Glue Up is a global cloud-based engagement management platform founded in 2013 by Eric L. Schmidt and Olivia Jingshu Ji. Initially launched as EventBank, the company was created out of frustration with the fragmented and inefficient tools available to event organizers and community managers. Glue Up’s mission is to bridge these gaps by offering an all-in-one SaaS solution that integrates event management, membership administration, CRM, email marketing, mobile apps, and analytics into a single platform. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices in 10 countries, Glue Up serves clients in over 50 countries, focusing on associations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, corporations, and professional communities worldwide.
Eric Schmidt and Olivia Ji founded Glue Up to solve the challenges of siloed data and cumbersome processes in event and community management. The company initially focused on Asian markets, where mobile adoption and digital engagement were advanced, before expanding globally to North America, Europe, Africa, and other regions. Over the years, Glue Up has grown rapidly, scaling its team to over 100 employees across multiple offices and evolving its product from event management software to a comprehensive engagement platform. The rebranding from EventBank to Glue Up reflected a strategic shift to emphasize community building and deeper member engagement beyond just events.
In May 2024, Glue Up announced a significant Series B funding round led by GSR Ventures, a prominent global venture capital firm known for backing technology leaders like Didi and Ele.me. This investment supports Glue Up’s global expansion, especially in emerging and developing markets, and fuels continued research and development.
Glue Up’s platform delivers a unified solution combining event registration and ticketing, automated membership management, CRM, targeted email marketing, mobile community apps, and advanced analytics. Unique features include AI-powered content creation assistants, real-time QR code check-ins, customizable membership tiers, and multilingual support. The platform’s AI Copilot automates campaign content, survey creation, and personalized communication, enhancing engagement while reducing administrative workload. Glue Up also offers extensive third-party integrations and API access, allowing organizations to tailor workflows and connect with existing systems.
Notably, it has integrated AI-driven tools and mobile-first features to address evolving customer needs. The platform supports virtual and hybrid events, reflecting its adaptability to changing market demands accelerated by global trends.
Recent innovations include the AI Copilot Writing Assistant for automated content generation, a 24/7 AI chatbot for instant user support, and an AI Helper that provides multilingual, context-aware guidance. These AI-driven tools distinguish Glue Up in the engagement management space by enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
Glue Up emphasizes customer-centricity, innovation, and global inclusivity. The leadership team, including CEO Eric Schmidt and President Olivia Ji, fosters a culture of continuous learning and responsiveness to diverse market needs. The company values collaboration, transparency, and empowering organizations to build meaningful, lasting relationships within their communities.
Serving over 50 countries, Glue Up’s user base spans associations, chambers of commerce, nonprofits, agencies, and corporations. Its clients benefit from streamlined operations, improved member engagement, and data-driven insights. The platform’s mobile apps and community-building tools foster active participation and networking, supporting vibrant professional ecosystems worldwide.
