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In this episode of the Event Experience podcast by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes Sarah Gannon, director of corporate events at MathWorks, to discuss key trends and priorities for the year 2025. They cover the importance of strategic measurement, addressing generational considerations in event planning, and incorporating wellness into events. Sarah shares her journey in the events industry and offers valuable insights on how to create impactful and memorable event experiences while also emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community involvement in the industry.
Meet Sarah Gannon, a dynamic force in corporate experiential marketing with over 25 years of expertise in crafting impactful event strategies that leave a lasting impact and fuel company growth. She has worked with global giants like BMW, IBM, and GE, and now leads the Corporate Events Team at MathWorks, a Massachusetts software innovator accelerating the pace of engineering and science. Sarah serves as a Board Director for PCMA New England and has earned accolades like Meeting Professional of the Year from MPI New England.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How to use events as part of your brand’s broader communication strategy
Where to find volunteering opportunities in industry associations for your career growth
How to define your event’s clear purpose and measurement strategy
Mentioned in this episodeSarah Gannon on LinkedIn
Mathworks
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/sarah-gannon-generational-event-trends.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, Rachel Moore moderates a discussion between Alon Alroy, co-founder and CMO of Bizzabo, and Sam Jacobs, CEO of Pavilion, focused on the intersection of events and community building for business growth. They highlight the importance of structure in event planning, the rise of smaller regional events, and the long-term benefits of community over immediate demand generation. Key points include how networking can be enhanced through structured events, the ROI of smaller micro-events, and how to measure the success of community building efforts.
Alon Alroy is the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Bizzabo. As a refresher, Bizzabo's Event Experience Operating System enables marketing and event teams to manage and scale their event programs. Alon helped build Bizzabo’s go-to-market teams since its founding in 2011.
Sam Jacobs is the founder and CEO of Pavilion, the world’s #1 private community for GTM leaders. Since 2016, Sam has bootstrapped Pavilion to be a network of over 10,000 go-to-market professionals in B2B tech.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How crafting structure for your attendees enhances networking.
How to see real ROI from hosting smaller events consistently.
How to play the long game of community building for overall revenue success.
Mentioned in this episodeSam Jacobs on LinkedIn
Alon Alroy on LinkedIn
Pavilion Community
Behind the Cloud by Marc Benioff
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/sam-jacobs-pavilion-community.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore interviews Christine Renaud, CEO and founder of Braindate. They discuss how Braindate fosters meaningful exchanges at events by moving beyond transactional interactions and into true knowledge sharing and the exchange of experience.
In 2008, Christine embarked on a ground-breaking mission: to transform gatherings into knowledge-sharing feasts. Fifteen years and over 1 million participants from 100 countries later, her technology company, Braindate has deeply enriched the lives of those who’ve engaged in meaningful exchanges. In 2015, Christine was selected as one of the “Most Innovative People in the Events Industry” by New York publication Bizbash, and also won the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ award in 2016 by Startup Canada. She was also listed in 2018 as one of the Canadian Inspiring Fifty, honoring 50 women shaping the future of technology in Canada.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How knowledge sharing improves your event ROI and attendee retention.
How event professionals can design meaningful networking opportunities.
How knowledge sharing works philosophically to foster a sense of belonging.
Mentioned in this episodeChristine Renaud on LinkedIn
Braindate.com
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/christine-renaud-knowledge-sharing-networking.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore talks to Anh Nguyen, principal and co-founder of Spark Event Collective, about her team’s success with the grand opening of the BMO Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Anh shares her insights on managing large-scale events and emphasizing the importance of guiding guests through the experience, which included using over 300 entertainers to create flash mob transitions.
She discusses the goals of the event, targeting current and prospective clients of the convention center, and highlights the collaborative effort required, involving a team of specialized senior event professionals. The episode also delves into the practical challenges and personal experiences faced by event planners, from footwear choices to overcoming setbacks.
Anh Nguyen possesses over 15 years of event design, production, and management experience. She has managed everything from intimate corporate functions to large, international events and is known for her keen eye for detail while being able to lead, inspire and manage large, global teams. She founded Spark Event Management, an award-winning, full-service event management firm, from which the Collective is spun off from. Having experienced first-hand the challenges, excitement, disappointments, and thrill of entrepreneurship, she is passionate about supporting independent planners in the pursuit of their professional goals.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How team culture impacts the success of winning contracts and clients
How using positive peer pressure among event attendees can support activations
How to make the event space itself play a leading role in the experience
Mentioned in this episodeAnh Nguyen on LinkedIn
Spark Event Collective
BMO Centre, Calgary
Likeable Badass by Alison Fragale
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/michael-barclay-energy-exchange-experiential.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, Rachel interviews Michael Barclay II, executive vice president of experiential at Essence Ventures, about his career and the critical role of experiential marketing in consumer engagement. Michael shares personal insights, such as event day essentials, his reading interests in Afro futurism, and industry trends like 'funflation.'
Michael Barclay II is a top-tier experiential executive globally, known for driving success across companies, brands, and events. As the Executive Vice President of Experiential at ESSENCE Ventures, he spearheads the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, the largest festival in the U.S. by per-day attendance, attracting nearly 170,000 attendees daily to New Orleans. Recognized as an Industry Innovator by BizBash, Barclay's accolades include a Cannes Lion Bronze Award for the Simone Biles "Pause Is Power" Powerade campaign and a Clio Sports Bronze Award.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How to worldbuild for your event experiences
How to sustain attendee energy during and after events
Michael’s new Crowded House creator platform
Mentioned in this episodeMichael Barclay II on LinkedIn
Essence Ventures
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/michael-barclay-energy-exchange-experiential.
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In this episode of the Event Experience podcast by Bizzabo, you'll get a taste of the full discussion from our webinar featuring leading event tech experts: Liz King Caruso, CEO of techsytalk; Angie Ahrens, director of global events at MRI Real Estate Software; and Clark Hager, senior director of sales engineering with Bizzabo.
Learn about the inefficiencies of outdated event tech and the benefits of consolidating to modern platforms (like Bizzabo OS), and explore the on-demand event to gain insights from the live Q&A with our panel of experts:
Angie Ahrens is a lifelong learner and event professional who has found her passion in leading teams to create impactful experiences as the Director of Global Events for MRI Real Estate Software. She thrives on collaboration, communication, and adaptability, all while embracing change and nurturing a strong team culture, both in her professional life and her personal adventures.
Clark Hager is a seasoned IT leader with over 15 years of experience, specializing in infrastructure and cloud solutions. As the Senior Director of Sales Engineering at Bizzabo, he excels in driving digital transformation, optimizing technology operations, and leading high-performing teams to deliver innovative and scalable software and hardware solutions.
Liz Caruso has helped businesses and thought leaders grow their audience and sell their products through in-person, virtual, & hybrid events through her expansive knowledge as an event tech expert. For over a decade, as the CEO of techsytalk, she has been recognized as a “techy” and has been named as a Top 5 Women in Event Tech.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Mistakes and gaps found in today’s event tech stacks.
Benefits of open source technology for integrations.
Real-world success stories of enhanced event management.
Mentioned in this episodeLiz King Caruso on LinkedIn
Angie Ahrens on LinkedIn
Clark Hager on LinkedIn
Bizzabo OS solutions
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-tech-stack-liz-king-angie-ahrens-clark-hager.
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This episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, hosted by Rachel Moore, features a conversation with Mike Frost, founder of Expocast. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities in the recruitment sector of the events industry, particularly post-pandemic, focus on the importance of networking and strategies for job seekers, and reveal the current state of recruitment. Mike also covers the complexity of networking as an event professional and tips for making CVs and interviews more effective.
Mike is the Founder of Expocast, a globally recognised leader in recruitment excellence for the events industry. He has orchestrated the moves of CEOs, MDs, Directors, Managers and Executives into event companies across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and Australia.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Insights to stand out on job applications
Impact of geographical location on your career
Importance of seeking mentorship to keep leveling up
Mentioned in this episodeMike Frost on LinkedIn
Expocast
Talent attraction assessment for employers
Free course for finding a job in the events industry
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/mike-frost-events-career-tips.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore interviews Rachel Stephan, Snöballer-in-Chief at Snöball Event Marketing about referral marketing, the importance of peer-to-peer sharing, and the metrics that matter in event marketing. Stephan also shares her personal journey as an immigrant and her adoption of various channels for sharing event content.
Rachel Stephan has been on her career journey since 2001, when she started in advertising and moved into the heart of event marketing. As Snöballer-in-Chief for Snöball Event Marketing, she delves into all the ways to create a buzz and get the right attendees to events.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Gamifying the “who else is going” factor of event attendance.
Effectively using AI in personalized marketing efforts.
Leveraging employee advocacy in event amplification and reach.
Mentioned in this episodeRachel Stephan on LinkedIn
Snöball Event Marketing
Headway audio book app
Money 2020 LinkedIn “receipt” post
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/rachel-stephan-peer-to-peer-event-marketing.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore interviews Jessica Connolly, Director of Global Events for Meltwater. They discuss Jessica's role in inheriting and enhancing Meltwater Summit, her emphasis on attendee engagement and satisfaction, and her strategies for creating memorable event experiences.
With over 20 years of experience in event execution and production, Jessica Connolly is the Director of Global Events for Meltwater. Her career spans the environmental, real estate, and tech industries.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Why understanding your event audience is crucial to success.
How to adapt to physical event spaces.
Where to balance logistics with creativity.
Mentioned in this episodeJessica Connolly on LinkedIn
Meltwater
The Glasshouse in NYC
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/jessica-connolly-meltwater-summit.
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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore explores the significant impact of gamification on event ROI with a panel of experts:Incentli CEO and Founder, Jeff Campbell, Director of Revenue Optimization at Informa Markets, MK Granados; and Head of Klik at Bizzabo, Will Curran.
The discussion covers the practical implementation of gamification strategies to engage diverse audiences, avoid common pitfalls, and leverage AI and post-event data. The experts delve into the enhancement of attendee experience through technology like wearables and the importance of understanding audience personas.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Examples of successful gamification tactics for events.
How to overcome budget and tech stack constraints.
Ways to maximize event ROI through data gained from gamification activations.
Mentioned in this episodeJeff Campbell on LinkedIn
MK Granados on LinkedIn
Will Curran on LinkedIn
Incentli
Informa Markets
Bizzabo Klik badges
Doctors Without Borders
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/game-on-jeff-campbell-mk-granados-will-curran.
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In this episode of the Event Experience podcast by Bizzabo, Brian Mason, Vice President of Strategy and Operations for CEMA, shares insights about Summit, including the use of innovative technology and strategies for immersive engagement. He discusses the importance of staying true to the audience's needs, the goals of Summit, and ongoing educational opportunities provided by CEMA throughout the year.
Brian Mason is an accomplished global event professional with 20+ years of experience and expertise in event planning and administration, broadcast production, global account management, and large-scale project oversight. His main focuses have been on keynote production, broadcast and film production, and global events.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Tips to truly network with fellow event professionals
How AI will change the events industry much like mobile phones changed how we connect
Tactics for listening to your audience to learn their needs
Mentioned in this episodeBrian Mason on LinkedIn
Summit by CEMA
CEMA’s website
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/brian-mason-cema-summit.
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In this episode of Event Experience, meet the co-founder of the new Resilience Conference, Leslie Hitchcock-Stone. As a former Director of Global Events at TechCrunch, Leslie shares her passion for hackathons, and the creation of a mission-driven event focused on defense, security, and societal resilience.
Leslie has designed and produced technology conferences of up to 5,000 participants in San Francisco, London, Berlin, Zug, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, Lagos, and Nairobi. She is now involved in producing the AI Fringe event series, and is executive director of Next Economy Trust, a tech-focussed media company co-founded with the investor Saul Klein.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How events play a crucial role in the startup world.
The need for a conference focused on defense and security.
How to craft your career to ultimately focus on causes that are mission-driven and meaningful to you.
Mentioned in this episodeLeslie Hitchcock-Stone on LinkedIn
Resilience Conference
This is How They Tell Me the World Ends by Nicole Perlroth
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/leslie-hitchcock-resilience-conference.
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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 unique dynamics of managing an event from the production perspective.
Cameron is the owner of avad3, an A/V event production company he first formed from his college dorm room, that now serves nationwide events and the people who plan them.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Key differences between event planners and A/V technical support staff
Career advice for professionals looking to enter technical production
Practical tips on how to work effectively with A/V technicians
Mentioned in this episodeCameron Magee on LinkedIn
avad3 Event Production
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/cameron-magee-av-event-production.
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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 technology, and understanding audience needs.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
The origin and impact of Bizzabo Studios
Critical elements of strategic event design
How event technology supports and drives innovative event design for the future
Mentioned in this episodeJames Howitt on LinkedIn
Sophie Hulf on LinkedIn
Nick Thomas on LinkedIn
Jacob Palmer on LinkedIn
Kacie Finance on LinkedIn
Bizzabo Studios
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-design-smyle-bizzabo-studios.
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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-AMG F1 team in the United Kingdom, Geoff’s work transcends borders. In 2020, he published The CEO’s Time Machine that TD Magazine said “is a great way to prepare your mindset going into conversations about how your business can navigate our new, uncertain world.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
The five-step Experience Model framework for planning memorable experiences.
The importance of different roles on your experiential teams.
Coordinating talent personalities in complex experience projects.
Mentioned in this episodeGeoff Thatcher on LinkedIn
Creative Principals
The CEO’s Time Machine
Belbin Team Roles
00:00 Canned Show Intro + Custom Intro of Geoff Thatcher 00:56 Guest Interview Part 1 21:52 Guest Interview Part 2 35:04 Skill Up For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/geoff-thatcher-experiential-storytelling. -
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 experiences that are a melting pot of innovation, inspiration, and insights for the Catalyst community.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How you can create audience-centric contentHow you can strategize to expand your event’s market share
How to enhance audience experiences through multisensory elements
Mentioned in this episodeNazya Ayaz on LinkedIn
Catalyst
Systems Sunday newsletter by Ben Meer 00:00 Introduction to Event Experience by Bizzabo 04:59 Get to Know Nazya: Fun Questions 06:50 Creating Impactful Event Content 14:40 Expanding Market Share and Overcoming Challenges 22:29 Final Thoughts and Farewell For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/nazya-ayaz-content-drives-revenue. -
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.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
How to leverage speakers and social media to establish social proof of your event
How to choose marketing channels and accounts, internal and external, to promote your event’s reputation
Ways to convince your target audience that your event is worth their investment
Why even negative reviews can be an opportunity to convert future attendees
Mentioned in this episodeAnkush Gupta on LinkedIn
Eventible.com
Jeff Bezos shares about the value of negative reviews (YouTube)
Magic Words by Johan Berger
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ankush-gupta-event-reviews.
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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 episodeKelly Markus on LinkedIn
Hunters Point
Vionic and Vivaia shoes
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/kelly-markus-roi-creativity
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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 this conversation:
How to go from informational talk to transformational talk
Cliff’s communication success framework (5-step process)
Better Speakers, Better Events process
Mentioned in this episodeCliff Kennedy
Kennedy Speech Communications
Brain Food Newsletter
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/cliff-kennedy-speaking-roi.
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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, Kelly discusses how understanding data and market positioning can help design better experiences that generate quality leads.
Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:
Stats about virtual and in-person event preferences post-COVID
Ways to make your event stand out in a competitive market
The importance of mentorship and community within the events industry
The value of continuing education for event professionals and whether pursuing a CMP is worthwhile
Mentioned in this episodeKelly Carlsted on LinkedIn
Kelly Carlsted on Goodreads
For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/kelly-carlsted-demand-generation.
- Se mer
