“I think that events are actually one of the main driving forces of engagement.” In our latest podcast we sit down with Scott Gould and take a deep dive into the concept of engagement. Whether it’s event or community engagement ideas, this discussion will open your eyes to a world of possibilities. Our guest Scott Gould, Consultant & Speaker on Engagement *******************************************************************************  GET SOCIAL Twitter Inside Events Podcast: https://twitter.com/TheEventProfs  Twitter Swapcard: https://twitter.com/Swapcard  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swap...  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swapcard/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swapcard/ ******************************************************************************

“The world is changing and the impossible is happening” On our latest podcast, industry experts Shawna McKinley and Guy Bigwood join us for an eye-opening and timely discussion on sustainability and the future of events. Tune in and find out what they have to say about the shift to virtual caused by COVID-19 and what it means for our carbon footprint, how innovation in the event industry and sustainability work hand-in-hand, 3 top issues to focus on when it comes to the carbon footprint of your attendees, and why there’s no need to panic about the future, instead focus on productivity.

With decades of experience managing and mitigating risk at both hybrid and in-person events, Paul Cook of the Hybrid Event Centre joins Swapcard’s Bob Chain and Mia Masson to discuss all things risk management in a post-pandemic events world. Our Guest Paul Cook, Hybrid & Virtual Events Producer & Consultant   *******************************************************************************  GET SOCIAL Twitter Inside Events Podcast: https://twitter.com/TheEventProfs  Twitter Swapcard: https://twitter.com/Swapcard  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swap...  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swapcard/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swapcard/ ******************************************************************************

Kyle Kocinski of Endless Events  joins the Swapcard team to talk all things community.  Drawing from experience, the discussion includes: the pros and cons of community, how the events world can approach community building,  tips on monetizing communities, and more.   Kyle reminds us that a community platform simply serves as “a new tool for your organization to funnel their engagements throughout the year,” and that ultimately the goal is for members to promote “your community to their personal community.”     *******************************************************************************  GET SOCIAL Twitter Inside Events Podcast: https://twitter.com/TheEventProfs  Twitter Swapcard: https://twitter.com/Swapcard  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swap...  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swapcard/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swapcard/ ******************************************************************************

Carina tells it like it is. She’s not afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of creativity to immerse attendees in the experiences her team is creating. In this episode, she dishes on the hopes for Novembers’ IMEX show in Vegas and goes into some detail about their upcoming digital activations. IMEX is leading the industry in original virtual ideas such as gamification. You might just get some ideas for your next event! Carina also discusses the role of technology in the future of events and how IMEX is convincing exhibitors to follow them down the road less traveled.

Hayley joined the Swapcard team to talk about opening up safely and her tips and advice didn’t disappoint. She detailed the challenges and requirements for Informa’s upcoming 30,000-person physical event and discusses how marketing tactics have changed since pre-COVID times. Hayley also mentions how Informa is using data and analytics to plan for the future and what safety measures they’re putting in place, including having a so-called “COVID manager”!

In this episode of Inside Events, your host, Bob Chain, interviews Lori H. Schwartz & Thom Singer about the potential and challenges of hybrid events. Lori and Thom deliver concrete tips on training speakers to engage both audiences, attendee experience, delivering value for sponsors and more at hybrid events. Sure, hybrid events can help organizers reach a much larger global audience than an in-person event offers, and can leverage technology to facilitate engagement all year long. But there's a lot of mystery surrounding the ins & outs of actually engaging 2 different audiences. Listen now to find out how!

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC)'s Executive Director Patty Olinger joins Swapcard's in-house podcast, Inside Events for a special live recording with the Evolve 2.0 Audience. Bob and Patty will be discussing how we can be best prepared for when things go "back to normal" - even if it's a new normal. Topics will include:   Recognize the importance of a scalable response. Responding to “now” and being prepared for the "next". What is GBAC advising their partners to promote 'frictionless activities'. How technology can help support key initiatives and drive the future of tradeshows.

Going Global – How hybrid experiences are allowing organizers to reach new audiences. 2020 taught us that with the adoption of digital-first experiences, our reach as organizers can be greater than ever. This can pose endless opportunities for traditionally regionalized events to expand and reach new markets, increasing their community and network of buyers/sellers. This incredible opportunity also opens the door to potential challenges such as connecting across multiple cultures and staying true to your organization's brand identity.  With this in mind, we were excited to speak with two global experts for our first episode of 2021. Carolene and John share their real-world experience planning and organizing experiences across multiple regions and cultures. They also dive into strategies on how to approach in-person vs. virtual experiences, and how they can tie together in a cohesive hybrid experience to connect organizers to the audience in meaningful ways. Our Guest(s)… Carolene Méli – Experience Strategist @ Carolene Méli Consulting Carolene is helping businesses create exceptional experiences for their employees and their guests through inspiring workshops, speaking and 1:1 consulting. She has spent the last 10 years on tour with Cirque du Soleil running front of house departments in 17 different countries and over 50 different cities worldwide. Her specialty was VIP events and loved seamlessly intertwining surprise, curiosity, and wonderment with a touch of luxury into each experience. Her love for leading young, passionate teams led her to devise and roll out a successful employee development program for touring employees as well as countless standalone leadership workshops for Cirque du Soleil. She also ran the entertainment team on a cruise ship, bringing previously unheard-of personal development initiatives to the department. If you happen to be in a conversation with Carolene, it is highly likely that within the first minute together she will tell you that: ‘One great experience can change someone’s world’. Website - Linkedin John Pistotti – Experience Architect – Endless Events For more than 10 years John has managed complex event logistics at hotels, universities, convention centers, and outdoor venues. His hospitality career began working with the banquets team at the Playboy Mansion. He worked as a volunteer for the UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival, and then Sacramento State UNIQUE, before working as an event coordinator and eventually Technical Director at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for corporate events, and EDM/Hip Hop concerts like Benny Benassi, David Guetta, Nas, and Lil' Jon. His experiences as an event manager, DJ, photographer, videographer, marketing designer, and sales professional led him to his role as an Experience Architect with Endless Events, helping deliver virtual and hybrid event solutions for his clients. LinkedIn ******************************************** GET SOCIAL Twitter Inside Events Podcast Twitter Swapcard Linkedin Facebook ********************************************

While there’s no question 2020 has been tremendously challenging for tradeshow and exhibitions, this portion of the meetings and events industry seems to be uniquely positioned to get back to business faster than business meetings based on the safety guidelines and protocols that have been established. Additionally, with the ability to schedule appointments and spread out the events in large ballrooms and convention halls--it’s a matter of spacing it properly based on occupancy.   SISO is an organization that was founded 30 years ago for “for-profit” show organizers to have an independent voice separate from association shows. This past year they partnered with the Go LIVE Together initiative to help drive local, state, and federal legislative actions that will be critical to our ability to put millions of people back to work while helping with economic recovery.   David gives us great insight into how this portion of the industry is positioned.   Make sure to register for Evolve 2.0, the new 3-day event by Swapcard, which will be focused on virtual *and* hybrid events, happening February 23rd-25th, with sessions, roundtables, networking, a job board. Register and get more information at evolve.swapcard.com.    Our Guest…   David Audrain, Executive Director, Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and CEO & Partner of Exposition Development Company, Inc.   Having more than 27 years of Exhibition Management experience in many different markets, David has remained focused on delivering leading events in the markets he’s served through the delivery of compelling content, outstanding marketing outreach, and working with the most reliable & competent partners.   Some of his specialties are: excellence in exhibition management, new show launches, revitalizing established shows, international business development, and building and training phenomenal staff teams.      *******************************************************************************  GET SOCIAL Twitter Inside Events Podcast: https://twitter.com/TheEventProfs  Twitter Swapcard: https://twitter.com/Swapcard  Twitter Megan Powers: https://twitter.com/meganpowers  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swap...  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swapcard/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swapcard/ ******************************************************************************