Turning Data into Connection: The Smart Event Vision of ExpoPlatform
ES. Starting ExpoPlatform in 2013, what was the initial gap in the exhibition industry you aimed to address, and how has your vision evolved since then?
Tanya Pinchuk. For ten years, I worked at an exhibition centre where I gained deep experience in organising and hosting exhibitions of every kind, spending countless hours on the show floor speaking with exhibitors coming from different countries. One conversation still stands out. An exhibitor once told me, “We spend thousands to be here, but it feels like we’re gambling.” I heard that same sentiment over and over. Exhibitors didn’t know how many people they would meet, how relevant those prospects might be, or whether their investment had truly paid off.
Back then, there was no technology to solve that problem – nothing that helped exhibitors plan ahead, connect with the right audience, or measure impact. That gap sparked the idea for ExpoPlatform. In 2013, I founded the company to build a complete platform that would enhance the entire event journey – before, during, and after the show. It empowered participants to prepare and connect intelligently, while giving organisers the tools and insights to manage their events more efficiently.
What began as a response to exhibitors’ frustrations has evolved into a platform that aims to transform how the entire industry experiences events – turning unpredictability into opportunity, and data into growth.
ES. ExpoPlatform has been recognized among the most influential in the events industry. What do you believe sets your company apart in the competitive event tech landscape?
Tanya Pinchuk. What sets ExpoPlatform apart is our deep understanding of the exhibition model – we were built specifically for full-scale, multi-stakeholder exhibitions. Our platform combines flexibility with intelligence: it’s modular enough to adapt to any event format, yet unified through data and AI. We’ve invested heavily in AI-powered matchmaking and recommendations, and digital monetization tools that help organizers create more personalized and profitable experiences. But beyond technology, our differentiation lies in partnership – we work closely with organizers to align innovation with their strategic goals, not just their immediate needs.
ES. With AI-driven matchmaking at the core of ExpoPlatform, how do you ensure the technology enhances genuine connections rather than just automating processes?
Tanya Pinchuk. That’s a great question – because AI should enhance human connection, not replace it. Our matchmaking algorithms are designed around intent and context. They don’t just look at static data like job titles or product categories; they analyze behavior, goals, and engagement signals throughout the event journey. We also give users transparency and control – they can refine their preferences and understand why certain recommendations are made. This combination of AI precision and human choice ensures the connections made are meaningful, productive, and genuinely aligned with each participant’s objectives.
ES. As a speaker at the upcoming 92nd UFI Global Congress, what key insights or innovations do you plan to share with the global exhibition community?
Tanya Pinchuk. At the UFI Global Congress, I’ll focus on how Smart Events are evolving into data-centric ecosystems powered by AI agents that personalise experiences and reduce manual processes for organisers. These intelligent systems can interpret participant intent, recommend connections or content in real time, and automate tasks that once required extensive human effort. I’ll also highlight new meeting formats – from curated exhibitor/sponsor activations to speed-networking sessions. They are creating new revenue opportunities for organisers while delivering greater value to participants. Technology is no longer just an enabler; it’s redefining how we design, deliver, and monetise events.
ES. Tanya, you founded ExpoPlatform to address fragmentation in exhibition technology. How has your vision evolved with the rapid adoption of AI and hybrid event models, especially in the post-pandemic era?
Tanya Pinchuk. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation in a way that fundamentally changed our industry. What began as an effort to fix fragmentation evolved into building continuous engagement ecosystems that connect physical and digital experiences seamlessly. With AI now at the forefront, our focus is on intelligence – helping organisers understand audiences in real time and act on data instantly. As expectations rise, we must meet the visitor and exhibitor demand for technology that is personalised, engaging, and as intuitive as the tools they use every day in their personal lives.
ES. At the upcoming UFI Congress 2025, you will speak on “Smart Events.” How do you see AI and real-time data analytics transforming attendee engagement and sustainability in exhibitions?
Tanya Pinchuk. AI and real-time analytics are redefining how we measure and deliver value. They allow organisers to adapt experiences dynamically – recommending sessions, people, and products that matter most to each attendee, while optimising event operations on the fly. Today, AI sits at the centre of this evolution — turning data into intelligence that enables more personalised, efficient, and sustainable events. Real-time data, when analysed with AI, can also help organisers better understand exhibition segmentation and buyer–seller representation. It allows them to spot gaps in key areas, take timely action before the event, and ensure every participant group achieves a meaningful return on both investment and time.
