Event Tech Live (ETL), which was founded 10 years ago and has been held annually in London ever since, made a successful debut in the U.S. April 26-27 with Event Tech Live Las Vegas, held at The Expo at World Market Center.

With a mix of the latest technology from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond, in addition to a wealth of interesting sessions, Event Tech Live Las Vegas was a big hit, according to Adam Parry, co-founder of ETL.

“Getting Event Tech Live to Las Vegas and seeing the fantastic reaction to it is beyond brilliant,” Parry said. “It’s a big team effort, and I thank every sponsor, every exhibitor, every speaker, every visitor and every member of the team.”

He continued, “ETL is a product of the union of those people, their contemporary thinking and their prowess.”

With its long-established commitment to top-quality content, the show brought out the mainstays of event technology from both sides of the pond.

Among the headline sessions across its two days were:

• “How to Implement a Community-Driven Video Strategy for Your Next Event,” led by Shelley Williams, director of global sales at Hard Rock International
   
• “The Future of Hybrid Events” with Robin Bunevich, product marketer, Zoom Events and Webinars
   
• “The Return of Innovation” with leaders from Opus Agency, SXSW, Bloomberg and other top companies on hand to impart their wisdom
   
• “Achieving Perfect Personalization at Events,” featuring Michael Brown, vice president of innovation at SXSW, and Brianna Jackson, senior manager for event and brand technology at Salesforce
   
• “Why Hybrid Events Are Here to Stay…or Should Be” with Alec Sonenthal, director of education at Eventsair

The dynamic mix of new tech and stories of its evolution was also apparent throughout the show floor, with a wide range of exhibitors enjoying the attention and interest from a succession of attendees keen to learn how to improve their events with the latest technology.

The show featured Event Tech Live’s first hosted buyer program, with 19 exhibiting companies, including Performedia, STOVA, GiantiTab, Haia, Cvent, Cadmium, CrowdComms and Jugo, meeting buyers in a purpose-built lounge. The program was met with great acclaim from all parties, including hosted buyer and award-winning prominent Las Vegas-based event producer Lenny Talarico.

“I’ve learned so much from so many new people,” Talarico said. “It’s amazing to see all of this tech in one space.”

ETL Launchpad for event tech startups made its stateside debut at Event Tech Live Las Vegas, along with the acclaimed Launchpad Competition, which brought three fabulous finalists to the fore: Sessionboard, CapTag and Answer Stage, according to Parry.

“Launchpad went really well,” he said. “It’s part of ETL’s essence, and it was so good to see such a positive reaction for the finalists.”

CapTag, with its Badgee technology and other event tech solutions, ultimately won the competition.

Next up for ETL is Event Tech Live London, which is set for Nov. 15-16 at ExCeL, London. Event Tech Live Las Vegas 2024 will be held May 1-2.

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