Episode 50 marks the Season One finale of Event Marketer’s Toolbox. Hosts Chris Dunn, Brendon Hamlin and Dana Esposito come together for a special recap episode, reflecting on the ideas, conversations, and guests that shaped the show’s first year.

Instead of introducing a new guest, this episode revisits standout moments from across the season, reacting to key insights and sharing what they’ve learned along the way — about events, relationships, community, and what really drives meaningful experiences.

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Season

• Community first: Great events (and great brands) are built on trust, consistency, and genuine connection — not just attendance.
• Human-centered design matters: From “warm hug” experiences to intentional layouts, the best events make people feel something.
• Flexible teams win: Fractional and project-based models allow brands to bring in the best talent without unnecessary overhead.
• Know your brand DNA: Successful exhibits and activations start with clarity around audience, purpose, and identity.
• Relationships over transactions: Authentic engagement — on LinkedIn, on the show floor, and beyond — builds trust faster than any pitch.
• Content extends impact: Capturing and repurposing event moments turns one experience into long-term value.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🔚 Final Thoughts

This episode brings Season One to a close by highlighting a simple truth: events that work are intentional, human, and built around relationships. The hosts look ahead to 2026 with gratitude, curiosity, and excitement for what’s next.

🎧 Subscribe and stay tuned — Event Marketer’s Toolbox returns in January with more real conversations and actionable insights.

👉🏼 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.

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In this episode, Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Katie Wengenroth, Founder of KVT Events, to explore the mindset, structure and strategy behind building high-impact events. With 15+ years across agencies and SaaS giants — HubSpot, LogMeIn, Outreach — Katie breaks down how intentional planning, strong relationships and clear goals shape better outcomes long before production begins.

From producing HubSpot’s early Inbound Conferences to designing Outreach’s Women in Sales Summit in Napa, Katie shares how she builds events people want to attend — experiences rooted in clarity, community, authenticity, and brand alignment.

She also opens up about entrepreneurship, motherhood, choosing meaningful work and how the event landscape is shifting toward fractional, contract and project-based roles.

A strategic, honest and relatable conversation for event pros at every stage of their careers.

• Your early career becomes your foundation — Katie explains how agency logistics work gave her the operations discipline she still relies on today.
• Relationships drive everything — Most of her business now comes from referrals; she attributes this to prioritizing good people over perfect opportunities.
• Design events with intention, not habit — Don’t “just show up.” Start with goals, target persona, purpose, and desired outcomes.
• Create experiences worth traveling for — Her Women in Sales Summit succeeded because it delivered connection, safety, and authenticity — not just content.
• Speaker strategy should align with values — Outreach secured Mel Robbins not with money, but with personalization and listening to what mattered to her.
• ROI must be defined before the event — Pipeline isn’t the only metric; follow-up, lead tracking, sentiment, and long-term brand impact matter.
• Fractional and freelance work are rising — With shrinking headcount and growing demands, companies increasingly rely on flexible expert talent.

This episode is a reminder that great events don’t start with production — they start with clarity, intention, and a deep understanding of your audience. Katie’s journey shows how relationships, strategy, and authenticity not only make events stronger, but create careers that evolve with you.

👉🏼 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.

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Events are full of powerful moments — but only the teams who capture them intentionally turn those moments into long-term value.

In this episode, Chris Dunn sits down with co-host and guest Brendon Hamlin, Founder of Hamlin Creative, to break down how brands can transform trade shows, conferences, activations, and corporate events into content engines that live far beyond show days.

Brendon shares lessons from his early career in TV promo production all the way to leading content teams at large brand experiences. Together, he and Chris explore how content can drive visibility, sales enablement, internal communication, and year-round engagement when it’s done with strategy instead of improvisation.

• The four types of event content every brand should leverage
Brand activations, trade shows, events, and conferences — and the unique opportunities each one creates.

• Why trade show booths are “film sets” in disguise
How to use booth environments for demos, leadership messages, testimonials, and personalized prospect follow-up.

• How to build a long-term content library with one event
Examples from pitch nights, competitions, product showcases, and large internal conferences.

• Vertical-first content strategy
Why 9:16 is becoming the dominant format for social and how content teams are adapting.

• The difference between documenting and creating content
Real strategy happens before the event, not the week of — and it dramatically reduces cost per video.

• What content teams wish brands planned for earlier
From interview lists to social-asset needs, Brendon breaks down how preparation drives ROI.

If your brand is investing thousands into events, this episode shows you exactly how to extend that impact — from social content to sales follow-up to long-term storytelling.

It’s a roadmap for anyone who wants their event content to work harder, last longer and connect more deeply.

👉 Listen, take notes and start building a content strategy that multiplies your event ROI.

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Episode 47 of Event Marketer’s Toolbox is a clear, practical breakdown of what it really takes to exhibit across the U.S. trade show landscape. Guest Bill Watson, who leads labor operations for Lime IND, joins hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito to unpack the biggest challenges exhibitors face: labor rules, union jurisdictions, venue restrictions, scheduling pressures, and the realities behind rising costs.

Many exhibitors assume labor works the same everywhere—but Bill explains why every city operates uniquely. From Chicago’s strict electrical rules (rooted in historical incidents) to New York’s high-pressure scheduling and Las Vegas’s scale, this episode helps listeners understand why the same booth can behave completely differently from city to city.

You'll hear why expectations often collide with reality, why planning “flow” and buffer time is non-negotiable, and how late decisions trigger cascading delays and extra costs. The hosts and guest also explore how design decisions directly impact budgets, why multi-city programs require adaptive strategies, and what questions every exhibitor should ask long before they arrive on site.

Why labor rules vary from city to city
Bill explains how historical incidents, unions, and venue structures shape the wildly different rules exhibitors face.

The hidden impact of scheduling and buffer time
Late decisions and tight timelines trigger cascading delays, cost spikes, and operational chaos.

Exhibitor misconceptions vs. real on-site conditions
What exhibitors assume will happen doesn’t always align with how labor is scheduled, dispatched, or allowed to work.

How design choices affect labor and cost
Materials, height, weight, and complexity change the labor story dramatically—especially in union-heavy cities.

Regional cost realities across North America
Chicago, New York, Vegas, Orlando—they all operate differently, and planning without this knowledge is costly.

Why choosing the right partner changes everything
A partner who understands multi-city programs can help avoid blown budgets and on-site surprises.

Whether you're new to trade shows or managing a full North American program, this episode offers practical, experience-driven guidance you can apply immediately.

Exhibiting across North America isn’t complicated because exhibitors lack skill—it’s complicated because every venue has its own history, rules, and pace. Understanding those differences is the key to avoiding surprises, protecting budgets, and delivering a smooth on-site experience. Bill’s insights give marketers and exhibit managers the clarity they need to plan smarter and show up more prepared.

👉🏼 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.

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How IPME Is Redefining Event Design Through Sustainable Innovation

In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Craig Rapoza, President of Built Rite and Co-Founder of IPME, to explore how shipping containers are transforming the way brands build, move, and scale experiential environments.

From high-impact activations for Audi and Volkswagen to the World Cup 2026 and CES, Craig shares how IPME’s modular, container-based structures deliver sustainable design, efficiency, and creative freedom — all while reducing stress, setup time, and environmental impact.

Listeners will learn how modular architecture is helping brands create smarter, greener experiences that move — literally — from one city to the next.

• Design That Moves:
  IPME’s modular container builds act as self-contained environments — transporting, storing, and transforming into immersive brand spaces in minutes. From rooftop decks to LED walls and bars, every build is engineered for mobility and speed.
• The Trojan Horse Advantage:
  Instead of shipping dozens of crates, IPME structures arrive fully integrated — the container is the booth. As Craig puts it, “We’re adults playing with rectangular cubes,” but these cubes save hours of labor and hundreds of forklift moves per setup.
• Sustainability in Their DNA:
  IPME’s “cradle-to-cradle” philosophy means every build is designed to be reused, repurposed, and reimagined. By upcycling existing containers, they dramatically cut down CO₂ emissions and landfill waste while keeping costs stable.
• Faster Builds, Less Stress:
  Whether it’s a 15-minute forklift move or an 82-day concept-to-completion build for Kia Motors at CES, IPME’s hybrid systems allow for remarkable speed without compromising quality or safety.
• Designing for the Future of Events:
  From World Cup 2026 activations to modular tasting rooms in Napa, IPME is pushing creative boundaries — making sustainability not just a buzzword, but a functional design choice.

This episode is a masterclass in how innovation and sustainability intersect in experiential marketing.
Craig shows that being bold in design doesn’t mean being wasteful — it means thinking smarter, moving faster, and building for the future.

Whether you’re designing an exhibit, a pop-up, or an entire tour, this conversation proves one thing: modular thinking is the new mindset for event pros.

👉🏼 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.

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In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Stephen Benedetti, International Business Development Director at Heilmayer Messe Design in Munich, Germany, to discuss what it really takes for American exhibitors to succeed in Europe.

Stephen has lived and worked on both sides of the Atlantic, helping brands translate their trade show strategies for an entirely different landscape. From construction rules and costs to design philosophy and cultural nuances, this episode breaks down the why behind the differences — and how understanding them can make or break your next international activation.

1. Design philosophies are fundamentally different.
In the U.S., exhibitors design for efficiency, modularity, and speed. In Europe, design is an art form. Booths often use real materials — wood, glass, metal — with higher craftsmanship and integrated hospitality spaces. Stephen explains how these elements shift both expectations and execution.

2. Labor, rigging, and electrical costs operate on a different model.
Unlike in the U.S., where union rules dominate show floors, European venues take a more streamlined approach. “There are no electricians in the halls here,” Stephen notes, explaining how this flexibility can lead to more creative and cost-effective builds — if teams plan correctly.

3. Sustainability isn’t a selling point — it’s the standard.
European exhibitors approach sustainability as the default. Components are reused, rental systems are optimized, and the entire process focuses on longevity. Stephen highlights how this mindset not only reduces waste but often saves money over time.

4. Cultural fluency is key to success.
Language, communication style, and work culture all influence how international projects unfold. Stephen stresses the importance of trust and collaboration: “Give your local partners the freedom to work to their strengths. Don’t just send your design and say, ‘Build this like we did it in the States.’”

5. Experience and hospitality drive engagement.
Trade shows in Europe are as much about relationship-building as they are about sales. Exhibitors invest in welcoming lounges, espresso bars, and conversation spaces. It’s not just about attracting attention — it’s about creating connections.

Exhibiting internationally is more than just a logistical challenge — it’s a mindset shift.

This conversation with Stephen Benedetti pulls back the curtain on what makes European shows tick: deeper craftsmanship, flexible operations, and a genuine culture of sustainability and hospitality.

Whether you’re planning your first overseas activation or refining your global event strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you design smarter, build stronger, and connect deeper with audiences around the world.

👉🏼 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.

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On this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with speaker, author, and Engagify CEO, Anders Boulanger, to break down how attention becomes connection—and connection becomes real pipeline—at trade shows.

From the “engagement gap” model to practical booth layout fixes, Anders shares how to give attendees a reason to stop, a reason to listen, and a reason to buy. Expect tactics you can use at your next show: building micro-crowds, placing aisle-view presentations, writing sharper booth messages, and training staff so the gains live in the engagement—not just the structure.

• Engage before you educate. “It doesn’t matter what you know if people aren’t paying attention.” Anders’ magician’s background taught him that capturing attention is step one; information only lands after that. Think dopamine spikes, curiosity, and crowd dynamics.
• Close the Engagement Gap. Attendees are overwhelmed, overbooked, and often overlooked; meanwhile many booth teams are untrained, unmotivated, or unremarkable. Your job is to remove those “uns” with real training and a welcoming presence.
• Three bridge-stones: Stop → Listen → Buy. Create an undeniable draw to stop traffic, build meaningful interactions so people stay, and deliver a memorable message that moves them to a next step (demo, meeting, or follow-up).
• Design to the aisle, not behind a blockade. Don’t bury the theater; avoid a reception desk blocking the “hot corner.” If you’re running internal talks, set seating where the path of least resistance keeps people watching.
• Micro-crowds create macro-gravity. Three people is the “magic number” that turns a few onlookers into a crowd—social proof and FOMO kick in fast.
• Right-size your activation. A compact aisle-view presentation (Anders uses an 8-lb portable stage) can outperform big footprint gimmicks and hand-offs cleanly to the demo area.
• Budget where it moves the needle. Most spend goes to booth/build; the gains are in engagement—including staff training delivered live, virtually, or on-demand.
• Message like a human. If a passerby can’t quickly tell who you are, what you do, and why it matters, they’ll keep walking. Keep the first read crystal clear.

Events work when people work—when teams spark curiosity, host with intent, and deliver a message that sticks. Take one idea from this episode (hot-corner fix, aisle-view mini-stage, or a tighter first-read) and put it in play at your next show. Then share what changed.
Watch the full episode and subscribe for weekly tools, tactics, and trends on Event Marketer’s Toolbox. Engage. Excel. Execute.

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In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Matt Williams, the creator of the Plant Grow Harvest framework - a simple, honest approach to social selling that helps sales and marketing teams stop lurking and start connecting.

Matt brings years of experience bridging sales and marketing through authentic relationship building — online and in person. Together, the three dive deep into how LinkedIn and trade shows work hand-in-hand to drive meaningful business growth before, during, and after the event.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your trade show investment last beyond teardown, or how to align your online brand with your in-person presence, this episode is full of insight, humor, and real-world examples you can start applying right now.

Key Takeaways

1. Relationships Don’t Start on the Show Floor
Matt reminds us that trade show success begins long before you arrive. The work you do before the event - commenting, supporting, and engaging on LinkedIn - builds familiarity so people already know who you are when they walk by your booth.

2. Support > Sell
“The biggest mindset shift”, Matt says, “is going from being a supplier to a supporter”.
When you show up online to add value and celebrate others, your audience becomes more receptive and your conversations more genuine.

3. Create a 90–120 Day Plan
Treat your next trade show like a campaign. Use that window to:

• Follow and engage with prospects.
• Post about the show and tag the event hashtag.
• Build your visibility and relevance leading up to your appearance.

4. Events Are Content Gold Mines
Brendon and Matt discuss how to use live events to capture authentic content — behind-the-scenes footage, setup shots, and real conversations — to create relatable, evergreen material for months after the show.

5. Follow Up Like a Human
Forget the post-show “nice to meet you” email blast. Instead, use personal notes and short video DMs referencing your real conversation. As Matt says: “People remember faces, not follow-ups".

6. Empower Your Team’s Personal Brands
Matt urges companies to “weaponize” their employees’ personal brands. People connect with people — not logos.
Your team’s authentic voices will outperform polished company posts every time.

7. Play the Long Game
This isn’t a 90-day hack. Building trust takes patience. “You can’t throw 10,000 emails through a filter and expect results anymore”, Matt says. “The timeline for trust has been extended — but the return is bigger”.

Matt Williams reminds us that LinkedIn is the modern trade show floor, and the relationships built there can drive real business when approached with patience, empathy and creativity.

👉🏼 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

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