The W.I.S.H. Fall Grant is named in honor of Neil Keefe, a beloved member of the event technology community whose curiosity, dedication, and warmth left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Neil began his journey with a degree in Physics from the University of Bristol before finding his passion in the technology industry, eventually rising to VP of Product at eTouches. In 2015, he co-founded Swoogo - an intuitive event management platform that transformed the way the industry approached registration, marketing, and event logistics - alongside industry veterans Leonora Valvo and Tim Cummins.

To his team, Neil was their product leader, chief "did you test it" advocate, quiet jokester, loyal friend, and incredible teammate. He faced his final years with the same quiet courage that defined him, battling Amyloidosis, a rare and under-researched heart condition, until his passing in 2020.

At W.I.S.H., we hope that in applying for this grant, you find inspiration in Neil's life - his willingness to learn, to build, and to show up fully for the people around him. May you pursue your ambitions with that same passion and dedication, and live life to the fullest, just as he did.