As 2024 draws to a close, the event technology landscape resembles a game of corporate Tetris, with companies frantically connecting pieces to create the most comprehensive solutions.
On the venue booking and management side of event tech news, the mantra seems to be, “Why build when you can partner?” This is evidenced by a wave of strategic integrations and partnerships that aim to create centralized booking options.
On the event management side of event tech news, the picture is not so clear. While Cvent went on a shopping spree with four acquisitions this year, other players are not pulling out their checkbooks. RainFocus’s acquisition of WebEvents Global is the main exception.
The goal is the same across all companies: deeper market penetration and broader service offerings within each company’s financial means.
Perhaps surprisingly, while AI features prominently in several major event tech product updates, it hasn’t yet permeated the industry as profoundly as one might expect. The latest event tech news shows a selective deployment of AI in specific use cases such as Bizzabo’s Event OS Copilot and Explori’s survey analysis tool. Overall, this suggests that event tech platforms are taking a more measured, practical approach to artificial intelligence than the gold rush mentality seen in other tech sectors.
New Product Launches
- Event technology provider SpotMe has launched Onomi, a product and services suite designed specifically for life sciences companies to connect with healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients, and key stakeholders across all types of events while adhering to strict compliance and transparency standards. It includes features specifically aimed at the vertical, including deep integration with Veeva, a life sciences-specific CRM and dedicated human support with 30-second response times.
Acquisitions
- Event marketing platform RainFocus acquired WebEvents Global, an event technology and data analytics firm founded in 2002. RainFocus appointed WebEvents Global’s former president, Karis Takiya, as principal integrations architect to lead its strategic data integration consulting practice.
Partnerships
- Hubli announced an integration with Amadeus Cytric Easy, a travel and expense tool embedded in Microsoft Teams. The integration allows Cytric Easy users to book small meeting venues, group hotel stays and internal office spaces.
- Meeting management platform and venue marketplace Meetingselect has partnered with hospitality technology provider Shiji Group to integrate its Meeting Booking Widget into Shiji’s property management system. The integration enables venues to offer real-time availability, instant booking capabilities, and automated meeting room management directly on their websites.
- Spatial design technology provider Prismm (formerly Allseated) has partnered with client relationship management platform HoneyBook to integrate its 2D and 3D visualization technology directly into HoneyBook’s project management interface. This allows event professionals to manage spatial design, client communication, and project management in one platform.
- Prismm has also integrated with venue booking platform Perfect Venue enabling venue managers to incorporate floor plans and 3D visualizations directly into their event proposals and booking processes. The integration enables Perfect Venue users to access Prismm’s true-to-scale 2D and 3D venue visualizations within their event management platform, combining Perfect Venue’s booking and management tools with Prismm’s digital twin technology for streamlined event planning and sales.
- Tripleseat, an event management software provider for hospitality venues, has integrated with Amaze Insights to enable hotels to consolidate performance data from multiple sales and catering platforms into a single dashboard.
Product Updates
- Event management platform Bizzabo introduced Event OS Copilot, an AI-powered assistant integrated into its Event Experience Operating System. The new tool, trained on the company’s knowledge base and product materials, provides real-time guidance to users directly within the platform interface. It also has continuous learning capabilities for automatic updates.
- Event platform Grip has launched Grip Onsite, a new product suite offering onsite solutions, including badge printing, smart badges, and attendance tracking. Oliver Smart, former managing director at Jonas Event Technology, will lead the new division as senior vice president of Onsite Solutions.
- Event data insights company Explori has introduced AI Verbatim, a new AI-powered text analysis tool that automatically codes open-ended responses from post-event online surveys. The platform is hosted on Explori-owned servers to ensure data security and privacy.
- Professional conference recording company SlidesLive has introduced an AI-powered robotic camera system featuring proprietary NATE (Neural Automated Tracking Engine) software for conference recording and streaming.
- Event ticketing and marketplace Eventbrite has introduced a free timed entry ticketing tool that allows event organizers to set up and sell multiple daily time slots for tours, attractions, excursions, and classes.
- Venue and event management solutions provider Momentus Technologies has launched AI-powered risk management functionality through its WeTrack platform. This functionality allows venues and events to align risk categories across various classifications while adapting to organization-specific terminology and standards.
