Event Marketer's Toolbox
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.
EMT #38 with Emily Dilbeck - Backyard Party Thinking: Why Micro-Events Will Revolutionize B2B Events
This episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox dives deep into the art and science of micro events—those intentionally small, connection-focused gatherings that break through the noise of traditional B2B experiences. Guest Emily Dilbeck of Unbound shares her practical five-step micro event playbook and explains how “backyard party” philosophy creates stronger emotional bonds, higher ROI, and more memorable attendee experiences.
From LEGO figurine check-ins to wizard-themed sidecar events, Emily offers a masterclass in designing events that feel human, not transactional. If you’re overwhelmed with bloated budgets and underwhelm...
EMT #37 with Mitchell Mauk - Storytelling Through Exhibit Design: Metaphor, Simplicity & Impact
In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sat down with Mitchell Mauk, Principal of Mauk Design, to discuss how storytelling, metaphor, and simplification can transform exhibits into memorable, engaging, and effective experiences.
Mitchell, whose work spans NASA, Google, McDonald’s, AT&T, and O.C. Tanner, shared his insights on how exhibits can communicate complex ideas simply, captivate audiences, and reinforce brand messaging. Even for those who weren’t able to see the visuals, Mitche...
EMT #36 with Jakob Eliason - Pickleball as a Brand Experience: Wellness, Activations & ROI
In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn sat down with Jakob Eliason, co-founder of Pickleball Pop-Ups, to explore how pickleball has evolved into a powerful experiential marketing tool.
Jakob shared how the sport engages audiences across corporate events, tradeshows, festivals, and community programs, and why it’s become a go-to activity for brand activations and corporate wellness initiatives.
During the conversation, listeners learned:
Pickleball as an engagement tool: How activations create fun, interactive experiences that leave a la...EMT #35 with Brandon Lee - Turn Trust into Revenue: Reputation-Driven Event Strategies
On this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Brandon Lee, founder of Fist Bump, to explore how trust and reputation drive revenue at events and tradeshows.
Brandon shares insights on creating credible booth experiences, building advocacy, and aligning sales and event teams to convert leads into long-term relationships. Whether you’re a first-time event marketer or a seasoned professional, this episode provides actionable tools and strategies for building trust-based event programs that increase ROI...
EMT #34 with Finn Yonkers - Designing Impact: Memorable Exhibits and the Future of Engagement
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Finn Yonkers, EVP Creative at BlueHive Exhibits, to explore the art and science behind creating memorable exhibits and experiences. With over 30 years of experience spanning exhibit design, multimedia, and interactive experiences for brands like Amgen, Bose, Intel, Biogen, and Adobe, Finn shares insights on designing for impact, translating abstract ideas into reality, and leveraging brand DNA to create unforgettable experiences.
Designing for memorability: How relevance and im...EMT #33 with Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito - Beyond the Booth: 30 Years of Lessons in Event Design & Strategy
In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox Live, Chris Dunn sits down with Dana Esposito to share insights from her 30+ years in exhibit design and event strategy. Dana dives into the lessons she’s learned, career transitions, and the practical strategies that help professionals grow, engage, and make an impact in the events industry.
Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or event professional, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration for taking your career and events to the next level.
W...
EMT #32 with Bob Hanson and Nick Salvatoriello - The Mars and Venus of Events: Can In-Person & Virtual Get Along?
In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox Live, Chris Dunn sits down with Bob Hanson and Nick Sal to discuss one of the most pressing challenges in the events industry: How can in-person and virtual events work together seamlessly?
For years, event professionals have treated in-person and virtual events as competitors. But the truth is—they can be powerful partners, amplifying each other’s strengths and driving greater ROI. In this episode, Bob and Nick share how to bridge the gap betwee...
EMT #31 with Chris Griffin - Chris Griffin’s Vision for the Future of Events and Industry Growth
In the latest episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito chat with Chris Griffin, President of the EDPA and Owner of Crew XP. Chris shares valuable insights on leadership, industry advocacy, and the importance of building strong relationships in the events sector.
Chris discussed the crucial role of advocacy for the future of the industry, especially in his time at Legislative Action Day in Washington, D.C., where industry leaders lobbied for important policies. As Ch...
EMT #30 with Caitlyn Correia - The Exhibit Evolution: Family, Flexibility & Forward Thinking
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn is joined by Caitlyn Correa, President & CEO of BlueHive Exhibits and Continental Woodcraft. Caitlyn, a third-generation business owner, shares her journey of balancing family life with leading a growing business in the ever-evolving events industry. She talks about the challenges, rewards, and the flexibility needed to thrive in today’s business environment.
Caitlyn dives into:
Running a Family Business: Navigating the demands of managing a third-generation business w...EMT #29 with Evan Babins - Maximizing Vendor Networks for Unbelievable Events
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin are joined by Evan Babins, an event professional with a diverse background spanning AV production, hospitality, and corporate event planning. Evan shares his expertise on how to leverage vendor networks for producing high-impact events.
Building long-term vendor relationshipsHow to communicate effectively with vendorsThe difference between a vendor and a partnerPractical strategies for managing expectations and maximizing collaborationEMT #28 with Janice Cardinale - Event Minds Matter: Mental Health & Emotional Intelligence in Events
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin are joined by Janice Cardinale, Founder of Cardinale Creative, to discuss the growing need for emotional intelligence and psychological safety in the event industry. Janice is spearheading an initiative to raise awareness about mental health and emotional intelligence through training and educational resources for the next generation of event professionals.
Janice shares her personal journey with mental health and how it drove her to launch Event Minds Matter, a pl...
EMT #27 with Carter Parrish - Experiential Marketing Outside the Booth
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Carter Parrish, Leader of Growth / Senior Producer at Robotproof, a creative experiential marketing agency. Carter shares his insights on how brands can extend their reach beyond the trade show floor by creating immersive experiences that engage audiences before they even enter the booth.
Through his work with Samsung and other large brands, Carter illustrates how creating experiences outside the booth can generate buzz, gather va...
EMT #26 with Caleb Williams - Walk the Brand: Designing Experiences One Sneaker at a Time
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, we’re taking a step in a bold direction with Caleb Williams, founder of DSCMFRT. Caleb joins hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito to explore the intersection of sneaker culture, corporate gifting, and event marketing.
With an impressive knack for custom footwear, Caleb reveals how sneakers - when designed with intention - can be used as standout branding tools for events. From corporate gifts to trade show giveaways, these one-of-a-kind creations can create buzz, elevate brand identity, and surprise attendees in ways...
EMT #25 with Dawn Marie Raczka - Inside the Rules: Event Marketing in Pharma, Biotech, and MedTech
Event marketing in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries demands precision, responsibility, and an in-depth understanding of compliance.
In this episode, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito are joined by Dawn Marie Raczka, Executive Vice President of Global Business Development at BlueMed, for a detailed conversation on what makes healthcare events uniquely complex - and why getting them right matters more than ever.
Dawn Marie offers a compelling insider's view of the regulatory landscape, the structural and strategic limitations, and the creative possibilities within pharma event planning.
The episode demystifies terms like IS...
EMT #24 with Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito - Looking Back to Move Forward: Recapping 23 Powerful EMT Episodes
In this special recap episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito review the learnings from the first 23 episodes of the podcast. With the benefit of having welcomed a variety of industry experts, they've uncovered key themes that have resonated throughout the show. This conversation touches on the biggest takeaways from past episodes, plus a deeper dive into common challenges faced by event professionals today, offering practical advice and solutions.
🔹 Setting Defined Goals for Event Success
One of the recurring themes in pa...
EMT #23 with Kayla Drake - Field Marketer’s Guide to Sales Alignment
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with field marketing powerhouse Kayla Drake, whose track record includes building high-performing event programs that convert—not just impress.
Kayla shares her blueprint for connecting marketing and sales efforts to drive pipeline from the very first conversation. From aligning with sales pre-show, to leveraging live data on the floor, and creating post-event follow-up strategies that don't feel like spam—Kayla offers practical, no-fluff insights that every marketer (and salesperson) should hear.
This episode is for...
EMT #22 - Work Smarter, Exhibit Better: How to Maximize Trade Show Impact with Marlys Arnold
How do you make your booth not just seen, but remembered?
In this episode, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with trade show veteran Marlys Arnold to explore how strategy, design, and staff training converge to create powerful trade show experiences. With more than two decades in the field, Marlys brings unmatched insights from both the exhibitor and show organizer sides.
“Hope is not a strategy” – Define your purpose
Too many exhibitors operate without a goal. Marlys recounts a $250K exhibit team that “just wanted to show...
EMT #21 - Beyond the Booth: How to Rethink Exhibitor Success with Jessica Sibila
In this insightful episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito are joined by Jessica Sibila, Executive Director of The Exhibitor Advocate—a nonprofit championing the voice of exhibitors.
With years of hands-on experience and data-backed insights, Jessica takes us inside the real exhibitor experience. From budgeting chaos to communication gaps with show organizers, she lays out the fundamental disconnects facing exhibitors—and what the industry can do to fix them.
You’ll hear practical advice and strategic takeaways for both exhibitors and event professionals looking to improve trade show ROI and atte...
EMT #20 with Alison French - Don't Just Show Up: Turning Trade Shows into Revenue Engines
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Alison French, founder of JoinLTO.com, to unpack how event marketers can ditch reactive booth tactics and instead walk into trade shows with a plan that drives actual revenue.
Most brands show up hoping for the best. Alison shows up with a system—and helps her clients walk out with booked meetings and pipeline to prove it. From building pre-show prospect lists to post-show CRM automation, this conversation brea...
EMT #19 with Marisa Nebosky - Good, Better, Best: Building Smarter Budgets in Event Planning
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with seasoned event strategist Marisa Nebosky to break down the realities of budgeting in today’s evolving event landscape. With 2,000+ events under her belt, Marisa brings the kind of real-world, field-tested insights every event professional needs.
From her signature “Good, Better, Best” framework to the need for confident stakeholder conversations, she explores how to plan smarter, reduce stress, and create brand moments that actually convert.
Whether you're trying to stretch a budget or convince...
EMT #18 with Jennifer O'Hare - Unwrapping Purpose: What Smart Gifting Really Looks Like
In this episode of Event Marketer's Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with Jennifer O'Hare, CEO and founder of Belle Box Co., a luxury corporate gifting company.
They dive deep into the evolving world of strategic gifting for events — from personalized on-site experiences to thoughtful brand storytelling through gifts.
Jennifer shares her expertise from her background in corporate retail at TJX and how she’s reshaping gifting strategies to drive deeper connections, enhance attendee experiences, and deliver lasting impressions.
Whether you're planning a trade show b...
EMT #17 with Danica Tormohlen - The Future of Trade Shows: Real Trends, Real Data, Real Talk
In this insightful episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito sit down with award-winning journalist and events industry insider Danica Tormohlen to dive into the real-time trends shaping the trade show and live event space in 2025.
With over 25 events already under her belt this year, Danica offers a ground-level view of how both exhibitors and attendees are evolving—from rising expectations to personalization, wellness, hybrid experiences, and the redefinition of value.
This is the episode to listen to if you're planning a trade show pres...
EMT #16 with Neil P. Rogers - How Small Touches Create Big Wins at Trade Shows
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Neil P. Rogers, a marketing and sales expert with over 37 years of experience, shares powerful insights on how small yet impactful gestures can create significant results at trade shows.
Neil draws on his extensive background in sales, promotional products, and his experience as a bartender to offer fresh perspectives on how event marketers can engage attendees and maximize ROI at trade shows.
From using creative pre-show mailers to ensuring proper booth staff training, Neil walks listeners through effective strategies to elevate their event marketing game.
...
EMT #15 with Jim Cermak - Trade Show Wins: What Exhibitors Need to Know
In this episode, we dive deep into how to maximize trade show results with Jim Cermak, founder of Trade Show University.
With over 30 years of experience in the trade show industry, Jim shares his insights on everything from goal-setting to booth strategy, helping exhibitors boost their ROI and avoid common pitfalls.
🔹 The Importance of Goal Setting
Jim emphasizes that setting specific, measurable goals is essential for success. Vague goals like “get as many leads as possible” won’t cut it. It’s crucial to define clear targets for each trade s...
EMT #14 with Ed Marsh - Maximizing Event ROI: What Sales Must Do Before, During & After
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and guest co-host Dana Esposito are joined by B2B growth strategist Ed Marsh for a no-nonsense conversation on where most brands fall short when it comes to making their event investments actually pay off.
From planning ahead to post-show accountability, Ed breaks down how to align sales and marketing to drive measurable results—and what happens when you don’t.
Whether you’re in sales, marketing, or event execution, this episode delivers a framework for transforming trade show tactics into a real business...
EMT #13 with Sean Gannet - Planning with Purpose: Using Storytelling to Inspire Action at Events
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey sit down with Sean Gannet, Executive Producer and Chief Story Technician at SFG Productions, to explore how storytelling can shape every element of an event—from the agenda to the follow-up strategy.
Drawing from his work with TED, Software AG, and other major brands, Sean breaks down how viewing attendees as the “hero” of the event journey leads to more immersive, intentional, and effective experiences.
Whether you're working with a large budget or making the most of limite...
EMT #12 with Vanessa O'Connor - Field Marketing That Works: Building Community, Connections & ROI
Why do some events thrive while others struggle to get attendees to show up?
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Vanessa O’Connor joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to break down what makes events worth attending in a world full of distractions.
From field marketing strategies to white-glove experiences, Vanessa shares how to create high-impact events that drive engagement, build relationships, and deliver lasting value.
Attendees need a reason to show up
The biggest challenge in event marketing today isn’t planning logistics—it’s getting p...
EMT #11 with Jim Panagas - Beyond the Booth: Creating Meaningful Connections at Trade Shows
Your booth is set up, your team is ready—but is your messaging actually stopping attendees in their tracks?
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Jim Panagas, founder of Corporatevoice, joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to break down how to craft messaging that grabs attention, engages attendees, and drives real post-show conversations.
Your booth has 3-5 seconds to make an impact
If attendees can’t immediately understand who you are and what you do...
EMT #10 with Jon Selig - Why Humor Works: Engaging Attendees & Driving Better Conversations
Most trade show booths look the same—generic pitches, aggressive badge scanning, and forced conversations. But what if humor could change that?
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, Jon Selig, a former enterprise sales pro turned stand-up comedian, joins Chris Dunn & Caitlin Carey to explore how humor can break the ice, make brands more memorable, and create real engagement at events.
Why Humor Works in Event Marketing
Trade shows are overwhelming—attendees walk past hundreds of booths in a single day.
Humor can sto...
EMT #9 with Liz Lathan - Beyond One-Off Events: How to Build Impact, Influence, and Lasting Engagement
Turning an event into an engaged, long-term community takes strategy, consistency, and the right approach. In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey sat down with Liz Lathan, co-founder of Club Ichi, to explore how event professionals can move beyond one-time gatherings and build lasting connections.
Events as a Revenue Driver, Not a Cost Center
Many event marketers struggle to justify budgets to leadership. Liz shared how aligning events with the buyer’s jour...
EMT #8 with Matt Beran - Building a Customer-Centric Event Experience
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 Te...
EMT #7 with Adam Centamore - Savor the Experience: Elevating Corporate Events with Culinary Creativity
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...
EMT #6 with Tyson V - Creating AWE-Inspiring Digital Experiences
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 te...
EMT #5 with Brendon Hamlin - The Storyteller’s Toolbox: Elevating Events with Video
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn sit down with Brendon Hamlin of Hamlin Creative to explore the role of video in event marketing.
Brendon shares insights from his extensive career in film, television, and experiential marketing, emphasizing how storytelling through video can amplify brand experiences beyond the event itself.
Video is More Than Documentation
Many brands treat video as an afterthought, but planning early allows for storytelling that extends the event’s impact rather than just recording what happened.
...
EMT #4 with Dana Esposito - From Strategy to Show Floor: Custom Exhibit Insights
In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey are joined by guest Dana Esposito, a seasoned expert in experiential and functional design.
Together, they explore the intersection of creativity and strategy in event marketing.
Dana shares valuable insights on crafting memorable events, solving client challenges, and fostering trust through storytelling and team building.
Start with the Problem
Great design begins with understanding the client’s specific challenges. Identifying the “why” behind each project sets the stage for meaningful, tailored solutions.
EMT #3 with Emily Knight - How To Elevate Events with Anticipation, Emotion + Impact
In this episode, hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn are joined by Emily Knight, founder of EFK Event Strategies, to discuss creating impactful and memorable events.
Emily shares insights from her 20+ years of experience in the Boston event industry, covering her journey from hospitality to launching her own business.
They explore themes, attendee experiences, and strategic planning for both nonprofit and corporate events.
Start with Goals:
Emily emphasizes the importance of defining the event’s goals upfront.
For nonprofits, success often revolves around fundraising, while...
EMT #2 with Chris Dancy - Show Me the Results: How to Prove Your Event’s Worth
This episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox dives into the critical challenge of demonstrating the ROI of events.
Hosts Caitlin Carey and Chris Dunn welcome industry pro and data expert Chris Dancy, known as the "world’s most connected human," to discuss how data-driven strategies can empower event marketers to elevate their impact.
Dare Table’s Evolution
Chris Dancy shared insights from his successful event series, Dare Table, emphasizing the journey from modest beginnings to a $100,000 global gathering.
His innovative use of Airtable for event management showcases how te...
EMT #1 with Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey - Event Excellence Starts Here: Welcome to the Toolbox
The Event Marketer’s Toolbox has officially launched!
Hosted by Chris Dunn and Caitlin Carey, this podcast is your go-to resource for practical tools, actionable insights, and expert advice tailored to trade show marketers and corporate event planners.
In this inaugural episode, Chris and Caitlin share their vision and dive into the essential strategies for making your events stand out in a competitive landscape.
The Power of Partnerships:
Learn how strategic partnerships, like the one between Blue Hive and Pop Event, can help create seamless, impactful events.
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