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.

• 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

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

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

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.

• 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

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore is joined by Chris Duke, Head of Brand Experiences at Glean, for an AI-powered masterclass designed specifically for event professionals. Based on a popular webinar, this conversation dives into practical ways AI can transform the event planning process, from writing campaign briefs and automating reports to visualizing booth designs and analyzing post-event feedback.

Chris shares real-world workflows using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gamma, demonstrating how event marketers can streamline tasks, generate professional assets from simple inputs, and scale their impact. Learn how to build AI agents, prompt effectively, and safeguard sensitive data, all while embracing AI as a creative and strategic partner.

What you'll learn:

• How to automate campaign briefs, session titles, booth mockups, and more using AI

• Why prompt clarity and data privacy matter in enterprise settings

• Real examples of using AI for event analytics, reporting, and visual storytelling

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/ai-for-event-professionals-glean

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, Quinn Burnell, a seasoned hospitality and entertainment leader with experience in cruise lines and luxury events, dives into the power of emotional intelligence and authenticity in creating memorable guest experiences. He unpacks what today's attendees, especially Gen Z, truly value: feeling safe, seen, and emotionally connected.

Quinn shares how spontaneous moments of awe and genuine care can elevate an event beyond logistics, and why leaders must first care for their teams to deliver standout service. Drawing from global hospitality practices, he urges planners to design events that feel personal and culturally attuned, not just trendy.

What you'll learn:

• Why authentic hospitality is about emotional connection, not just service

• How team wellbeing directly impacts guest experiences

• Practical tips for designing emotionally resonant event spaces

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: http://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/authentic-hospitality-gen-z-quinn-burnell

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In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Daniel Charles, founder of Codarity, a performance marketing agency tailored for the events industry. Daniel shares how he transitioned from music A&R and event production into helping event businesses escape the feast-or-famine revenue trap.

He breaks down the Evergreen Event Profit System, a framework that helps creative professionals generate consistent income year-round. From defining ideal client personas to implementing smart automation and lead-nurturing systems, Daniel reveals how event planners can build a sustainable pipeline without sacrificing their creative edge.

Rachel and Daniel explore common mistakes like relying too heavily on referrals, neglecting analytics, and vague customer targeting. Instead, Daniel champions a data-informed, content-driven approach that blends creativity with scalability, using automation and AI to attract high-quality leads and convert them more reliably.

What you'll learn:

• Why seasonal referrals aren't enough, and what to do instead

• How automation and AI can help you scale authentic, effective marketing

• The importance of dialing in your ideal client persona for long-term growth

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/codarity-predictable-event-revenue

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Dan Bolton, Head of Marketing at Wealth.com, to explore how micro events are reshaping the event marketing landscape. Dan shares why these smaller, more intimate gatherings deliver stronger relationships, higher engagement, and measurable results, serving as powerful complements to large-scale conferences.

He emphasizes the importance of starting with the "why" behind each event, tailoring experiences to audience needs, and tapping into local expertise. The conversation also highlights the post-event follow-up process as a key to building lasting, trust-based connections, shifting the focus from transactional to relational event design.

Dan dives into how Wealth.com integrates AI across the event lifecycle, from analyzing attendee data and personalizing content to streamlining post-event communication. He explains how AI enhances efficiency while freeing up teams to focus on creativity and connection, echoing a company-wide push to embed AI into everyday workflows.

Packed with insights for both new and seasoned planners, this episode offers a practical, forward-looking take on how AI, hospitality, and thoughtful design can transform micro events into a marketer's secret weapon.

• Why micro events foster deeper engagement and enhance large event strategies.

• How to plan micro events by starting with purpose, not logistics.

• Ways AI can streamline attendee analysis, follow-up, and feedback, freeing time for relational work.

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/micro-events-ai-wealthcom

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore explores how micro events, paired with AI, are transforming the way event professionals drive engagement and ROI. Guests Amanda-Lynn Porta and Dan Bolton dive deep into the strategic benefits of small-format experiences, from higher returns and richer personalization to stronger community connections.

You'll learn how AI tools simplify planning, automate manual tasks, and unlock scalable personalization. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful guest selection, cross-functional alignment between sales and marketing, and obsessing over event details for maximum impact.

Key themes include the shift from large conferences to intimate micro events, the power of local, consistent activations, and how to iterate over time for long-term success. Amanda-Lynn and Dan share actionable advice on using platforms like Bizzabo to design repeatable, personalized experiences, and why micro events may be the most powerful tool in your event marketing toolkit.

• Why micro events often outperform large conferences on ROI, engagement, and community.

• How AI helps streamline event planning and deliver tailored attendee experiences.

• Tips for selecting the right audience, aligning teams, and scaling programs efficiently.

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/scaling-micro-event-strategies-ai

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Hugh Forrest, longtime leader of South by Southwest, to explore his latest venture: Gather & Grow Experiences. Drawing on over 35 years in the events industry, Hugh shares how he's helping organizations design smaller, experience-driven gatherings that spark connection and elevate civil discourse.

They dive into the shift from massive events to more intentional, human-focused experiences, especially in Austin's changing event landscape. Hugh also shares his work consulting for events that empower underrepresented communities and his approach to building impactful international programs. Listeners will take away valuable insights on why face-to-face interaction still matters and how thoughtful planning leads to more meaningful event outcomes.

• Why face-to-face interactions foster a deeper community than digital platforms

• How intimate events can create more value than large-scale productions

• The importance of long-term planning and iterative improvement in event design

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/gather-grow-experiences-intimate-events

In this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore sits down with Logan Clements and Mary Davidson, leaders behind the Better Events Podcast and seasoned event professionals. Once competitors, they now collaborate to create content, share strategies, and support one another, offering a fresh perspective on how community can outshine competition.

They dive into how the events industry is evolving in 2025: shorter lead times, ever-higher attendee expectations, and a growing demand for wellness, accessibility, and sustainable experiences. Together, Logan and Mary discuss how they built a partnership, their approaches to content creation, and even share their favorite event footwear.

Throughout the conversation, they stress the importance of reconnecting with your "why," collecting robust post-event feedback, and iterating on lessons learned, so your events stay relevant and impactful as the industry moves toward 2026.

What you'll hear about in this episode:

• How collaboration with other event pros can accelerate growth

• Meeting rising attendee expectations around wellness, accessibility, and sustainability

• Using post-event feedback and documentation to evolve your event strategy

For the transcript, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-planning-collaboration-better-events