In this episode, we sit down with Paul Smith, a top Popl power user and seasoned marketing leader in higher education, to explore the ultimate conference strategy: before, during, and after. Paul shares a wealth of real-world experience, tactical insights, and practical frameworks for turning conferences into high-converting, high-energy lead gen machines.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why in-person conferences still win in the age of AI
• How to select conferences based on ROI, audience, and timing
• The “Smoke Jumper Kit” for lean but effective booth setups
• Tactical booth engagement: The 3-hook method (📦🧠🔥)
• How to use nostalgia + booth prizes to spark conversations
• Pre-conference email and LinkedIn strategies to “prep the battlefield”
• Real-time lead scoring and CRM enrichment using Popl
• Post-conference follow-up: The speed-to-lead advantage

Guest: Paul Smith, Director of Marketing at Kuali
Hosts: Bryce Alsten & Ryan Alvarez-Cohen
Sponsored by: Popl – Lightning Fast Lead Capture

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Bryce Alsten, VP of Marketing and Operations at Popl
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Ryan Alvarez-Cohen, Chief Product Officer at Popl
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In this conversation, Ryan Alvarez-Cohen and Bryce Alsten engage with Kristen Koenig, the GM for RingCentral Events, discussing the intricacies of defining success at events. Kristen shares her insights on measuring success through pipeline, customer connections, and brand awareness. The discussion also delves into the importance of pre-event planning, team training, and the strategic use of technology in event marketing. In this conversation, Kristen Koenig shares her insights on event planning, team collaboration, and effective lead capture strategies. She emphasizes the importance of incentivizing team performance, understanding the nuances of lead generation, and the significance of post-event follow-up. Kristen also discusses the evolving landscape of trade shows and the need for genuine connections in business. Her experiences highlight the value of mentorship and the importance of being proactive in career development.

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Bryce Alsten, VP of Marketing and Operations at Popl
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Ryan Alvarez-Cohen, Chief Product Officer at Popl
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In this first episode of The Networker Podcast, hosts Bryce Alsten and Ryan Alvarez-Cohen are joined by Spencer Gospe, Lead BDM at Popl, who shares his expert strategies for networking at conferences and trade shows. Spencer dives into his pre-event preparation, including staying up to date with product features and selecting the best conferences that align with his ideal customer profile. On the conference floor, Spencer’s approach is all about efficient time management and targeting the right prospects. He offers valuable tips on engaging with exhibitors, flipping the traditional attendee-exhibitor dynamic by pitching to vendors and building connections naturally.

Spencer also highlights how Popl’s unique product helps facilitate organic networking, making it easier for professionals to connect during events. Whether you're an attendee looking to maximize your time at a conference or an exhibitor wanting to improve your approach, Spencer’s insights provide actionable advice for driving business growth through effective networking.

@01:45 - Preparing for the Event
@05:05 - Selling to Exhibitors: Strategy and Pain Points
@12:32 - Overcoming Challenges and Success Stories
@17:40 - Post-Event Follow-Up Strategies
@19:56 - Using Popple: Dogfooding the Product
@24:42 - Lightning Round

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Bryce Alsten, VP of Marketing and Operations at Popl
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Ryan Alvarez-Cohen, Chief Product Officer at Popl
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In this episode, we sit down with Devin Parker, a seasoned event organizer at Retail Summits, to explore the ins and outs of organizing successful, intimate business events. We discuss the evolution of in-person events post-pandemic, the strategies for fostering meaningful connections between attendees and sponsors, and how Retail Summits leverages technology for lead capture. Devin shares insights on balancing networking opportunities while maintaining a personal, community-focused atmosphere at events, and how they measure success through attendee feedback, social engagement, and the quality of connections made.

Devin also highlights how Retail Summits takes a unique approach to sponsorships, prioritizing collaboration over upselling, and explains their upcoming plans for 2025 events, including a new welcome party to help attendees and sponsors connect even before the main event begins.

02:25 - Retail Summits' Event Strategies
10:26 - Transitioning from virtual to in-person events post-pandemic
16:45 - Using Popl for lead capture and sponsor-attendee engagement
26:38 - Managing communication and networking outside events
35:02 - Assessing success through feedback and improvements
39:11 - Lightning Round

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Bryce Alsten (VP Marketing and Operations at Popl)
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Ryan Alvarez-Cohen (Chief Product Officer at Popl)
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Devin Parker (President at IC Summit, Head of Retail Summits) 
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devinelizabethparker/

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Bryce Alsten, VP of Marketing and Operations at Popl
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Ryan Alvarez-Cohen, Chief Product Officer at Popl
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