Event Experience

How Devex Uses Events to Shape Brand Reputation and Drive Change

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Margaret Richardson, Chief of Staff and Senior Director of External Relations at Devex, to explore how events can shape brand reputation and drive meaningful change. Margaret shares how Devex bridges journalism, business, and global development through strategic partnerships and thoughtfully designed events. She explains why events should be treated as relationship infrastructure, not just marketing moments, especially during times of uncertainty and rapid change. The conversation dives into the power of intentional storytelling, authentic audience engagement, and experience-led reputation management. Margaret also challenges event professionals to "think like editors," designing programs with layered narratives, multiple audience perspectives, and formats built for today's shorter attention spans. From shortening panels to rethinking how success is measured, this episode offers a practical framework for creating events that spark real conversations (both in-person and online) and strengthen brand trust. What you'll learn * How to use events as a strategic tool for brand reputation management * Why event planners should think like editors when designing experiences * How to create layered storytelling that resonates across audiences * Why shorter, more dynamic sessions drive deeper engagement * How to measure event success beyond attendance and social impressions For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/devex-events-brand-reputation [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/devex-events-brand-reputation]

Mastering the Art of Emceeing with 360 Degree Emcee

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Sara Deacon, experienced emcee and CEO of 360 Degree Emcee, to explore the often-misunderstood role of an emcee in delivering standout event experiences. Sara shares her unconventional journey from martial arts coaching to event facilitation, revealing how skills like presence, adaptability, and connection translate directly to the stage. She explains why emceeing is fundamentally different from keynote speaking or panel moderation, and why reading the room is one of the most critical (and undervalued) skills in live events. The conversation goes beyond scripts and stage cues, diving into the emcee's full-circle role: collaborating with planners, managing audience energy, supporting speakers, and adapting in real time when things don't go as planned. Sara also offers practical guidance for event planners on how to hire and work effectively with emcees, outlining the tangible value they bring in boosting engagement, reinforcing event goals, and even increasing event ROI. Through real-world examples, Sara illustrates how authentic connection and in-the-moment decision-making can transform an event from good to unforgettable. The episode wraps with actionable advice for planners to prioritize audience connection and invest in skilled emcees who can elevate the entire event experience. What you'll learn * Why a professional event emcee plays a critical role in shaping the attendee experience by reading the room, building connection, and managing energy throughout the event * How hiring a skilled emcee can increase audience engagement, support event goals, and even improve fundraising and ROI * Why authentic connection matters more than scripts, and how adaptable, collaborative emcees help create meaningful, memorable events for both organizers and attendees For transcripts, mentions and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/mastering-the-art-of-emceeing [http://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/mastering-the-art-of-emceeing]

From Iris Photography to AI Superheroes: How Interactive Dallas Is Transforming Event Activations

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Dennis Walters, Founder and CEO of Interactive Dallas, to explore how AI is reshaping live event activations. Dennis shares the company's evolution from a single digital graffiti wall to a full suite of interactive experiences. He explains how listening to client needs and embracing emerging tech, like AI-driven photography and real-time personalization, has kept Interactive Dallas on the cutting edge of experiential marketing. Listeners will hear how AI tools can streamline event workflows, boost creativity, and personalize attendee experiences. Dennis also offers real-world insights into execution challenges, the future of human-AI collaboration, and why thoughtful innovation is key to sustainable event success. What you'll learn: * How AI enables real-time, creative event activations like instant photo edits and custom experiences * Why listening to client needs leads to better, on-brand experiential solutions * Tips for using AI tools, like ChatGPT, for planning, content creation, and improving event engagement For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ai-event-activations-interactive-dallas [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ai-event-activations-interactive-dallas]

Merch That Matters: How Indigo Promotions Helps Events Create Swag People Actually Keep

In this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore sits down with Ethan Dowie, founder and CEO of Indigo Promotions, to unpack what makes event merchandise truly memorable. From his roots in nonprofit event planning to building a go-to merch agency for top brands, Ethan shares how swag can evolve from a throwaway freebie into a strategic engagement tool. You'll hear how Ethan helps clients shift from transactional vendor relationships to creative, consultative partnerships. He explains why swag should be treated as the "icing on the cake"—not the afterthought—and how reverse-engineering your merch strategy around specific goals (like social sharing or post-event brand recall) leads to more effective, high-impact giveaways. Whether it's designing diamond-studded charms for VIPs or using print-on-demand to reduce waste and increase personalization, Ethan offers insights into what's next for event swag: quality over quantity, tech-forward fulfillment, and audience-first thinking. Here's what you'll hear about in this conversation: * Merch is the icing, not the cake. It should enhance the event, not carry it, and align with your event's core goals. * Start with the outcome. Reverse-engineer your merch strategy based on what action or feeling you want from attendees. * Know your audience. The best merch isn't what you think is cool, it's what resonates with your specific crowd. * Print-on-demand is on the rise. It reduces waste, lowers risk, and allows for more personalization and last-minute ordering. * Unique merch makes a statement. From limited-edition VIP items to wearable conversation starters, personalization and quality matter more than ever. For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-merchandise-indigo-promotions [http://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-merchandise-indigo-promotions]

How Event Pros Can Use AI to Plan Smarter and Work Better with Glean

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Chris Duke, Head of Brand Experiences at Glean, for a conversation on how AI is reshaping the events industry. Drawing on his experience leading global activations, Chris explains how event professionals can adopt an AI-first mindset to boost productivity, enhance workflows, and unlock new creative possibilities without losing the human touch. The discussion covers actionable strategies for integrating AI into daily event planning tasks, overcoming skepticism, and building team-wide confidence in using these tools. Chris dives into how context-rich prompts yield better results, the rise of image and video generation, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration when working with AI. Listeners will walk away with practical ideas for experimenting with technology and growing their impact in an increasingly AI-powered industry. What you'll learn: * How AI tools can elevate strategy, productivity, and creativity in event planning, without replacing human input. * What it takes to build an AI-first culture through experimentation, support, and team learning. * Why structured prompts and clear context lead to better AI outcomes, from messaging to event design. For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ai-event-planning-tools-glean [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ai-event-planning-tools-glean]