Podcast Summary:

Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson - Ep. 438
Episode Title: Co-Founder Bizzabo! Connecting with People in an AI World w/ Alon Alroy
Date: October 30, 2025
Host: GURU Media Hub
Guest: Alon Alroy – Co-Founder, CMO & Chief Customer Officer, Bizzabo

Overview

In this episode, Jay Schwedelson sits down with Alon Alroy—co-founder, CMO, and Chief Customer Officer of Bizzabo—to dive deep into the evolving world of events in the age of AI. They explore how in-person gatherings are transforming, why real-life connections still matter, and practical strategies for making events (from small dinners to global conferences) more valuable and measurable. The conversation is packed with actionable tips, real-world anecdotes, and insights on being a challenger brand amid industry giants.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alon Alroy’s Background & the Bizzabo Origin Story

• Background:
  Alroy and his co-founders, none of whom were initially from the events industry, met during an entrepreneurship program after serving in the Air Force.
  • “We actually had an idea that was very similar to Airbnb…we started working on that venture, instead of going to a lot of events to potentially recruit investors and employees and to get feedback. And we felt very frustrated about not finding the right people. Everything was chaotic.” – Alon Alroy [01:29]
• Discovery of 'the problem':
  Their frustration with chaotic networking at events led them to identify a big problem worth solving.
• Founding Bizzabo:
  They pivoted, raised early funding from family and friends, and Alroy moved to New York in 2012 to bring the company closer to the market.

2. The Value of Events in an AI-Driven World

• Are events obsolete in the age of AI?
  Not at all—the opposite. Alroy stresses that physical events are more critical than ever because AI amplifies digital noise and in-person connections cut through it.
  • “AI creates a lot of digital noise…To get through the clutter and build real relationships...AI will not be able to replace that.” – Alon Alroy [04:28]
• Evidence:
  The number of events is hitting all-time highs, even above pre-pandemic numbers.
• Events’ objectives:
  Events serve diverse goals—pipeline, revenue, brand-building, internal morale, etc.

3. Making Events Accessible: Micro Events & ROI

• Getting started with events:
  Not everyone needs to run a Dreamforce-level summit. Micro events like intimate dinners are both feasible and effective.
  • “I'm a big believer in micro events and dinners and…small field events.” – Alon Alroy [07:50]
• Costs & Tactics:
  • Even a dinner for 15-20 attendees in a major city can cost $10-14K.
  • Tip: Partner with 2-4 other brands to split costs and diversify promotion/attendees, making ROI easier to justify.
  • “You make sure there is a win win. As always with partners, they get a seat at the table…suddenly you have a win, win, win.” – Alon Alroy [08:57]
• Growing from small scale:
  Start small and expand as you see validated returns.

4. Maximizing ROI as an Exhibitor or Sponsor

• Common mistakes:
  Too much focus on booth design, too little on activating the on-site sales and marketing team:
  • “They forget to invest at least the same level of effort in activating their go to market team and actually preparing them for the on site experience.” – Alon Alroy [10:20]
• Urgency of follow-up:
  Make contact quickly and thoughtfully after events, because prospects are bombarded with many similar connections.
  • “The speed to get to [a prospect’s] inbox with a thoughtful, intentional, personalized note influence[s] a lot whether you will continue the conversation or not.” – Alon Alroy [11:01]
• Metrics & Clarity:
  Set clear objectives and roles pre, during, and post-event for every team member attending.
• Strategy:
  “It's not enough to just have an amazing booth, it's even way more important to activate your kind of like go to market partners to make sure that that investment actually translates to results.” – Alon Alroy [12:09]

5. Entering Competitive Categories: Challenger Mindset

• Bizzabo vs. Industry Giants
  • Competition with established companies (e.g., Cvent) requires a different playbook:
    • “If we do the same thing they do, we're always going to be behind because they're bigger…So we like to kind of like take the challenger approach. Meaning think about Avis versus Hertz.” – Alon Alroy [13:54]
• Moving fast and breaking molds:
  During the pandemic, Bizzabo swiftly launched a virtual events solution months ahead of their largest competitor.
• Creative marketing:
  • The “Busy vs. Venti” campaign: two characters representing customer pain points (cf. Mac vs. PC)
  • “To do some crazy things from time to time when you compete against a gorilla is something that I really recommend…If it feels a little bit not comfortable, it means you are on the right track.” – Alon Alroy [16:43]
• Lesson for entrepreneurs:
  It’s not always about inventing a new category; sometimes, entering a competitive space with a better approach is the win.
  • Jay: “I want to look at the categories that have the most competition, because there's probably enough business there for one more company, maybe if that company does a little bit of a better job.” [16:59]

6. Personal Reflections: Love of Events vs. Love of People

• Events as a social tool:
  Alroy’s passion isn’t just for events themselves, but for authentic human connection.
  • “I love people more than I love events…Events is just a great medium to bring them together.” – Alon Alroy [18:04]
• Jay’s humorous counterpoint:
  • “I like to sit home and I like to lie to people and say I have other plans. And I like to sit on my couch and just watch TV…” – Jay Schwedelson [19:02]

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “We realized that we're very passionate about solving a big problem at a big market… I interviewed hundreds and thousands of event organizers throughout the years…you learn, you ask smarter people on the problems and then you try and build solutions.” – Alon Alroy [01:29]
• “Most people are super overwhelmed with what's going on. But one thing we see…is that the number of events is at all times high. Actually more than pre pandemic…” – Alon Alroy [04:28]
• “AI creates a lot of digital noise... I'm pretty confident that AI will not be able to replace [real relationships].” – Alon Alroy [05:04]
• “Partner with another brand…everyone chips in, they get the, you need to make sure there is a win win…way easier to prove ROI for 2000.” – Alon Alroy [08:33]
• “If we do the same thing they do, we're always going to be behind…we need to act like a speedboat.” – Alon Alroy [13:54]
• “One thing you can do is to do things that don't scale until you can't.” – Alon Alroy [15:19]
• “If it feels a little bit not comfortable, it means you are on the right track.” – Alon Alroy [16:43]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Guest Background: [00:01–03:46]
• Events in the Age of AI – Opportunity & Threat: [04:28–06:58]
• Micro Events, Starting Small, and Budgeting: [07:50–09:32]
• ROI for Exhibitors & Sponsors; Activation Tips: [10:20–12:38]
• How to Break into Competitive Markets as a Challenger: [13:32–16:59]
• Personal Motivation & Reflections on Events: [17:43–19:20]
• Closing, Resources, and Where to Follow Alon/Bizzabo: [19:36–20:25]

Where to Connect & Learn More

• Alon Alroy & Bizzabo on LinkedIn:
  Search “Alon Alroy” (A-L-O-N A-L-R-O-Y) and “Bizzabo” (B-I-Z-Z-A-B-O)
• Bizzabo Website:
  bizzabo.com
• Upcoming Micro Events Webinar:
  Details and sign-up on Bizzabo.com, or contact Alon for info.
• Actionable Content:
  Follow Bizzabo and Alon for valuable marketing/event resources.

Episode Takeaways

• Don't fear AI—use it to enhance real-world interactions
• Start with small, intentionally designed events; partner for cost efficiency
• Being a challenger means moving quickly and creatively in established markets
• ROI comes from activation, intentionality, and stellar follow-up—not just presence
• True event ROI begins and ends with meaningful human relationships

For marketers seeking practical, immediately usable advice on events in a digital-first world, this episode is a must-listen.