Unless attendees were looking, they probably didn’t notice more than 70 sensors that were placed in and around about 50 activations in The District at PCMA’s annual convention held in January. The sensors allowed for comprehensive data collection on audience engagement metrics, such as traffic flow, dwell times, and even attendee emotions via facial recognition analytics. 

Zenus, a trailblazer in digital analytics for events, showcased its innovative solutions at the PCMA Convening Leaders 2025. From detailed analytics and bespoke reporting for top sponsors to ensuring privacy via cutting-edge AI, the innovations from Zenus are redefining how event professionals can maximize sponsor value and enhance attendee experiences.  

As the industry continues to adapt and evolve, partnerships like those between Zenus and PCMA offer a glimpse into the promising future of event management. 

TSNN’s Danica Tormohlen delves into some of the key takeaways that Panos Moutafis, co-founder and CEO of Zenus, shared during our conversation in the Tech Lounge. 

Read four highlights below or watch the full interview here. 

1. Data Collection and Analysis 

Zenus has been partnering with PCMA Convening Leaders for three consecutive years, progressively scaling their tech integrations annually. In 2025, Zenus took a bold step by implementing their technology across 50 distinct activations during the event. According to Moutafis, “Every single one of them has at least one or [up to] five sensors from Zenus.”  

The aim of this intensive data gathering is multifaceted: sponsors receive detailed reports to understand their return on investment, while the information also aids in refining their strategies. Moutafis explained, “After the event, every sponsor will get a report, which becomes their impact or the ROI report that they can then discuss internally.” 

2. Bespoke Reporting for Major Sponsors 

A unique offering from Zenus, highlighted by Moutafis, is the personalized, onsite data analysis service offered to four major sponsors. Analysts provided daily briefs on performance, enabling these sponsors to make real-time adjustments. For instance, Panos mentioned specific recommendations such as, “The cupcakes should be on the right part of the counter, not the left part of the counter, because you are going to block the entrance.” 

These insights have a noticeable impact, as Moutafis noted, “We have already seen the change improvements” based on the actionable intelligence provided. 

3. Leveraging AI for Enhanced Privacy and Efficiency 

Zenus’s AI technology plays a crucial role in its data analysis capabilities without compromising attendee privacy. Moutafis elaborated on the capabilities of its AI devices: “All the processing happens locally. The only thing that we transmit is the aggregate statistics.” This ensures no personal data is breached, keeping it both anonymous and secure. 

4. Expanding Influence Across the Event Industry 

Zenus’s impact extends beyond PCMA, with continued collaborations with major industry events like IMEX America and Expo!Expo! Through its data-driven approach, Zenus has helped event organizers boost sponsorship by revealing prime, previously untapped opportunities. As Moutafis noted, clients can effectively prove sponsorship ROI with the sentiment analysis data. He added: “More and more, [people are] saying, ‘why do I spend $20,000 for a banner?’ ” 

Main image: The Anaheim activation at PCMA Convening Leaders 2025. Photo: Whatever Media Group