Shows
Event Marketer's ToolboxEMT #13 with Sean Gannet - Planning with Purpose: Using Storytelling to Inspire Action at EventsIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey sit down with Sean Gannet, Executive Producer and Chief Story Technician at SFG Productions, to explore how storytelling can shape every element of an event—from the agenda to the follow-up strategy.Drawing from his work with TED, Software AG, and other major brands, Sean breaks down how viewing attendees as the “hero” of the event journey leads to more immersive, intentional, and effective experiences. Whether you're working with a large budget or making the most of limite...2025-03-2841 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #12 with Vanessa O'Connor - Field Marketing That Works: Building Community, Connections & ROIWhy do some events thrive while others struggle to get attendees to show up?In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Vanessa O’Connor joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to break down what makes events worth attending in a world full of distractions. From field marketing strategies to white-glove experiences, Vanessa shares how to create high-impact events that drive engagement, build relationships, and deliver lasting value.Attendees need a reason to show upThe biggest challenge in event marketing today isn’t planning logistics—it’s getting p...2025-03-2140 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #11 with Jim Panagas - Beyond the Booth: Creating Meaningful Connections at Trade ShowsYour booth is set up, your team is ready—but is your messaging actually stopping attendees in their tracks?In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Jim Panagas, founder of Corporatevoice, joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to break down how to craft messaging that grabs attention, engages attendees, and drives real post-show conversations.Your booth has 3-5 seconds to make an impactIf attendees can’t immediately understand who you are and what you do...2025-03-1443 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #10 with Jon Selig - Why Humor Works: Engaging Attendees & Driving Better ConversationsMost trade show booths look the same—generic pitches, aggressive badge scanning, and forced conversations. But what if humor could change that?In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Jon Selig, a former enterprise sales pro turned stand-up comedian, joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to explore how humor can break the ice, make brands more memorable, and create real engagement at events.Why Humor Works in Event MarketingTrade shows are overwhelming—attendees walk past hundreds of booths in a single day. Humor can sto...2025-03-0745 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #9 with Liz Lathan - Beyond One-Off Events: How to Build Impact, Influence, and Lasting EngagementTurning an event into an engaged, long-term community takes strategy, consistency, and the right approach. In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey sat down with Liz Lathan, co-founder of Club Ichi, to explore how event professionals can move beyond one-time gatherings and build lasting connections.Events as a Revenue Driver, Not a Cost CenterMany event marketers struggle to justify budgets to leadership. Liz shared how aligning events with the buyer’s jour...2025-02-2743 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #8 with Matt Beran - Building a Customer-Centric Event ExperienceIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Matt Beran, IT service expert and host of Ticket Volume, joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to break down what separates great events from forgettable ones. With over 23 years in customer service and IT service management, Matt shares his firsthand experience attending and speaking at events worldwide.The Two Essentials for a Great Event – Content and networking. Attendees want valuable learning experiences and opportunities to build real connections. But does your event actually facilitate both?Trade Shows as Te...2025-02-2142 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #7 with Adam Centamore - Savor the Experience: Elevating Corporate Events with Culinary CreativityIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Adam Centamore of Eat, Drink, Learn joined Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to explore how culinary experiences can elevate corporate events. Adam shared his expertise in designing intentional food and beverage moments that go beyond just serving meals—they create connection, engagement, and storytelling opportunities.Start with the Event’s Purpose Every great culinary experience starts with understanding the event’s goals. Is the food meant to reinforce a brand message? Provide a moment of relaxation between seminars? Encourage networking...2025-02-1432 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #6 with Tyson V - Creating AWE-Inspiring Digital ExperiencesIn the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn explored the transformative role of digital experiences in trade shows and corporate events. Joined by digital strategist Tyson Vasapoli of Blue Hive Exhibits, they uncovered key insights on how digital elements can enhance storytelling, capture attendee interest, and provide valuable data.Digital is More Than Just ScreensFrom LED walls to interactive touchpoints, every exhibit today has a digital component. But as Tyson pointed out, it’s not about technology for te...2025-02-0742 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #5 with Brendon Hamlin - The Storyteller’s Toolbox: Elevating Events with VideoIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn sit down with Brendon Hamlin of Hamlin Creative to explore the role of video in event marketing. Brendon shares insights from his extensive career in film, television, and experiential marketing, emphasizing how storytelling through video can amplify brand experiences beyond the event itself.Video is More Than DocumentationMany brands treat video as an afterthought, but planning early allows for storytelling that extends the event’s impact rather than just recording what happened....2025-01-3047 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #4 with Dana Esposito - From Strategy to Show Floor: Custom Exhibit InsightsIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey are joined by guest Dana Esposito, a seasoned expert in experiential and functional design. Together, they explore the intersection of creativity and strategy in event marketing. Dana shares valuable insights on crafting memorable events, solving client challenges, and fostering trust through storytelling and team building.Start with the ProblemGreat design begins with understanding the client’s specific challenges. Identifying the “why” behind each project sets the stage for meaningful, tailored solutions.2025-01-2443 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #3 with Emily Knight - How To Elevate Events with Anticipation, Emotion + ImpactIn this episode, hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn are joined by Emily Knight, founder of EFK Event Strategies, to discuss creating impactful and memorable events. Emily shares insights from her 20+ years of experience in the Boston event industry, covering her journey from hospitality to launching her own business. They explore themes, attendee experiences, and strategic planning for both nonprofit and corporate events.Start with Goals:Emily emphasizes the importance of defining the event’s goals upfront. For nonprofits, success often revolves around fundraising, while...2025-01-1740 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #2 with Chris Dancy - Show Me the Results: How to Prove Your Event’s WorthThis episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox dives into the critical challenge of demonstrating the ROI of events. Hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn welcome industry pro and data expert Chris Dancy, known as the "world’s most connected human," to discuss how data-driven strategies can empower event marketers to elevate their impact.Dare Table’s EvolutionChris Dancy shared insights from his successful event series, Dare Table, emphasizing the journey from modest beginnings to a $100,000 global gathering.His innovative use of Airtable for event management showcases how te...2025-01-1035 minEvent Marketer's ToolboxEMT #1 with Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey - Event Excellence Starts Here: Welcome to the ToolboxThe Event Marketer’s Toolbox has officially launched! Hosted by Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey, this podcast is your go-to resource for practical tools, actionable insights, and expert advice tailored to trade show marketers and corporate event planners.In this inaugural episode, Chris and Caitlin share their vision and dive into the essential strategies for making your events stand out in a competitive landscape.The Power of Partnerships:Learn how strategic partnerships, like the one between Blue Hive and Pop Event, can help create seamless, impactful events....2025-01-0332 min