The Future Is Standardised: Defining the Next Steps in Event Tech

Next steps in event tech standardisation — The missing link in the event tech revolution. Every event professional dreams of seamless technology integration — systems that talk to each other, data that flows effortlessly, and platforms that make sense together. Yet, behind the glossy innovations lies a silent struggle: fragmentation.

This is the summary based on The FEEL Podcast with Josiah Taulbee.

This is where the next steps in event tech standardisation become critical. The question is no longer "What tech should we use?" but "How can we make all of it work together?"

As discussed with Josiah Taulbee in The FEEL #11: Which Event Tech Will Drive Exhibition Success?, the conversation shifts from tools to taxonomy — from innovation to integration. It's not about more tech, but smarter alignment.

Building a Common Language for Event Tech

The Challenge: Too Many Tools, Too Little Structure

The event tech ecosystem has exploded. From registration platforms to AI matchmaking and hybrid streaming, the industry is flooded with solutions — but no shared structure to classify or compare them.

Each vendor defines "event tech" differently. Buyers get confused. Integration becomes messy. And collaboration stalls.

This is why standardisation isn't just a technical goal — it's a strategic one. Without a clear taxonomy, innovation becomes noise.

The Solution: Taxonomy and Classification

In the The FEEL #11 discussion, Josiah revealed that building the CECI (Certified EventTech Classification Initiative) registry isn't about control — it's about clarity.

The mission? To create a multi-layered taxonomy that defines every offering within event tech:

• Is it a product or a service?
• Hardware or software?
• Managed or self-managed?

By answering these fundamental questions, vendors and buyers finally share a common language — the first real foundation for event tech collaboration.

But here's the part most people miss: the taxonomy isn't static. It's evolving, shaped by real data and vendor feedback. That co-creation is what makes it powerful.

From Complexity to Clarity: Why It Matters Now

The Micro-Level Truth

Standardisation starts with micro-level understanding — dissecting what each technology actually does.

The CECI framework began with one classification layer, then evolved into three, and now even considers a fourth. That expansion mirrors the reality of modern event tech: interconnected, layered, and constantly shifting.

The next steps in event tech standardisation are about more than tidy spreadsheets. They're about transforming complex data into insights that every stakeholder can use — simple, clear, and actionable.

The Macro Impact

Once vendors adopt this shared taxonomy, the impact ripples across the ecosystem:

• Vendors get clearer visibility and fairer comparisons.
• Buyers gain confidence in their choices.
• Event organisers can build tech stacks faster, with fewer integration headaches.

And here's what's truly fascinating — as the database grows, so does its intelligence. The more participants contribute, the smarter the system becomes.

Collaboration Is the Real Innovation

Why vendors must join the process?

The registry already identifies hundreds of event tech companies. But to turn data into truth, each vendor must take one small but powerful action: register and describe who they are.

This single act — updating the registry — fuels the next wave of progress. It gives CECI the raw material to validate categories, refine definitions, and build a shared standard that works for everyone.

There's one strategy rarely discussed in public: co-creation. The FEEL #11 conversation emphasized that no single organisation can map the event tech world alone.

Standardisation is a collective mission, a network of guild members, consultants, and innovators working toward one goal — a unified, intelligent ecosystem.

What Happens Next
The roadmap is ambitious yet clear:

• Phase 1: Build the taxonomy foundation.
• Phase 2: Invite vendors to populate the registry.
• Phase 3: Analyse micro data for macro clarity.
• Phase 4: Publish the first version by end of year — a tangible step toward shared standards.

Soon, the CECI registry will become a source of truth — a central hub connecting fragmented tools and ideas. For the first time, event professionals will be able to navigate the industry with real visibility.

The Journey Toward a Shared Future

The industry has reached an inflection point. The race to adopt new tools is over; now begins the race to connect them.

The next steps in event tech standardisation aren't just about systems — they're about people, partnerships, and a shared commitment to clarity. The question is: will you be part of shaping it, or wait until it's done?

Want to dive deeper with real case studies and expert insights?
Watch the conversation on The Feel Podcast.

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Mike Gunawan

Exhibition Strategist

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FAQ: Understanding Event Tech Standardisation

It's the process of creating a shared classification system for technologies used in events, ensuring compatibility and clarity across tools and platforms.

It helps vendors clearly communicate their offerings, increases discoverability, and supports integration across the broader event tech ecosystem.

By collecting verified data from vendors and structuring it into categories and layers, the registry provides an organised reference point for the entire industry.

They can participate by adopting standardised terms, encouraging vendors to register, and aligning their procurement with the taxonomy.

According to The FEEL #11 podcast, the first version is expected by the end of 2025 — marking a key milestone in the journey toward event tech alignment.