2026 Event Design Trends: AI, Nostalgia, and Imperfect Design | Episode 12

How to Create Virtual Events that Don't Suck | Episode 16

Are your virtual events putting your audience to sleep? Stop it! In this episode of The Event Connection, Meaghan Maybee and Jay Schwedelson (Founder of SubjectLine.com, GURU Media Hub, EVENTASTIC, and Outcome Media; Host of the “Do This, NOT That” podcast) chat about why online events are flopping and how to fix it. Listen to this episode for zero-fluff, high-impact strategies to turn your ordinary virtual events into "you-had-to-be-there" experiences, inspired by real-world examples! Learn how to create FOMO, gamify your agenda, engage attendees, reduce no-show rates, and more.   TIMESTAMPS ----- 00:00 – Meet Jay Schwedelson! 02:27 – Why Jay loves the events industry 04:15 – Are virtual events done wrong? 06:28 – Give a reason to show up live (“attend to receive”) 09:01 – Tip #1: Weird, fun surprises create intrigue 12:15 – Tip #2: Use personality quizzes to engage 14:44 – Tip #3: Get attendees up and moving 16:53 – Tip #4: Host a virtual “afterparty” 18:17 – Tip #5: Giveaways, giveaways! 21:29 – Tip #6: Use philanthropy-driven networking rooms 23:51 – ⚡LIGHTNING ROUND ⚡Fun Event Questions for Jay! 29:35 – Shout-outs: EVENTASTIC and Jay’s Book! ----- Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!

Non-profit Event Engagement Tactics | Episode 15

How do you plan a successful non-profit event with little-to-no budget? In this episode of The Event Connection, Geoffrey Sandler, President of the NACE Madison Chapter, shares strategies for balancing mission-driven goals with high-impact attendee engagement.  This episode is for event professionals looking for non-profit fundraising ideas, event sponsorship tips, or ways to recruit event volunteers. Geoffrey breaks down non-profit event planning challenges, best strategies, and tips for maintaining momentum once the event ends!    TIMESTAMPS ----- 00:00 - Introduction to Non-Profit Event Planning 00:57 - Meet Geoffrey Sandler (NACE Madison Chapter) 05:05 - The Best Parts of Planning Non-Profit Events 06:19 - Overcoming Non-profit Event Challenges 08:04 - How to Promote an Event with No Budget 10:44 - How to Find and Secure Event Sponsors 13:37 - Increasing Engagement at Event Registration 16:22 - Creative Interactive Activity Ideas for Events 19:59 - Effective Strategies for Getting Event Volunteers 21:38 - Maintaining Post-Event Momentum and Interest 24:09 - 3 Essential Elements Every Mission-Based Event Needs 26:42 - Connecting with Geoffrey Sandler & NACE ----- Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!

Gamification for Introverts & Networking Events | Episode 14

Are you looking for fun ways to gamify networking events without the usual social burnout? In this episode of The Event Connection, we sit down with Melvin Adekanye, the Founder of JamSocial, to explore how event planners and attendees can create more interactive networking experiences. Learn how to help introverts thrive at your events by listening in to Meaghan and Melvin explore the psychology of introvert vs. extrovert networking and why traditional "icebreakers" often fail to create lasting impressions.   TIMESTAMPS ----- 00:00 - Introduction 01:28 - Meet Melvin Adekanye, Founder of Jam Social 03:36 - Melvin's Passion for Introverts 06:05 - Best Parts of Networking Events 09:48 - "Hi, I'm Bill Gates!" 11:35 - Sticking Out at Networking Events 11:58 - Worst Parts of Networking Events 15:46 - Difference Between Introverts and Extroverts 20:00 - "Border Collies vs. Iguanas" 24:58 - Storytime: "Sweaty Networking" 27:13 - Learning How to Approach People 29:30 - Event Networking and Gamification Activity Ideas 34:54 - Digital Networking Activity Ideas 40:25 - Interactive Badge Activities 43:39 - How to Leave a Networking Impression 47:13 - Questions to Keep Conversations Going 47:58 - FREE: Networking Conversation Starters Cheat Sheet ----- Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!

2026 Incentive Travel Trends & "Return on Experience" (ROE) | Episode 13

What is the future of incentive travel? In this episode, Tina Husemoller, VP of Meetings and Incentives at Fox World Travel, explains why the industry is shifting from Return on Investment (ROI) to Return on Experience (ROE)! Whether you're a corporate planner or a business leader, learn how to design memorable programs that cater to diverse generational preferences while also prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion.   TIMESTAMPS ----- 00:00 - Meet Tina from Fox World Travel! 02:58 - Top trends in incentive travel for 2026 05:50 - Selecting activities for incentive trips  08:48 - Travel preferences broken down by generation 11:14 - Trending destinations & hidden gems 14:29 - Engaging travelers before their trip 18:42 - Including culture in incentive trips 20:38 - Rapid Fire Q&A, Listener Questions! 20:43 - Incentive travel logistics & challenges 22:37 - Sustainable incentive travel 24:56 - Budget-friendly incentive trips 25:59 - Getting buy-in for incentive travel programs ----- Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!

2026 Event Design Trends: AI, Nostalgia, and Imperfect Design | Episode 12

New year, new trends! Meaghan and Rylee go head-to-head to reveal their 2026 event design forecast. This episode is all about what’s hot, what’s not, and what attendees really want out of event design. We chat about moving away from "overly polished" into human-centric design that gives attendees authentic, tactile experiences. Think things like AI concepting, nostalgic themes, and interactive event badge designs attendees will actually want to keep! HOW TO GET RYLEE’S DECK: Email us at EventConnection@pcnametag.com and mention the "Event Design Trends presentation" to see all the visuals behind this podcast! Then, use Rylee's ideas to inspire your next mood board or client pitch.    TIMESTAMPS ----- 00:00 – Introduction  01:32 - Meet Rylee Hubbard!  03:19 - Pantone of 2026: Ugly or not?  04:42 - The Trend of "Imperfect by Design"  08:14 - Design Trends and Predictions  08:38 - Trend 1: AI Driven Design  10:34 - Trend 2: Candid Camera Roll  13:10 - Trend 3: Immersive Design  15:04 - Trend 4: Collage Aesthetics  17:07 - Trend 5: Sustainability Design  20:04 - Trend 6: Inclusive Design  22:10 - Trend 7: Exaggerated Fonts  24:53 - Trend 8: Nostalgic Mashups  28:07 - Graphic Design "Icks"  29:59 - Our Event Design "Hot Takes"  33:31 - Get Rylee's Event Design Trends Deck  ----- Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!