Second Event Tech Meetup in Riyadh showcases local innovation
The event, organized by the National Events Center, featured specialized workshops, brainstorming sessions, and a showcase of technological innovations tailored for the events industry.
Lojain Al-Harbi, founder and CEO of Dulani, reflected on her experience at EventTech Tank, which allowed entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to potential investors.
She said: 'It feels amazing. Months of hard work have paid off — seeing our results is a completely different feeling. We're grateful for this opportunity.'
Abdulaziz Al-Subaei, founder of Jawlat, echoed her sentiments. 'This is truly an excellent opportunity. Having direct exposure to investors is incredibly valuable, especially since we haven't had much interest before,' he said.
Another participant, Abdullah Al-Hajji, CEO of Eventify, told Arab News that the event had been a successful one for the company. 'We even secured an investment, which is an incredible result for us,' he added.
Budoor Al-Malik, co-founder and CCO of MILA Celebration, emphasized the importance of the meetup for startups in the event tech space, which allowed the company to 'connect with like-minded individuals and investors who share our passion.'
The opening program of the meetup included live demonstrations from industry innovators. One of the highlights was the National Events Center's presentation, titled 'No Waiting, Digital Innovation Creates the Experience.'
This was centered around their 'SKIP Q' solution, which aims to enhance visitor experiences by streamlining entry and reducing wait times.
Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism showcased their platform 'Decisions Made in the Moment,' which utilizes advanced analytics to inform tourism strategies.
Two expert panels delved into the transformative impacts of technology on the events sector.
The first panel, 'How Artificial Intelligence Shapes the Future of Events in the Kingdom,' discussed AI's potential to lower operational costs and improve event management.
The second panel, 'Data Drives the Event Scene,' focused on how AI can convert data into actionable insights.
Many startups presented their products in hopes of attracting attention from prominent investors, who were eager to explore new opportunities.
The 'Event Tech Meetup 2025' is part of the broader 'Event Tech 2025' initiative, aimed at accelerating digital transformation within Saudi Arabia's events sector.
This initiative focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030.
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