In this episode, you’ll learn how technical production effectively merges with event planning through constructive communication and a spirit of service. Cameron Magee shares the critical role of saying “no” as technical production teams strive to serve event planners. His journey from a young volunteer at his church to owning a national event production company informs his experience with common pitfalls in event production, the necessity of early and deep engagement with A/V teams, and the uni...
Sep 02, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 10
In this episode, host Rachel Moore and experts from Smyle and Bizzabo explore the fundamentals of strategic event design. The panel features professionals from Smyle — James Howitt, Director of Client Experience & Development; Sophie Hulf, Senior Creative Strategist; Nick Thomas, Technical Director; and Jacob Palmer, Producer — and from Bizzabo — Kacie Finance, Vice President of Sales. Together, the panel discusses key pain points and priorities like defining event briefs, integrating techno...
Aug 26, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 9
In this episode, you’ll learn the importance of combining entertainment, education, and branding for successful events, the psychology of team roles, and Geoff's advice for taking career risks to advance in the event planning industry. Geoff Thatcher is a creative leader who has crafted world-class experiences such as the grand opening of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and the new College Football Hall of Fame GAME ON! AI Experience. Whether it’s a video dome in Dubai or working with the Mercedes-...
Aug 19, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 8
In this episode, you’ll learn about content’s dual role in events: driving revenue and creating impact. Nazya Ayaz discusses the significance of understanding event goals and understanding cultural nuances as event professionals craft winning content. This episode is packed with actionable tips and expert guidance for event professionals looking to elevate their content strategy. Nazya Ayaz leads the content strategy and development for all Catalyst’s events and helps create world class experien...
Aug 12, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 7
In this episode, you’ll learn about the realities of our review-based economy, easy ways eventprofs can establish social proof, and how to embrace both positive and negative reviews. As the visionary founder of Eventible.com, Ankush Gupta is spearheading a paradigm shift in professional event discovery and evaluation. With over two decades of leadership experience, Ankush is leveraging cutting-edge technology and user-generated insights to make Eventible the Glassdoor of business conferences. He...
Aug 05, 2024•27 min•Season 5Ep. 6
In this episode, you’ll learn about balancing creative and logistical aspects of events, ensuring a high return on investment, and integrating experiential marketing with traditional marketing methods. Kelly Markus is the CVO at Hunters Point. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: Experiential vs. traditional marketing ideas Examples of social media and public relations campaigns Advice to measure ROI during and beyond event delivery Mentioned in this episode Kelly Markus on Linked...
Jul 29, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 5
In this episode, we’ll examine the speaker lineup for today’s events and how adequate preparation can lead to astronomical payoffs. Cliff Kennedy is the Communication Success Coach at Kennedy Speech Communications. Cliff shares his expertise about how speakers should inspire audiences, the priority we should place on speaker preparation and rehearsal, and how non-native English speakers and technical experts can be more included and successful in event content. Here’s what you’ll hear about in t...
Jul 22, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this episode, we’ll zero in on the role of events within integrated marketing with Kelly Carlsted to understand the critical aspects of managing event revenue and demand generation. Kelly Carlsted is the Senior Manager of Global Field Marketing and Events for Dremio. Kelly shares her journey and insights on why revenue-oriented thinking is essential for event planners. From blending awareness campaigns with field marketing initiatives to striking a balance between virtual and in-person events...
Jul 15, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this episode, we’ll walk a mile in exhibitors’ shoes with Adam Jones to reduce frustration and maximize value at your events. In our own version of Undercover Boss, we examine the realities of the exhibitor experience at today’s trade shows with Adam Jones. From applications consisting of hundreds of pages to a mashup of different vendors for booth activations, the trade show journey may leave much to be desired, which means we have all the opportunity to make it better in the future. Adam Jo...
Jul 08, 2024•31 min•Season 5Ep. 2
In this episode, you’ll take a journey back in time to late 2023 when event industry experts delivered predictions for the new year, and then fast forward to the present as host Rachel Moore and a panel of experts discuss the current state of event industry trends. Learn about the latest impacts of conscious conferencing, micro-events, AI, and event tech consolidation on successful attendee experiences. One by one, this episode tackles tactics and trends you can incorporate into your event plann...
Jul 01, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Are you ready for Season 5 of the Event Experience podcast? Named one of the top event industry podcasts by multiple outlets and celebrated in the inaugural Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Event Technology Platforms, this podcast is one you can't miss. Dive into the collective wisdom of top event planners and prepare for an all-new season on July 1. 🌟 Season 5 brings unprecedented access to the strategies that power the world’s most dynamic events. Packed with insights from industry leaders, this ...
Jun 10, 2024•1 min
This milestone 100th episode of the Event Experience podcast features a conversation between Host Rachel Moore and Bizzabo CMO and Cofounder Alon Alroy. This episode delves into the challenges and transformations in the event industry, particularly in light of recent technology advancements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alroy shares his insights on driving innovation at Bizzabo, the importance of taking a customer-centric approach, how Bizzabo has navigated changes to maintain its lea...
May 13, 2024•36 min
In this fresh episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore is joined by email marketing experts to discuss how to overcome common email marketing challenges faced by event professionals. Tune in to hear about effective strategies for improving email open rates, crafting compelling content, and using advanced segmentation and automation to enhance attendee engagement from the following experts: ➡️ Kendra Ellis, former director of client services at SmartBug Media and current Sr. Director of Gro...
May 06, 2024•43 min
Grab a coffee or hit the open road to listen to Senior ABX Manager of Corporate Events at 6sense Angela Sadighian share her extensive experience and strategic approach to corporate event planning. Sadighian discusses her journey from organizing weddings to orchestrating large-scale corporate events, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI technology to enhance attendee engagement and optimize event outcomes. With a focus on 6sense's annual user conference, Breakthrough, Sadighian outlines h...
Apr 22, 2024•39 min
In this episode, host Rachel Moore dives into the vital role of networking within the event industry with Brad Jackson, the visionary behind Live Out of Office. Brad shares his journey from working with giants like Live Nation to founding an experiential marketing hub, emphasizing the transformative shift toward collaborative platforms that support freelancers, agencies, and brands. Through discussions on career transitions, the value of a robust network, and leveraging technology for efficiency...
Apr 15, 2024•32 min
In this engaging episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore sits down with Deesha Dyer, the former White House Social Secretary and current president Hook & Fasten Consulting, to delve into the intricacies of planning high-profile events at the White House. Dyer shares her journey from being an event geek to orchestrating one of the most notable events of the Obama administration: the visit of Pope Francis. The conversation provides a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of mana...
Apr 08, 2024•31 min
In this episode, you’ll hear from Natasha Wood, the Head of Strategy for FT Live, the events division of the Financial Times. Wood shares her extensive experience in the events industry, focusing on strategically using event content to enhance attendee experiences and achieve organizational goals. She also offers personal insights into her go-to resources and her passion for classic crime dramas and strategic business books, providing a well-rounded view of her professional and personal interest...
Apr 01, 2024•25 min
In this episode, Host Rachel Moore brings together Makenzie Stokel and Channing Moreland, the cofounders of EVA, to explore the transformative power of entertainment in event planning. Delving into their unique roles and the genesis of EVA, an online marketplace for booking vetted entertainment, Stokel and Moreland share their expertise on selecting the right speakers and the impact of out-of-the-box activations that leave lasting impressions on attendees while advocating for the infusion of fun...
Mar 25, 2024•32 min
In this episode, hear from TIME Executive Editor and Chief Events Officer Dan Macsai, whose dual role sees him curating influential people lists like the TIME100 while spearheading the magazine's event portfolio. Macsai shares insights into the list-making process and the challenges and triumphs of executing events in new locations. He also emphasizes the importance of community building beyond events, leveraging editorial content to create year-round engagement and the indispensable human eleme...
Mar 17, 2024•30 min
In this episode, you’ll learn about the evolving landscape of event sponsorships in 2024, providing invaluable insights for event professionals grappling with sponsorship challenges from three industry powerhouses: 1. Arianna Black, Director of Events and Digital Experience for Women In Product 2. Evan Babins, Event Manager for Intuit 3. Jennifer Feeney, Head of Event Sponsorships for The New York Times Together, they explore strategies for engaging sponsors, navigating budget constraints, and e...
Mar 11, 2024•46 min
In this enlightening episode, we’re joined by Pauline Kwasniak, a seasoned event professional and advocate for integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) in events. As CEO at Finedeeds.com — a platform for businesses and events to engage employees and measure their collective social impact — she discusses the importance of CSR in creating memorable and impactful events. She emphasizes that doing good is not only a noble pursuit but a strategic business decision. Through her work, Kwasniak...
Mar 04, 2024•34 min
In this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore sits down with Billie Jo Aasen, CEO of The Festival Company, to dive into the muddy waters of organizing Canada's largest mud and music festival: Extreme Mudfest, a four-day mud and music festival located in Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada. With a decade of experience under her belt — and a journey from aspiring country singer to festival mogul — Aasen shares the highs and lows of festival planning, from the early days of scraping by to the trium...
Feb 26, 2024•38 min
Tune in as Host Rachel Moore dives into the intricacies of using post-event data to shape future event successes with industry experts The Event Strategist Founder Nicola Kastner and Lenovo Global Events Manager Jon Wolff. The discussion opens up the challenges of analyzing event data , the potential of AI in streamlining this process, and the practical steps toward transforming these insights into actionable strategies for 2024. Through a blend of expert opinions and actionable advice, the conv...
Feb 19, 2024•40 min
Say hello to Aleksandra Panyukhina, the Director of Experience Marketing at Pixelz, who brings more than 12 years of expertise in the events industry to this episode of Event Experience. Listen in as Panyukhina (pronounced Pan-YOO-keenah) discusses the importance of creating intimate, memorable experiences — aka micro-events — that foster genuine connections and trust. For Panyukhina, these smaller events contrast with larger-scale events where such personal engagement is often lacking. She also...
Feb 12, 2024•37 min
Join Event Experience host Rachel Moore as she invites Ryan Howard, Senior Technical Program Manager at Google, to delve into the integration of technology in event spaces. Howard has more than 30 years of experience in engineering and technology, and his role at Google involves leading the technological strategy for the giant’s global event spaces, supporting various business units, and driving the company's tech-forward approach to events. Howard also co-leads the Google Experience Institute (...
Feb 05, 2024•33 min
In this episode, Event Experience host Rachel Moore interviews Ashley Ronkowski, a seasoned event professional with extensive experience in event planning and marketing. Ronkowski shares her comprehensive approach to event management, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and having a versatile event kit. She discusses her recent role at Calm and her journey through various facets of event planning, from managing social media to leading global events. Ronkowski highlights the significance...
Jan 29, 2024•32 min
Welcome to the Event Experience podcast by Bizzabo! This episode features Arianna Black, the Director of Events and Digital Experiences for Women in Product. Join Black as she delves into her extensive background in event production and explores her current role at Women in Product . She shares her insights on creating engaging virtual and physical event spaces while emphasizing the importance of community-driven events and boosting sponsor ROI. She also explores how virtual events have evolved,...
Jan 22, 2024•35 min
In this episode, host Rachel Moore sits down with Hugh Forrest, the Co-president and Chief Programming Officer of SXSW. With roughly 35 years of experience with SXSW, Forrest explores the evolution of this monumental event and its impact on — and takeover of — Austin, Texas. He delves into the complexities of managing a city-wide festival, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and adapting to the changing events landscape. Forrest's insights into fostering community, embracing creat...
Jan 15, 2024•31 min
Join us as we dive into the future of event planning! This episode explores event trends and insights for 2024, particularly conscious conferencing, DE&I, sustainability in event planning, the evolving dynamics of sponsorships, and the increasing role of AI and event tech in enhancing attendee engagement. The conversation offers a comprehensive outlook on how these elements will shape the future of events, providing valuable insights for professionals in the field. Tune in to hear host Will ...
Jan 08, 2024•50 min
In this dynamic episode about maximizing post-event success, host Lauren McCullough — Bizzabo’s VP of Marketing — is joined by this panel of experts: Monique Ruff-Bell, Head of Events, TED Gianna Gaudini, Event Strategist, Advisor, and Author of The Art of Event Planning Anthony Kennada, Cofounder and CEO, AudiencePlus These three industry insiders delve into the essentials of nurturing and converting event-generated leads, fostering communities for brand advocacy, and creatively repurposing eve...
Jan 01, 2024•50 min