The Event Debrief

Everyone’s talking about AI in events - but few are talking about what’s actually working. In this episode, we cut through the hype and get practical about what AI will actually deliver for event professionals by 2026. Joining the discussion are three event tech leaders: Cam MacIntosh (Google Cloud), Mehdi Khalili (EventsAir), and Brandon Wernli (BW Events Tech).We unpack what’s working right now, what’s overhyped, and where AI is making measurable impact across attendee experience, sponsorship ROI, and planner efficiency. If you’re trying to figure out where to invest (and what to ignore), this episode is your shortcut.What we will discuss in this episode:Why so many AI projects still deliver little to no ROI — and what that means for eventsThe current state of AI in events (2025): what teams are actually doing todayThe biggest misconception about AI in the event industry right nowReal AI use cases improving attendee experience (personalisation, matchmaking, content curation)How AI can drive better sponsorship ROI (lead scoring, behavioural insights, smarter reporting)Where AI is already boosting planner efficiency (automation, scheduling, reporting, decision support)What’s still too early, too risky, or simply marketing fluffThe human factor: privacy, trust, change resistance, and leadership buy-inWhat skills event teams should start building to stay relevant through 2026Practical takeaways: realistic AI actions planners can implement in Q1 2026For more information on how EventsAir supports better event delivery, visit https://www.eventsair.com/ for more info.

Unforgettable delegate experiences don’t come from blockbuster ideas — they come from small, compounding improvements that add up. In this episode, we break down how marginal gains — tweaks as small as 1% — across the event lifecycle can dramatically boost attendee satisfaction, engagement and ROI. In this episode we walk through practical strategies you can apply at every stage — from pre-event communication and smoother registration, to real-time onsite enhancements and post-event feedback loops. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or scaling your first hybrid event, this episode gives you actionable tips without the overwhelm. What we’ll discuss in this episodeWhy delegate experience is the thing that separates “fine” events from "unforgettable" onesThe “1% improvements” mindset — and why it works so well for event planningHow the delegate journey starts before the event even beginsQuick wins for better registration, check-in, and attendee onboardingHow to use event tech to remove friction (not create it)Onsite improvements that make events feel smoother and more premiumSimple ways to increase engagement and participation during sessionsHow to create better networking moments without forcing awkward icebreakersUsing live feedback to improve the experience in real timePost-event follow-up strategies that keep the value going long after the eventListen in and find out how thoughtful, targeted enhancements make events feel effortless and memorable.