Our Story

Grandstand started in 2017 with a simple idea. Event teams should not need a big tech department to create a modern app. Whether you run a fair, festival, conference, or tour, your tools should feel friendly, flexible, and stress free.

From our home base in Lincoln, Nebraska, we built Grandstand into a platform now used by hundreds of organizations across the US and around the world. What began as a small project has become a trusted partner for events of every size.

We still keep things personal. When you work with Grandstand, you hear directly from the people who design, build, improve, and support the platform every day. At the same time, our tools, partners, and infrastructure scale confidently to support tens of thousands of users during busy event weekends.

Meet the Leadership

Founder-led, hands-on, and focused on delivering the right experience for every client.

Portrait of Jeff Abele

Jeff Abele

Co Founder and Product Lead

Jeff leads the product vision for Grandstand with 25 years of experience in interactive design and digital product development. He works closely with partners to help events launch polished, flexible apps that reduce stress for their teams.

Portrait of Melissa Abele

Melissa Abele

Co Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Melissa oversees design, onboarding, operations, and customer success. With a background in journalism, design, and project management, she helps ensure every client has a smooth experience from setup through launch.

We also collaborate with a network of designers, developers, and support partners across the US.

What We Believe

Technology should make events easier

Your tools should reduce stress, not add complexity.

Small teams deserve powerful solutions

Grandstand supports quick changes and flexible workflows without requiring extra staff.

Support should always feel personal

When you need help, you hear from someone who knows your app.

Grandstand by the Numbers

46

states with active apps

9

countries

Hundreds

of annual partners

Millions

of app sessions each year

Trusted by Festivals, Fairs, and Communities of Every Size

Iowa State Fair
Minnesota State Fair
The Big E
Florida State Fair
Arizona State Fair
Illinois State Fair
Ohio State Fair
Erie County Fair
Kentucky State Fair
Craftapped
Lake Champlain Maritime Festival
Festival International de Louisiane
Festival Estéreo Picnic
4-H
Naples Art
Bandai Namco
PGA
National Barrel Horse Association
Festival of the Arts
Women's Leadership Conference
Florida 4-H
Illinois 4-H
Iowa 4-H
Minnesota 4-H
Nebraska 4-H
New Mexico 4-H
Ohio 4-H
South Dakota 4-H
Texas 4-H
Texas FCCLA
Yellowstone Montana 4H
East Coast Music Association Festival
ELCA Youth Leadership Conference
JUNOS
NC Black Rep
Nova Scotia Music Week
Southern Festival of Books

Current Openings

We occasionally grow our team with designers, developers, and client success specialists who love events and technology. If you are interested in working with us, reach out and tell us what you are passionate about.

Let’s Build Something Together

Start a free trial or contact us to learn how Grandstand can support your next event.
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