On February 25, 2025, the most innovative ideas in the event industry were awarded as part of the Captain MICE Future Awards in Hamburg. We at itemdrop are extremely pleased that our digital coat check solution secured first place – receiving strong resonance directly from the industry.

What is the Captain MICE Future Award?

The award is one of the most important innovation prizes in the MICE sector. It is presented by the Association of Event Organizers e.V. (VDVO) in cooperation with the European project BEFuture, which specifically promotes forward-looking solutions for the event industry.

Eight finalists presented their innovations live at the Delphi Showpalast Hamburg – in front of a professional audience of organizers, agencies, and decision-makers.

The idea behind itemdrop

Our solution replaces the classic coat check system with a fully digital process. No more coat check tags, no more long lines, no more lost numbers:

• The guest pays with a card. The system assigns a spot to the card. The guest can leave.

• The staff member hangs the jacket in the spot suggested by the system.

• After the event, the staff member scans the guest's card and hands them their jacket.

Itemdrop is faster for the guest, simpler for the staff, and saves the organizer's time.

How we managed to convince the jury

The attendees, including representatives from agencies, event planners, hotels, and other industry stakeholders, voted on the presented concepts. With 32 percent of the votes, we clearly secured first place. The jury particularly highlighted the direct benefits of our solution: it is practical, efficient, and easily integrable – and works for both small events and large gatherings. With our solution, we are changing an essential part of every event in an unprecedented way. This impact was recognized by the jury.

The competition was prestigious. Other finalists presented data-driven experience platforms, hybrid sales models, and new tools for event management. Thus, we are even more pleased that our coat check solution received such positive feedback.

What the award means for us

Winning is more than just an award for us - it shows that our solution is also considered good by experts. Through the partnership with BEFuture, we gain access to an international network, targeted mentoring, and support in the further development of our solution.

And now?

We believe: The event industry needs simple, functioning tools. Solutions that make everyday life better – for organizers and for guests.

Itemdrop is made exactly for that. We look forward to new partnerships, exciting projects, and many events where we can demonstrate how uncomplicated a digital coat check can be.

If this sounds interesting to you, please contact us here!