The Event Tech Pull Up

Keith Johnston/Tess Vismale

We want to cut through the event tech bull that meeting and event planners encounter across the meetings and events industry. Our episodes cover topics from event registration and AI to the latest gadgets and gear. We even throw in some event design trends and comment on the industry's ridiculousness.

  1. 5D AGO

    Smarter Matchmaking and Networking at Events with Grip

    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 events. What We Cover What Grip does and how it powers event networking and matchmakingWhy event apps should focus on meaningful connections, not just featuresHow data from attendee interactions helps organizers improve eventsThe challenge of integrating event technology platformsWhy pre-event engagement is critical for successful networkingThe missed opportunity exhibitors overlook when using event appsHow AI-powered concierge tools are starting to enhance event platformsGuest Abi Cannons – Grip Grip is an event networking and matchmaking platform designed to help organizers increase the number of meaningful meetings between attendees, buyers, and suppliers. The platform uses data-driven recommendations and AI-powered tools to connect participants and help exhibitors capture leads, schedule meetings, and maximize ROI from event participation. Host Stuart Mitchell – Catch the MICE/Event Tech Atlas Key Takeaway Event apps are most powerful when attendees use them before the event starts—planning meetings and connections in advance instead of relying on chance encounters on the show floor. Learn More Grip - https://eventtechatlas.com/listing/grip.html Abi Cannons - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abicannons/ Stuart Mitchell - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mitchell-consultant/ Event Tech Atlas - https://eventtechatlas.com/ Event Tech Pull Up Podcast - https://eventtechpullup.com/ Joi is a supporter of the Event Tech Pull Up, learn more at ⁠https://www.joi.events/

    15 min

  2. MAR 24

    Why Awards Programs Are a Hidden Revenue Engine with Evessio

    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 programs into year-round audience engagement tools.  What We Cover What Evessio is and why it specializes in awards programsWhy award programs can become major brand and revenue driversThe hidden time cost of manual event administrationHow event tech should integrate instead of pretending to be “all-in-one”Why honest sales conversations matter in event technologyHow feedback and judging data can strengthen awards programsWhy transparency builds credibility in industry awardsGuest Cecilia Lavin – Evessio Evessio is an event management platform focused on awards programs and conferences, helping organizers manage the full lifecycle of awards—from submissions and judging to promotion and post-event engagement. The platform is designed to automate administrative tasks while helping organizations monetize and grow their awards programs.  Hosts Keith Johnston – i3 Events / Event Tech Atlas Tess Vismale – iSocialX / Event Tech Atlas Key Takeaway Awards programs aren’t just recognition moments—they can become year-round engagement engines that strengthen brands, generate revenue, and deepen community relationships. Learn More Evessio - https://evessio.com/ Cecilia Lavin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-lavin/ Evessio - https://evessio.com/live/en/page/home Event Tech Atlas - https://eventtechatlas.com/ Event Tech Pull Up Podcast - https://eventtechpullup.com/ Joi is a supporter of the Event Tech Pull Up, learn more at ⁠https://www.joi.events/

    20 min

  3. MAR 19

    Why Invisible Event Tech Matters with CrowdComms

    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 create the new event technology module for the CMP certification. What We Cover Johnny Martinez’s journey into the events industryWhat CrowdComms actually means by “end-to-end” event technologyWhy the best event tech should feel invisible to attendeesAccessibility standards and WCAG compliance in event platformsDifferences between U.S. and UK event show floor designHow gamification can drive attendee engagementCreating the new event technology module for CMP certificationGuest Johnny Martinez – Head of Partnerships, CrowdCommsCrowdComms provides event technology solutions including registration systems, mobile event apps, attendee engagement tools, badge printing, lead capture, and virtual/hybrid event capabilities. The platform focuses on helping organizers manage attendee data and deliver seamless experiences across the entire event lifecycle. Host Tess Vismale – iSocialX / Event Tech AtlasKey Takeaway The best event technology isn’t the flashiest tool on the show floor. It’s the technology that quietly powers the experience while letting organizers focus on the people in the room. Learn More • CrowdComms - https://www.crowdcomms.com/ • Johnny Martinez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-d-martinez/ • Event Tech Atlas - https://eventtechatlas.com/ • Event Tech Pull Up Podcast - https://eventtechpullup.com/ Joi is a supporter of the Event Tech Pull Up, learn more at https://www.joi.events/

    31 min

  4. MAR 17

    Turning Exhibitor Advertising Into Year-Round Event Revenue with Boost.Express

    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 organizers.  What We Cover What Boost.Express is and how the platform worksWhy exhibitor digital marketing budgets are often larger than event sponsorship budgetsHow targeted campaigns help sponsors reach event audiences before and after the showThe problem with “shotgun” advertising approaches in event marketingHow organizers can generate new non-dues revenue through advertising campaignsWhy measurable marketing data matters for sponsors and exhibitorsHow campaigns can drive booth traffic, meetings, and new attendeesGuests Beezar Sirini – Co-Founder, Boost.Express Danis Nova – Co-Founder, Boost.Express Boost.Express is a collaborative advertising platform designed for events with large exhibitor bases. The platform enables exhibitors and sponsors to run highly targeted digital advertising campaigns in partnership with event organizers, extending marketing opportunities beyond the event window and creating new revenue streams for organizers.  Host Keith Johnston – i3 Events / Event Tech Atlas Key Takeaway Events shouldn’t generate value only on show days. When exhibitors and organizers collaborate on targeted digital campaigns, the event audience becomes a year-round marketing engine. Learn More Beezar Sirini - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beezar/Danis Nova - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danisnova/Boost.Express - https://boost.express/Event Tech Atlas - https://eventtechatlas.com/Event Tech Pull Up Podcast - https://eventtechpullup.com/Joi is a supporter of the Event Tech Pull Up, learn more at https://Joi.Events

    17 min

  5. MAR 12

    Inside the World’s Most Advanced Mobile Event Space with Optima1

    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 single space can transform into a broadcast studio, hospitality suite, product launch venue, or interactive brand activation. The conversation highlights how Optima1 combines luxury design, broadcast-level AV production, and rapid deployment to create a fully functional event environment that can be delivered almost anywhere. The episode was also edited and produced by the Optima1 team inside the mobile space itself, making it a true demonstration of what the platform can do.  What We Cover The story behind Optima1 and the production challenges it was built to solveWhy event producers wanted a mobile venue that combines luxury, AV, and flexibilityHow the space can transform into a studio, hospitality lounge, classroom, or product launch venueThe technology behind the mobile environment, including 4K displays and broadcast capabilitiesHow quickly the unit can deploy compared to traditional event buildsWhy mobile event spaces are powerful tools for brand activations and experiential marketingCreative ways planners could use Optima1 for roadshows, demos, and interactive experiencesGuest Mark Tasker – Optima1 Mark Tasker is an event producer and the creator of Optima1, a high-end mobile event space designed to deliver fully equipped environments for events, broadcast production, hospitality, and brand activations. Built from decades of event production experience, Optima1 combines studio-grade AV technology, flexible branding capabilities, and luxury event design in a mobile platform that can be deployed almost anywhere.  Hosts Tess Vismale – iSocialX / Event Tech AtlasKristi Casey – Event Tech AtlasStuart Mitchell – Catch the MICE / Event Tech Atlas Key Takeaway Events don’t always need a ballroom, a convention center, or a traditional venue. When technology, design, and mobility come together, planners can create fully functional event environments anywhere a truck can park. Learn More Optima1 – ⁠https://www.optima1.com/⁠Mark Tasker – ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/markfruition/⁠Event Tech Atlas - ⁠https://eventtechatlas.com/⁠Event Tech Pull Up Podcast - ⁠https://eventtechpullup.com/⁠

    20 min

  6. MAR 10

    Behind the Scenes with AV Pros: Solving Problems in Real Time

    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 teams is critical to event success. What We Cover What it takes to deliver AV for events around the worldReal stories of last-minute production challengesHow AV teams creatively solve problems during live eventsThe growing complexity of event technology setupsWhy clients are increasingly asking for self-operated AV systemsThe importance of preparation for speakers and interpretersWhy sending presentations early can make or break a show Guest Mark Kisby – The AV Department Ltd. Mark Kisby leads The AV Department Ltd., a production company based in Scotland that delivers global audio-visual services including interpretation systems, PA, conferencing technology, and event production support. With decades of experience in the industry, Mark and his team specialize in solving complex technical challenges for live events around the world. Hosts Keith Johnston – i3 Events / Event Tech AtlasTess Vismale – iSocialX / Event Tech Atlas Featuring: Neela Johnston – Event Tech Atlas Learn More Mark Kisby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/avdept/The AV Department, LTD - https://www.avdept.co.uk/Event Tech Atlas - https://eventtechatlas.com/Event Tech Pull Up Podcast - https://eventtechpullup.com/ Episode Brought to You By Joi Events - https://www.joi.events/ #EventTech #AVProduction #EventProfs #LiveEvents #Confex

    16 min

  7. FEB 26

    Event Tech Atlas Launch - Confex 2026

    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-FounderTess Vismale, CMP Fellow, DES – Co-FounderKristi Casey – Executive Editor (truth teller-in-chief)Neela Johnston – Events & Operations Director (planner voice of reason)Stuart Mitchell –Head of Revenue & Partnerships (UK connector extraordinaire) What we launched (and why it matters) Event Tech Atlas is a decision-support platform built for meeting and event professionals who are tired of: Pay-to-play rankings“Top 10” lists written by someone who’s never planned an eventSales pitches disguised as educationSwitching tech without knowing what breaks downstream We’re building a smarter way to research and compare event technology — grounded in real-world planner experience, not advertising budgets. As shared during the live recording: Every company is listed on equal footing.No one can buy a better review.Peer review drives credibility.Education sits alongside listings — because tools without context don’t help anyone. The Atlas isn’t software you run your event on. It’s the map that helps you choose the right software in the first place. Explore it here: https://eventtechatlas.com/ The Big Differentiators Peer review collective We’re assembling planners and technologists across corporate, association, agency, executive assistant and independent sectors. They: Test toolsAsk hard questionsShare honest feedbackHelp surface unintended consequences If you want to apply, applications are live now. Free accounts (with actual value) Create a free account and you can:Save and star toolsJoin Tuesday Office Hours with Keith & TessGet access to deeper educational contentParticipate in live conversations about tech stacks, integrations, and vendor decisions Because sometimes you don’t need another demo. You need someone to sanity-check your tech stack. What’s coming in version 2.0 We’re building it as a product roadmap (because planners deserve better tools to choose from). Next up: Side-by-side product comparisonSpecification-based filteringDeeper integration guidanceExpanded content around data, storage, compliance and vendor questionsUK, EU and global vendor growth (thanks, Stuart) A moment that stuck with us After the recording, we attended an industry gathering primarily filled with tech founders. Multiple founders said the same thing: “We need this. We want honest feedback.” That matters. This isn’t about planners vs. tech companies. It’s about transparency, education, and raising the standard on both sides. Built by practitioners, not commentators Event Tech Atlas is a division of Pull Up With Us, LLC, co-founded by Keith Johnston and Tess Vismale — practitioners who’ve spent decades producing conferences, building tech stacks and cleaning up tech decisions that sounded good in sales meetings but broke three systems later. We believe: Integrity beats placement feesEducation beats hypeContext beats feature listsAnd no, one tool does not fit allWhat’s next Peer review onboardingFirst review releasesWeekly office hoursFeature enhancementsOngoing educationAnd probably a few live show floor recordings along the way.If you’re a planner: Come build this with us. If you’re a tech company: Show up ready for honest feedback. If you’re both? Even better. Welcome to Event Tech Atlas.

    21 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    "Awards Are Not an Add-On" with Cecilia Lavin of Evessio

    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 engagement and revenue engines. It’s part strategy session, part candid chat between friends — and packed with insights you’ll want to use at your next event. What We Talk About Why awards are more than an “add-on” – and how they can become their own event ecosystem.The truth about budgets and pricing – how the industry’s lack of transparency has created a disconnect between planners and tech providers.Tech stack strategies – why specialized tools working together often outperform “all-in-one” platforms.Integrations and connectors – how Evessio plays nicely with the rest of your tech stack.Creative revenue models – from directories to league tables, how clients are monetizing beyond event day.AI in awards and abstracts – real-world examples of AI reducing judging time and improving accuracy without losing human authenticity.The future of feedback – using benchmarking, judge comments, and even public voting data to deepen engagement and improve entries.Voice-first tech and accessibility – why voice input and multilingual features are the next frontier.Roadmap & future vision – how Evessio is using data and generative AI to support organizers, sponsors, and entrants year-round.

    1h 8m
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About

We want to cut through the event tech bull that meeting and event planners encounter across the meetings and events industry. Our episodes cover topics from event registration and AI to the latest gadgets and gear. We even throw in some event design trends and comment on the industry's ridiculousness.

Information

  • Creator
    Keith Johnston/Tess Vismale
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Keith Johnston/Tess Vismale
  • Show Website
    The Event Tech Pull Up