no per-event fees (unlike Eventbrite). While it lacks built-in marketing tools out of the box, extensions can add similar functionality at lower long-term costs.
? Is Joomla! completely free for conference management?
The core Joomla! CMS is 100% free and open-source. Many conference extensions have free tiers, but advanced features (e.g., premium ticketing, analytics) may require paid extensions. No mandatory subscriptions exist for core conference functionality.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Joomla!
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Self-hosted for full data control and privacy
- ⊕ No core subscription fees
- ⊕ Large extension library for tailored conference workflows
- ⊕ Highly customizable to event needs
- ⊕ Active community support and regular updates
Cons
- ⊖ Requires technical setup for conference extensions
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve for advanced configurations
- ⊖ Some premium extensions add cost for advanced features
- ⊖ Needs ongoing maintenance (security updates, extension management)