This conversation is as much friends geeking out about event tech as it is an interview — which means you’ll get unfiltered insights, plenty of real talk, and a deep dive into how awards can be leveraged for far more than just trophies and titles.
What We Talk About
--Why awards are more than an “add-on” – and how they can become their own event ecosystem.
--The truth about budgets and pricing – how the industry’s lack of transparency has created a disconnect between planners and tech providers.
--Tech stack strategies – why specialized tools working together often outperform “all-in-one” platforms.
Integrations and connectors – how Evessio plays nicely with the rest of your tech stack.
--Creative revenue models – from directories to league tables, how clients are monetizing beyond event day.
--AI in awards and abstracts – real-world examples of AI reducing judging time and improving accuracy without losing human authenticity.
--The future of feedback – using benchmarking, judge comments, and even public voting data to deepen engagement and improve entries.
--Voice-first tech and accessibility – why voice input and multilingual features are the next frontier.
--Roadmap & future vision – how Evessio is using data and generative AI to support organizers, sponsors, and entrants year-round.
Key Takeaways
--Awards deserve their own spotlight. Stop treating them like side programming—done right, they’re a powerful standalone event type.
--Transparency builds trust. Clear communication about capabilities (and limitations) is what separates the best tech partners from the rest.
--AI isn’t here to replace humans. It’s here to lighten the load, surface insights, and help planners focus on what matters most.
--Data is a goldmine. Most organizations sit on valuable insights without ever using them—Evessio is changing that.
--Voice is coming. From judging to entry submissions, voice-based workflows will be a major shift in how we engage with event tech.
Why You Should Listen
If you’ve ever thought of awards as “just another session,” this episode will change your mind. Cecilia shows how awards programs—when supported by the right tech and strategic thinking—can transform into engagement engines, revenue drivers, and brand-defining moments. And because this conversation is between friends who’ve known each other for years, it’s candid, fun, and refreshingly honest — the kind of chat you’d want to eavesdrop on over drinks after a conference.