Event Tech Live Partners With Grip to Deliver Hosted Buyer Program; Opens Voting for Launchpad Competition

March 31, 2023

Event Tech Live (ETL) has launched its first hosted buyer program for its shows in Las Vegas and London using the MustMeet platform by Grip, a leading AI-powered event tech provider built for meetings and matchmaking.

Grip’s MustMeet product, a powerful meeting scheduling system for event organizers, is being used by ETL to automatically schedule, manage and host a range of meetings for buyers and suppliers.   

“Our hosted buyer initiative is about expediting the ETL experience for brands and businesses typically unable to commit a day to the show,” said Adam Parry, co-founder of ETL. “There will be a dedicated, furnished zone where they can have quick, pre-arranged meetings with exhibitors.”

Perry continued, “It’s an optional extra that will bring another level of interaction to the show floor, and it’s great to be working with an innovative vehicle like MustMeet to deliver this.”

MustMeet helps organizers by easily adding transformational meetings to their events with AI-powered, automated schedules, according to Tim Groot, founder and CEO of Grip.

“We’ve seen an 80 percent increase in demand for events where meetings are a core part of the experience,” Groot said. “The growth of this new product has been incredible, as more organizers start offering facilitated meeting programs to connect buyers and suppliers.”

Groot added, “We’re proud Event Tech Live is the latest organizer to select MustMeet. It will deliver greater ROI for participants, boost NPS and increase revenue.”

ETL Las Vegas Launchpad

Meanwhile, voting is now open for the first ETL Las Vegas Launchpad Competition for event tech startups and those launching brand-new tech.

This year’s competition is sponsored by DAHLIA+Agency and Event Industry News, which will have representatives on the expert judging panel.

The three companies that receive the most votes will be announced on April 26, the first day of ETL Las Vegas, and invited to deliver a short presentation in front of a live audience at the show on April 27. An expert panel of judges will rank the companies gold, silver and bronze, with a significant prize for each category.

There are eight companies competing for a prize this year. Event professionals can show their support for their favorite new tech by voting here. To see the winners announced in at the show, register here.

ETL Las Vegas will take place April 26-27 at The Expo at World Market Center. ETL London is set for Nov. 15-16 at ExCeL, London. Both shows are dedicated to bringing global event professionals together to experience and discuss the latest advances in event tech, champion thought leadership and engage its community year-round.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact