The Event Tech Pull Up

Pull up, because this episode is all about the content your event is already creating — and why it should be doing a lot more work after the session ends. Tess and Keith sit down with Jacob Kinnander , CCO at Voxo, and Johan Wadenholt Vrethem , CEO and Co-Founder of Voxo, to talk about how Voxo helps event organizers turn live sessions into branded summaries, reports, podcasts, and reusable conten...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Tess Vismale sits down with Mia Masson, an event tech marketer and consultant, to talk about the challenges planners face when sourcing event technology. Drawing on her experience working with event tech companies and organizers, Mia shares why the tech buying process is often frustrating, where communication breaks down between planners and vend...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Keith Johnston and Kristi Casey sit down with Chris Haddow of ExpoPlatform to discuss how technology can improve buyer–seller connections at large exhibitions. The conversation explores how meeting intelligence, data signals, and thoughtful use of AI help exhibitors generate better leads while helping organizers deliver measurable ROI for both ex...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Stuart Mitchell sits down with Abi Cannons of Grip to discuss how event platforms can improve networking, matchmaking, and meeting outcomes for organizers and exhibitors. The conversation explores how Grip helps facilitate meaningful connections at events while providing organizers with the data they need to demonstrate ROI and improve future eve...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Keith and Tess sit down with Cecilia Lavin of Evessio to talk about award programs, event technology, and why recognition-driven events can become powerful revenue generators for organizations. They explore how specialized tech platforms support the full awards lifecycle, reduce manual work for event teams, and help organizations turn awards prog...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Tess sits down with Johnny Martinez of CrowdComms to talk about event technology, accessibility, and why the best tech should feel invisible to attendees while empowering event teams behind the scenes. They also discuss global event design differences, the importance of accessibility standards, and a behind-the-scenes look at their work helping c...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Keith sits down with Beezar Sirini and Danis Nova of Boost. Express to discuss a new approach to event sponsorship and digital advertising. The conversation explores how event organizers can extend exhibitor marketing campaigns beyond the event dates, helping sponsors reach targeted audiences year-round while generating new revenue for event orga...

Recorded live inside the Optima1 mobile event space on the Confex show floor in London , this special episode of Event Tech Pull Up explores a completely different approach to event environments. Tess Vismale, Kristi Casey, and Stuart Mitchell sit down with Mark Tasker of Optima1 to talk about how the mobile venue was designed, why flexibility is critical for modern event production, and how a sin...

Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Keith Johnston and Tess Vismale sit down with Mark Kisby of The AV Department Ltd. to talk about the realities of delivering audio-visual production around the world. From royal yachts to global conferences, Mark shares stories about last-minute AV challenges, creative problem solving, and why the relationship between planners and production team...

Yesterday, at the buzzing, slightly chaotic, wonderfully global energy of Confex in London, we officially launched Event Tech Atlas — live, on the show floor, as part of the Catch the MICE stand (E35C). And yes… we recorded an episode of the Event Tech Pull Up right there in the middle of it all. Because subtlety has never been our thing. On-site for launch: Keith Johnston – Co-Founder Tess Vismal...

Awards aren’t just a side show — they’re one of the most powerful (and underused) tools in an organization's toolkit. In this episode, Tess and Keith pull up with their longtime friend and industry pro Cecilia Lavin from Evessio to talk about why awards deserve their own spotlight, how tech is transforming the process, and how AI, data, and creativity can turn recognition programs into engagem...

A recent AI privacy kerfuffle saw some ChatGPT chats popping up in Google search results. Was it overblown? Sure—but it’s a great reminder that “share” doesn’t always mean “safe.” In this episode, Keith and Tess break down what actually happened, why design and user education matter, and how event pros can protect their data when using AI tools, without killing the innovation buzz. We Dive Into: W...

Blended is back, baby—and it never should’ve left! In this episode, Tess and Keith get fired up (in the best way) about the return of hybrid events—er, blended audiences—and why now is the time for planners to get strategic, not nostalgic. With international travel down, stricter border controls in place, and the U.S. becoming less accessible for global attendees, we're once again seeing the c...

On this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up , we’re flipping the script! Normally, we’re all about the latest and greatest in event tech—from AI to apps and everything in between. But today, we’re taking a step back to explore something a little different: the power of non-tech strategies to make your event tech even better. That’s right—sometimes, the best way to enhance your tech is to go old scho...

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, Tess and I dive into the Hub and Spoke method—a powerful framework for streamlining event planning and data management. Think of it as the command center or nerve center of your event, where one central hub connects all the spokes: files, links, logos, images, and more. It’s about creating a unified, accessible workspace that cuts down on the chaos and ke...

In this episode of *The Event Tech Pull Up*, Tess and I dive into one of our favorite new tools—Google NotebookLM. This AI-powered assistant has quickly become a go-to tool for streamlining event planning and making smarter decisions. In this episode, we explore its capabilities, including analyzing uploaded notes, research, and feedback to suggest agenda topics, compare venues, and create content...

On this week's episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we dive into a topic close to our hearts... how to get event tech-savvy and stay ahead of the masses. We know that learning to be tech-savvy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling all of the crap that goes into making your conference or event a success, but trust us—leveling up your tech game will not only make your work more effici...

This week on the Event Tech Pull Up, Tess and I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Alicia McKoy , the visionary founder and CEO of Peak Mind . Dr. McKoy shared her journey from experiencing burnout as a business owner to creating innovative tools that empower employees to manage stress and thrive in the workplace. From her expertise in VR, AR, and AI technologies to her commitment...

In this short, New Year's week episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, Tess helps us understand why a solid run of show is the backbone of any successful event. Think of it as the ultimate roadmap for your team—but what happens when that roadmap feels overwhelming? We share insights on why detailed instructions can sometimes intimidate less experienced team members and how empathy, clarity, and role-sp...

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, Tess and I dive headfirst into the looming "Event Tech Apocalypse." Yes, you heard that right—an extinction-level event is brewing in the world of event technology, and we’re here to unpack what it means for planners, vendors, and the entire ecosystem. From rapid consolidations to shocking bankruptcies and skyrocketing prices, the landscape is shifting fa...

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we dive into the essential backbone of every successful event: the run of show. Keith and I share why this minute-by-minute guide is the ultimate tool for keeping your event on track, from AV coordination to speaker preparation, and everything in between. Whether you're dealing with last-minute changes or ensuring your audience experiences a seamless, pol...

In this episode, we look at the impact of private equity on event tech innovation. Private equity firms have poured resources into the event tech industry, scooping up major players like Cvent, Encore, and others. But at what cost? We share our thoughts on how this influx of capital can lead to consolidation, stifling the creativity and innovation that drive the industry forward. From the rise of...

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we’re diving headfirst into the trends everyone’s talking about (and some they really shouldn’t be) for 2025. From the so-called “rise” of hybrid events to the unstoppable influence of AI, we break down what’s genuinely transformative and what’s just fluff. We also tackle the sustainability buzz—are planners really prioritizing it, or is it just greenwash...

In this episode of Event Tech Pull Up , Tess Vismale and Keith Johnston explore the complexities of managing an event tech stack, breaking down what it is and why it’s essential for seamless event execution. They cover the must-have tools in a planner’s tech toolbox, including event management platforms, registration systems, engagement software, and even presentation tools like PowerPoint and Goo...

In this episode of Event Tech Pull Up, Tess Vismale and Keith Johnston take a fun and practical dive into the essential items every meeting and event planner should have in their travel bag. Drawing from their years of experience in the events industry, they share a curated list of 12 must-haves, from a trusty USB-C hub and portable monitor to a sleek hydro bag and versatile gaff tape. Each item i...