Event Experience

Nonprofit event storytelling runs on a different clock than corporate keynotes, and Ron Rausch has spent 25 years working out where the two meet. Ron, owner of Wired Production Group and The Ark Collaborative, joins host Rachel Moore to explain why the traditional gala format built around back-to-back leadership speeches is losing its grip on donor audiences, and why editing a story down to three to five minutes beats giving the president the whole room. Ron shares real campaign work from Wheaton College, the University of Memphis, and the University of Arizona, and gets candid about where AI actually helps event production and where it can't replace human connection. A must-listen for event professionals building the case for donor and employee engagement. Subscribe for new episodes of Event Experience every week, and find full transcripts and takeaways at www.bizzabo.com/podcast

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, Quinn Burnell, a seasoned hospitality and entertainment leader with experience in cruise lines and luxury events, dives into the power of emotional intelligence and authenticity in creating memorable guest experiences. He unpacks what today's attendees, especially Gen Z, truly value: feeling safe, seen, and emotionally connected. Quinn shares how spontaneous moments of awe and genuine care can elevate an event beyond logistics, and why leaders must first care for their teams to deliver standout service. Drawing from global hospitality practices, he urges planners to design events that feel personal and culturally attuned, not just trendy. What you'll learn: Why authentic hospitality is about emotional connection, not just service How team wellbeing directly impacts guest experiences Practical tips for designing emotionally resonant event spaces For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: http://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/authentic-hospitality-gen-z-quinn-burnell Enjoyed this content? Subscribe to Bizzabo's newsletter and get insights like these delivered straight to your inbox.

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Dan Bolton, Head of Marketing at Wealth.com, to explore how micro events are reshaping the event marketing landscape. Dan shares why these smaller, more intimate gatherings deliver stronger relationships, higher engagement, and measurable results, serving as powerful complements to large-scale conferences. He emphasizes the importance of starting with the "why" behind each event, tailoring experiences to audience needs, and tapping into local expertise. The conversation also highlights the post-event follow-up process as a key to building lasting, trust-based connections, shifting the focus from transactional to relational event design. Dan dives into how Wealth.com integrates AI across the event lifecycle, from analyzing attendee data and personalizing content to streamlining post-event communication. He explains how AI enhances efficiency while freeing up teams to focus on creativity and connection, echoing a company-wide push to embed AI into everyday workflows. Packed with insights for both new and seasoned planners, this episode offers a practical, forward-looking take on how AI, hospitality, and thoughtful design can transform micro events into a marketer's secret weapon. What you'll learn: Why micro events foster deeper engagement and enhance large event strategies. How to plan micro events by starting with purpose, not logistics. Ways AI can streamline attendee analysis, follow-up, and feedback, freeing time for relational work. For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/micro-events-ai-wealthcom

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Hugh Forrest, longtime leader of South by Southwest, to explore his latest venture: Gather & Grow Experiences. Drawing on over 35 years in the events industry, Hugh shares how he's helping organizations design smaller, experience-driven gatherings that spark connection and elevate civil discourse. They dive into the shift from massive events to more intentional, human-focused experiences, especially in Austin's changing event landscape. Hugh also shares his work consulting for events that empower underrepresented communities and his approach to building impactful international programs. Listeners will take away valuable insights on why face-to-face interaction still matters and how thoughtful planning leads to more meaningful event outcomes. What You'll Learn: Why face-to-face interactions foster a deeper community than digital platforms How intimate events can create more value than large-scale productions The importance of long-term planning and iterative improvement in event design For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/gather-grow-experiences-intimate-events

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore is joined by Gianna Gaudini, Fractional Head of Events at Cognition, to explore how modern event planning is evolving—and why emotional connection is now at the core of successful experiences. Drawing on her 22+ years in the industry, Gianna unpacks the shift from traditional, tactical events to purpose-driven, human-centric experiences. She shares actionable insights on designing events that spark connection, support team well-being, and deliver measurable business impact. From embracing multisensory design and spontaneity to aligning ROI with strategic goals, Gianna offers a blueprint for building events that resonate long after they end. You'll also hear her candid thoughts on leadership, team culture, and why psychological safety is the foundation of sustainable success in the high-pressure events world. In this episode, you'll learn: Why intentional event design and multisensory experiences drive deeper audience engagement How leadership can model wellness and build psychological safety in high-stress teams How to define, track, and optimize ROI that aligns with business outcomes For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit our website: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/experiential-event-planning-cognition

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Ghazwan Almoazen, Director of Global Events Demand Generation and Communications at DocuSign, to explore how event marketers can create experiences that truly resonate. Ghazwan reveals what it takes to cut through the noise in today's competitive events landscape, where empathy, creativity, and strategy collide. From harnessing the star power of celebrity speakers to designing interactive live demos, he shares how to transform events into powerful demand-generation engines. You'll hear his candid perspective on the role of AI in event planning, not as a replacement for human expertise, but as a supportive teammate that frees professionals to focus on connection and creativity. Plus, Ghazwan unpacks how incentives, sales enablement, and structured networking can spark meaningful engagement that lasts long after the event ends. Listeners will walk away with fresh insights and practical takeaways for building events that not only boost attendance but also inspire loyalty and lasting relationships. What you'll learn How to build emotional connections that drive attendance and long-term loyalty Ways to leverage interactivity from live demos to structured networking to meet rising attendee expectations Where AI fits in event planning, and why human empathy and expertise remain essential Proven strategies for sales enablement and incentives that maximize engagement across the attendee journey For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/demand-generation-ai-docusign