#United States #Creative Economy #Events.com #Summit #La Jolla, California

Events.com Merges with Summit: A Leap Forward in the Creative Economy

In a landmark announcement, Events.com, known for its innovative contributions to the experience economy, has officially merged with Summit, the exclusive community and events platform that has hosted some of the world’s most influential creative leaders for nearly two decades. This merger promises to enhance capabilities and broaden the reach for both organizations, creating a powerful new platform designed to inspire and connect global creative talents.

The Vision Behind the Merger

For 17 years, Summit has provided an extraordinary platform for exceptional makers, entrepreneurs, and thinkers, fostering a community that transcends conventional boundaries. The likes of Richard Branson, Kendrick Lamar, Jeff Bezos, and Jane Goodall have graced Summit events, sharing insights and promoting a culture of innovation and change. The merger with Events.com aims to amplify these efforts by integrating advanced event management solutions and a broader network of resources.

Mitch Thrower, a member of the Summit community and CEO of Events.com, emphasized the shared values between the two organizations. He stated, "We deeply honor what Summit has created and are dedicated to making the global community even stronger." With the merger, Summit is expected to leverage the extensive resources and technology offered by Events.com, facilitating a more impactful and immersive experience for members.

New Offerings on the Horizon

The merger is set to introduce new programming and membership offerings aimed at nurturing relationships among community members. One of the highly anticipated initiatives is the return of the popular 'Summit at Sea' event, slated to take place from April 23-26, 2026, in partnership with Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages. The collaborative efforts between Events.com and Summit will lead to a greater variety of events, excursions, and partnerships that will enrich the experience for all members.

Summit’s co-founders, Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal, Elliott Bisnow, and Jeremy Schwartz, remain integrally involved, ensuring the continuation and growth of Summit’s legacy through strategic guidance and creative direction. Jody Levy, who formerly led Summit, now serves as Global Director, maintaining focus on the organization's mission to connect and nourish the global community of innovators.

Impact on the Creative Community

As connectivity and collaboration become increasingly important in the creative sector, the merger positions the newly formed entity to address the needs of a diverse and growing audience. The two organizations share a steadfast commitment to enabling visionary creators to thrive. The merger thus creates a confluence of resources designed to elevate the creative economy, allowing leaders and community members to continue reshaping culture and fostering collective impact.

Strengthened Platform for Leaders

The leadership post-merger includes Chris Stakich, the former Chief Experience Officer at YPO, as CEO of Summit. His experience with community leadership aligns well with both organizations’ goals, ensuring the merger enhances the reach and effectiveness of Summit’s initiatives. Other key figures in leadership roles include Perry DeCoveny and Langely McNeal, who will focus on community experiences, and Hayden Geller and James Turle, who will further strengthen the technology support backbone of the platform.

As a testament to the vision behind this merger, co-founder Brett Leve remarked, "In uniting these communities, we aim to expand our impact beyond the present and into the future." Both Events.com and Summit are committed to the development of not just a platform but a movement to connect the thought leaders of today with those still to come.

A Call for Connectivity

Events.com aims to champion meaningful moments in people’s lives. With this merger, the vision extends further to create a cohesive environment where individuals can engage with experiences that inspire growth and foster connections. The partnership will serve as a catalyst for change, equipping members with the tools to expand their networks, manage their initiatives, and catalyze meaningful impact.

In summary, the merger between Events.com and Summit heralds a new era for the creative business economy. As these two powerhouses join forces, they hope to not only preserve the legacy of Summit but also propel it into a future bursting with creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit. This powerful partnership is poised to redefine what it means to be part of the global creative community, inspiring generations to come.