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

For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/transformative-event-experiences-wilson-dow