How to Design a Live Event Experience

How to Design a Live Event Experience

From Community Creators with Shana Lynn by Shana Lynn Bresnahan

March 10, 2026 · 9 min

About this episode

Shana Lynn Bresnahan discusses the importance of designing customer journeys for live events with expert Phil Mershon.

https://www.retainguide.com/ - Get Instant Access to The Membership Retention Roadmap: 5 Systems You Need to Keep More Members Ep 138 - Designing Unforgettable Live Event Experiences with Phil Mershon https://www.shanalynn.com/podcast/designing-unforgettable-live-event-experiences-with-phil-mershon Shana talks a lot about member journeys when it comes to memberships and for good reason. In fact, her entire Retain Group consulting program is focused on creating incredible member journeys. But what many people overlook is that events need a customer journey too. In this episode, Shana highlights a powerful conversation with Phil Mershon, event experience expert. Phil shares how to think about events the same way we think about memberships and courses: as a thoughtfully crafted journey designed for a specific audience. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why an event’s customer journey starts the moment someone buys a ticket How events are similar to memberships and course experiences What most events get wrong about community and connection Why people come for the content - but stay for the community How first impressions at an event can make or break the entire experience If you want…

People in this episode

Host: Shana Lynn Bresnahan

Guest: Phil Mershon

Topics covered

  • event design
  • customer journey
  • community building
  • member experience
  • live events

Keywords

  • live events
  • event experience
  • customer journey
  • community
  • member retention

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Retain Group, Membership Retention Roadmap, Community Creators

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