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

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore is joined by Gianna Gaudini, Fractional Head of Events at Cognition, to explore how modern event planning is evolving—and why emotional connection is now at the core of successful experiences.

Drawing on her 22+ years in the industry, Gianna unpacks the shift from traditional, tactical events to purpose-driven, human-centric experiences. She shares actionable insights on designing events that spark connection, support team well-being, and deliver measurable business impact.

From embracing multisensory design and spontaneity to aligning ROI with strategic goals, Gianna offers a blueprint for building events that resonate long after they end. You'll also hear her candid thoughts on leadership, team culture, and why psychological safety is the foundation of sustainable success in the high-pressure events world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why intentional event design and multisensory experiences drive deeper audience engagement

• How leadership can model wellness and build psychological safety in high-stress teams

• How to define, track, and optimize ROI that aligns with business outcomes

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit our website: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/experiential-event-planning-cognition

In this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore chats with Nicole Nichols, a veteran event and meeting planner at ISG with over 20 years of industry experience. Nicole shares how today’s most effective events are intentionally designed to be transformative, not just transactional. She emphasizes the importance of understanding attendee needs, gathering real-time feedback, and crafting meaningful experiences that extend beyond the event itself. Nicole also explores how AI can be a powerful amplifier, helping planners analyze data and personalize journeys, while reinforcing the human connection that defines successful events. 

Her advice for fellow professionals? Stay curious, keep leveling up, and embrace continuous learning to prove the lasting impact of events.

Key Highlights:

• Why event planners must shift from content delivery to experience design

• How to use AI to enhance, not replace, human connection at events

• The role of micro communities and intentional touchpoints in attendee journeys

• Real-world tips for continuous improvement and justifying the ROI of events

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/transformative-event-design-isg

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Ghazwan Almoazen, Director of Global Events Demand Generation and Communications at DocuSign, to explore how event marketers can create experiences that truly resonate.

Ghazwan reveals what it takes to cut through the noise in today’s competitive events landscape, where empathy, creativity, and strategy collide. From harnessing the star power of celebrity speakers to designing interactive live demos, he shares how to transform events into powerful demand-generation engines.

You’ll hear his candid perspective on the role of AI in event planning, not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a supportive teammate that frees professionals to focus on connection and creativity. Plus, Ghazwan unpacks how incentives, sales enablement, and structured networking can spark meaningful engagement that lasts long after the event ends.

Listeners will walk away with fresh insights and practical takeaways for building events that not only boost attendance but also inspire loyalty and lasting relationships.

• How to build emotional connections that drive attendance and long-term loyalty

• Ways to leverage interactivity from live demos to structured networking to meet rising attendee expectations

• Where AI fits in event planning, and why human empathy and expertise remain essential

• Proven strategies for sales enablement and incentives that maximize engagement across the attendee journey

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/demand-generation-ai-docusign

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back EJ Oelling, VP of ABX at 6sense, for a powerful conversation on proving event ROI in today’s AI-driven landscape. EJ shares how aligning marketing, sales, and customer success around data and technology can transform events into revenue-generating engines.

Listeners will learn how to integrate tools like 6sense, Salesforce, Bizzabo, and Jifflenow to track engagement, build pipeline, and tie event activities to tangible outcomes. The discussion dives into trends like the shift to smaller, high-impact activations, the need for internal alignment and enablement, and finding the right balance between AI-driven efficiency and authentic human connection.

EJ also offers practical strategies for event professionals, covering tech integration, data organization, and team collaboration, while championing a mindset of continuous growth, self-awareness, and playing to your strengths.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• How to use data and integrated tech to connect event engagement to pipeline and prove ROI.

• Why you should prioritize quality over quantity & target the right audience with high-impact experiences.

• How to empower internal teams with clear goals, creative tactics, and open communication.

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/6sense-event-data-roi

On this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down again with Samantha Arth, Project Manager of Marketing and Events at Axon, to tackle the often tricky world of event registration.

Samantha dives into the real challenges event teams face, like last-minute signups, inaccurate data, and scaling personalized support. She shares hard-won insights on designing flexible registration flows, collaborating across departments, and using platforms like Bizzabo to improve both operations and attendee satisfaction.

From navigating the differences between B2B and B2C audiences to handling free vs. paid events, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies. Discover how to:

• Customize registration flows for multi-location or complex events

• Make paid registration seamless with value-driven messaging and flexible payments

• Simplify group signups and justify costs with downloadable templates

• Continuously refine your process with an attendee-first mindset

Whether you're planning large conferences or niche webinars, Samantha’s advice will help you rethink and elevate your registration strategy.

For transcript, mentions, and more, visit: https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/axon-event-registration-tactics

Struggling with event registration chaos? This episode of The Event Experience podcast tackles the biggest pain points and practical solutions, straight from industry leaders. Host Rachel Moore recaps a dynamic Bizzabo webinar featuring Daniel McCartt (Nasdaq), Samantha Arth (Axon), and Gabrielle Scott (Bizzabo), who share real-world strategies to streamline and personalize your event registration process.

You’ll hear expert insights on:

• Reducing friction by simplifying registration forms and using conditional fields.

• Driving sign-ups through creative incentives, referral offers, and multi-channel marketing.

• Collaborating with sales and marketing teams to align messaging and goals.

• Avoiding common mistakes like overly complex workflows or one-size-fits-all approaches.

The panel also reveals how tools like Bizzabo enhance registration performance and attendee satisfaction through automation, segmentation, and real-time testing.

Whether you're planning a large-scale conference or an intimate webinar, this episode offers tactical advice to boost conversions and create a seamless attendee experience.

For mentions, transcripts, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/event-registration-strategies-nasdaq-axon

In this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore chats with Andy Lowe, Senior Corporate Events Manager at Smartsheet, about producing the ENGAGE user conference. Andy shares how he transitioned from agency life to in-house events, the challenges of mid-planning team changes, and the power of resilience and collaboration.

He also dives into how ENGAGE has evolved to include prospects, how Smartsheet’s passionate user base shapes the event, and the strategic goals behind it—from business impact to personalized content. Andy wraps up with advice for event pros: stay curious, ask for help, and embrace new tools like AI.

Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation:

• Resilience and adaptability are essential for event planners, especially when navigating team changes or unexpected challenges during large-scale planning.

• Customizing content and experiences for different audience segments, from prospects to power users, boosts engagement and supports business goals.

• Leaning on your team and knowing when to ask for help can make all the difference in overcoming hurdles and delivering a successful event.

For mentions, transcripts, and more, visit:  www.bizzabo.com/podcast/smartsheet-engage-user-conference