Creating Transformative Event Experiences and Leveraging AI with ISG
Release Date: 09/08/2025
Mastering the Art of Emceeing with 360 Degree Emcee
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Sara Deacon, experienced emcee and CEO of 360 Degree Emcee, to explore the often-misunderstood role of an emcee in delivering standout event experiences. Sara shares her unconventional journey from martial arts coaching to event facilitation, revealing how skills like presence, adaptability, and connection translate directly to the stage. She explains why emceeing is fundamentally different from keynote speaking or panel moderation, and why reading the room is one of the most critical (and undervalued) skills in...
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From Iris Photography to AI Superheroes: How Interactive Dallas Is Transforming Event Activations
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Dennis Walters, Founder and CEO of Interactive Dallas, to explore how AI is reshaping live event activations. Dennis shares the company’s evolution from a single digital graffiti wall to a full suite of interactive experiences. He explains how listening to client needs and embracing emerging tech, like AI-driven photography and real-time personalization, has kept Interactive Dallas on the cutting edge of experiential marketing. Listeners will hear how AI tools can streamline event workflows, boost creativity,...
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Merch That Matters: How Indigo Promotions Helps Events Create Swag People Actually Keep
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore sits down with Ethan Dowie, founder and CEO of Indigo Promotions, to unpack what makes event merchandise truly memorable. From his roots in nonprofit event planning to building a go-to merch agency for top brands, Ethan shares how swag can evolve from a throwaway freebie into a strategic engagement tool. You’ll hear how Ethan helps clients shift from transactional vendor relationships to creative, consultative partnerships. He explains why swag should be treated as the “icing on the cake”—not the afterthought—and how...
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How Event Pros Can Use AI to Plan Smarter and Work Better with Glean
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Chris Duke, Head of Brand Experiences at Glean, for a conversation on how AI is reshaping the events industry. Drawing on his experience leading global activations, Chris explains how event professionals can adopt an AI-first mindset to boost productivity, enhance workflows, and unlock new creative possibilities without losing the human touch. The discussion covers actionable strategies for integrating AI into daily event planning tasks, overcoming skepticism, and building team-wide confidence in using these tools....
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AI for Event Pros: Boosting Creativity and Efficiency with Glean’s Chris Duke
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore is joined by Chris Duke, Head of Brand Experiences at Glean, for an AI-powered masterclass designed specifically for event professionals. Based on a popular webinar, this conversation dives into practical ways AI can transform the event planning process, from writing campaign briefs and automating reports to visualizing booth designs and analyzing post-event feedback. Chris shares real-world workflows using tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gamma, demonstrating how event marketers can streamline tasks, generate professional assets...
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How Authentic Hospitality Creates Awe for Gen Z Event Guests
Event Experience
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...
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How Codarity Helps Event Pros Escape Feast-or-Famine Revenue
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Daniel Charles, founder of Codarity, a performance marketing agency tailored for the events industry. Daniel shares how he transitioned from music A&R and event production into helping event businesses escape the feast-or-famine revenue trap. He breaks down the Evergreen Event Profit System, a framework that helps creative professionals generate consistent income year-round. From defining ideal client personas to implementing smart automation and lead-nurturing systems, Daniel reveals how event planners can...
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How Wealth.com Uses Micro Events and AI to Drive Deeper Engagement
Event Experience
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...
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Scaling Micro Event Strategies with AI
Event Experience
In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore explores how micro events, paired with AI, are transforming the way event professionals drive engagement and ROI. Guests Amanda-Lynn Porta and Dan Bolton dive deep into the strategic benefits of small-format experiences, from higher returns and richer personalization to stronger community connections. You'll learn how AI tools simplify planning, automate manual tasks, and unlock scalable personalization. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of thoughtful guest selection, cross-functional alignment between sales and...
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Building Community Through Intimate Events with Gather & Grow Experiences
Event Experience
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...
info_outlineIn this episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore chats with Nicole Nichols, a veteran event and meeting planner at ISG with over 20 years of industry experience. Nicole shares how today’s most effective events are intentionally designed to be transformative, not just transactional.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding attendee needs, gathering real-time feedback, and crafting meaningful experiences that extend beyond the event itself. Nicole also explores how AI can be a powerful amplifier, helping planners analyze data and personalize journeys, while reinforcing the human connection that defines successful events.
Her advice for fellow professionals? Stay curious, keep leveling up, and embrace continuous learning to prove the lasting impact of events.
Key Highlights:
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Why event planners must shift from content delivery to experience design
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How to use AI to enhance, not replace, human connection at events
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The role of micro communities and intentional touchpoints in attendee journeys
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Real-world tips for continuous improvement and justifying the ROI of events
For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/transformative-event-design-isg