Epic Events Podcast with
Tess Vismale

Reimagining Event Experiences, Led by Attendees, Powered by Tech

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  • Tess Vismale

    Tess Vismale is the CEO of iSocialExecution and an award-winning event technologist who helps event organizers rethink experiences with empathy and smart technology. With over 25 years in live, virtual, and hybrid events, she has empowered global brands and teaches the next generation of planners at UNC Charlotte.

About the Episode

Are your event planning methods stuck in the past while attendee expectations keep changing?

Today’s event pros face a new reality: tighter budgets, last-minute decisions, and rising demands for flexibility and inclusivity. And yet, many are still clinging to outdated playbooks. It’s time to rethink everything.

In this episode, Muhammad Younas sits down with Tess Vismale to unpack how the smartest planners are blending AI, empathy, and agile thinking to build events that actually work in today’s world.

If you’re ready to future-proof your events and deliver better experiences without burning out, this conversation is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways: 

  • Use AI to handle time-consuming tasks like analyzing data, drafting ideas, and reviewing contracts so you can focus on strategic decisions and creativity.
  • Use existing attendee data to pre-fill forms and make the process fast and intuitive. Let attendees review and confirm instead of starting from scratch.
  • Ask attendees how they want to register, engage, and receive swag. Use their input to design more thoughtful, user-centric experiences.
  • Recognize that attendees now make last-minute decisions. Increase communication leading up to the event to keep your audience engaged and ready to commit.
  • Use targeted, empathetic messaging to help attendees register sooner. Ask what’s holding them back and address those concerns proactively.
  • Don’t abandon virtual options. Use hybrid formats to accommodate budget constraints, travel challenges, and accessibility needs.
  • Look beyond traditional hotels and convention centers. Unique spaces like organic gardens or museums offer a built-in atmosphere and can reduce costs.
  • Offer customizable or practical items that attendees actually want. Use pre-event surveys or gifting suites to give attendees choices.
  • Share knowledge and resources with fellow event professionals. Collective problem-solving will be key to staying resilient and innovative.