Inside PodiatryMeetings.com: Confessions of the Chief Everything Officer

I recently tuned in to Eventastic, an online event packed with fresh strategies and perspective-shifting insights for both event planners and exhibitors.

I walked away with so many lightbulb moments, I’ll be sprinkling them throughout upcoming emails like confetti. You’ve been warned.

Here’s one thing that really stuck with me: events re-energize and empower us. They inspire us to take on new challenges, try something bold, and shake up the status quo.

I’ve been saying this for years and I’ve been hearing it a lot lately: in-person events are back. THANK YOUR MAKER!

I’m a huge champion of in-person events. But here’s the surprise twist: it’s the younger generations leading the charge. That’s right, Gen Z and Millennials are all-in on face-to-face learning and product discovery.

Why? Because they crave authenticity. Real people. Real conversations. Real value.

That being said, have you heard the phrase: “If your event isn’t a must-go, it’s a no-go.” Still true. Arguably more true now than ever.

Attendees are being selective. Like, VIP-level picky. They’re choosing where they show up based on ROI for their time, attention, and budget.

Freeman recently dropped some research that breaks down what actually drives attendee satisfaction:

Commerce (30%). People want to explore new products and evaluate vendor promotions. They’re going to conferences specifically for the Exhibit Hall.
Networking (28%). Face time with leaders and peers matters. Relationships still rule.
Learning (26%). Educational value is critical, especially when it includes CE credits or specialty content.
Experience (16%). Fun vibes, cool venues, and emotional connection to the event.

Were you surprised by commerce being #1? I was. My husband keeps telling me I’m the ideal customer because I’m easily influenced and I just want to buy all the things.

For me, commerce is #1 at events and the thing I pay attention to the most is what vendors are going to be there.

But that’s in my personal life: homeschool conventions and business conferences.

I’m learning now that what I want and my reasons for doing things are pretty in line with what everyone else wants and does.

TL;DR? If your event isn’t delivering on commerce, connections, and content, no amount of string lights or swag bags will save it.

There’s more where this came from and I’ll be sharing the best takeaways in the weeks ahead. So stay tuned, because your next event strategy might be hiding in the next email.

-Ann Dosen