Event Technology Companies Drive Innovation with Strategic Moves
In a flurry of activity, several event technology companies are making strategic moves to enhance events for both organizers and exhibitors. Acquisitions, new service launches, and collaborative partnerships are at the forefront of these developments, all aimed at streamlining event processes, improving attendee experiences, and maximizing return on investment.
RainFocus Acquires WebEvents Global
Event marketing platform RainFocus has acquired WebEvents Global, a firm specializing in event technology and data analytics. This acquisition will strengthen RainFocus’s market position, leveraging WebEvents Global’s established client relationships and industry expertise. JR Sherman, CEO of RainFocus, stated that WebEvents Global’s vision, with its focus on integrating sales and marketing data to improve experiences and boost revenue, closely aligns with RainFocus’s goals.
Founded in 2002, WebEvents Global has a track record of using data-driven technology to create customizable event solutions. Karis Takiya, former president of WebEvents Global, joins RainFocus as Principal Integrations Architect to assist in the transition of clients to the RainFocus platform.
Aira Launches Visual Interpreting for Attendees
Aira is introducing Aira Access Events, an on-demand visual interpreting service catering to the visually impaired. This service assists with tasks such as audio description for keynotes and wayfinding, aiming to enhance accessibility and inclusivity at events. Attendees can connect to a trained visual interpreter via the Aira app available on iOS and Android devices. By geofencing the event, Aira can make the service freely available to those within the event’s boundaries. Additionally, users can use Aira’s AI feature to receive instant image descriptions.
PR Newswire and Map Your Show Partner for Exhibitor PR
PR Newswire and Map Your Show are collaborating on a new initiative called Exhibitor PR Boost. This feature provides Map Your Show exhibitors with a convenient way to publicize their participation using PR Newswire, giving them access to discounted web distributions and press release templates. Matt Brown, president of PR Newswire, said that the new offering provided a turnkey solution for event participants. Don Kline, CEO of Map Your Show, celebrated the partnership, expecting that it would improve exhibitor visibility.
Grip Acquires Event Management System
AI-powered event platform Grip has completed an acquisition of the event management system (EMS) from Connectiv Holdings. Grip’s existing suite of products, “Engage,” and this new EMS, named “Manage,” now offers a complete, end-to-end event management, registration, and engagement solution. The “Manage” system comprises four products: Event Registration, Sponsor and Exhibitor Management, Side Event Management, and Smart Badges. Tim Groot, Grip’s founder and CEO, noted that the acquisition establishes Grip as the most complete event solution available. Research by the company indicates that using the Connectiv Holdings EMS results in higher activation of event apps and more connections and meetings among participants.
The Trade Group Launches Exhibit IQ
The Trade Group has launched Exhibit IQ, a real-time analytics service designed to help trade show exhibitors measure and optimize their booth design, visitor engagement, and marketing effectiveness. Utilizing cameras and AI, the technology offers real-time data and comprehensive reports, including foot-traffic counts, heat maps detailing booth activity, and meeting analytics. The system is designed to protect attendee privacy. Bailey Carpenter, The Trade Group’s Marketing Engineer, said the service was created to provide data-driven, long-term value to clients, enabling them to refine their strategies.
These announcements signal a robust period of innovation and strategic alignment in the event technology sector, with a clear focus on enhancing the value and impact of trade shows and events for all stakeholders.
