Event Experience

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Oren Berkovich, Co-founder of Projectory, to discuss the art and science of crafting engaging event experiences. Oren shares insights on the importance of intentional design, personal agency for attendees, and the challenges of proving ROI in the events industry. Through analogies, practical examples, and discussion of audience diversity, Oren emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning, balancing choice with structure, and creating opportunities for meaningful interaction. The conversation explores strategies for audience engagement, such as facilitating peer learning, designing inclusive activities for both introverts and extroverts, and leveraging post-event impact. Oren highlights the value of continuous experimentation, signature moves, and focusing on outcomes beyond the event itself. The episode concludes with advice to start with the end goal in mind and work backwards, ensuring that every event unlocks real-world value for participants and stakeholders. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * Why designing intentional and thoughtful event experiences is crucial for meaningful audience engagement. * How giving attendees personal agency enhances their experience, but should be balanced to avoid choice overload. * Why interactive formats lead to better outcomes and should be prioritized over passive content delivery For mentions, transcripts, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/intentional-event-design-projectory [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/intentional-event-design-projectory]

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Will Curran, Bizzabo's brand ambassador, to discuss the evolving landscape of event networking, inclusivity, and attendee engagement. Will shares insights on improving hybrid event experiences, ensuring virtual attendees are not treated as second-class citizens, and the importance of designing events that cater to diverse interaction styles and needs. He emphasizes practical strategies such as making eye contact with virtual audiences, hiring skilled speakers, leveraging ambassadors to guide attendees, and creating multiple networking spaces tailored to different goals and personalities. The conversation also explores the significance of energy management at events, the value of intentional networking environments, and the need for event planners to move beyond traditional approaches like relying on alcohol for socialization. Will and Rachel highlight the impact of thoughtful design, staff engagement, and clear communication in making all attendees feel included and energized. The episode concludes with actionable tips for event professionals to create more inclusive, engaging, and memorable experiences for both in-person and remote participants. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * Prioritize engaging virtual and hybrid attendees by making them feel seen and included through direct interaction and chat participation. * Design networking experiences that are inclusive of different personality types and needs, such as providing ambassadors, quiet spaces, and activities beyond alcohol-centered events. * Facilitate multiple networking spaces with clear guidance and physical separation to accommodate various networking goals and energy levels, ensuring all attendees can connect meaningfully. For mentions, transcripts, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/smarter-event-networking-will-curran [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/smarter-event-networking-will-curran]

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore interviews David Grass, Senior Director of Client Strategy and Marketing at Wilson Dow, about the findings from their pop culture trends report. The discussion explores how event planners can move beyond transactional experiences to create transformative, fan-driven events by leveraging data, understanding audience emotional connections, and curating year-round journeys that foster true fandom rather than mere attendance.  Key insights from the conversation include the shift from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out), the importance of cost and value proposition in attendee decision-making, the role of invisible technology in enhancing event experiences, and the need to cater to multi-generational audiences through data-driven, personalized journeys. The episode emphasizes bringing greater intention and emotional resonance to event design, using data and technology as supportive tools to create a meaningful, lasting impact for attendees. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * Event planners should focus on creating curated, year-round journeys that foster emotional connections and turn attendees into true fans. * Leveraging data before, during, and after events enables more personalized experiences and helps address generational and individual attendee needs. * The most impactful event technology is often invisible, seamlessly removing friction and enhancing the attendee experience without being the center of attention. You can also find the link to the Wilson Dow Research Report: The Future of Events here: https://bit.ly/2025datastudyWD [https://bit.ly/2025datastudyWD] For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/transformative-event-experiences-wilson-dow [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/transformative-event-experiences-wilson-dow]

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore is joined by a panel of event professionals to discuss the future of event networking. Oren Berkovich, Co-founder of Projectory, Haley Guerin, Director of Events and Venue at Capital Factory, Will Curran, Brand Ambassador at Bizzabo, and Katie Noe, Product Marketing Manager at Bizzabo. The conversation explores common networking challenges at events, such as lack of structure, awkward icebreakers, and accessibility issues, and emphasizes the importance of intentional design, inclusivity, and leveraging technology like AI and smart badges to facilitate meaningful connections for both introverts and extroverts. The panelists share practical strategies for creating engaging and accessible networking environments, including curated matchmaking, clear networking paths, and integrating technology to track and enhance interactions. They also discuss measuring networking ROI through both quantitative and qualitative data, the role of psychology in fostering connections, and the challenges of hybrid event networking. The episode concludes with actionable insights for event planners to ensure networking is a highlight that keeps attendees coming back. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * Intentional and inclusive networking design is crucial — don't just add 'networking' to the agenda, but create structured, thoughtful opportunities for all personality types. * Leveraging technology like matchmaking tools and smart badges can make networking more accessible, measurable, and engaging for both introverts and extroverts. * Measuring networking success requires both quantitative data (like number of connections and meetings) and qualitative feedback to ensure ROI and improve future event experiences. For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-networking-strategies]event-networking-strategies [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-networking-strategies]

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes Adam Parry, co-founder of Event Tech Live, to discuss the evolution of event technology, the integration of AI, and the growing importance of sustainability in the events industry. Adam shares insights on the challenges faced by event planners, the significance of upskilling in technology, and the need for supporting small but mighty event teams to ensure long-term success and avoid burnout. The conversation also explores the impact of generational shifts on sustainability priorities, the necessity for events to measure and reduce their environmental impact, and the value of attending Event Tech Live for exposure to the latest innovations and expert thought leadership. Adam highlights the importance of creativity and adaptability in leveraging new technologies like AI, and recommends practical tools such as Wispr Flow to boost productivity for event professionals. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * Why embracing technology and AI is essential for event planners to stay ahead and reduce overwhelm in a rapidly evolving industry. * How sustainability is becoming increasingly important in event planning, with future generations likely to prioritize eco-friendly events when making attendance decisions. * Why investing in team support and upskilling, including learning about new tech tools, is crucial to prevent burnout and ensure long-term event success. For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-tech-live-ai-sustainability [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-tech-live-ai-sustainability]