Hot Takes
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Beyond The Room – The Four Phases of Community
Learn how event planners can create transformative experiences that foster vibrant communities that remain connected, engaged, and actively participating together long after the event has ended.
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Applying Lessons in Social Neuroscience to Community Building
Emma Sarro, PhD, is the Senior Director of Research at the NeuroLeadership Institute. We asked her: “How can infusing community create more memorable, valuable events?”
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How Moments of Connection are Helping to Redefine the Restaurant Industry
How can infusing community make events more memorable and help them deliver a higher ROI? To answer this question, let’s head to the Pacific Northwest, where restaurant startup Mt. Joy is making a splash with its community-infused ethos.
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Is Anybody Listening? Designing Events that Foster Active Learning
There is genuine power in the art of listening, and lately there has been a great deal of interest in how to successfully shut out the noise and actively hear what others have to say to us.
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The Power of Micro Events
If you focus on interaction and engagement, as well as creating the right atmosphere for the intended audience, you will already be well on your way to success.
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Top 7 Tips for Infusing Community Into Your Events
While there’s no one-size-fits-all formula to event design, there are several foundational elements that can set you up for success and help you stay closely attuned to the needs of the people you serve.
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Lighting the Creative Spark to Kickstart Projects
While New Year’s resolutions are still intact and determination is running high, let’s talk creativity. As a Fuse Community Champion and one of the all-around most creative people we know, we tapped Liz Lathan to share her top 7 LinkedIn posts for getting out of your creative rut and planning your 2024 events with energy and enthusiasm.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
What’s in Store for 2024? Captivating Attendees – Not Holding them Captive
The events industry is poised for significant growth and innovation in the coming year. Our team reflected on key findings from reports by American Express, CEIR, Freeman, Skift, and others to analyze the trends and direction of the industry and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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Looking to the Future of Engagement with IAEE’s President & CEO
Fuse Director Shafer Busch caught up with IAEE’s new President and CEO, Marsha Flanagan, to ask about her plans for the future of this influential industry organization – and to see how community-driven concepts fit into her vision.
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Crafting a Comprehensive Graphic Design Plan for Knockout Events
Let’s dive into the secret sauce for creating event themes that pop, sizzle, and sparkle, engaging your attendees and leaving your boss handing out high-fives like candy on Halloween.
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCE
Sparking Change: Community-Driven Strategies from Leading Event Marketers
Download this resource to learn more.
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The Neuroscience of Human Connection
Fuse talked with Matt Johnson PhD, neuroscientist and author of “Branding that Means Business.” Learn more.
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Air Force Conference Champions DEIA Strategies that Span ‘The Vast Expanse of Air and Space’
At its recent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility conference, the Department of the Air Force tackled the concept of “community” on an entirely different scale.
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Planning for Both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse Attendees
As an event organizer, there are several things you can do to support neurodiverse attendees. Learn more.
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Designing Events for Community: Lessons from IMEX America 2023
From arrival to wheels up, we witnessed a striking emphasis on community-driven event design to enhance the attendee experience, foster lasting connections, and build brand loyalty. When planning your next event, consider these tips inspired by our experience at IMEX America 2023.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Events In Transition: Adapting to Regionalism, Data-Driven Trends, and More
As we navigate the changing tides of in-person events coming out of the heart of the pandemic, several key trends are emerging that reshape how events are planned and marketed. From environmental considerations to regionalism and the power of data-driven insights, the business intelligence of events is top of mind now more than ever.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Community Mindset: Shifting Your Perspective from Me to Us
With the bar for attendee expectations reaching new heights, it’s time for event organizers to shift our perspective. What if, instead of showing audiences simply “what’s in it for me,” we asked how events can be catalysts for creating lasting community?
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The Business Case for Community Thinking
While pulling off a complex event is no small feat, the strategies that underpin events are evolving, and the definition of “success” is changing. We’re seeing a need to go deeper, a need to ensure that attendees are engaging meaningfully not just with the event brand, but with each other
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Notes from the Road: Event Industry Gatherings of 2023 Showcase Community-Infused Experience Design
How did the environments of three recent events help a seasoned industry networker foster meaningful connections? By intentionally infusing community into the event design.
COMMUNITY CATALYST
Fashion Industry Insider: How to Become a Community-Centric Powerhouse
A Q&A with Courtney Harold, Head of Business Development, Tarsus/Informa’s OFFPRICE
COMMUNITY CATALYST
Lean Into Credibility: Connect with your Audience by Remaining True to your Brand’s Authentic Core
A conversation with Diane Tiberio, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, American Pet Products Association (APPA)
COMMUNITY CATALYST
Embracing Individualism to Build Inclusive Spaces
A conversation with Tresa Chambers, Founder & CEO, Tenth Muse Enterprises
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Community in the Classroom: 6 Ways to Help Learners Connect at Conferences
Back-to-school season is a timely reminder that education can spark eager anticipation around a sense of community. Event professionals can capture the same magic when designing educational sessions at conferences.
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7 Tips for Infusing Community into Event Experiences
Events are all about creating meaningful connections, getting people engaged, and forming lasting relationships. Here’s how to make it happen.
COMMUNITY CATALYST
The Perfect Blend: How Questex Combines Events and Media to Drive Engagement
A conversation with Kate Spellman, CMO, Questex
COMMUNITY CATALYST
Circles of Influence: How mdg Infuses Human Connection into the Company Mission
A conversation with Kimberly Hardcastle-Geddes, President, mdg – A Freeman Company.
COMMUNITY CATALYST
Sit, Stay, Collaborate: How Community Fuels Marketing at Royal Canin
A conversation with Racquel White, VP, Corporate Affairs – Royal Canin North America (Mars, Inc.).
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How to Navigate Google’s New GA4
Sofiia Bychkovska, lead analytics trainer at MeasureSchool, gives us a rundown of the new GA4 and tips for wielding it effectively.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
AI as a Brainstorming Buddy
Fuse’s Shafer Busch and Melissa Ashley put pen to paper to work through their own ‘certified human’ thoughts on AI. Their perspectives will undoubtedly continue to evolve in this rapidly changing space, but for now, here are their personal reflections.
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5 Questions on Deploying AI When Producing Events with Brandt Krueger, Senior Production Manager, EideCom
Fuse chatted with Brandt Krueger, Senior Production Manager, EideCom, about deploying AI when producing events.
COMMUNITY CATALYST
4 Questions on the Future of Community with Liz Irving, CMO, Clarion Events Inc. – North America
Fuse chatted with Liz Irving, the CMO of Clarion Events Inc. – North America, about the future of community.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Hybrid Is Dead / Long Live Hybrid
If you try to meet people where they are – whether that’s in person or online – you’ll find that the way forward becomes much clearer, and any associated costs seem like less of a leap.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Architects of Choice
Event professionals spend a lot of time researching and shaping the content of an event. During that process, there is also an opportunity to ask questions and think through what personalization looks like for your audience so you can best determine if you are curating the right choices for them.