Start-up pitches, Google Hangouts, pizza, cocktail making and Jaffa Cakes? It can only mean one thing surely… an Event Tech Lab night!

Last week, #CocktailHack, sponsored by ibtm world, took place at the Google Campus as part of London Technology Week, which saw hundreds of events bring together the events industry at various locations across London.

#CocktailHack was a unique concept, designed to bring the #eventtech community together to share ideas, news of product launches, enjoy networking… and cocktails.

The evening began with networking and ‘cocktail making team’ registration, and the announcement of the launch of the ibtm world Technology and Innovation Watch Award.

Then, 6 tech start-up companies took to the stage to present their products to the room. The first product to be presented was the StaffMatch App, an idea born at a London Technology Week event over the weekend, and allows event organisers to hire and rate temporary freelance staff.

Presentations also included networking based apps, Iwazat and Around Then; MICE Book and two pitches done via Google Hangout which included Eventia and Crowd Mics, which is becoming increasingly popular at conferences around the world.

The intimate setting and relaxed environment was a great way to discover these emerging tech products and reinforced the community feel so many event tech meetings provide. There were a few familiar faces and the cocktail making competition was such a fun way to network and demonstrates such an easy way to engage attendees.

The ibtm events team even came second with our ‘Jaffa Hack’ cocktail, complete with Jaffa Cake on the side!

To find out about future events from the Event Tech Lab, have a look here.