Tech Connect LIVE 2026: Our Takeaways

This week we attended Tech Connect LIVE in Chicago, hosted by Levin Consulting from 18 to 20 May at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare. Representing Exertis SCS, we joined the show with a focused schedule of meetings with consumer tech brands across categories relevant to the European market, where we support brands in their EU expansion and ongoing operations.

The strength of the format is the combination of volume and quality. Over two days we were able to meet a significant number of brands, and even though the meeting slots are quite brief, just 10 to 15 minutes, we managed to move each conversation quickly into the topics that matter and secure a follow up in most cases. One word of advice for anyone considering the show in the future: it really does pay to prepare for the short format in advance, so you do not leave a meeting with key points uncovered or without clear next steps agreed.

Equally valuable was the time built in around the meeting schedule. Shared meals, breaks, and the evening receptions opened up plenty of room for further networking, both with established partners and contacts and with people we were meeting for the first time.

A significant share of the credit belongs to the organising team. The Levin Consulting team delivered a well prepared programme, from the meeting matching before the event through to the on-site logistics and consistent support throughout. The event was professionally run and quick paced, which is precisely what makes the format work.

We return from Chicago with a strong list of follow up actions and a number of partnerships we are looking forward to developing further. Already looking forward to next year’s edition!