Podcast
Event Marketer's Toolbox
Hosted by Chris Dunn · EN
Each episode, host Chris Dunn teams up with a leading event professional to explore the tools, tactics, and trends that drive real results.
Event Marketer’s Toolbox is the definitive playbook for corporate event professionals and trade show marketers.
From first-time marketers to seasoned planners, this show delivers practical solutions to make your events memorable and impactful.
Engage. Excel. Execute.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EMT #60 with Dave Brown - 35 Years in Live Events: Lessons, Systems & Industry Evolution
2w ago01:06:34Tap to summarizeWhat keeps someone passionate about live events after 35 years in the industry?In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with industry veteran Dave Brown for a candid conversation about career growth, exhibit systems, problem-solving, and the evolution of experiential marketing.What began as a discussion about modular exhibits quickly turned into a broader conversation about adaptability, creativity, and why live events continue attracting people who thrive on challenge and change.Why live events are built for problem-solvers and fast thinkersDave Brown’s unexpected entry into the exhibit industry in 1991The importance of curiosity, communication, and asking questionsHow exhibit “systems” evolved from portable displays into sophisticated build materialsWhy the line between modular and custom exhibits has become increasingly blurredHow brands prioritize flexibility, sustainability, transportation, and outcomes over construction methodsThe growth of outdoor activations and experiential marketing beyond the trade show floorWhy innovation in live events always starts with solving customer problemsThis episode is a thoughtful look at how the live events industry continues evolving while still being driven by the same core principles: creativity, adaptability, relationships, and problem-solving.Watch or listen to the full episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox with Chris Dunn, Dana Esposito and Dave Brown.Engage. Excel. Execute. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #59 with Bethany Murphy - Events Are Not Marketing. They’re Business Investments.
3w ago00:59:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, host Chris Dunn sits down with Bethany Murphy, Head of Events at SentinelOne, for a practical conversation about the evolving role of event marketing.With nearly 25 years of experience across brands like LogMeIn, Drift, Akamai, SixthSense, and SentinelOne, Bethany shares how modern event teams are moving beyond logistics and becoming key drivers of pipeline, customer engagement, and business growth.Chris and Bethany discuss how to build intentional event portfolios, measure ROI more effectively, align events to different stages of the funnel, and navigate today’s growing budget pressures.In This EpisodeWhy events now sit at the intersection of brand, demand, and relationshipsThe difference between lead quantity and lead qualityHow to strategically evaluate which events are worth the investmentWhen companies should consider launching their own proprietary eventsWhy events should be treated as year-round campaigns instead of one-time momentsMeasuring source pipeline, influenced pipeline, meetings, and event ROIHow rising costs are reshaping event strategy and budget planningCreative ways event marketers can stand out without overspending\Events today are about much more than booths and badge scans. This episode highlights how strategic planning, intentional experiences, and strong business alignment can turn events into powerful growth drivers.Watch or listen to the full episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox for more insights from Chris Dunn and Bethany Murphy.Engage. Excel. Execute. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #58 with Lee Ali - The Most Overlooked ROI Driver in Trade Shows: Your Booth Team
Apr 2300:59:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Lee Ali, Founder of ExpoStars, to unpack one of the most overlooked drivers of trade show success: your people.Companies spend thousands—sometimes hundreds of thousands—on booth design, technology, and giveaways. But as Lee makes clear, most are missing the one factor that determines whether that investment actually pays off.👉 It’s not the booth.👉 It’s the team inside it.Drawing from nearly two decades of experience and global insight, Lee breaks down how exhibitors can rethink their strategy—from the ground up—by focusing on human connection, structured engagement, and intentional team design.1. Your Booth Team Drives 85% of Your Success2. Start with the Audience, Not the Booth3. Not All Booth Staff Are Created Equal4. Trade Shows Are a Performance—Train Like One5. Vanity Metrics Are Killing ROI6. The Real Skill Isn’t Selling—It’s ConnectingThere’s a tendency in our industry to chase the visible: bigger booths, better tech, more traffic.But this conversation is a reminder that real impact happens in the invisible moments—the conversations, the connections, the way your team shows up.If you want better ROI from your events, don’t just upgrade your booth.👉 Upgrade your approach to people. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #57 with John Dubil - When the Medium Becomes the Message in Event Design
Apr 901:00:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with John Dubil, Chief Strategy Officer at Ice 9 Productions, for a deep, real conversation about what actually makes live experiences work.This isn’t about gear. It’s not about bigger screens. It’s about how message, environment, and technology come together as one.From 35+ years in the industry — spanning supplier, agency, and client-side — John breaks down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and where most teams still get it wrong.1. The Medium Isn’t Supporting the Message — It Is the MessageThe biggest shift isn’t technological — it’s conceptual.Too often, teams treat creative, production, and tech as separate pieces. But the reality is: The environment is the communication The booth isn’t a backdrop — it becomes the brand Technology shouldn’t overpower the message, it should complete it 2. Late Collaboration Is the Most Expensive MistakeOne of the strongest points in the episode:Bringing partners in late doesn’t save money — it does the opposite. Costs go up Risk increases Quality drops Early collaboration allows: Better planning Smarter design decisions Fewer last-minute fixes 3. The Industry Moves in Cycles — But Relationships Win Every TimeJohn walks through the pattern the industry keeps repeating: Fragmentation → Consolidation → Fragmentation again But regardless of the cycle: Talent follows culture Clients follow trust Great work comes from strong partnerships 4. Technology Has Become More Powerful — and More EfficientThere’s a common perception that AV and production are getting more expensive.The reality is more nuanced: Technology has become more capable and more efficient The impact per dollar has increased significantly The real cost drivers are often venue fees, labor, and logistics5. Live Experiences Still Win — Because They’re HumanDespite digital overload, live events continue to grow.Why? Shared experiences increase emotional impact Human interaction drives memory and retention Energy and spontaneity can’t be replicated 6. Measurement Can’t Be an AfterthoughtOne of the most practical takeaways:If you’re not measuring outcomes, you’re missing half the value. What actions did attendees take? What business results came from the experience? What should change next time? 👉 Great experiences happen when people, process, and purpose are aligned.Not in silos. Not at the last minute. Not driven by tools alone. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #56 with David T. Stevens - Wellness as a Performance Driver in Events
Mar 2601:06:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with David T. Stevens to explore a topic that is often misunderstood in the events industry: wellness.But this conversation is not about surface-level perks.It’s not about adding a massage chair to a lounge, offering goat yoga because it looks good on Instagram, or checking the “wellness” box because it feels trendy.Instead, David makes the case that wellness is a business strategy—one that directly affects learning, engagement, retention, belonging, and ultimately, performance. From agenda design and nutrition to social connection and sleep, he explains how events can produce better outcomes when they are built around the way people actually function. David, who calls himself a “20-year recovering corporate event marketer and planner,” now leads Olympian Meeting, which he describes as the world’s first wellness-first events agency. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: they do not produce “wellness events.” They produce corporate meetings, conferences, sales kickoffs, and incentive programs—while using wellness as the lens that drives stronger business outcomes. What makes this episode especially valuable is that David brings science, practicality, and event experience together in a way that feels immediately usable. He breaks down how things like overpacked agendas, poor food choices, lack of recovery time, and weak networking design can work against the very goals event professionals are trying to achieve.The result is one of the more thought-provoking EMT conversations to date—especially for planners, marketers, and brand leaders who want their events to do more than just look good on paper.If you’re designing conferences, trade shows, sales meetings, or any kind of live experience, this episode is worth your time.Listen to the full conversation, share it with your team, and ask yourself one simple question before your next event:What is the real intention behind this experience — and are we designing it with purpose?Follow Event Marketer’s Toolbox for more conversations with the people shaping the future of events. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #55 with Chris Dorn - Inside the Asia-Pacific Exhibit Market
Mar 1301:07:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Christopher Dorn, Managing Director of Idea International, to explore what it really takes to produce trade show programs across the Asia-Pacific region.With nearly three decades in the industry and over half his career spent living and working in Japan, Dorn brings a rare perspective on global exhibitions—from cultural differences in business decision-making to the logistical realities that Western exhibitors often overlook.The conversation begins with Dorn’s unlikely path into the trade show industry—starting in exhibit design in the Midwest before moving to Japan, where he eventually built his own business supporting global exhibitors entering the Asia-Pacific market. From those early days navigating language barriers and building a professional network from scratch, Dorn learned a key lesson that still shapes his work today: success in international exhibitions starts with curiosity and adaptability.As the conversation unfolds, the hosts dig into the operational and cultural nuances of exhibiting outside North America. Dorn explains how decision-making in countries like Japan often relies on consensus rather than the fast-moving, individual-driven approach common in the U.S. Understanding these dynamics can mean the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.The discussion also highlights how trade shows themselves differ across markets. In Japan, for example, exhibitions often function more like relationship-building festivals—what Dorn describes as matsuri—rather than high-pressure sales environments. Companies attend to strengthen networks, build trust, and move conversations forward over time rather than expecting immediate deals.Beyond culture, Dorn walks through the practical considerations that American exhibitors must navigate when bringing a booth program overseas—from structural limitations and venue infrastructure to production methods and storage costs. Many exhibitors assume they can replicate their North American booth designs globally, but Dorn warns that assumptions are the fastest way to run into problems.Ultimately, the episode is both a strategic and tactical guide for anyone considering international exhibitions. Whether it’s understanding local expectations, adapting designs to venue constraints, or building the right partnerships on the ground, Dorn emphasizes that preparation and communication are critical.For event professionals exploring the Asia-Pacific region, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how global exhibition programs actually come together. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #54 with Mark Johnson - From Rescue to Reinvention: The Next Chapter of ExhibitorLIVE
Feb 2800:55:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Mark Johnson, Founder & CEO of Star Exhibits and former owner of ExhibitorLIVE, to discuss leadership, legacy, and the evolving power of live events.Mark shares the inside story of how ExhibitorLIVE was at risk of shutting down — and why he stepped in to preserve it for the industry. The conversation explores the transition to IAEE, the importance of CTSM and continuing education, and why collaboration across associations strengthens the entire exhibitions ecosystem.They also dive into a bigger theme: why face-to-face experiences are becoming even more valuable in the age of AI. As digital noise increases, authenticity, trust, and community matter more than ever.Key topics:The history and impact of ExhibitorLIVESaving a 40-year industry institutionIAEE partnership and what it means for the futureEducation, certification, and industry leadershipWhy live events are evolving — not decliningIf you're in trade shows, experiential marketing, or the events industry, this episode is a reminder: investing in education, community, and collaboration is how we move the industry forward.Listen in — and we’ll see you on the show floor. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #53 with Stephanie Selesnick - Trade show trends you only see from the floor
Feb 1400:58:03Tap to summarizeTrade shows are evolving — not just in scale, but in structure, sponsorship models, attendee behavior, and global execution.In Episode 53 of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with international trade show consultant Stephanie Selesnick, President of International Trade Information, for a wide-ranging conversation on what she’s seeing across major global shows — from CES and World of Concrete to Shanghai and Dubai.With more than 30 years in the industry (and starting at age 10), Stephanie brings a global, second-generation perspective to how expos are shifting — and what organizers and exhibitors must rethink to stay relevant.1️⃣ Multinationals Are Building Innovation Ecosystems — Not Just BoothsAt CES, major brands like Canon, LG, and Samsung are creating proprietary pavilions within startup areas like Eureka Park. Instead of simply exhibiting, they’re:Partnering with emerging startupsIncubating innovationCreating R&D ecosystems inside the showThis signals a shift: large exhibitors are using trade shows not just to sell — but to invest, scout, and build future partnerships.2️⃣ The Show Floor Must Serve the Attendee FirstStephanie emphasized a recurring lens:“What’s in it for me?”Attendees today:Arrive with a planHave limited attention spansExpect engagement, not passive browsingOrganizers must rethink:Floor layoutSponsorship modelsEducation formatsAppointment-setting technologyIf your show still relies on “they’ll walk the aisles and discover things,” you may already be behind.3️⃣ Sponsorship Needs to Evolve Beyond BannersThe traditional:Gold / Silver / Platinum tiersStatic signageGeneric activations…are losing impact.Stephanie urges organizers to shift toward consultative sponsorship models:Ask exhibitors what success looks likeDesign activations around their goalsFacilitate one-on-one meetingsUse technology to enable matchmaking4️⃣ One-on-One Meetings Are the FutureFrom Money 20/20’s “speed dating” sessions to UFI matchmaking formats, structured meetings are becoming central to ROI.Shows that invest in:Appointment-setting techCurated matchmakingAttendee-to-attendee meetings…will differentiate themselves.The expectation is no longer browsing — it’s precision networking.This episode reinforces a simple but powerful idea: Trade shows cannot rely on tradition.They must:Evolve sponsorship modelsInvest in smarter technologyDesign for intentional engagementRethink layoutsAnd prioritize real connectionThe shows that adapt will thrive. The ones that don’t may struggle to justify their value. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #52 with Marc LeDuc - How great conferences are built from idea to impact
Jan 3101:02:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Marc LeDuc, a conference innovator with over three decades of experience building large-scale B2B and technical conferences.Marc brings a rare, behind-the-curtain perspective on how conferences are actually created — from identifying real audience gaps to architecting content that fuels engagement long after the doors close. Rather than treating conferences as one-off events, Marc challenges organizers to think in terms of problem-solving, long-term impact, and community building.This conversation explores what separates good conferences from unforgettable ones, why content must be integrated earlier in the planning process, and how event teams can survive — and even thrive — when everything goes sideways.A conference is born from a problem, not a venue Marc explains that the strongest conferences begin by identifying gaps in the market — what audiences aren’t getting elsewhere — and validating those gaps before a single speaker is booked.Content is the backbone, not the afterthought From session arcs to speaker strategy, Marc breaks down what “content creation” really means in the conference world and why it must align with long-term learning, not just show-day agendas.The 365, 24/7 mindset Conferences should be one moment in an ongoing engagement cycle. Webcasts, podcasts, articles, and community touchpoints before and after the event are what create lasting value.ROI goes beyond spreadsheets Marc challenges traditional ROI thinking and introduces the importance of Net Promoter Score, audience advocacy, and long-tail business impact when measuring success.Managing chaos when everything changes From speaker cancellations to weather disasters, Marc shares real stories about pivoting under pressure — and why experience, preparation, and teamwork matter more than perfect plans.Cross-functional collaboration wins Conferences succeed when content, sales, marketing, AV, and leadership are aligned — not siloed. Marc emphasizes learning each other’s roles to unlock better outcomesThis episode is a masterclass in thinking differently about conferences. Marc LeDuc reminds us that great events aren’t defined by square footage or production value — they’re defined by clarity of purpose, quality of content, and the ability to create momentum beyond the show floor.For event marketers, planners, exhibitors, and content teams alike, this conversation is a powerful reminder that conferences don’t end when attendees leave — that’s when the real work begins. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
Transcribe →EMT #51 with Jordan Walker and Hunter McKinley - How AI and Automation Are Changing Event ROI for Good
Jan 1601:01:45Tap to summarizeSeason 2 is officially here — and EMT kicks off 2026 with a deep dive into AI, automation, and what “real ROI” can look like when you capture the conversations happening on the show floor. Chris Dunn (BlueHive Exhibits) and Brendon Hamlin (Hamlin Creative) are joined by Jordan Walker and Hunter McKinley, co-founders of Backtrack, an AI note-taking tool built specifically for live events. You’ll hear why teams forget most of what they hear within a day, how “speed to lead” can make or break post-show momentum, and how conversation capture can turn fuzzy anecdotes into real, usable reporting — without losing the human part of events.“Humans do the human things, robots do the robot things.” The goal isn’t replacing connection — it’s removing busywork so teams can stay present on-site. The real ROI problem: you can’t improve what you can’t remember or measure — and teams often leave shows with vibes… not usable data.Speed-to-lead wins deals: the first follow-up is 3–5x more likely to move to the next step than waiting until later. Privacy is a feature, not an afterthought: “be a good human and always ask,” with opt-in rates around 90% when done transparently.How to start using AI without getting stuck: “start with fun, then work” — low-stakes experiments that teach you the tools before you automate the serious stuff.As Event Marketer’s Toolbox kicks off Season 2, this episode sets the tone for 2026: smarter tools, stronger relationships, and more intentional event strategy. If you care about improving follow-up, proving value, and keeping events human in an increasingly automated world, this conversation is a must-listen.Listen to the full episode, share it with your team, and start thinking about one place in your event workflow where AI could give you back time — without taking away connection. 👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive 📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedInFollow Us on LinkedIn and YouTubeSubscribe to our Newsletter!
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