223 - Finding & Deciding on Event Tech - with Merijn van Buuren

223 - Finding & Deciding on Event Tech - with Merijn van Buuren

Author: Jim Cermak July 31, 2023 Duration: 28:55

How do you find and decide on the best tech tools and platforms for your upcoming trade show or event? Listen in!

While helping physical event professionals embrace virtual events during the pandemic, Merijn van Buuren realized that evaluating different platforms was taking way too much time and that there must be a better way to do this to help even more event professionals. Merijn developed Event Mender, a tool to take out all the guesswork for event organizers.

We discuss:

  • Why do organizers need (to keep adding) new tools?
  • What does the current process look like, and why is this a problem?
  • What can event professionals do differently?
  • How does Event Mender fits in this picture?

Merijn's Top Tips:

  • Don't start looking for something you think you need without a purpuse
  • Before you get into demo's, set your boundaries and objectives (like your budget, number of events, features you need, etc)
  • If the information you need to make a decision is not there on a website, don't schedule a demo of 1 hour to find out - just ask in an email to save yourself a lot of time (or find a place that already has this information)
  • Ask for previous experiences/use-cases of similar demands

Merijn's Big Takeaways:

1. Don't start researching without a goal and clear overview of your demands

2. Make an informed decision that matches your event goals, don't decide on a tool just because your friend or competition is using it

Special Offer!

Listeners can go to eventmender.com and click on the link* to create a free profile on Event Mender and by doing so they'll be eligible for a 5% cashback on any new platform they find to be the best match for them. They'll also have the possibility to schedule a free hour consulting call with me to define their exact needs before starting their search.

Connect with Merijn:


Mentioned in this episode:

Add Greater Value to Exhibitors & Sponsors with EVA Event Tech Hub

Visit www.evareg.com/TSU to get started on adding greater value to your Exhibitors and Sponsors at your next Trade Show or Event!

Subscribe to the new Trade Show University YouTube channel!

Check out the new Trade Show University YouTube channel where we feature a growing number of training videos to help businesses get More Leads, More Sales and More Profits through the power of Trade Shows! Many videos are exclusive to YouTube and not found on the podcast. Visit, Subscribe and Binge! https://www.youtube.com/@tradeshowuniversity


Jim Cermak hosts Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events, a deep and practical resource for anyone whose business depends on connecting with an audience, whether on a convention floor or through a screen. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a working toolkit built from conversations with seasoned experts and Jim's own extensive experience. Each episode functions like a focused seminar, delivering actionable tips and training that exhibitors, marketers, and show planners can apply immediately to see a real difference in their engagement and return on investment. With a library spanning over 220 episodes, the podcast covers the full spectrum of modern event planning-from crafting a compelling virtual booth experience to mastering the logistics and psychology of a live trade show. You'll hear candid discussions on common pitfalls, innovative strategies that are working right now, and breakdowns of what truly moves the needle for businesses. Beyond the audio, the community around this podcast extends into consulting and collaborative training, emphasizing real-world application. For professionals tired of wasting time and budget on events that don't deliver, this series offers a clear path forward, turning every appearance into a measurable success.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
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