The Future of Connected Group Travel

December 5th, 2023, 10:00 am PT / Category: Interviews

How could emerging technologies transform group trips and event discovery?

Jason van Esso is a visionary entrepreneur and leader, dedicated to transforming the travel and entertainment sectors for a contemporary audience. As the Founder & CEO of Crewfare, Jason has pioneered a groundbreaking travel-technology platform that offers a fully integrated, user-friendly, and social solution for booking event and group travel.

In only two years, Jason and his co-founders have rapidly expanded the company, employing a team of nearly 50 individuals, facilitating travel for over 200,000 adventurers, collaborating with 3,000+ hotels, and scheduling an impressive roster of 100+ major live events for 2023, such as Rolling Loud, Ultra Music Festival, South Beach Wine & Food Festival, Governors Ball, and more.

Jason discovered his passion for the travel and entertainment industry during his tenure at the University of Miami, where he conceived, launched, and expanded his first travel startup, STFU & Party, which has since become a leader in the collegiate travel market, accommodating travelers from over 100 universities and broadening its scope to encompass large-scale spring break trips, fall break trips, game day experiences, and more.

Recently, Jason and his team were selected to develop and produce the Hard Rock Beach Club for the inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix in Miami, successfully attracting a younger and more diverse audience to both the locale and the sport. In light of the event’s overwhelming success, the team has been contracted to conceptualize and produce this annual event through 2026. Jason has also produced numerous other noteworthy events, including Fontainebleau New Year’s Eve, Loud Club at Rolling Loud, Skyloft at Pegasus World Cup, and beyond. Jason has also held executive roles at two premiere hospitality groups: Plus Plus Group and Groot Hospitality, overseeing marketing, technology, and special events for their esteemed collection of top-tier restaurants, nightclubs, and hotels.