CHICAGO — It’s been a year since the launch of the Events Venture Group (EVG), which is a non-profit organization aimed at supporting event entrepreneurs by connecting them with seasoned event professionals for investment and mentorship opportunities.
Within the last year, the organization has grown from a handful of members to around 35, with the goal of adding 10-15 more to the roster in year two that represent both events and event technology. Around 20-25% of the members are based in the U.K., but the majority of projects EVG is interested in have operations in the U.S.
With an approach that includes assessment committees, advisory support and financial investment, EVG is helping entrepreneurs from concept to scaling and profitability, and works to help solve pain points and provide the right level of support needed.
Trade Show Executive (TSE) connected with Marilú Páez, one of EVG’s Founders and its Managing Director, to learn more about EVG’s ongoing work and plans for the future.
How to Get Involved as an EVG Member
The majority of current EVG members were brought in through referrals, along with some corporate sponsors including destinations, venues and vendors.
“Our current focus is on strategically expanding our membership base to ensure greater balance across live events and event technology ventures,” said Páez. “Since conception, our members have gravitated toward live events, but we recognize the distinct nature of event tech — it often mirrors traditional tech investments more closely. As we evolve, we see tremendous opportunity in supporting innovative event vendors that enhance the live experience. Over time, we envision a well-diversified portfolio that includes both event producers and event tech entrepreneurs.”
For those interested in becoming a member of EVG, there are some criteria that must be met to apply:
- Must meet the SEC’s criteria for accredited investors
- Have relevant industry experience and expertise
- Commit to participate actively
You can view the full membership criteria and details here.
Páez shared that something unique that EVG does is that even if a member isn’t an investor in a certain business, they could be called upon to offer advisory services if that entrepreneur is looking for support in an area the member is experienced in.
It’s important to note that EVG as a company does not invest; the individual members are the investors while EVG serves as the investment vehicle.
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Looking for Investments or Advisory Services?
Entrepreneurs that are looking for investments or advisory services can fill out an application on the EVG website. The application just requires a deck, but if you don’t have one, EVG will send some guidelines on what to include and a template.
“We’ve developed a streamlined intake template that includes key indicators we use to assess alignment with EVG quickly,” Páez explained. “It allows us to efficiently determine whether an entrepreneur or venture fits our community and investment thesis.”
Before pitching to the members, a select individual or group of members helps to prepare the founder and their pitch.
“Before any founder presents to our full membership, they receive support and candid feedback from a select group of EVG members,” Páez said. “We don’t just help refine their pitch deck — we provide direct, constructive insight during screening calls. These conversations are often pivotal.”
There are four steps in the entrepreneurial journey with EVG:
- Industry-Led Screening: initial screening session led by operators, founders and investors
- Assessment Committee Review: committee of event industry veterans dive into the opportunity, stress test the concept, business model and traction
- Membership Pitch: if approved, founders pitch to EVG’s network of investor-members
- Syndication and Capital Activation: pooling capital and support from interested members
For more information about how to get in touch with EVG, click here.
Future Projections
Páez shared that despite some economic uncertainty right now, this is an opportune time to bring ideas to EVG — it’s the right time to invest for members.
“When an opportunity is truly compelling — disruptive, innovative, unlike anything else — timing becomes secondary,” Páez said. “Right now, our members are positioned to invest. Unlike traditional private equity, EVG operates with agility. We’re highly opportunistic, and that’s by design.”
So, what’s next for EVG?
“We’re currently focused on identifying the ‘needle-in-the-eye’ pain points that early-stage event entrepreneurs are facing,” Páez said. “Through hands-on ‘booth camps’ and strategic sessions, we’re working to understand their challenges at a deeper level. Not every founder needs capital today, but EVG is about more than funding — it’s about fostering relationships and preparing entrepreneurs for what’s ahead. The groundwork you lay now opens doors to future opportunity.”
If you’re interested in participating in the boot camp, reach out to EVG at info@eventsventuregroup.com
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