The Event Tech Pull Up

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, Tess and I dive headfirst into the looming "Event Tech Apocalypse." Yes, you heard that right—an extinction-level event is brewing in the world of event technology, and we’re here to unpack what it means for planners, vendors, and the entire ecosystem. From rapid consolidations to shocking bankruptcies and skyrocketing prices, the landscape is shifting faster than ever, and not always in a good way. We share firsthand insights into why innovation has stalled, how pricing models alienate small to mid-sized associations and organizations, and what happens when tech providers don’t adapt to the needs of their core customers. Spoiler: It’s not pretty.

We also explore how some organizations are bypassing traditional event tech entirely, using no-code solutions and bespoke systems to save money and stay agile. Is this a trend, a temporary workaround, or the future of event technology? We debate it all and leave you with actionable advice on future-proofing your tech stack before your go-to platform disappears. If you’ve ever wondered how to prepare for chaos in the tech world, this is the episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we dive into the essential backbone of every successful event: the run of show. Keith and I share why this minute-by-minute guide is the ultimate tool for keeping your event on track, from AV coordination to speaker preparation, and everything in between. Whether you're dealing with last-minute changes or ensuring your audience experiences a seamless, polished production, a run of show can save the day—and your sanity. We even talk about how tools like Joi and Rundown Studio are game-changers for streamlining this process.

But it’s not just about logistics; we explore how a well-crafted run of show can empower your speakers, improve communication across teams, and elevate the overall professionalism of your event—even on a tight budget. Plus, we share some real-world examples of events that were saved (or sunk) by the presence—or absence—of this crucial document. If you’ve ever underestimated the power of a run of show, this episode might change your thinking! Tune in for practical tips, a bit of humor, and maybe even a karaoke-inspired moment or two!

In this episode, we look at the impact of private equity on event tech innovation. Private equity firms have poured resources into the event tech industry, scooping up major players like Cvent, Encore, and others. But at what cost? We share our thoughts on how this influx of capital can lead to consolidation, stifling the creativity and innovation that drive the industry forward. From the rise of one-size-fits-all platforms to the disappearance of niche tools, we reflect on whether the pursuit of profit leaves smaller, groundbreaking companies out in the cold.

But it’s not all doom and gloom, we also understand the opportunities private equity brings, such as scaling new, innovative, tools to serve a broader audience. Still, the question lingers: can private equity balance profitability with fostering innovation? Join us as we debate the pros and cons, and even throw in a Star Wars analogy (yes, the Death Star makes an appearance). Whether you’re cheering for the rebels or siding with the empire, this episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving event tech landscape.

In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we’re diving headfirst into the trends everyone’s talking about (and some they really shouldn’t be) for 2025. From the so-called “rise” of hybrid events to the unstoppable influence of AI, we break down what’s genuinely transformative and what’s just fluff. We also tackle the sustainability buzz—are planners really prioritizing it, or is it just greenwashing on repeat?

We share our thoughts on the push for personalized attendee experiences, data-driven decision-making, and the importance of fostering community and networking. Of course, we’re not afraid to call out the BS when we see it—like the idea that events as tools or continuous innovation are “new” concepts. Spoiler alert: They’re not, and they never should have been treated like trends.

This episode is full of sharp takes, and plenty of laughs as we navigate what’s real and what’s noise in the 2025 event landscape. Join us as we separate the good, the bad, and the absolute BS of the year ahead!

In this episode of Event Tech Pull Up, Tess Vismale and Keith Johnston explore the complexities of managing an event tech stack, breaking down what it is and why it’s essential for seamless event execution. They cover the must-have tools in a planner’s tech toolbox, including event management platforms, registration systems, engagement software, and even presentation tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides. With real-world examples and a dash of humor, they discuss the challenges of integrating new technologies, ensuring accessibility, managing data security, and maintaining reliability. Whether you're building your tech stack from scratch or upgrading your tools, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter choices.

From addressing interoperability issues and cost control to emphasizing the importance of user experience and scalability, Tess and Keith offer practical advice for navigating the ever-evolving world of event technology. They share personal anecdotes about clients' tech challenges, the importance of evaluating existing tools, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Perfect for event planners looking to stay ahead in tech, this episode delivers actionable tips and a clear roadmap for optimizing your event tech stack.

In this episode of Event Tech Pull Up, Tess Vismale and Keith Johnston take a fun and practical dive into the essential items every meeting and event planner should have in their travel bag. Drawing from their years of experience in the events industry, they share a curated list of 12 must-haves, from a trusty USB-C hub and portable monitor to a sleek hydro bag and versatile gaff tape. Each item is discussed with humor and real-world examples, ensuring you know not just what to carry but why it matters. Whether it’s keeping your devices connected, staying hydrated, or tackling on-the-go challenges, Tess and Keith have you covered.

Tune in as they explore how these tools can make site inspections, events, and meetings seamless while sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips. They also discuss how planners can balance functionality with style and convenience—choosing the perfect water bottle, finding the right multi-tool, or staying germ-free with a stash of cleaning wipes. This episode is a lively mix of humor, insight, and indispensable advice for event pros always on the move. Don't forget to check the show notes for links to their recommended gear!

The products we mentioned during the episode:

USB C Hub

Anker 555 USB-C Hub (8-in-1), with 100W Power Delivery

https://amzn.to/3UXNpj8

Good Headphones

Beats Studio Pro

https://amzn.to/4eBZmSO

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2

https://amzn.to/4hUuzmY

Portable Webcam

Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam

https://amzn.to/3ARGKQP

Good Water Bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Straw

https://amzn.to/3YSPf6d

Yeti Rambler 36 oz Bottle

https://amzn.to/3OhqQ5l

A Bag for the Water Bottle

Original HydroBag Handle Collection

https://amzn.to/40TAq5O

A Multitool

GERBER Dime Micro Tool

https://amzn.to/3YSPY7r

Sharpies

Sharpie Permanent Marker Variety Pack

https://amzn.to/40VxaH3

Silver Sharpie

https://amzn.to/4eCVQHB

Flashlight

Maglite Mini LED Flashlight

https://amzn.to/3OfI572

Gaff Tape

Amazon Basics No Residue, Non-Reflective Gaffers Tape

https://amzn.to/4fTo3eu

Portable Monitor

ARZOPA Portable Monitor, 15.6"

https://amzn.to/4fTojKu

Cheap Flash Drives

10-Pack Enfain 16GB USB 2.0 Swivel Flash Drives

https://amzn.to/3ARIHN9

Wipes

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Bundle

https://amzn.to/4fxg0nS

The Honest Company Sanitizing Alcohol Wipes (Grapefruit)

https://amzn.to/4hTtk7v

In this episode, Tess Vismale and Keith Johnston examine whether WordPress remains the best choice for managing event and conference websites amid growing challenges. With changes in WordPress’s ecosystem and tensions with WP Engine, they discuss potential impacts on security and functionality for event planners. Tune in for expert insights on evaluating WordPress and exploring flexible alternatives like Squarespace and Wix to keep event websites agile and reliable.

In this episode of the Event Tech Pull Up, hosts Tess Vismale and Keith Johnston sit down with Seth Kenvin, the visionary Founder of There.app. They delve into how There.app revolutionizes on-site collaboration for event professionals, integrating live chat, file sharing, task tracking, and more into a single platform. Seth shares insights on the app’s focus on seamless teamwork, location-based features, and elevating event operations. Tune in to discover how There.app can streamline your event planning and execution, enhancing productivity and collaboration like never before.

✨ FIND THERE.APP ON THE WEB

↳ There.App | https://www.there.app/

In this episode of the podcast, Keith and Tess are talking rundowns, show flows, cue sheets, run of shows, event scripts, and production schedules. A million different names. Same thing. It is what keeps your live productions on track.

For the past 20 years or so, this has been the domain of Excel. And this is a problem because you email that excel file over and over as changes happen and the versions are sure to get out of sync and that can lead to some really bad things. We almost had a video launch at the wrong time because the video operator was using an old version of the sheet.

There is a better way. Enter Rundown Studio. The brainchild of Lukas Hermann of Stagetimer and John Barker of Here to Record. in the most simple terms, Rundown Studio is cloud-based software for collaborative show and event planning, cueing, and directing.

Keith has been using Rundown Studio for a few months now and it is quickly becoming one of his favorite tools for meeting and event professionals. Watch this episode as we take a dive into the software, get an overview, and learn how it is now easy to bring the entire event team together with one source of truth.

✨ FIND RUNDOWN STUDIO ON THE WEB

↳ Rundown Studio | https://rundownstudio.app/

✨ FIND STAGETIMER.IO ON THE WEB

↳ StageTimer.io | https://stagetimer.io/

✨ FIND THE EVENT TECH PULL UP ON THE WEB

↳ Event Tech Pull Up | https://eventtechpullup.com/

↳ Tess on LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessvismale/

↳ Keith on LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithgjohnston/

In this episode of the podcast, Keith and Tess are talking apps! Not those crazy expensive, feature-heavy behemoths currently clogging up the app stores, we are talking about Joi's latest feature... The Joi event app.

Joi is upending how event planners manage and execute events, making it accessible and practical even for smaller gatherings to have an app. Traditionally, event apps were deemed too expensive and were only considered for larger events. However, Joi upends this notion by offering a cost-effective and efficient solution that eliminates the need for printed programs or agendas. This app simplifies sharing event details, schedules, and updates with attendees, streamlining communication and engagement.

Joi facilitates easy communication with attendees via push notifications, welcome messages, and session reminders. It supports the creation of multiple event apps tailored to different attendee groups, allowing for customized programs and targeted messaging. Additionally, Joi provides flexible access control options, from open access via QR codes or app names to restricted access through passwords or login requirements, ensuring privacy and security as needed.

Joi’s ability to make evaluation forms more accessible and engaging encourages greater participation from attendees, thus providing valuable feedback and insights for event organizers. With Joi, event management becomes more streamlined, interactive, and effective.

✨ FIND JOI ON THE WEB

✨ FIND THE EVENT TECH PULL UP ON THE WEB