Informa takes stake in Totem
The UK-based event tech company Totem has secured an undisclosed investment from Informa , the international event organiser and business intelligence group .
The investment builds on Totem ’ s existing relationship with Informa Connect , which has seen the launch of ConnectMe , a self-serve platform that allows the business to deliver smart events . ConnectMe uses Totem ’ s technology to deploy digital features and apps that amplify the experience of connecting at its events .
Andrew Mullins , CEO of Informa Connect , stated : “ Totem has been
an important partner over the last 18 months and we ’ re pleased to be deepening this relationship . We want to keep enhancing our in-person events , adding smart features , technologies and apps that give our customers an even better experience . With Totem , we have a partner that is equally committed to outstanding experiences and bringing new innovation to events .”
Alex Hughes and Christopher Bo Shields , co-founders of Totem , said : “ Informa ’ s vision for the future of events aligns closely with our own . We are looking forward to continuing our work .”
Left : Alex Hughes and Chistropher Bo Shields
Cvent lists on the Nasdaq as ‘ CVT ’
Global meetings , events and hospitality technology provider Cvent , and Dragoneer Growth Opportunities (‘ Dragoneer ’), announced the formation of a special purpose acquisition company on 8 December 2021 .
The development meant the common stock of Cvent began trading on The Nasdaq Global Market before the New Year under the ticker symbol ‘ CVT ’.
Reggie Aggarwal , CEO and founder of Cvent , said : “ The closing of our Business Combination and our return to the public markets represents an important inflection point for our company and the industry . Organisations around the world want to get back to meeting – whether virtually , in-person , or both with hybrid – and are leveraging technology more than ever to connect with their attendees .”
Christian Jensen , partner at Dragoneer , added : “ Cvent is an innovative and entrepreneurial pioneer in the enterprise event technology space offering trusted solutions and support to customers as they continue to need robust technology to deliver their in-person , virtual and hybrid events . We look forward to witnessing Cvent ’ s next phase of growth as a publicly listed company ”.
Vectorly gives Hopin technology boost
Event technology platform Hopin has acquired talent and selected assets from Vectorly , an AI-based video enhancement company . Vectorly technology will be integrated throughout Hopin ’ s multi-product portfolio to deliver other features , such as video super resolution and virtual backgrounds .
Sam Bhattacharyya , CEO at Vectorly , said : “ Hopin has been an enthusiastic Vectorly customer and is currently using its Software Development Kit ( SDK ) in a number of products . As we continued to work closely with the Hopin team , combining forces became a natural , impactful next step –– and one that will help us continue to innovate video communication experiences for Hopin customers and attendees around the world .”
Vectorly intends to use machine learning technology to create stronger connectivity that avoids frozen images during events . These newly acquired resources can provide Hopin with developments that deliver customers noticeable improvements , even for those who already have high-bandwidth connection .
Hopin and Vectorly hope that this relationship will unlock new markets and enable people around the world to access content that would otherwise be blocked to them .
46 Issue 1 2022 www . exhibitionworld . co . uk