Events.com Acquires Summit, Aims to Globalize Elite Experiences and Expand the Experience Economy

In a bold move set to reshape the high-end experiential event space, Events.com has announced a strategic merger with Summit, the influential, invite-only events platform renowned for curating gatherings of the world’s most innovative thinkers, leaders, and creators. The merger is poised to scale Summit’s exclusive community model through Events.com’s technology ecosystem—amplifying both reach and impact.

Founded 17 years ago, Summit has long operated as a cultural cornerstone of the experience economy, bringing together business icons, artists, and disruptors in uniquely immersive settings. Past speakers and collaborators have included Richard Branson, Jane Goodall, Kendrick Lamar, and Jeff Bezos, just to name a few.

“We share a value system,” said Mitch Thrower, co-founder and CEO of Events.com. “Our team deeply honors what Summit has built—and we’re committed to making its global community even stronger.”

Summit Gets a Scalable Backbone

For Events.com, the merger is more than symbolic. It integrates Summit’s visionary curation with scalable event tech infrastructure, giving its global community the tools they’ve been missing—automation, sponsorship management, network tools, and data-driven insights—without compromising the soul of Summit’s intimate programming.

According to Jody Levy, Summit’s Global Director and outgoing CEO, the team spent months exploring potential partnerships before choosing Events.com for its alignment in integrity, innovation, and user-first design.

“This is not about dilution—it’s about evolution,” Levy said. “We chose Events.com because they treat people with care and share our commitment to expanding Summit’s purpose-driven vision.”

Leadership, Legacy, and What’s Next

The merger keeps Summit’s creative DNA intact. Founders Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal, and key leaders including Levy will remain onboard as strategic and creative directors, ensuring Summit retains its curatorial excellence and experiential edge.

Chris Stakich, formerly Chief Experience Officer at YPO and CEO of Rustic Pathways, will now lead Summit as CEO under Events.com. He’s joined by other Summit veterans like Perry DeCoveny (CXO), Langely McNeal (Chief Community Officer), and Hayden Geller (VP).

And Summit fans—mark your calendars. The iconic Summit at Sea is set to return in partnership with Virgin Voyages from April 23–26, 2026, signaling the kind of global, cross-platform experiences this merger aims to scale.

Why This Merger Matters

Summit was never just an event—it was a network of networks, birthing new communities, ventures, and creative collaborations. But without scalable tools and infrastructure, many members struggled to grow their own ecosystems.

Events.com steps in as the engine that can power future-forward gatherings at scale, providing access to technology that simplifies logistics while enhancing the human connection at the heart of these experiences.

“Summit leaders are running platforms, retreats, nonprofits, and events,” said Levy. “But they often lack the tools to manage their growth. That changes now.”

Bridging Vision with Infrastructure

The move positions Events.com as a serious player in the next generation of experiential technology, tapping into a lucrative niche of creators, leaders, and communities seeking high-impact moments powered by smarter systems.

While most event platforms cater to mass-market needs, this partnership sets a new standard: tailored, intimate, and transformative experiences—backed by enterprise-level technology and global ambition.

“Seventeen years ago, we started Summit to support a generation of entrepreneurs,” said co-founder Brett Leve. “Now, we’re expanding that impact exponentially.”

With both vision and infrastructure now aligned, Summit x Events.com is betting on the future of the experience economy—not just as entertainment, but as a catalyst for change, collaboration, and culture.

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