In a world where experiences have become increasingly vital, the events industry has taken center stage like never before. The year 2023 witnessed a remarkable resurgence in live gatherings, corporate functions, conferences, and entertainment extravaganzas. Behind these moments of magic were the event companies that orchestrated them, seamlessly blending creativity, technology, and logistics to create unforgettable experiences.
As we delve into the dynamic landscape of the event industry, it becomes evident that 2023 was a year of revival and innovation. The top 15 event companies of 2023 not only navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic but also raised the bar for what can be achieved when human ingenuity combines with state-of-the-art technology.
From global giants with a legacy of crafting iconic events to nimble startups disrupting the industry with fresh ideas, this list showcases the diverse players that shaped the event landscape in 2023. These companies didn't just organize events; they crafted immersive journeys, blending physical and digital realms to connect people, brands, and causes.
1. Live Nation Entertainment ($22.7B)
Live Nation Entertainment stands as the foremost live entertainment company globally, uniting four market-leading entities: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Artist Nation Management, and Live Nation Media/Sponsorship.
2. Cvent ($0.6B)
As the leading event and hospitality technology provider globally, the company unites the entire meetings and events ecosystem to enhance efficiency, foster collaboration, and create more memorable experiences.
3. Eventbrite ($326M)
Eventbrite serves as a worldwide self-service ticketing platform tailored for live experiences, enabling individuals to create, share, discover, and participate in events that ignite their interests and enhance their lives. From music festivals and marathons to conferences and community gatherings, their platform spans a diverse array of events, uniting people globally through shared live experiences.
4. QuintEvents ($200M)
Quint specializes in propelling event growth to new heights. Their distinctive, multi-step approach to launching, selling, and executing programs sets them apart as experts in enhancing growth for event organizers and attendee experiences.
5. SeatGeek ($125M)
SeatGeek is a live entertainment platform that is revolutionizing ticketing by prioritizing the needs of fans, teams, and venues. They are pioneering a new, open entertainment industry where fans enjoy seamless access to experiences, while teams, venues, and shows effortlessly connect with their audiences.
6. Airmeet ($28.3M)
Their Event Experience Cloud stands out as the sole unlimited virtual and hybrid event platform available. This unique offering allows users to host an unlimited number of events, paying only for actual attendees. With the assurance of round-the-clock live support, they can rely on assistance whenever required.
7. Bevy ($21.4M)
Bevy.com is a comprehensive software platform tailored for organizing in-person, virtual, and hybrid conferences and community events.
8. MKG ($15M)
The company prioritizes action over words, emphasizing tangible brand actions such as live experiences, virtual events, employee engagements, and social impact initiatives. Through creative storytelling and purpose-driven engagement, they connect brands with audiences, bridging shared values with real-world interactions.
9. Jifflenow ($10M)
Jifflenow seamlessly integrates external attendees and their meeting and survey data with Marketo, either in real-time during the event or afterward. This allows the marketing team to utilize this data to create targeted campaigns and triggers, enhancing their marketing efforts.
10. Splash ($8.5M)
Splash is a cutting-edge event marketing platform designed to assist teams in creating and managing virtual, in-person, and hybrid events seamlessly. Maximize your event potential with Splash.
11. EventX ($6.6M)
EventX is a SaaS company specializing in event technology solutions for the Asian market. They cater to businesses, marketers, and event organizers by providing tools for both lead generation and overall event management. The company boasts a strong presence in China, offering features specifically designed for the Chinese market, such as local payment options and social media logins. With a focus on attendee engagement, EventX offers features like customizable registration pages and social networking lounges to create a more interactive experience. EventX has a proven track record, having served over 5 million attendees across more than 100 cities in Asia. They are also ISO 27001 certified, ensuring the security of customer data.
12. Xceed ($4.2M)
Xceed, a Barcelona-based venture-backed startup, aims to revolutionize nightlife by fostering a community around authentic music event. Their mission centers on creating unforgettable experiences for music lovers by connecting them with inspiring events and fostering connections with like-minded people. With a presence in over 20 markets globally, Xceed boasts over 10 million unique users who utilize their platform to discover upcoming events, manage guest lists, purchase tickets, and even reserve bottle service – all through their user-friendly app.
13. Rafanelli Events ($3M)
Clients seeking unforgettable events turn to Rafanelli Events, a full-service planning and design company established in 1996 by industry leader Bryan Rafanelli. Renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and focus on exceeding expectations, Rafanelli Events has garnered a stellar reputation, positioning them as a top choice for discerning clientele.
Boasting offices in New York City, Palm Beach, and Boston, Rafanelli Events offers a global reach, seamlessly crafting and executing bespoke events around the world. Their impressive portfolio showcases their ability to transform any vision into reality, regardless of location or scale.
14. Banzai ($2M)
Banzai empowers marketing teams to become "pipeline heroes" through its suite of data-driven marketing tools. Their solutions, used by millions annually, focus on driving revenue by optimizing events, webinars, content marketing efforts, and data analysis. Banzai goes beyond simply generating results; they also strive to make marketing a more human experience for both marketers and their audiences.
15. Vendelux ($490K)
Vendelux focuses on enhancing the networking experience at conferences for event organizers, marketers, and attendees alike. Their platform leverages technology to facilitate more valuable connections between participants, fostering a more productive and engaging conference environment.
