In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott welcomes event industry thought leader Julius Solaris for an in-depth discussion on the recently released Experience Design Report, authored by Julius Solaris in partnership with Encore. The conversation dives into the shifts in attendee expectations—especially among Gen Z and millennials—highlighting the increasing demand for authentic connection, micro-events, and meaningful personalization at conferences and trade shows.Scott and Julius explore surprising findings from the report, such as the gap between the importance of connection and how few event professionals intentionally design for it. They examine the rise of ambassador programs, the challenges and opportunities with AI-driven matchmaking, and the need for planners to rethink the traditional event registration drivers—including keynote speakers and panels.Other highlights include actionable advice for event professionals on closing the connection gap, the value of early planning with production partners, and the importance of inclusivity for both introverts and extroverts. Julius Solaris also shares personal stories, his journey into events, and what excites him about the industry’s future.If you want to understand what’s next in event experience design, this episode is a must-listen.