Strayboots has acquired engagement technology company JabberYak, the company announced July 10, 2026, adding proprietary networking software, analytics and human connection methodologies to its corporate team-building and experiential events platform. The deal signals growing demand for AI-enhanced tools that generate measurable engagement data without replacing the interpersonal interactions that drive workplace collaboration.
Financial terms were not disclosed. The acquisition includes JabberYak's software platform, source code, intellectual property, analytics engine, customer database, digital assets, and its Human Connection Framework and 7 Degrees of Connection methodology.
"The future of our industry isn't about choosing between technology and people-it's about bringing them together in smarter, more meaningful ways," said Ido Rabiner, founder and CEO of Strayboots. "From our very first conversation with the JabberYak team, it was clear we shared the same philosophy: technology should amplify engagement, inspire participation, and create stronger human connections. Together, we're building a platform that helps organizations create experiences people don't just attend-they remember."
What the combined platform offers
Strayboots has run corporate team-building programs, leadership activations and CSR initiatives in over 700 cities across 33 countries for nearly two decades. The acquisition embeds intelligent networking, behavioral design and engagement analytics into conferences, leadership retreats, customer events and employee development programs. The combined platform will use AI-powered recommendations, personalized networking opportunities and real-time engagement measurement to improve attendee participation and relationship-building. The acquisition reflects broader industry trends, where AI for Hospitality & Events is being used to provide measurable engagement data without sacrificing personal connection.
"This is exactly where the meetings and events industry is headed," said Jeremy Brooks, Chief Experience Officer of Strayboots. "Technology gives us incredible new capabilities, but it is the human experience that creates lasting impact. JabberYak is an exceptional strategic fit because it enhances what Strayboots has always done best-bringing people together through experiences that spark conversation, strengthen relationships, encourage collaboration, and create moments that attendees will remember long after an event has ended."
Future investment in AI-enhanced tools
The acquisition supports Strayboots' long-term product development strategy. Future investments will focus on expanding AI-enhanced engagement tools, intelligent networking solutions, experiential learning platforms, interactive conference technologies and analytics that help organizations measure participation, collaboration and overall event performance.
JabberYak was founded on the premise that technology should facilitate meaningful relationships rather than replace them. Its Human Connection Framework combines behavioral science, personalized networking, engagement analytics and AI-driven recommendations to help organizations foster stronger professional relationships and more collaborative event experiences.
"When we founded JabberYak, we believed technology should never replace human connection-it should remove the barriers that prevent it," said Shideh Doerr, co-founder of JabberYak. "What made Strayboots such a natural home for JabberYak was our shared belief that extraordinary experiences begin with extraordinary human connections. Together, we're combining innovation with creativity to help organizations build stronger teams, more engaging events, and deeper connections across every audience they serve."
Why this matters for hospitality and events professionals
The acquisition signals that event technology is moving beyond basic registration and surveys. For hospitality and events professionals, the integration of AI-driven networking and real-time analytics means they can offer clients measurable proof of attendee engagement and relationship-building. Tools that personalize connections and track participation without intruding on the experience will become a competitive differentiator. Professionals who understand how to select and apply these technologies can help organizations justify event spend and design experiences that deliver both human connection and hard data.
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