Payload CMS

Self-Hosted

Open-source headless CMS for building custom conference management solutions

Overview

Payload CMS is an open-source, self-hosted headless CMS ideal for creating tailored conference management systems. It supports flexible custom content types for speakers, sessions, attendees, schedules, and sponsorships, with built-in authentication for attendee portals and speaker dashboards. Its REST/GraphQL APIs enable seamless integration with frontend apps (React, Vue) to display real-time schedules, session details, and registration forms. With auto-generated admin UI, you can manage conference data without coding, while plugins extend workflows like email notifications or feedback collection. Self-hosted, it gives full control over data privacy for your event.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  payload_cms:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: payload-cms
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Custom content types for speakers, sessions & attendees
Built-in auth for attendee/speaker portals
REST/GraphQL APIs for frontend integration
Self-hosted with full data control
Extensible plugins for registration/feedback workflows

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Payload CMS hard to install for conference management?

Payload is easy to install via Docker or npm, but setting up conference-specific content types (speakers, sessions) requires basic development knowledge. Community-driven conference starters are available to simplify initial setup.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary tools like Cvent?

Yes—Payload offers full data control and customization (unlike rigid proprietary tools) but requires more initial setup. It’s ideal for teams wanting a tailored conference solution without subscription fees.

? Is Payload CMS completely free for conference management?

Yes—Payload is open-source under MIT license, so it’s free to self-host and use. You only pay for server hosting or optional enterprise support (not required for basic conference use).

Top Alternatives

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Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Conference Management

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted data ownership)
⊕ Flexible to match unique conference needs
⊕ No vendor lock-in
⊕ API-first design for modern event UIs

Cons

⊖ Requires basic dev skills for custom setup
⊖ No pre-built conference templates (needs customization)
⊖ Server hosting costs apply