Event Tech Spent Over $1.7 Billion on Deals in 60 Days. Here Is Why.

The final months of 2025 saw more consolidation in the events technology sector than any comparable period in recent memory. Five major deals closed in under 60 days, totalling well over one and a half billion dollars. Here is what happened.

The five deals

Cvent, owned by private equity firm Blackstone, spent approximately $700 million acquiring ON24 (a virtual events platform), Goldcast (AI-powered video content), and Prismm (3D venue planning). Truelink acquired five live event production companies including GES and Spiro for $535 million. Bending Spoons completed its $500 million acquisition of Eventbrite in March 2026.

Why is this happening now?

Private equity firms that bought into event technology during the pandemic recovery now see a clear growth opportunity as business events recover to and surpass pre-pandemic levels. The UK events industry alone exceeded pre-pandemic numbers, with business events generating £33.6 billion in economic value in 2024. In-person events hosted by Bizzabo customers grew 27% in the first half of 2025.

The strategic logic is also about data. The most valuable event platforms in 2026 are those that capture data from the entire event lifecycle: marketing, registration, on-site behaviour, content engagement, and post-event analytics. Acquiring specialist tools and folding them into existing platforms is the fastest way to build that capability.

What this means for planners

Platform consolidation generally means fewer choices but more integrated tools within each platform. If you use Cvent today, the addition of ON24 and Goldcast means more virtual event and content automation capability without needing to leave the platform. If you use smaller independent tools, it is worth checking whether those tools remain independent or are likely to be folded into a larger platform in 2026.