PODCAST · technology
The Event Tech Pull Up
by 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.
Episodes
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Event Planning Has Become an Extreme Sport
Event Tech Pull Up is back, and Keith Johnston and Tess Vismale have a few things to get off their chests. Producing events in 2026 can feel like an extreme sport. Rising travel, hotel, food, fuel, and production costs are putting more pressure on event budgets, while attendees and organizations...
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Voxo, AI Summaries, and the End of the Post-Event Content Graveyard
Pull up, because this episode is all about the content your event is already creating — and why it should be doing a lot more work after the session ends. Tess and Keith sit down with Jacob Kinnander, CCO at Voxo, and Johan Wadenholt Vrethem, CEO and Co-Founder of Voxo, to talk about how Voxo…
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Why the Event Tech Buying Process Is Broken (and How to Fix It)
Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Tess Vismale sits down with Mia Masson, an event tech marketer and consultant, to talk about the challenges planners face when sourcing event technology. Drawing on her experience working with event tech companies and organizers, Mia shares why...
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Connecting Buyers and Exhibitors at Scale with ExpoPlatform
Recorded live from the Confex show floor in London, Keith Johnston and Kristi Casey sit down with Chris Haddow of ExpoPlatform to discuss how technology can improve buyer–seller connections at large exhibitions. The conversation explores how meeting intelligence, data signals, and thoughtful use…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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....
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"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...
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Private AI Chats Go Public - What Event Pros Need to Know
A recent AI privacy kerfuffle saw some ChatGPT chats popping up in Google search results. Was it overblown? Sure—but it’s a great reminder that “share” doesn’t always mean “safe.” In this episode, Keith and Tess break down what actually happened, why design and user education matter, and how…
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Don’t Call It a Comeback - Blended is the Future of Events
Blended is back, baby—and it never should’ve left! In this episode, Tess and Keith get fired up (in the best way) about the return of hybrid events—er, blended audiences—and why now is the time for planners to get strategic, not nostalgic. With international travel down, stricter border controls…
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The Non-Tech Playbook for Event Tech Success
On this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we’re flipping the script! Normally, we’re all about the latest and greatest in event tech—from AI to apps and everything in between. But today, we’re taking a step back to explore something a little different: the power of non-tech strategies to make…
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The Hub and Spoke Approach to Streamline Your Event Planning
In this episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, Tess and I dive into the Hub and Spoke method—a powerful framework for streamlining event planning and data management. Think of it as the command center or nerve center of your event, where one central hub connects all the spokes: files, links, logos,...
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How Google NotebookLM is Changing the Game for Event Planners
In this episode of *The Event Tech Pull Up*, Tess and I dive into one of our favorite new tools—Google NotebookLM. This AI-powered assistant has quickly become a go-to tool for streamlining event planning and making smarter decisions. In this episode, we explore its capabilities, including...
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10 Ways to Become Event Tech Savvy
On this week's episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, we dive into a topic close to our hearts... how to get event tech-savvy and stay ahead of the masses. We know that learning to be tech-savvy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling all of the crap that goes into making your…
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Stress Less for Better Events - Peak Mind’s Tech Revolution for Event Pros
This week on the Event Tech Pull Up, Tess and I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Alicia McKoy, the visionary founder and CEO of Peak Mind. Dr. McKoy shared her journey from experiencing burnout as a business owner to creating innovative tools that empower employees to manage...
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Make Sure Your Event Team Embraces the Run of Show
In this short, New Year's week episode of The Event Tech Pull Up, Tess helps us understand why a solid run of show is the backbone of any successful event. Think of it as the ultimate roadmap for your team—but what happens when that roadmap feels overwhelming? We share insights on why detailed...
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Planners Should Prepare for the Upcoming Event Tech Apocalypse
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....
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7 Reasons Every Event Needs a Run of Show
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…
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Private Equity and the Death of Event Tech Innovation
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...
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2025 Event Trends - The Good, the Bad, and the BS
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...
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Building the Perfect Event Tech Stack: Tools, Tips, and Traps
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...
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12 Things Every Event Planner Needs in their Planner Bag
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,...
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Is WordPress Still the Right Choice for Conference and Event Websites?
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…
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On-Site Event Communication Unleashed: Inside There.app with Seth Kenvin
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...
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Behind the Scenes with Rundown Studio: Revolutionizing Event Production
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…
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Is it Possible to get an Event App for Only $40?
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...
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Decoding Event Data: How EQ Meets IQ with Ross Cooper
In today’s episode, we’re blending the worlds of tech, observation, and brand activation. To guide us through this intersection, we have with Ross Cooper, a Senior Integrated Strategist at Inspira Marketing Group. As many of you might know, Inspira isn’t just any marketing agency; they operate at...
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What DJing can teach you about experience design. Create unforgettable events that tick all the boxes
DJ Graffiti, known as The Keynote DJ, has defied conventions in his DJ career. Originating from Detroit, he initially made a name for himself as a prominent club and concert DJ, sharing stages with eminent artists such as Eminem, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Big Sean. However, his path took an...
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Are We There Yet? The Ultimate Event Team Communication App - Part I
In this episode of the podcast, Keith and Tess dive into the game-changing features of There.App, a revolutionary tool for event planners. They discuss how There.App transforms communication and collaboration, ensuring seamless connectivity among team members, vendors, and volunteers during...
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The Brilliant Mind behind Stagetimer.IO
Today, we have a unique opportunity as Tess, our meeting and event superhero, is away. This gives me a chance to highlight something truly special. And what makes it so special, you may ask? Well, we have the privilege of featuring the creator of my favorite event technology of the past two…
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Is it Time for the Events Industry to get some New Threads?
Unless you live under a rock or in a birdhouse, you have heard about Threads, the text-based, Twitter-like version of Instagram that Zuck says offers “a new, separate space for real-time updates and public conversations.”... But should it matter to meeting and event professionals, is it a social...
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Unleashing the Future: How AI is Revolutionizing the Event Industry
In this episode, we are talking about AI. What it is (and isn't) and how it is going to fundamentally change the meetings and events industry on a molecular level... AI is going to rewrite the DNA of what it means to be an event professional, it will make our lives easier, and it will make your...
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ChatGPT and Events – The Machines are Coming
ChatGPT and other AIs are taking the world by storm. The programs have the ability to help meeting and event planners plan better events, create better web copy, and make our lives easier, but AI also strikes fear into the hearts of many people that remember that these creations are only a few...
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Keith and Tess Broadcasting from Event Tech Live Las Vegas
#EventTech nerds rejoice! Event Tech Live is coming to Las Vegas and Tess and Keith will be broadcasting during the event chatting with some of the meeting and event industry's coolest tech providers, forward thinkers, and the planners that put these gizmos, gadgets, and tools to work. ! In this...
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Joi.Events Adds New Features for Better Event Management
Everyone knows that we love Joi.Events and they have new features that we think everyone should know about. In the lastest release, they have added the ability for planners to add: Resources Assets Budget The new budget tool is something planners have been requesting for quite some time and they...
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A Conversation with InEvent, Part I - Better Virtual and Hybrid Events
Sometimes you have a plan for an episode and the minute you start, you know it is headed off the rails in a good way! Such is the case with our conversation with InEvent. What we intended to be a single episode, chatting about their virtual platform, became a two parter with some amazing twists…
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S2 E3 - Rethinking the Conference Poster Session
When ya been quiet for a bit, it is always good to come back with a bang and that is exactly what Tess and I set out to do after a WHOLE YEAR of no episodes. This week, we are joined by our guest Tamsin Treasure Jones (coolest name evah!) of Kubify to chat about their next generation of…
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S2-E2 Event Tech Through a Different Lens
For meeting and event people, things not going according to plan can be a disaster...but sometimes, not sticking with the script can be the best thing that can happen. This is what happened in this episode, we invited Ashanti Bentil-Dhue to come and discuss a variety of topics but we never…
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S1-E15 - An Awarding Hour of Event Tech
Some people are amazingly patient. You should know that Adam Parry is one of those people. This episode was actually recorded a couple of months ago and then boom... Things happened. A few client events here, new technologies to learn there, and the next thing you know, it is October. So, putting...
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A Dream of Event Industry Success
Dreams do Come True At the age of 12, I was riding my bike around the neighborhood and goofing off. I did not know up from down or left from right nevermind what I wanted to do with my entire life… Good thing our next guest is nothing like me. Donvil Collins had a clear vision of his future and...
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Game, Set, RegMatch – Registration Built by Meeting Planners
Experience Matters Women leading event tech companies are rare, Black Women leading event tech companies are few… But those who dare become legends. Such is the case of our guests Zita Steglich-Ross, CMP and Lori Burke, CMP. Two amazing EventProfs that are leading the way in online registration...
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A Tale of Two Pandemics
Just like a mythical perfect storm, two pandemics are currently sweeping the globe. One is new, never before seen on this earth and has caused the global economy to come to a crushing halt. The other, centuries old, continues its long march across the continents spreading its evil into every…
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Virtual Event Engagement gets Book Smart
There are people you meet that you instantly forget and then there are people you meet that you just know in your heart are going to change the world. Jillian Cardinal is going to make waves in the meetings and events industry and her enthusiasm for all things events and attendees is infectious....
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Virtual Event Engagement – illustrated with Ink Factory
Engaging your attendees in any setting is tough and in a virtual setting, it can seem downright daunting which is why for the next couple of episodes, we will be focusing on guests that have some unique ideas that will energize your event. First up is Dusty and Emma from Ink Factory. If you are…
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Rose Colored Marketing in the Age of Covid – Adjusting the Lens
Tech and marketing go hand in hand, especially in the 21st Century. In this episode, Tess and Keith chat with Michelle Bergstein of Beat Creative Marketing, a longtime collaborator and colleague, she is a Digital Marketer with a passion for designing and implementing social media campaigns across...
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Podcasting for Associations, Conferences, and Events
In this episode, Keith and Tess get to sit down and chat with the one and only Mike McAllen, Executive Director of the California Podcast Association and Podcasting4Associations. Mike is one of the foremost experts about podcasting and helps membership-based organizations retain and connect with...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Keith Johnston/Tess Vismale
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Event Tech Pull Up have?
The Event Tech Pull Up currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Event Tech Pull Up 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...
How often does The Event Tech Pull Up release new episodes?
The Event Tech Pull Up has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Event Tech Pull Up?
You can listen to The Event Tech Pull Up on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Event Tech Pull Up?
The Event Tech Pull Up is created and hosted by Keith Johnston/Tess Vismale.
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