The Event Innovator Show with Phil Mershon

Have you ever wondered what makes Broadway performances so captivating and transformative? In this episode, I sit down with Wendee Lee Curtis, a Broadway veteran with decades of experience, to uncover the secrets behind the magic of theater and how they can be applied to create unforgettable events. Wendee shares her journey from a young girl dreaming of the stage to becoming a Broadway star, and...

What happens when you bet everything on a dream that most people think is crazy? In this riveting conversation with content marketing pioneer Joe Pulizzi, we explore the high-stakes gamble that transformed the marketing world. Joe reveals how he maxed out credit cards to launch Content Marketing World in Cleveland (of all places!)—a decision that would either bankrupt his family or change an indus...

Ever sat through a presentation and thought, "This could have been an email"? In this episode, event experience veteran Phil Mershon unpacks the 12 critical mistakes even experienced speakers make—and provides practical solutions to transform your next talk from forgettable to remarkable. Drawing from witnessing hundreds of corporate presentations, Phil shares the patterns that separate captivatin...

What if the secret to building an unshakeable community isn't another marketing funnel or content strategy, but something far more fundamental? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom, who reveals the counterintuitive approach that helped her build a thriving community of entrepreneur mothers. You'll discover why she begins her events by having complete stra...

Have you ever felt frustrated by traditional conferences? The endless parade of speakers, packed schedules, and limited opportunities for meaningful connections? I certainly have. That's why I was intrigued when I heard about Vincent Pugliese's innovative "unconference" concept. Vincent reveals how he transformed his frustration with typical conferences into a unique gathering that sold out months...

What happens when a prison music program revolutionizes the symphony experience? Meet Holly Mulcahy, a disruptive force in classical music who's transforming how orchestras compete in the Netflix era. As Concertmaster of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and curator of audience engagement, Holly reveals how breaking down traditional barriers between musicians and audiences creates unforgettable live...

Picture this: You're standing in a torrential downpour in the heart of Bryant Park, with just 42 days to launch New York City's first-ever holiday market. Your client wants custom-built European-style chalets that would take months to manufacture. Oh, and you need 100 Christmas trees... four days before Thanksgiving. Welcome to the world of event planning, where impossible deadlines and mother nat...

Ever wonder why those "networking opportunities" at events often feel more awkward than authentic? In this enlightening conversation with professional friend-maker Baily Hancock, we uncover why traditional event networking falls short—and how to transform those moments into genuine connections that last. You'll discover: Why the standard "cocktail hour networking" model fails most participants (es...

Picture yourself dangling from a zip line, heart racing, surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs who started as strangers but will end up as lifelong connections. In an era of polished business conferences and luxury retreats, one company dared to strip away the fancy hotels and PowerPoint presentations in favor of bunk beds and trust falls. Adrienne Dorison, co-founder and CEO of Run Like Clockwork, j...

What if the secret to transforming how creators learn about sponsorships isn't another PowerPoint presentation, but a game? In this eye-opening episode, sponsorship coach Justin Moore reveals what seven years of landing brand deals taught him about learning. After generating over $5 million through 500+ successful sponsorships, he spotted a fundamental flaw in traditional conference education. Now...

Imagine hosting an event where you ask participants to try on swimsuits together, surf for the first time, or zip-line through a rainforest. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Yet these seemingly uncomfortable moments are exactly what's driving unprecedented client retention rates in the experience economy. In this eye-opening episode, experience curator Heather Wanninger reveals how she tr...

Think professional emcees just introduce speakers and share housekeeping notes? Think again. Discover how the right emcee can turn your standard conference into an unforgettable experience, keep energy levels perfect throughout multi-day events, and seamlessly handle those inevitable behind-the-scenes disasters without your audience ever knowing something went wrong. Join us as Quinn Conyers, awar...

What do DJ booths and neuroscience have in common? According to event industry veteran Will Curran, they're both essential to understanding how to create truly unforgettable experiences. From his early days as a college DJ growing a 5,000+ following on Facebook (when that was huge), Will has cracked the code on how music, energy, and human connection work together. Now, Will reveals the surprising...

What if we get lost at sea? What if that's exactly what we need? In a world of constant connectivity and back-to-back Zoom calls, there's a revolutionary movement happening in professional development. Top entrepreneurs and thought leaders are discovering that their biggest breakthroughs don't happen in conference rooms or through online masterminds - they happen when they completely change their...

Ever wonder how some events create those perfect Instagram moments while others feel completely forgettable? Whether it's the lighting, the atmosphere, or those unexpected delights that make everyone reach for their phones, there's actually a science behind making events share-worthy – and it doesn't require a massive budget. In this episode of The Event Innovator Show, international event planner...

Tired of watching your attendees scroll through their phones while your speakers deliver "death by PowerPoint"? In this game-changing episode with Jordan Gill, we're shattering the conventional conference playbook and revealing how to create magnetic moments that keep people present, engaged, and talking about your event for months. You'll discover: • Why the first 60 minutes of your event matters...

What if your event could generate the same fevered anticipation as a Taylor Swift concert? In this must-listen episode, customer experience expert Brittany Hodak (who's worked with Amazon, Disney, and yes - even Taylor Swift herself) reveals the psychology behind turning ordinary attendees into passionate superfans. You'll discover: • The surprising pre-event strategy that drives more engagement t...

Picture an event where business metrics meet raw emotion, where CEOs dance between sessions, and where handwritten love notes forge lasting connections. When Swiss-based business mentor Sigrun Gudjonsdottir decided to throw out the traditional conference playbook, she discovered that the most powerful moments aren't always on the agenda. In this eye-opening episode of The Event Innovator Show, Sig...

Ever wonder how to turn an ordinary event into an extraordinary experience? In this episode, speed painting artist Annika Wooton reveals how live art can transform your next conference, meeting, or corporate event from predictable to unforgettable. From her 90-second performances at Miss America to halftime shows at WNBA games, Annika shares how she captivates audiences by combining art, music, an...

Ever wonder why some events are instantly forgettable while others live on in stories for years? The secret isn't in the big, flashy moments—it's hidden in the details most planners overlook. From double-sided name badges to perfectly timed coffee breaks, these micro-moments can make or break your event's success. The Event Innovator Show brings you Dan Gingiss, author of "The Experience Maker" an...

Ever wonder how to create an event that sells out before it's even marketed? In this episode, co-founders Megan Porta and Melissa Erdelak reveal how they built the Flavor Media Summit, an exclusive gathering for advanced food bloggers. Learn how they transformed a gap in their industry into a premium event experience that has attendees eagerly signing up for next year before leaving the current on...

Did you know that 97% of online courses fail to get completed? It's a staggering statistic that reveals a harsh truth about course design. But what if you could flip those numbers? Dr. Carrie Rose has cracked the code, achieving an astounding 97% completion rate in her programs – and she's sharing exactly how she does it. The Event Innovator Show brings you actionable insights from industry leader...

Have you ever wondered how a DJ can transform a corporate event from mundane to memorable? In this episode of the Event Innovator Show, I sit down with DJ Carbon, a seasoned professional who's been spinning tracks for over two decades in Wichita, Kansas. DJ Carbon shares his insights on the art of reading a room, creating the perfect soundtrack for any event, and the importance of adaptability in...

Are you ready to turn your next online summit into the hottest block party on the internet? Discover how virtual events are revolutionizing community building in the digital age! In this eye-opening episode of the Event Innovator Show, host Phil Mershon sits down with virtual event expert Danielle Goeppert to explore the power of online summits in creating thriving digital neighborhoods. Listeners...

What happens when you mix 15 content creators, a treehouse glamping resort, and a dash of AI? Sarah Stahl's groundbreaking influencer event is about to show you. Join Phil Mershon on the Event Innovator Show as he uncovers the behind-the-scenes story of "Influence Forward," Alabama's first-ever influencer marketing conference. In this eye-opening episode, Sarah, Director of Marketing for Retreat R...