How Platform Events is Future-Proofing Their Client Management System

Reduces Risk

Migrating gradually means each piece is thoroughly tested before moving to production, minimizing the risk of major disruptions to business operations.

Maintains Operations

Platform Events continues running events throughout the modernization — buyers and suppliers register, meetings are scheduled, and business continues without interruption.

Enables Learning

Early migrations inform later work — lessons learned from migrating initial forms improve the approach for subsequent features, leading to better outcomes.

Distributes Investment

Phased approach spreads development costs over time rather than requiring massive upfront investment, making modernization more manageable financially.

Platform Events brings together buyers and suppliers through carefully curated events across three sectors: Facilities, Projects, and Catering. Their model is simple but powerful — pre-qualified buyers with active procurement needs meet with relevant suppliers in structured 20-minute sessions.

🎯 How It Works

• Buyers attend complimentary — facilities managers, project leads, catering directors from major brands
• Suppliers pay to showcase their products and services at events
• Pre-scheduled 20-minute meetings ensure efficient, focused conversations
• Two-day events include networking dinners and showcase stands
• Attendees include brands like Tesco, Aldi, Chelsea FC, Center Parcs, Greene King

💼 The Business Challenge

Managing hundreds of buyer and supplier relationships, scheduling thousands of meetings, and coordinating multiple events requires sophisticated systems:

• Client registration and qualification
• Meeting scheduling and logistics
• Event management and coordination
• Relationship tracking across events
• Sales pipeline management
• Post-event follow-up and ROI tracking

The modernization is an ongoing project, with forms and features being migrated systematically from the legacy system to the new platform. Each migration follows a proven process:

1. Assessment & Planning

Analyze existing functionality, identify dependencies, and plan the migration approach for each component.

2. Development & Integration

Rebuild forms and features in the modern framework, integrating with Salesforce and other systems as needed.

3. Testing & Validation

Thoroughly test migrated functionality to ensure it works correctly and maintains data integrity with existing systems.

4. Deployment & Training

Roll out new functionality to the team, provide training, and monitor for issues before migrating the next component.

5. Iteration & Improvement

Gather feedback from the team, make refinements, and apply learnings to subsequent migrations.

Future-Proof Technology

Modern framework with active support and regular updates means the system will remain current and secure for years to come.

Salesforce Integration

Direct connection between event management and CRM enables better tracking of buyer relationships, supplier performance, and sales pipeline across events.

Improved Efficiency

Modern interfaces and workflows reduce the time team members spend on data entry and administrative tasks, allowing focus on client relationships.

Scalability for Growth

The new system can easily accommodate additional event platforms, more buyers and suppliers, and expanded operations as the business grows.

Reduced Technical Debt

By gradually eliminating the legacy system, Platform Events avoids the mounting risks and costs associated with maintaining aging technology.