Swapcard Acquires Avolio, Inc. and Integrates Registration into Event Platform
January 14, 2021
Swapcard, the Paris-based leading AI-powered engagement and matchmaking platform for premium virtual and hybrid events, has acquired Avolio, Inc., a registration platform headquartered in Atlanta and its event management software, IPReg.
This move is the first step in Swapcard’s answer to the biggest challenge organizers are currently facing: finding one technology partner that can run all their virtual, hybrid and face-to-face events throughout the year.
Swapcard, which ran more than 1,570 successful virtual events in 2020, experienced unprecedented growth in 2020, with a 400% growth in projected turnover and an increase in employees from 45 to more than 100 during the global pandemic.
With such a successful year behind them, Swapcard has a vision to become the leading all-in-one platform for virtual and hybrid events, according to the company’s executives.
With audience engagement, attendee networking, virtual marketplace, event platform and live streaming services already covered, the next natural step was to integrate registration into the platform.
“We are entering a new area where data will power experience,” said Baptiste Boulard, CEO and co-founder of Swapcard. “Clients want to control the entire data journey and provide attendees and exhibitors with one single login step, as well as create a custom experience for each user.”
With this acquisition, Swapcard is now able to meet organizers’ needs for one technology platform for their events, no matter the region. Swapcard has offices in Paris, London, Seattle, Montreal, Dubai, Singapore and New Delhi.
SXSW, NAMM Believe in Music Week, Expo 2020 Dubai and Informa are just some of the clients who have put their trust in Swapcard for upcoming events and will enjoy the all-in-one platform for their virtual and hybrid gatherings in 2021.
Swapcard and Avolio – a History
Starting in the spring of 2020, Swapcard and Avolio have collaborated on a multitude of virtual events. The integration between the two systems was seamless from the get-go.
Since 2000, Avolio has been building software designed for global conferences and trade shows. Avolio’s event management software, IPReg, which was built from the ground up to minimize the need for multiple technology solutions, served as the perfect tool for Swapcard clients with complex events in 2020, such as Black Hat by Informa Tech.
Avolio’s services for abstract management for attendees and exhibitors will help Swapcard achieve their goal of serving larger exhibition organizers and medical conferences. The team is looking forward to providing an improved experience for clients old and new.
“We realized in the Spring of 2020 that our clients needed to pivot away from face-to-face events and were requesting assistance with selecting the optimal virtual events technology for their companies and needs,” explained Mark Hubrich, CEO of Avolio. “We reviewed the marketplace of virtual events technology and deemed Swapcard to be the top solution in the industry. Every client we introduced them to agreed with our assessment and adopted the platform to engage their attendees and conferences.”
He added, “We believe 2021 will be another year of change and through Avolio’s technology platform and Swapcard’s leading technology for virtual events, we will be well-positioned to lead the industry with virtual and hybrid events. Joining the Swapcard team allows us to continue to guide the industry with creating technology solutions for the future of meetings, events and trade shows.”
Swapcard will remain on an open platform where data can be pushed and pulled free of charge. The platform will continue to synchronize with other registration platforms on the market.
Swapcard is hosting their second virtual event, Evolve 2.0 Feb. 23-25, where experts speakers will be delivering insightful content, a community of more than 7,000 global event professionals will be networking, and where workshops and job boards will be available to all attendees. Register for free here.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment