This year marks a significant milestone as Mertzcrew celebrates 25 years of innovation, growth, and dedication to the live events industry. From humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader in workforce and technology solutions, our journey reflects a deep commitment to collaboration, customer satisfaction, and excellence. Over the past quarter-century, curiosity, teamwork, and a passion for solving real-world challenges have driven meaningful technological advancement, from early digital tools to today’s artificial intelligence–powered innovations. This 25th anniversary celebration honors not only where we’ve been, but the ideas, partnerships, and emerging technologies that will shape the future generations of live events.

Where it All Started

Twenty-five years ago, before the live events industry had the systems it relies on today, Joe Mertz saw a problem no one had solved yet. Freelance labor management was scattered across paperwork, spreadsheets, and processes that left companies exposed, inefficient, and overextended.

It became clear that live event companies needed a solution that could:

• Streamline contractor coordination from planning and execution to payments
• Provide transparency across projects, crew, and documentation
• Reduce administrative strain on operational teams
• Protect organizations and freelancers from risk
• Enable growth without adding more logistical burden

As the company began to grow, he brought in two partners who were connected through their kids’ grade school and motivated to build something better for clients and the skilled freelance technicians. The solution they built wasn’t just practical; it was ahead of its time.

That simple idea grew into Mertzcrew, now a global, trusted partner supporting the industry's most respected live event companies.

From a Single Tool to an All-in-One Software

In the early days, Mertzcrew focused on streamlining payments, compliance, and scheduling for freelance technicians. It brought order and clarity to processes that had been inconsistent and risky for years.

But as the industry evolved, so did Mertzcrew. Live events became more complex. Companies scaled. Risk increased. Administration and labor logistics grew heavier. The demands placed on operational and financial leaders intensified. The global live events industry was valued at over $650 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to around $1.2 trillion by 2032, with a steady annual growth rate of about 5.9 % (GlobeNewsWire), highlighting massive ongoing demand for live experiences.

From the beginning, Mertzcrew listened. And we built.

Today, the platform has expanded far beyond its initial capabilities, offering live event companies a comprehensive solution that helps them:

• Save time with streamlined processes
• Reduce costs through smarter crew planning
• Minimize risk with robust compliance and documentation tools
• Operate more efficiently across every stage of an event

With over 16,000 registered technicians across all roles, Mertzcrew stands as a proven partner backed by a team dedicated to service, reliability, and continuous innovation.

25 Years of Trust, Service, and Forward Momentum

Reaching our 25th anniversary is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of the partners who’ve grown with us, the contractors and techs who power the industry, and the work that has shaped live events across the world.

It’s also a moment to recognize the innovation that has defined Mertzcrew from the very beginning. What started as a simple solution for organizing and contracting technicians has evolved into a software that anticipates the needs of a rapidly changing industry. That evolution continues today with tools like Gofer AI, designed to support smarter crewing, reduce administrative friction, and give live event companies a clearer, faster path from project planning to on-site execution. 

Gofer AI is just one example of how we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, transforming complex logistics into intuitive workflows that save time, cut costs, and minimize risk. With nearly two-thirds of live entertainment companies integrating AI into event planning and execution, the role of dynamic scheduling, predictive logistics, and intuitive contractor management has never been more critical.

This milestone marks not only where we’ve been, but where we’re going. 2026 will be a year dedicated to honoring our shared journey and unveiling innovations that help live event companies operate with confidence and stay ahead of what’s next. From strengthened scheduling tools to enhanced contractor communication features, the work underway is designed to make communication smarter, operations smoother, and decision-making easier.

We’re proud of the last quarter-century. But we’re even more energized for the future. The next chapter of live events is being written now, and we’re committed to building the tools, support, and technology that will carry the industry forward.

Join Us for a Year of Celebration and Forward Progress

To our current clients: thank you for trusting us as your partner in efficiency, cost savings, and risk reduction. Your continued support fuels our commitment to service and innovation. This anniversary is as much your milestone as it is ours.

To companies we haven’t met yet: we’d love to show you how Mertzcrew can support your next stage of growth. This is just the beginning of our yearlong anniversary celebration. Stay tuned for what’s next, and get in touch with us to keep the conversation going.