In 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 Team Reunions

With remote work on the rise, events are no longer just about meeting prospects—they’re a rare opportunity for colleagues to connect in person. Are you creating spaces that foster deeper relationships?

How to Design a Booth That Works

Stop overwhelming attendees with too much text and flashy visuals. Your booth should answer one simple question in seconds: "What do you do?"

The Best Networking Doesn’t Happen by Accident

Events can’t just assume networking will happen in the coffee line. Smart planners design intentional opportunities—from industry-specific lunch tables to structured discussions that get people talking.

The Power of Community-Based Marketing

The best events don’t end when the doors close. Building a real community around your event ensures that the conversations (and brand impact) continue all year long.

A successful event isn’t just about putting people in a room—it’s about creating moments that matter.

Whether you’re designing a trade show booth, planning networking opportunities, or thinking about post-event engagement, the key is intentionality.

Matt reminds us that the best events feel purposeful, welcoming, and engaging—because when you build a real community, your brand impact lasts long after the event is over.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

Check out our Live Show Events here: Event Marketer's Toolbox Live Show

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In 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?

Adam emphasizes that asking the right questions upfront helps shape an experience that aligns with the bigger picture rather than just filling a slot in the schedule.

Storytelling Through Food

Attendees connect more deeply with a meal when they know the story behind it.

Adam focuses on highlighting the farmers, artisans, and producers who make the ingredients special.

Whether it’s a small-batch cheese maker or a winemaker using sustainable practices, these stories create an emotional connection that transforms eating into an experience.

Interactive Culinary Engagements

Instead of passive dining, interactive elements can turn food into a team-building opportunity.

Adam shared examples like charcuterie board competitions, where teams design their own display based on artistic principles, or trivia-based wine and cheese tastings that get attendees talking and thinking together.

These activities drive engagement and create memorable moments.

The Shift Away from Alcohol-Heavy Events

More corporate gatherings are embracing non-alcoholic beverage options as health-conscious trends rise.

Adam discussed how creative mocktails, tea pairings, and coffee cuppings are replacing traditional cocktail hours, giving attendees more inclusive options while still maintaining the elegance and complexity of a well-crafted drink.

Food as a Trade Show & Event Activation Tool

Attracting attendees to a trade show booth or branded activation is always a challenge, but food is an instant conversation starter.

Adam explained how strategically placed chocolate tastings, locally sourced food offerings, and customized culinary experiences can draw people in and connect them with a company’s story in a more engaging way.

This episode highlighted how food can be much more than a catering decision—it can be a powerful engagement tool when approached with strategy and creativity.

Whether you're hosting a small corporate retreat or a large-scale trade show activation, integrating culinary experiences that are intentional, interactive, and meaningful will leave a lasting impact on attendees.

Watch the full episode for more insights from Adam Centamore!

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

Check out our Live Show Events here: Event Marketer's Toolbox Live Show

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Event Marketer's Toolbox Newsletter

In 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 Screens

From LED walls to interactive touchpoints, every exhibit today has a digital component.

But as Tyson pointed out, it’s not about technology for technology’s sake—it’s about integrating digital elements that enhance the storytelling process and create meaningful engagement.

Create Moments of Awe and Wonder

Great digital experiences captivate audiences by tapping into emotions like awe and curiosity.

Tyson shared how an early fascination with Jurassic Park led him to explore digital storytelling, emphasizing the power of immersive and unexpected moments in booth design.

Use Digital to Extend Event Lifecycles

Events shouldn’t end when the lights go down.

Digital platforms, such as microsites and interactive content, allow attendees to stay engaged before, during, and after the event—providing continuous touchpoints that build long-term relationships.

Leverage Data to Optimize Engagement

Interactive displays don’t just engage attendees—they collect invaluable insights.

Through heat maps and touch interactions, event planners can analyze which content resonated most, helping refine strategies for future activations.

Blend Physical and Digital for Maximum Impact

One of Blue Hive’s standout activations combined a high-tech interactive experience with a simple, tactile element—ping pong balls.

Attendees selected a color-coded ball that reflected their interests, allowing exhibitors to capture organic engagement in a fun and seamless way.

The conversation reinforced the importance of strategic digital integration in events.

It’s not about adding flashy screens—it’s about crafting thoughtful, interactive experiences that resonate with attendees and leave a lasting impression.

As the industry evolves, embracing digital in a way that feels natural and purposeful will be key to driving event success.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

Check out our Live Show Events here: Event Marketer's Toolbox Live Show

Subscribe to our Newsletter: Event Marketer's Toolbox Newsletter