Have you ever wondered how technology can dramatically impact the event experience, from the moment someone discovers your event to long after they've left the venue? In this episode, I sit down with Drew McManus, CEO of Upstage Technologies, to explore the intricate world of event technology and its profound effect on attendee satisfaction.

Drew's fascinating background as a tuba performance major turned arts consultant and technology expert provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing event organizers today. We discuss:

• The evolving landscape of competition in the events industry
• How arts organizations can learn from commercial ticketing giants
• The importance of meeting modern user expectations in the digital age

Drew shares invaluable insights on creating a frictionless ticket-buying process, including:

• The critical importance of structured data for search engine visibility
• Strategies for optimizing landing pages and driving conversions
• Innovative approaches to seat selection that boost buyer confidence

Discover why Drew's company sends a minimum of two emails post-purchase and how this strategy enhances the customer experience.

We explore often-overlooked opportunities for event organizers to build excitement and prepare attendees, such as:

• Tailored communication strategies for first-time vs. returning attendees
• The power of day-of-event reminders
• Leveraging data to measure and improve customer satisfaction

Learn about an unexpected design element that significantly increases post-purchase happiness and its potential impact on long-term attendee loyalty.

Throughout our conversation, Drew offers a wealth of actionable insights for event organizers looking to elevate their ticketing and registration processes. Whether you're running a small local gathering or a large-scale conference, this episode provides valuable strategies for creating memorable experiences from the very first click.

Are you ready to harness the power of technology to transform your events? Tune in to discover how small changes in your digital approach can lead to big improvements in attendee satisfaction and loyalty.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/upstagedrew/

Website:: https://upstagecrm.io/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to create truly memorable events that leave a lasting impact? In this episode of the Event Innovator Show, I sit down with Nick Borelli, a seasoned event strategist with a unique perspective shaped by his lifelong passion for comic books and storytelling.

Discover why differentiation is crucial in today's event landscape and how to:

• Identify your distinctive strengths and perspectives
• Leverage your passions to fuel innovation
• Create events that reflect your authentic vision

Learn the art of building a dream team that complements your skills:

• The importance of diverse perspectives in event design
• How to foster a culture of empowerment and collaboration
• Strategies for attracting talent aligned with your mission

Just like the super heroes, Nick stresses that we shouldn't be afraid to do unconventional things like Adrienne Dorison did by having a summer camp experience instead of a traditional conference.

Nick introduces the concept of "Flash Day" for event organizers:

• Why acknowledging successes is crucial for team morale
• Creating meaningful KPIs beyond business metrics
• Cultivating a culture that values impact and celebration

Throughout our conversation, Nick weaves in fascinating parallels between the world of superheroes and event planning, offering fresh perspectives on leadership, risk-taking, and mission-driven event creation.

Whether you're planning your first event or looking to revitalize a long-standing gathering, this episode provides actionable insights to help you tap into your unique strengths and create experiences that truly resonate with your audience.

Are you ready to unleash your inner event superhero? Tune in to discover how embracing your authentic self can transform your events and leave a lasting impact on your community.

Find Nick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickborelli/

Have you ever wondered how to create events that leave attendees feeling energized, connected, and inspired? In this episode, I sit down with Tahira Endean, head of programming for IMEX and author of "Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust," to explore the transformative power of intentional event design.

• How focusing on attendee experiences can drive retention and word-of-mouth marketing
• The ripple effects of joyful events on learning, connection, and business outcomes
• Strategies for measuring and maximizing joy throughout the event lifecycle
• NOTE: This conversation reminded me of David Adler's new metric: Conversations or connections.

Discover how Tahira and her team craft unforgettable experiences at IMAX, including:

• Innovative welcome experiences that set the tone for connection
• Surprising activations that spark curiosity and delight
• Thoughtful spaces designed for various attendee needs, from quiet reflection to energizing interactions

Tahira shares a fascinating story about bringing circus performers into event spaces, illustrating how pushing boundaries and embracing creativity can lead to truly memorable moments.

We explore the importance of:

• Understanding your audience's unique needs and desires
• Creating psychological safety from the moment of registration
• Facilitating meaningful interactions between attendees, even in large-scale events

Learn strategies for keeping the event spirit alive between gatherings, without overwhelming your audience.

Tahira discusses the impact of incorporating "tough talks" on sensitive topics at IMAX, highlighting the power of creating space for genuine human experiences within professional settings.

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a large-scale conference, this conversation offers valuable insights into creating events that resonate deeply with attendees. Tahira's approach reminds us that when we prioritize human connection and meaningful experiences, we create ripples of positive impact that extend far beyond the event itself.

Are you ready to rethink your event strategy and create gatherings that truly matter? Tune in to discover how focusing on joy can transform your events and your attendees' lives.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahira-endean-msc-citp-cmp-ced-918a868/

Website: https://intentionaleventdesign.ca/

Most conferences leave attendees drained, sore, and ready for a nap—but what if your event could send them home energized, focused, and raving about the experience? In this episode, Phil Mershon sits down with wellness architect David Stevens and two-minute movement queen Lizzie Williamson to unpack the science and strategy of integrating wellness into events. They reveal why movement, nutrition, and mindful programming aren’t just “feel-good” extras—they’re measurable drivers of higher NPS scores, deeper connections, and lasting impact.

• The surprising science behind “hope molecules,” BDNF, and how movement primes the brain for learning.
• Why the wrong breakfast can sabotage your keynote (and what to serve instead).
• How short bursts of activity—sometimes just 2 minutes—can boost focus, mood, and connection.
• The four M’s that transform events from exhausting to energizing: Mindfulness, Movement, Meals, and Meaning.
• How to overcome resistance from organizers who think wellness is “woo woo” or too disruptive to the agenda.
• Simple, science-backed strategies to bake wellness into your program without blowing the budget or alienating attendees.

If you want attendees to remember more, connect more, and rush back to register next year, this episode is your playbook for making wellness a competitive advantage.

David T Stevens:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtstevens/
• https://www.olympianmeeting.com/who-we-are

Lizzie Williamson

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzie-williamson/
• https://www.lizziewilliamson.com/

Reference article: https://philmershon.com/beyond-goat-yoga-the-real-business-case-for-wellness-at-events/

I'll never forget the moment I realized I'd been measuring event success all wrong.

For years, we've obsessed over registration numbers, attendance figures, and revenue metrics. But what if the most important measurement at your event isn't showing up on any spreadsheet?

In this eye-opening conversation, BizBash founder and industry legend David Adler reveals why he's completely transformed how he evaluates event success. Instead of asking "How many people showed up?" David now asks, "How many meaningful conversations did we create?"

This isn't just a feel-good philosophy—it's backed by neuroscience. David breaks down the brain chemistry behind why connections trump content every single time, and shares the specific tactics he uses to architect conversations that release oxytocin, trigger dopamine loops, and create what he calls "collective awe."

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why your brain craves live music at events (and the neuroscience that proves it works)
• The "mirror neuron" effect that makes group energy contagious—and how to leverage it
• Simple questions that create vulnerability and deeper connections (borrowed from his famous Jeffersonian dinner parties)
• How to use the "peak-end rule" to ensure your events are truly unforgettable
• Why David believes we're "chemists" mixing the perfect formula for transformation

Whether you're planning intimate gatherings or massive conferences, David's insights will fundamentally change how you approach event design. Because at the end of the day, we're not in the event business—we're in the goosebumps business.

Ready to stop counting heads and start creating conversations that matter? This episode will show you exactly how.

Connect with David: Subscribe to his newsletter at gatheringpoint.news for behind-the-scenes insights from the events industry.

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*What's one conversation from a recent event that you'll never forget? I'd love to hear about it—share your story with me.*

"Culture is who we be when we come up in here."

That’s not a typo—it’s a truth bomb dropped by today’s guest that I haven’t stopped thinking about.

Let me take you back.

A few years ago, I was standing backstage at a major conference we’d spent months planning. Everything looked perfect. The lights were just right. The stage was set. The coffee was hot (a small miracle). But something felt off. People weren’t connecting. Energy was scattered. And I realized—we had missed something vital. The culture wasn’t clicking.

In this episode, we dive into why that happens—and more importantly, how to design event experiences that don’t just inform… but transform.

I’m joined by Dorothy Enriquez, a leadership and culture strategist who blends soulful insight with strategic brilliance. Together, we explore:

• Why leadership is like jazz—and how to practice it daily (more on that metaphor in this piece about leadership and jazz)
• How culture works like sourdough starter—alive, active, and always evolving
• Why everyone at your event is a culture keeper—from the CEO to the check-in team
• And how clarity, consistency, and compassion create the conditions for real transformation

Dorothy challenges us to stop hiding behind a great speaker lineup and start curating the unseen threads that make an event unforgettable. In fact, we explore how culture is often the invisible script guiding everything attendees feel, see, and share—something I’ve unpacked in more depth in this blog post.

So whether you’re planning your next conference, leading a team, or just curious about how culture really works—you’re in the right place.

Let’s step behind the curtain and discover how to create events that feel like home, sound like purpose, and taste like joy.

This is the Event Innovators Podcast—and today, we’re talking leadership, culture, and the kind of experiences that ripple far beyond the room.

Let’s get into it.

Who is Dorothy:

Dorothy Enriquez is a respected leadership practitioner, facilitator, and coach who helps leaders and teams reset how they lead—especially in high-pressure, high-turnover environments. She’s the creator of the Culture Transformation Formula, a proven 5-step method that helps organizations rebuild trust, strengthen communication, and drive sustainable results.

With over a decade of experience, Dorothy combines research, real talk, and relatable delivery to make leadership development accessible, actionable, and transformative. She’s partnered with government agencies, corporations, and mission-driven organizations across the U.S. to deliver measurable culture change.

A former member of the Forbes Coaches Council and a recipient of both the Education 2.0 Leadership Award and Wisconsin’s Marketplace Rising Star Award, Dorothy is known for her clarity, candor, and her core belief that you are required to lead from every seat you sit in.

Connect with Dorothy:

www.theellevatecollective.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothyenriquez/ 

Picture this: the lights go down, a lone saxophone lets out a bold riff, and the band swings in around it—each musician listening, adjusting, riffing back. That’s jazz, and it’s exactly how Bethany Gustafson orchestrates unforgettable events. In “Event Leadership Jazz: The Power of Improvisation,” Bethany—our guest on this week’s Event Innovator Show—proves that the most memorable conferences, galas, and product launches are born from the same rhythm of real-time creativity, collaboration, and courageous pivots.

Fifteen years ago Bethany was handed a clipboard and told, “Make it work.” Somewhere between that panic-inducing first assignment and today’s boardroom briefings, she discovered her signature groove: start with the finale, then compose backward. Whether she’s architecting a 5,000-attendee expo or an intimate C-suite retreat, she defines the desired emotional encore first, then reverse-engineers every touchpoint to hit that note.

• Real-Time Adaptability: Like a trumpeter changing keys mid-solo, Bethany leans into on-site surprises—flight delays, finicky Wi-Fi, last-minute VIP requests—and turns them into moments of delight.
• Collaborative Harmony: Great jazz demands active listening. Bethany’s cross-functional huddles invite sponsors, caterers, and AV teams to riff together, building trust and faster solutions.
• Creative Resilience: When the unexpected dissonance hits (think power outage five minutes before doors open), her team’s “Yes-and” mindset keeps the melody alive and the audience none the wiser.

1. Map the Emotional Journey. Plot anticipation, surprise, reflection, and celebration just as a jazz chart lays out tension and release.
2. Script the Non-Negotiables, Improvise the Transitions. Lock in mission-critical cues—keynotes, meal service, safety protocols—yet leave breathing room for spontaneous engagement.
3. Conduct the Crowd. Use lighting, music, and narrative pacing to cue where energy should rise or fall, guiding attendees like dancers across a packed floor.

Identify one upcoming agenda block where you can swap rigid scripting for guided improvisation—maybe an open-mic Q&A or a mastermind roundtable. Give your speakers the framework, then trust them to jam. Notice how the room leans in when authenticity takes center stage.

Ready to transform unexpected curveballs into standing-ovation moments? Cue up this episode and let Bethany Gustafson teach you how to lead like a jazz legend—syncopated beats, bold solos, and all.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-gustafson/

#EventLeadership #Improvisation #Adaptability #EventStrategy #JazzInspiration #Collaboration #Creativity #Resilience

What does the world’s most iconic tennis tournament have in common with unforgettable conferences? A lot more than you might think.

In this episode, Phil Mershon unpacks the timeless magic of Wimbledon—where heritage meets innovation—and explores what event leaders can learn from its intentional design. From scarcity-driven buzz to rituals that spark belonging, you'll discover how to craft experiences that feel iconic, even in a modern world.

Whether you're planning your first event or leading a flagship conference, this episode will challenge how you think about tradition, technology, and transformational design.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why curating fewer traditions can make your event more memorable
• How scarcity (done right) creates deeper value and demand
• Where to integrate technology without killing emotional connection
• 6 timeless principles you can adapt from Wimbledon (no strawberries required)

Resources & Recommended Reading:

• 10 Ways to Be a Speaker Event Organizers Rave About
• Above & Beyond: When the Checklist Isn’t Enough
• A longer version of this episode

#EventStrategy #ConferenceDesign #UnforgettableEvents #WimbledonWisdom #ExperienceDesign #EventProfs #EventInnovators

Have you ever wondered why some speakers captivate an audience while others fall flat? In this episode, I sit down with Kyle Gray, a speaker coach and author of The Story Engine, to uncover the secrets of creating truly impactful presentations that resonate with your audience.

Kyle shares his insights on a common pitfall many speakers face: focusing too much on their own expertise rather than meeting the audience where they are. We explore how this disconnect can lead to forgettable talks and missed opportunities for both the speaker and the audience.

Through personal anecdotes, Kyle illustrates how our own experiences can become powerful tools for connection when we learn to reframe them. He emphasizes the importance of:

• Understanding your audience's language and pain points
• Addressing limiting beliefs that hold people back
• Creating paradigm shifts that open new possibilities

We discuss strategies for making your presentations stick, including:

• Focusing on one impactful teaching point rather than overwhelming with information
• Using storytelling to bridge the gap between your expertise and the audience's needs
• Collaborating with event organizers to tailor your message effectively

Kyle offers valuable advice for speakers looking to make the most of their event experiences:

• Engaging with attendees beyond your presentation time
• Viewing speaking opportunities as partnerships with event organizers
• Using AI and research techniques to gain deeper audience insights

Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on creating presentations that truly serve your audience. Kyle's approach reminds us that the most powerful talks often come from a place of empathy and genuine connection.

Are you ready to elevate your speaking game and create unforgettable experiences for your audience? Tune in to discover how shifting your focus can lead to remarkable results for everyone involved.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylethegray/

A lite version of the speech creator AI model: https://www.thestoryengine.co/create

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Story-Engine-entrepreneurs-strategy-storytelling-ebook/dp/B0722TR5LX

#speaking #unforgettabletalks #signaturetalks #thoughtleadership

Have you ever felt awkward introducing yourself at events? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Woodruff, known as the "King of Clarity," to explore a revolutionary approach to networking that could change the way we connect at conferences and beyond.

Steve is on a mission to replace the outdated elevator pitch with something he calls a "memory dart" - a concise, compelling introduction that instantly grabs attention and leaves a lasting impression.

We discuss:

• Why traditional elevator pitches often fall flat
• How to craft a memorable introduction in just 10-15 seconds
• The key elements that make a memory dart effective

Steve shares insights on:

• The benefits of incorporating memory dart training at the start of conferences
• How this approach can energize attendees and foster meaningful connections
• Real-world examples of memory darts in action

Learn how to develop and use:

• Your origin evolution story
• Your best success story
• The "coulda, shoulda, woulda" story

Discover why becoming an expert story-asker might be the most powerful networking tool in your arsenal. Steve explains how to:

• Ask engaging questions that prompt others to share their stories
• Create genuine connections through curiosity and active listening
• Make networking feel natural, even for introverts

Whether you're an event organizer looking to boost attendee engagement or a professional seeking to make more meaningful connections, this conversation offers valuable insights into the power of clear, compelling communication.

Join us as we explore how small changes in the way we introduce ourselves can lead to big impacts in our personal and professional lives. You'll walk away with practical tools to stand out in a crowd and create unforgettable first impressions.

BONUS: Drop me an email to phil (at) philmershon.com and tell me what you think my memory dart should be!

Contact Steve:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swoodruff/

Website: https://www.stevewoodruff.com/

For details on the Memory Dart: email [email protected]