WinCongress still works
First of all: WinCongress can still be opened, and you can continue to manage the conferences and data you have already set up within the software. There is no need to switch to another conference software immediately or make a potentially rushed decision.
However—and this is where the problem lies—it would not be a particularly forward-thinking decision to continue setting up new events in WinCongress. Conference software that is no longer maintained always carries a certain level of risk.
Are conferences still safe in WinCongress?
The WinCongress website now consists only of a contact form. There is no longer any information available regarding the software or its features. Through inquiries from several organizing teams, we have learned that while some existing customers continue to use WinCongress, support has been completely discontinued, and there will be no further updates.
For all conferences currently using WinCongress software, this means:
- No one is available to answer questions or help with technical difficulties.
Organizers will have to rely entirely on their own ingenuity. You should be prepared to improvise if necessary. Given the numerous unforeseen problems that can sometimes plague an organizing team, this seems a bit risky. - Updates become a risk.
WinCongress will no longer receive updates. However, the same does not apply to the environment in which the software runs. Much like trying to run an application originally developed for Windows 98 on Windows 11 without workarounds, things could get difficult for WinCongress in the future. Refraining from updating your operating system for the sake of the software is not a viable solution either, as manufacturers eventually stop supporting outdated versions. - Missing patches are equally risky.
Software updates often include patches that address newly discovered security vulnerabilities. If a manufacturer no longer releases updates, these vulnerabilities cannot be closed. As time goes on, using outdated software becomes an increasing security risk. Since organizers primarily use conference software to manage personal data, there is a lot at stake.
How can organizers find a good WinCongress alternative?
When switching from WinCongress to another conference software, features should always be the top priority. The software should at least cover the functions included in WinCongress.
To manage conferences holistically, the following functions are useful:
- Attendee registration, including options for creating different packages, price groups, and discounts
- Creation and automatic sending of invoices, registration confirmations, and other documents
- Email communication to individuals and groups, which can also be automated if needed
- Creation of conference tickets and processing of participation fees
- Planner for setting up and managing the conference program
- List generation with comprehensive filter and search functions
- Creation and printing of name badges
- Admission control with on-site check-in
- Training and support options
Abstract Management
With WinAbstract, WinCongress also developed an extension for scientific conferences that simplifies the submission and review of scientific contributions. Such a module should therefore be part of your requirements list if your events include a call for papers.
Managing abstracts and papers in a separate tool is not a good solution. Sometimes there are no interfaces available to transfer data from the abstract solution to the conference software. This is essential, however, because abstracts are scheduled as program items and the authors are also conference attendees.
Conferences are changing
Events and their associated processes change over time. New features are added, existing ones are expanded, and interfaces are designed to be more intuitive and accessible. For example, self-service solutions have been developed to speed up on-site check-in. Furthermore, the last two years have shown us that conferences can take place entirely or partially in a digital format.
Because development has been discontinued, WinCongress can no longer reflect these changes. Digital or hybrid conference components cannot be implemented with it, yet these should be part of any comprehensive solution for managing a conference.
How can you successfully switch from WinCongress to another solution?
If you are already using WinCongress, you will find it much easier to search for and evaluate alternatives. You are already familiar with the features you need for your events and know what working with such software should—and should not—look like.
Feel free to contact us if you need support with the transition. We are happy to help, review your requirements with you, and—provided Converia covers exactly what your conferences need—guide you through the switch step by step.
