Event Tech Live Shines for Its First U.S. Edition in Las Vegas
May 2, 2023
Event Tech Live (ETL), which was founded 10 years ago and has been held annually in London ever since, made a successful debut in the U.S. April 26-27 with Event Tech Live Las Vegas, held at The Expo at World Market Center.
With a mix of the latest technology from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond, in addition to a wealth of interesting sessions, Event Tech Live Las Vegas was a big hit, according to Adam Parry, co-founder of ETL.
“Getting Event Tech Live to Las Vegas and seeing the fantastic reaction to it is beyond brilliant,” Parry said. “It’s a big team effort, and I thank every sponsor, every exhibitor, every speaker, every visitor and every member of the team.”
He continued, “ETL is a product of the union of those people, their contemporary thinking and their prowess.”
With its long-established commitment to top-quality content, the show brought out the mainstays of event technology from both sides of the pond.
Among the headline sessions across its two days were:
- “How to Implement a Community-Driven Video Strategy for Your Next Event,” led by Shelley Williams, director of global sales at Hard Rock International
- “The Future of Hybrid Events” with Robin Bunevich, product marketer, Zoom Events and Webinars
- “The Return of Innovation” with leaders from Opus Agency, SXSW, Bloomberg and other top companies on hand to impart their wisdom
- “Achieving Perfect Personalization at Events,” featuring Michael Brown, vice president of innovation at SXSW, and Brianna Jackson, senior manager for event and brand technology at Salesforce
- “Why Hybrid Events Are Here to Stay…or Should Be” with Alec Sonenthal, director of education at Eventsair
The dynamic mix of new tech and stories of its evolution was also apparent throughout the show floor, with a wide range of exhibitors enjoying the attention and interest from a succession of attendees keen to learn how to improve their events with the latest technology.
The show featured Event Tech Live’s first hosted buyer program, with 19 exhibiting companies, including Performedia, STOVA, GiantiTab, Haia, Cvent, Cadmium, CrowdComms and Jugo, meeting buyers in a purpose-built lounge. The program was met with great acclaim from all parties, including hosted buyer and award-winning prominent Las Vegas-based event producer Lenny Talarico.
“I’ve learned so much from so many new people,” Talarico said. “It’s amazing to see all of this tech in one space.”
ETL Launchpad for event tech startups made its stateside debut at Event Tech Live Las Vegas, along with the acclaimed Launchpad Competition, which brought three fabulous finalists to the fore: Sessionboard, CapTag and Answer Stage, according to Parry.
“Launchpad went really well,” he said. “It’s part of ETL’s essence, and it was so good to see such a positive reaction for the finalists.”
CapTag, with its Badgee technology and other event tech solutions, ultimately won the competition.
Next up for ETL is Event Tech Live London, which is set for Nov. 15-16 at ExCeL, London. Event Tech Live Las Vegas 2024 will be held May 1-2.
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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