Event Experience

In this episode, we talk with Mita Mallick about how her own event experiences inspired her to write a book debunking myths about inclusion. 

Mallick is head of inclusion, equity, and impact at Carta and previously led diversity & inclusion and cross-cultural marketing at Unilever. Her inclusive culture-building efforts led to Unilever's gender-balanced management and recognition as the #1 Company for Working Mothers in 2018 and #2 for Best Employers for Women in 2020. She also co-created a Cultural Immersions series, training more than 5,000 marketers on enhancing cultural competency.

Mallick is a champion of inclusivity and belonging in successful event experience design. In our conversation, she shares both positive and negative experiences she has had at conferences and encourages event professionals and attendees to prioritize diversity and inclusion, use their power to influence event planning decisions, and advocate for diverse representation. 

Despite facing rejections and challenges in the publishing process, Mallick is determined to share her insights and experiences through her book, Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace. 

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: 

• The challenges of achieving diversity and inclusion at conferences

• The impact that a lack of representation and self-segregation can have on an event

• The importance of selecting diverse panelists and creating inclusive environments

• The impact of the small things, such as makeup and hair services, venue selection, and catering

Mentioned in This Episode

• Mita Mallick on LinkedIn

• Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace

• The Anxious Achiever: Turn Your Biggest Fears into Your Leadership Superpower

• I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace

• Brown Table Talk podcast 

Would you believe that more than half of the feature films at the Sundance Film Festival rely on Dropbox? It’s true! In this episode, we host Vanessa Karlsson Dorau, Head of Global Events and Experiences at Dropbox, as she delves into two powerful engagement activations at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. 

Vanessa underscores Dropbox's strategic alliance with IndieWire Studio, which paved the way for meaningful interactions with filmmakers at the world-renowned event. This exclusive event activation allowed Dropbox to connect with filmmakers and showcase gratitude for their work while highlighting how Dropbox's tools, such as Dropbox Capture and Dropbox Replay, empower the creative process, especially for filmmakers who deal with large files. 

She also discusses a second activation, the Dropbox Edit Suite, which was a relaxed space where filmmakers could come together, immerse themselves in conversation, grab a drink, and maybe even walk away with their next great idea.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• How to use strategic collaborations to create meaningful event activations 

• The power of amassing content at your event — from testimonials to candid soundbites — to bolster marketing and branding efforts

• The importance of crafting personalized experiences — not one-size-fits-all experiences — to ensure maximum impact and more memorable events

Mentioned in This Episode

• Dropbox Edit Suite at Sundance

• IndieWire Studio

• Pretty Baby (movie) 

• Succession (TV show)

• "City of Girls" by Vanessa Gilbert (novel)

• Vanessa Karlsson Dorau on LinkedIn

In this episode, IMEX CEO Carina Bauer discusses the meticulous planning required to execute large-scale events with her hardworking team of 83. Bauer took on the monumental task of revamping IMEX Frankfurt, which underwent a significant technological shift and a much-anticipated rebrand after two decades. 

Bauer talks about IMEX’s diverse global audience and how the brand’s objectives transcend mere attendance. She also shares key learnings from Frankfurt that made it easier to overhaul the American version of the event, plus a few details about the new group website coming after IMEX America in October 2023. 

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• How IMEX Frankfurt 2023 marked a significant rebrand and a technological overhaul aimed at refining the attendee experience and fostering connections

• The impact that the Frankfurt chapter had in streamlining operations for IMEX America

• The overwhelming demand for IMEX America and how it underscores the event's relevance and the promising future for the industry

Mentioned in This Episode

• IMEX

• IMEX Frankfurt

• IMEX America 

• "The Culture Lab" by Aga Bajer

• "Freakonomics"

• Carina Bauer on LinkedIn

In this podcast episode, Evan Babins, Experiential Marketing Specialist at Bond Brand Loyalty, discusses his experience producing successful roadshow events in four cities for a software client. The events brought together small- to medium-sized businesses in the accounting and financial services industry.

Babins sheds light on the complexities of planning successful events and the importance of prioritizing attendee needs, data-driven decision-making, and professional adaptability in the ever-changing events landscape.

Here’s what else you’ll hear about in this episode of Event Experience: 

• The importance of focusing on attendee experience by tailoring the event to the attendee's perspective

• Why it’s crucial to collect and analyze data from event registrations and post-event surveys to improve future events

• The power of being open to new experiences, challenges, and feedback — because those who are willing to learn, embrace change, and say yes to opportunities are more likely to succeed in the industry

Mentioned in This Episode

• Bond Brand Loyalty 

• Evan Babins on Instagram 

• Evan Babins on LinkedIn

In this episode, Agorapulse Head of Strategic Partnerships Mike Allton dives deep into his experience as an event producer and his journey from virtual events with influencers to hosting the Agency Summit with more than 3,000 attendees. 

Mike shares insights into marketing tactics and relationship ROI, emphasizing the importance of talking to the target audience to understand their challenges and create events that address their needs.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• Why it's crucial to focus on your event’s target audience, understand their challenges, and tailor content accordingly

• How using prerecorded content for virtual events can reduce stress and potential issues on the day of the event — plus its role in content repurposing

• How collaborating with brand partners can help with lead generation and promotion

Mentioned in This Episode

• Agency Summit 

• The Social Media Hat (blog)

• American Marketing Association

• IntrovertU (podcast)

• The Menagerie (book)

• Robin Dimond + Fifth and Cor

• Julius Solaris

• Rand Fishkin on LinkedIn

• Mike Allton on LinkedIn

In this episode, hear from Howard Givner, Senior Vice President of Knowledge and Innovation at PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association), as he shares insights on creating meaningful event experiences and discusses EduCon. You may also know Givner as the former founder and CEO of the Event Leadership Institute, which PCMA acquired.

Tune in to this episode to learn more about empowering attendees with actionable takeaways to create truly transformative experiences. Plus, hear about how Givner created a unique tech lab series where attendees could delve deeper into emerging technologies.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• The importance of intentional event design and how to move away from formulaic approaches

• How moving beyond superficial product discovery helps organizers embrace more immersive learning formats

• Key strategies for increasing event impact and ensuring a positive return on investment (ROI) 

Mentioned in This Episode

• PCMA

• Event Leadership Institute

• EduCon

• Convening Leaders

• The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

• The Rebooting podcast by Brian Morrissey

• Howard Givner on LinkedIn

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Liz King Caruso, CEO and Chief Event Strategist of Liz King Events, to explore the power of attendee obsession in event planning. 

With more than 13 years of experience in the industry, Liz shares her insights on designing events that allow participants to be themselves and connect authentically. The discussion centers on a recent event Liz organized for a foundation client with the goal of bringing their employees back together in person, fostering face-to-face interactions and sharing the organization's vision for the coming year. 

Through a well-crafted balance of content and experience, the event featured interactive activities, a healthy and delicious family-style lunch, and a unique silent disco that allowed participants to mingle and engage in a relaxing, comfortable setting. 

Here’s what you’ll learn about in this conversation:

• The importance of striking a balance between delivering valuable content and creating meaningful experiences for event attendees

• Why event planners should step outside of their comfort zones and be open to trying new things and considering unconventional ideas that align with attendees' interests and desires

• The value in gathering attendee feedback and creating opportunities for participants to express their thoughts and opinions openly 

Mentioned in This Episode

• techsytalk Inc.

• Liz King Events

• Smart Women, Smart Hustle

• Black Barn Restaurant in NYC

• Sound Off Experiences silent DJ company 

• Prince George Ballroom in NYC

• Cut the Shit, Cue the Genius podcast 

• Liz King Caruso on LinkedIn

In this episode, Mathias Sondermann talks about SAP’s Sapphire and embracing standardization for scalability, the importance of localization, and the power of continuous learning.

Meet Senior Director of Events Mathias Sondermann, who has been with SAP for more than 15 years. In this episode, he takes us into SAP's largest customer-facing event, Sapphire, and does a bit of cultural globetrotting as he discusses the power of standardization, regional adaptation, and continuous learning — all in the name of promoting innovation and enabling scalability. 

Here is a sneak peek of what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• How standardizing certain aspects of events gives teams space to innovate at scale 

• The importance of localization and tailoring events to regional and cultural nuances 

• How collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning can improve the quality of events across the industry

Mentioned in This Episode

• SAP Sapphire 2023

• German Convention Bureau 

• Mathias Sondermann on LinkedIn

In this episode, you’ll hear from Storycraft Lab’s Naomi Clare Crellin about facilitating a popup activation of taking the Google Xi (Experience Institute) community to IMEX Frankfurt. 

Naomi Clare Crellin is the founder and CEO of Storycraft Lab and editor and host of the Futures Forum, an innovation think tank. Her activation’s goal was to explore the Xi Days case study — from the launch of the Neu Project at IMEX 2022 to the recent Xi Days event — and the many industry tools and frameworks being developed around neuro inclusion. The event guided attendees onhow to advocate for the business value of belonging and motivate their communities to foster belonging in the events they create.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• The Xi community's mission to generate support systems, frameworks, and tools that facilitate universal inclusion in the event industry

• How the team created an activation centered on engaging participants in “googly” design sprints to reimagine radical inclusion

• The launch of the Belonging Index, which is a tool that challenges traditional demographics by focusing on individuals' values and provides insights for designing inclusive experiences

Mentioned in This Episode

• Storycraft Lab

• Xi at IMEX Frankfurt

• The Neu Project

• Valuegraphics

• Belonging: The Science of Creating Connection and Bridging Divides by Geoffrey L. Cohen 

• Naomi Clare Crellin on LinkedIn

• Contact: xi-external@google.com

• Megan Henshall on LinkedIn

In this episode of Event Experience, you’ll learn how Airtable Head of Events Gianna Gaudini planned and executed the brand’s inaugural marquee event, the Airtable Leaders Forum (ALF).

The team at Airtable designed ALF to accomplish multiple goals for different audiences, including driving pipeline, announcing a new category, and showcasing thought leadership from the CEO. Gaudini shares the ins and outs of the event planning process and setting goals for ALF, including the strategic decision-making involved in focusing on specific goals, targeting the right audience, and maximizing the event's impact. 

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• How to create reasonable goals and leverage event data to make incremental improvements

• How to prioritize your event goals and stick to what truly matters

• The significance of post-event feedback, analysis, debrief sessions, NPS scores, press coverage, pipeline goals, and more

Mentioned in This Episode

• 2022 Airtable Leaders Forum Key Takeaways

• 2023 Airtable Leaders Forum Key Takeaways

• Huberman Lab podcast

• Gianna Gaudini on LinkedIn

• "Gianna's Million Dollar Event Career” Course (Bizzabo15 to get 15% off!)

Ashley Jenkins, Meg Fasy, and Brent Turner discuss fresh strategies and get guidance for attracting new event sponsors and retaining current ones.

Kelly Hoey dismantles everything you thought you knew about event networking in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Julius Solaris, Alon Alroy, and Nicola Kastner sit down for a lively discussion about the event industry’s most pressing issues. 

Monique Ruff-Bell, Tania Capaz, and Paul McAvinchey join Kyana Shamloo to look back at the past six months of in-person events and explore what the future holds.

Devin and Daphne discuss the new role of the Event Experience Leader and the skillset needed to thrive in the evolving events environment.

Candina and Liz discuss building intention into every stage of the attendee journey. You’ll learn digital and event design strategies to grow your audience and enhance the experience from beginning to end.

In this episode, we talk with Julius Solaris, one of the most influential people in the events industry, well-followed for his research and analysis. He has founded several companies, including EventMB, which was acquired by Skift in 2019 and recently rebranded as Skift Meetings. Solaris is the founder of Boldpush, a management consulting agency for the event industry. He is a frequent keynote speaker at events all over the world.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• The status of in-person events and the importance of staying nimble amid ongoing uncertainty
• How to use data to be more strategic and intentional about your in-person events
• Why content is the key to delivering successful hybrid events
• Web3, the metaverse, and the massive opportunity for events

Mentioned in This Episode

• Julius Solaris on LinkedIn
• Julius Solaris (@tojulius) on Twitter
• Boldpush

In this episode, we talk with Bizzabo's Rachel Heller about how to champion DE&I at every stage of your event plan.

Rachel Heller is an event content professional with more than a decade of experience working in the technology space on events ranging from 50 to 50,000 attendees.

Heller leads content strategy for Bizzabo-hosted events and contributes to programming for additional thought leadership initiatives. She is a member of the Event Content Council and has held event content strategy roles at Sage Intacct and PTC. She is passionate about crafting diverse, equitable, and inclusive speaker lineups and providing attendees with engaging content.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: 

• How to ensure DE&I hits every corner of your event strategy
• How to choose a diverse and inclusive speaker lineup
• How to ensure your event is a reflection of your attendees
  
• Simple ways to get started weaving inclusion into your event

Mentioned in This Episode

• “How To Build a Diverse Speaker Lineup for Your Event”
• The Guide To Building a DE&I-Driven Event Strategy
• The Event Experience Summit
• Black Speakers Collection
• Innovation Women
• Shine Bootcamp
• Global Diversity CFP Day
• The Women/Womxn, Black, Indigenous, POC, and Inclusivity Speaker Initiative
• Women Talk Design
• Event Leadership Institute DEI Strategist Certification
• Gender Avenger
• Speeko
• Yoodli

In this episode, we talk with Ryan Schefke and Brad Froese about new ways to increase engagement at events.

Ryan Schefke is the Founder and CEO of Captello, a premier end-to-end lead capture and event engagement software platform. 

Brad Froese is a marketing professional with over 20 years of experience in network television, public speaking, magazine publication, non-profit, and SaaS marketing.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: 

• Overcoming the challenges of engagement at events before the pandemic
• Capturing leads via engagement activations at events
• Rethinking how to increase engagement at events in the future

Mentioned in This Episode

• Captello Arcade
• The Event Squad Cast

In this episode, we talk with Orson Francescone of The Financial Times about building community through strategic events and investing in a digital-first event approach.

Francescone has worked in the B2B media and events industry for more than 15 years. He has led global conference and exhibitions businesses for Euromoney Institutional Investor, and Haymarket Media Group. Since November 2019, he has been managing director of FT Live, the global event business of the Financial Times. 

Throughout his career, Francescone has specialized in enabling publishers to monetize their content and drive high-margin revenues via all event formats, from conferences to awards ceremonies to large-scale exhibitions and trade shows and, more recently, digital events. He has launched some of the world's most successful and award-winning events, including Gastech, the Festival of Work, and, more recently, The Global Boardroom.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: 

• Building community through strategic events
• Pivoting event strategy throughout the pandemic
• Executing a webinar with 6,000 registrations in just five days
• Supporting a team while shifting from in-person to virtual events
• Investing in a digital-first approach to events