Events are getting smaller and smaller in 2026.It’s got a lot to do with AI. Audiences are skeptical, overloaded, and craving something authentic. Intimate gatherings, personalized experiences, and IRL events foster real connection.In this episode, Felicia Asiedu and Rachel Andrews sit down with new Co-host and Goldcast CMO Kelly Cheng for a mid-year trend check-in. They discuss why building trust is more crucial than ever as AI quietly transforms the events industry. What you’ll learn:Why in-person events are crucial for building trustThe importance of intentional venue selection and designHow events are evolving into a performance-driven channelThings to listen for:(00:00) Welcome Kelly Cheng, new co-host at Great Events(07:20) Trust as a differentiator in the age of AI(17:05) The rise of micro events(22:03) Why unique venues are trending(24:40) Event-led growth in marketing(30:47) Practical advice for teams overwhelmed by event measurement

Can events be both data-driven and people-focused?According to MPI’s Lori Pugh and Rachel Benedick, absolutely. In this episode, Rachel Andrews chats with industry veterans, Lori and Rachel, about how to design experiences that delight participants while aligning with revenue goals. They discuss what it really means to know your audience, how data can transform events into meaningful experiences, and why revenue is still the ultimate metric for success. What you’ll learn:The importance of understanding attendee personas and goalsHow to drive business outcomes without compromising attendee experienceWhy tried-and-true practices must be balanced with flexibility and innovation Things to listen for:(00:00) Meet Lori Pugh and Rachel Benedick of MPI(03:55) Understanding attendee personas and goals(09:35) Meeting your attendees’ needs(13:17) Aligning event goals with revenue and growth(18:09) Quality vs. quantity when attracting attendees(22:56) Opportunities for growth in the events industry(26:59) Learning and adapting from attendee insights

Meet the woman who built the sponsorship strategy behind Fanatics Fest.In this episode, Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu sit down with Paulina Giusti, Director of Sponsorships at Fanatics Events. Paulina shares what it takes to craft activations, energize brands, and drive revenue for a festival that draws 175,000 sports fans.She takes us behind the scenes of Fanatics Fest, revealing how internal alignment, strategic sponsor partnerships, and fan-first experiences can turn an event into a memorable and profitable venture.What you’ll learn:How sponsorship activations are built from strategy to executionWhat B2B marketers can learn from B2C fan experiencesWhy relationships are the foundation of successful eventsThings to listen for:(00:00) Meet Paulina Giusti of Fanatics Events(03:55) The difference between B2B and B2C events(06:22) What Fanatics Fest actually is(08:13) Designing memorable fan experiences(14:22) How sponsorship fulfillment actually works(19:50) Measuring sponsorship ROI and event success(22:22) Advice for event marketers moving into B2C

Daniel Murray on How B2B Marketers Earn Attention in 2026What’s broken in B2B marketing? And how do we fix it?In this episode, Camille Arnold and Daniel Murray, founder of The Marketing Millennials, discuss why earning attention is harder than ever before. In this age of AI, creating content is easy, but standing out feels impossible. Daniel shares why brand marketing is making a comeback, how events have evolved into powerful content and community engines, and why marketers need to rethink their approach to measuring success. Find out how B2B marketers can still stand out, build trust, and drive pipeline in today’s crowded digital landscape.What you’ll learn: Why the obsession with measurement may be hurting creativityHow events can become year-round content engines, not just one-off effortsWhy IRL experiences are becoming more valuable in the age of AIThings to listen for:(00:00) Meet Daniel Murray of The Marketing Millennials(08:07) Why brand and demand need to work together(13:41) Personality-led content and owning your audience(16:55) Events as content engines and trust accelerators(19:19) Should B2B marketers take Reddit seriously?(25:41) How to make events stand out in a crowded market

Accessibility is not a trend. It’s a fundamental part of how great events are designed and delivered. In this episode, Felicia Asiedu sits down with Stephen Cutchins, Director of Accessibility at Cvent, to talk about how to make events accessible for more people. From registration to on-site execution, they share practical ways to remove barriers and create better attendee experiences. Stephen also highlights why accessibility isn’t just important; it’s a powerful opportunity to expand your audience and drive stronger results.What you’ll learn:The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and how to apply themHow attracting underserved audiences can boost ROIWhy accessibility should be continuously integrated throughout the event lifecycleThings to listen for: (00:00) Meet Stephen Cutchins(03:02) Accessibility is not a trend(05:58) How legislation has made accessibility a necessity(08:50) Vendor and venue sourcing(14:22) Understanding Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(21:40) How to accommodate different attendee needs (28:17) Networking for people with social anxiety(31:43) Making registration & post-event surveys more thoughtful

People know that events work, but how do you prove it?In this episode, Rachel Andrews and Megan Martin, founder of M Squared Dynamics, discuss the strategies and metrics you need to effectively prove the ROI of your events to leadership. They explain how events can directly contribute to business growth and why event planners need to be involved in sales and marketing strategies. If you’ve struggled to align events with business goals, this episode offers insight to help you demonstrate ROI.What you’ll learn: Proving event ROI. Learn how to align event goals with business outcomes and prove impact beyond attendance numbers.Measuring event success. Discover how to track meaningful metrics that demonstrate the true value of your events to leadership.Strategic event planning. Find out how to bridge the gap between event planning and sales to create revenue-driving strategies.Things to listen for:(00:00) Meet Megan Martin(02:54) Events gone wrong(06:58) Defining ROI in the events industry(11:13) Alignment between marketing, events, & sales(18:12) First steps to understand demand generation(20:44) Why pipeline influence rate is a key metric(23:18) The one skill event leaders need

In an AI-dominated digital world, earning audience trust is hard. But that also means it’s more important than ever.In this episode, Kelly Cheng, CMO of Goldcast, explains why video content is crucial for building trust and connecting with your audience. She shares how authenticity and AI tools can actually coexist, and why you need both to succeed in B2B marketing.You’ll learn the latest tips on AI-driven video repurposing and smarter ways to structure your event. Marketers and event planners, it’s time to rethink your video strategy.What you’ll learn:Building trust with video. Learn how video content can help you boost brand awareness and connect with your audience.Balancing authenticity and AI. Learn how to combine authentic content with AI tools for maximum marketing impact.Efficient content repurposing. Understand how to repurpose webinars and events into high-performing content using AI.Things to listen for:(00:00) Meet Kelly Cheng, CMO of Goldcast(04:10) Why video cuts through the noise (06:04) Video content vs. written content in building trust(10:41) Understanding the 95/5 Rule(16:08) Structuring live events for easier AI repurposing(20:35) Why authenticity > high-production video(29:01) Metrics for measuring video marketing success(35:20) Two common mistakes in video marketing

Great events aren’t just about the day itself. What you do before, during, and long after creates experiences that truly resonate and drive long-term value.In this episode, Camille Arnold sits down with UserEvidence’s VP of Marketing, Mark Huber, and Director of Content Marketing, Jillian Hoefer, to talk experiential marketing. The two take us behind the scenes of Highline 2025, explaining why it was more than an event, but an opportunity to build lasting connections and enhance their brand’s presence.Tune in to learn how to craft an event experience that is unmistakably on-brand and delivers measurable business growth.What you’ll learn: Choosing the right location: Discover key factors for selecting a location that enhances your brand and event experience.Linking strategy to metrics: Understand how to connect your event goals to measurable business outcomes.Post-event content and follow-up: Learn the importance of content capture and follow-up strategies for lasting impact.Things to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Mark Huber and Jillian Hofer of UserEvidence(03:27) The business objectives behind Highline 2025(10:00) Crafting a content capture plan to maximize post-event value(18:04) The importance of pre-production planning (22:20) Coordinating with sales for post-event follow-ups(27:28) Leveraging attendee feedback to improve future events(34:40) Lightning round on event strategy and post-event priorities

What on earth does the menstrual cycle have to do with leadership? Everything, if you care about performance, burnout, and team dynamics.In this episode, Felicia Asiedu and Jo Fuller, Founder of The Merry Menopause, talk about cycle literacy in the workplace and why it matters for event and marketing teams operating under constant pressure. Jo explains how energy shifts show up across the month, how to plan smarter for big meetings and big shows, and how to normalize these conversations across teams, including with male colleagues.Tune in to discover how cycle awareness can sharpen your leadership and protect your energy in high-pressure seasons.What you’ll learn: The four phases at work: How each phase of the menstrual cycle can influence creativity, communication, focus, and detail work in event teamsCalendar strategy: Practical ways to plan deadlines, show days, and high-visibility moments around your natural energy shiftsNormalizing the conversation: What it looks like to bring cycle awareness into teams, including male colleagues.Things to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Jo Fuller (02:48) Cycles are a leadership advantage(06:30) Why this conversation is important for event planners(15:49) Color-coding your calendar to prevent overwhelm(17:14) Normalizing cycle talk at work(25:05) Inviting men into the conversation(27:08) Show-week survival tips when you’re on your period

SEO is no longer enough in an AI-powered world. With tools like ChatGPT and Claude changing consumer search behavior, event marketers need to rethink how they approach visibility and discoverability.In this episode, Camille Arnold sits down with Sam Brown, an SEO lead at Cvent, to discuss Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and why it’s crucial. Sam explains why traditional SEO no longer guarantees success and how AI-powered platforms are changing the game. Tune in to learn how marketers can adapt their strategies to stay ahead.What you’ll learn:The difference between SEO vs. GEO: Understand the nuances and why you need both.The importance of brand mentions in AI platforms: Discover why they’re essential for boosting visibility and driving traffic.How to adapt your strategy: Learn best practices for optimizing your event content for AI discovery.Things to listen for:(00:00) Introducing Sam Brown(01:33) What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?(05:21) Why brand mentions in AI platforms matter(08:10) The content types that work well with AI(13:29) How to use videos for AI and GEO optimization(17:58) Integrating traditional SEO strategies with GEO(24:28) Final tips for marketers looking to succeed with GEO in 2026