EventConnect Achieves Major Milestones in Sports Tech Innovation and Hospitality

The Canadian sport tech sector has experienced rapid growth, expected to generate USD $1.4 billion in revenue by 2030, as reported by Horizon Grand View Research. This evolving landscape merges sports, hospitality, and event management, with significant opportunities for innovations in tournament organization and experiences. Eric Vardon, the President of EventConnect—a comprehensive tournament management platform—believes that the future of sports tech lies in leveraging the untapped potential of youth sports and related hospitality experiences. Organized travel sports, particularly those involving hotel accommodations, present a vital avenue for enhancing family experiences and amplifying the economic impact of tournaments globally. Vardon emphasizes that the youth sports market is flourishing with substantial investments from private equity and prominent brands, but the driving force remains the families supporting their teams. He states, “We take hospitality seriously because if families aren’t happy, no one is.”

Founded in 2012 as Room Roster, EventConnect transitioned from a focus on accommodation for minor sports tournaments to a holistic championship management system that facilitates event coordination, travel, accommodations, and marketing/communications. Although the software is comprehensive as an end-to-end solution, it remains customizable and integrates well with larger or bespoke registration systems. Vardon highlights that accommodations and hotel logistics often pose the biggest challenges for sports tournaments, making EventConnect’s expertise vital for ensuring a smooth event experience.

The company has seen remarkable growth, bolstered by strategic collaborations and intensive research and development (R&D). During the pandemic, while many organizations faced stagnation, EventConnect seized the opportunity to advance its features, rebrand, and engage with partners and clients. Vardon notes that this period of development allowed them to maintain momentum and gain a competitive advantage. Notable innovations include HousingConnect, which licenses their software to specialized housing companies, and CityConnect, a feature that helps tournaments assess their economic impact using custom data models. These initiatives illustrate how EventConnect’s collaborative business strategy drives market leadership.

EventConnect’s diverse team embodies a combination of sports enthusiasm and hospitality expertise. Vardon stresses the importance of a customer-first approach, continuously tracking client expectations to deliver high-quality service. Despite challenges in finding skilled tech talent across Canada, the company benefits from its London, Ontario, headquarters. The city’s proximity to educational institutions like Western University and Fanshawe College allows EventConnect to tap into a strong local talent pool. Vardon asserts, “London is a sports city,” and the company actively invests in the local community through sponsorships.

Looking ahead, EventConnect aims for steady, strategic growth while remaining a leader in the market. The company is committed to investing in its workforce and continuing product innovation. With a strong product roadmap and growing development team, EventConnect is focused on refining features for partners and exploring new opportunities to enhance the youth sports experience through data and hospitality. Vardon concludes, “At this stage, it’s about staying on the course—scaling, innovating, and delivering on our promises.” With ongoing hiring efforts aimed at local talent, EventConnect is well on its way to bolstering both the sports tech sector and London's position as a hub of excellence in sports, technology, and hospitality.