How Brella Is Shaping Virtual 2.0 Events

SentinelOne's Approach to Event Networking, Budget, and AI

Only 15% of event organizers say networking is effective in 2026, down from nearly 50% the year prior, according to Bizzabo's 2026 Benchmarks Report [https://welcome.bizzabo.com/state-of-events-2026]. Bethany Murphy, Senior Director of Global Strategic Events at SentinelOne, returns to Event Experience to explain why — and what to do about it. With 20+ years in the tech sector, Bethany covers how to design networking that actually works, why high-performing teams treat their events calendar as a portfolio, where AI creates real operational value, and how to manage budget ROI when show services costs are rising 10 to 15% year over year. For transcripts, quotes, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/sentinelone-event-networking-budget-roi-ai

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment on Building a Multi-Venue Ecosystem

Sean Saadeh, Chief Programming Officer at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, shares how he transformed the Prudential Center from 22 concerts a year to 65-plus, and what it takes to build a multi-venue entertainment strategy that actually scales. You'll hear how Sean repositioned Prudential Center as a New Jersey destination rather than a New York competitor, why programming diversification tied to real market demographics is the foundation of sustainable growth, and how HBSE's growing portfolio of venues (from a 45,000-seat stadium to a 4,000-seat theater) functions as an interconnected ecosystem rather than a collection of separate businesses. In this episode: * Repositioning a venue in a saturated market (the New York DMA) * How Latin music, K-pop, country, and comedy drove 3x concert growth * Building agent and promoter relationships that compound across venues * Northwest Stadium's record-breaking summer series: +20% attendance, +12% ticket sales * Why meaningful venue transformation takes a minimum of four years * Creating an artist development pathway through tiered venue capacity Whether you work in venue management, event programming, or live entertainment strategy, this conversation offers a practical framework grounded in nearly 30 years of experience. For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/sean-saadeh-hbse-multi-venue-entertainment-strategy [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/sean-saadeh-hbse-multi-venue-entertainment-strategy] Enjoyed this content? Subscribe to our newsletter [https://welcome.bizzabo.com/email-signup?utm_source=website&utm_medium=podcast-page&utm_campaign=always-on-email-signup] and get insights like these delivered straight to your inbox.

Creating Sensory-Friendly Event Spaces with Calm Nest Collective

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore speaks with Nika Brunet, founder of Calm Nest Collective, about designing sensory-friendly, inclusive event spaces. Nika shares how her background in social work and IT led her to address the lack of wellbeing and neurodiversity support in the events industry. She explains how sensory rooms and quiet spaces help attendees and event professionals regulate, recharge, and stay engaged. The conversation also covers practical ways event organizers can incorporate inclusive design; from creating calm environments to offering thoughtful alternatives like non-alcoholic options. Nika emphasizes the importance of listening to attendee needs, collaborating with communities, and starting small. By prioritizing wellbeing and accessibility, event professionals can improve engagement, retention, and the overall event experience. What you'll learn * Why sensory-friendly event spaces support both attendees and event professionals * How quiet rooms and refuge spaces improve engagement and wellbeing * Practical ways to design inclusive events that support neurodiversity * Why listening to your audience leads to more effective event experiences For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/calm-nest-collective-sensory-friendly-events [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/calm-nest-collective-sensory-friendly-events]

How Brella Is Shaping Virtual 2.0 Events

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Mark Mallchok, event experience strategist and co-founder of Brella. With over 30 years in the industry, Mark shares how events have evolved from traditional in-person formats to what he calls the "Virtual 2.0" era, where engagement, production quality, and accessibility take center stage. He challenges common assumptions, including the belief that in-person events are always more effective and that virtual events inevitably lead to Zoom fatigue. Instead, Mark explains how virtual experiences have expanded access, enabling participation across geographies and budgets in ways that weren't previously possible. The conversation explores how event planners can create more compelling digital experiences by prioritizing audience engagement over content volume. Mark encourages planners to think like broadcasters, focusing on storytelling, pacing, and production value, while also drawing inspiration from creators outside the events industry. He also addresses the role of AI in event production, noting that while technology can enhance execution, human connection and storytelling remain at the core of memorable experiences. This episode is packed with practical insights for planners looking to adapt, experiment, and elevate their virtual events in a rapidly changing landscape. What you'll learn: * Why virtual events can be more inclusive and scalable than in-person experiences * How to design engaging virtual sessions that avoid fatigue and hold attention * Why treating virtual events like broadcast productions leads to better results For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: https://www.bizzabo.com/brella-virtual-event-strategy

Building Event Success Beyond Tech with Smart Event Academy

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Jen Santos, Founder of Smart Event Academy, to unpack what truly drives successful events beyond just technology. Drawing on her background in IT consulting and event tech, Jen explains why operational readiness is the foundation of every high-performing event. From detailed planning and documentation to pre- and post-event analysis, she shares how structured processes create the stability teams need to stay agile onsite. The conversation also highlights the importance of building a collaborative culture across teams and vendors. Jen emphasizes that alignment, open communication, and shared goals are what prevent silos and keep events running smoothly, especially when challenges arise. Importantly, Jen reframes how event professionals should think about ROI. Rather than focusing solely on financial outcomes, she encourages a broader view that includes time, energy, and attendee experience, ensuring every investment contributes to meaningful impact. She also challenges common misconceptions about event technology, noting that most issues stem from people and processes, not the tools themselves. By adopting a mindset of curiosity and leveraging frameworks like Smart Event 360, event professionals can continuously improve and elevate their approach. This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you strengthen operations, foster collaboration, and measure success in more meaningful ways. For transcriptions, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-readiness-smart-event-academy [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-readiness-smart-event-academy]