What makes an event not just memorable—but transformative?

In this episode, Phil Mershon, acclaimed Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner and author of "Unforgettable," pulls back the curtain on the art and science of creating experiences that linger long after the final applause.

What if you could orchestrate events that people talk about for years, bond over for a lifetime, and that even change the course of careers? Phil’s journey from jazz saxophonist to global event architect is rich with hard-won insights, missteps, and soaring successes. Dive into an emotional, curiosity-driven conversation about how “belonging,” intentional design, and the courage to innovate forge truly unforgettable experiences.

What You'll Learn :

• Experiences have the power to transform—not just entertain—when people feel genuine belonging.
• The road from jazz musician to event visionary taught Phil that great events are “living organisms” that evolve every year.
• The book “Unforgettable” was inspired by the need to turn intuitive magic into practical frameworks others can follow.
• Unpredictable, immersive moments—like a mysterious “secret family reunion” in Tuscany—create lifelong bonds and new opportunities.
• The best events blend personal touches, meaningful conversations, and a willingness to learn from failures along the way.

Timestamps:

• [00:02] The Spark: Phil’s unconventional journey from jazz saxophone to event design
• [01:22] Early Mentors & Why Quality Management Changed Everything
• [03:22] The Birth of “Unforgettable”—Turning Vision Into Framework
• [05:00] Why Most Events Miss the Mark: The Belonging Factor
• [08:37] Creating Experiences No One Forgets—The Science & Emotion of Memorable Events
• [10:31] The Secret Family Reunion—A Lesson in Anticipation & Connection
• [16:53] If You Could Build an Event Anywhere: Middle Earth, Narnia… or Beyond?

Guest Links:

• Website: Social Media Examiner
• LinkedIn: Phil Mershon on LinkedIn
• Instagram: @phil_mershon
• Book: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences

Let this episode show you: Every event has the potential to change lives—if you dare to make it unforgettable.