Event Tech News Roundup: April–May 2025
The event tech landscape continues its AI acceleration, with several major platforms — as well as destinations and companies outside the event tech sector — rolling out AI-powered features. Meanwhile, strategic acquisitions signal ongoing industry consolidation.
The event tech sector continues to transform, and artificial intelligence is a major trend shaping developments. Some event tech companies focus on using AI to improve networking suggestions or lead recommendations based on engagement data. Meanwhile, others use it for real-time support through voice and text. AI is also powering event marketing consulting tools and travel management insights. Furthermore, it enables automated live streaming using robotic cameras.
But event tech innovation isn't just about AI. Companies are continually looking to make event tech more powerful while being easy to use. The latest updates suggest a maturing industry that's consolidating. Mainly, it's looking to better support events, mainly through smart uses of AI.
Acquisitions
Cvent acquired Prismm (formerly Allseated) to enhance its 3D diagramming capabilities. The deal brings Prismm's immersive layout and virtual walkthrough technology, and over 5,500 clients, into Cvent's platform.
Events.com acquired Upped Events, integrating contactless point-of-sale solutions into its platform. The merger enables comprehensive on-site transaction capabilities and unified revenue tracking across ticketing and purchases.
Rebel Capital, a new holding company, launched with plans to build a $100M revenue portfolio by 2030. Its first acquisition is Leadature, an event data capture solution.
Investments
Amadeus IT Group made a strategic minority investment in hivr.ai, an AI-powered meetings and groups sales platform. The companies will explore integration opportunities with Amadeus' Delphi sales and catering solution. hivr.ai's technology automates manual workload in group sales, aiming to reduce hotel response times from 48-96 hours and improve conversion rates.
Product Launches
Eventbase introduced eventCopilot™, a voice-activated AI assistant developed with TurnoutNow. The tool provides real-time support and personalized recommendations through natural voice or text interactions within Eventbase's event apps.
Genesis Exhibits launched Trade Show Maestro, a free AI-powered consulting tool offering guidance on event marketing, logistics, and exhibit design leveraging the company's industry expertise.
Gothenburg Convention Bureau is developing a digital site visit platform using 3D visuals and real-time data. This is built on the city's Digital Twin technology. The beta launch is scheduled for 2026.
HRS debuted Copilot, an AI-powered travel management platform that unifies data across all travel segments. It provides real-time insights and automates tasks like supplier management and booking optimization. The company said it keeps managers in full control, while enabling faster decisions and higher savings.
Qondor released a standalone Sustainability Reporting Tool for calculating event emissions without requiring full platform adoption. The tool uses SQUAKE data to generate reports on travel, accommodation, and F&B impacts.
42Chat now offers a Command Center platform for chatbot management tools with features for contact management, metrics monitoring, and project organization. The company said it maintains a verifiable 95% correct response rate.
Bizzabo has a new AI-powered networking suite and recommendation engine that leverages attendee data and behavior for intelligent matchmaking. The suite incorporates scheduling technology from Bizzabo's 2021 acquisition of x.ai and integrates with Bizzabo's Klik smart badges. Additionally, the company upgraded its registration system with a focuses on enhancing attendee conversion rates and customization. New features include group registration, session sign-ups, conditional logic, and support for over 20 currencies.
Explori has rebuilt its event measurement platform, driven by input from clients, improving feedback collection, analysis, and reporting efficiency. Key features include smart survey templates, real-time dashboards, AI-based text analysis, benchmark comparisons, and exportable PowerPoint reports.
JabberYak released Meetup, a new feature for creating meetups around shared passions at existing events. The features also provides a curated list of top local meetup spots.
Krowden (formerly NetworkTables) now integrates with Cvent, making its matchmaking capabilities available through the Cvent App Marketplace.
Onyx CenterSource made its GroupPay commission payment platform available in the Cvent App Marketplace.
Plain Sight introduced a sponsorship marketplace for corporations, focused on improving discovery and buying.
SlidesLive introduced SmartStream, an AI-powered streaming solution that reduces staffing needs through robotic cameras. The company said the system enables a 12-room event operation with just three crew members.
Stova has a new sustainability program with eco-friendly badging options and recycling initiatives. The company is working with Science Based Targets initiative to establish carbon reduction goals.
Swapcard launched AI-Recommended Leads, a tool that scores attendees based on real-time engagement metrics to help exhibitors identify high-potential prospects.
Personel
CrowdComms tapped Brad Langley as senior vice president for the Americas to lead business development in the region. The company said the appointment is driven by increasing regional demand for its virtual and hybrid event solutions.
Partnerships
Novobeing, a VR wellness technology provider, and Olympian Meeting, a 'wellness-first' event agency, have entered a strategic partnership. Olympian Meeting will be exclusively using Novobeing technology to deliver science-backed VR activations aimed at reducing stress and increasing engagement.
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