Global Produce Launches "GP Lab," an Event x AI Research Organization

Global Produce Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo, and led by President Masaki Mitsuhata, launched "GP Lab" in April 2026. This cross-departmental organization focuses on the research and practical application of AI in the business event sector. The company notes that while AI in events is moving into operational phases internationally, the Japanese event industry is still in an exploratory stage. Global Produce intends to pioneer AI integration, aiming to create advanced business events by embedding AI across planning, spatial design, and attendee experience. The initiative is driven by observations from their "2025 Summary and 2026 Outlook" report, which highlighted international advancements. Overseas examples include Bizzabo's AI-driven session recommendations, Jublia's "Judy AI" for emotional analysis and reporting, AI announcers like "J-NA" at the Jeju AI International Film Festival 2025, and UneeQ's AI avatar "Sophie" at SIGGRAPH 2024 providing real-time generative AI responses. Challenges in Japan include a scarcity of practical AI applications in event production, limited knowledge sharing on AI capabilities, and a lack of expertise in adapting international best practices. GP Lab's structure is cross-departmental, with future external partnerships planned. Its main projects include regular internal AI study groups for event producers and creative directors, focusing on generative AI for planning and content creation, supported by Autobahn Co., Ltd. Additionally, GP Lab is developing "GP EARTH," a specialized AI platform that will utilize Global Produce's accumulated knowledge from approximately 200 annual event productions, aiming to transform operations in terms of speed, quality, revenue, and reproducibility.