In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Marc LeDuc, a conference innovator with over three decades of experience building large-scale B2B and technical conferences.

Marc brings a rare, behind-the-curtain perspective on how conferences are actually created — from identifying real audience gaps to architecting content that fuels engagement long after the doors close. Rather than treating conferences as one-off events, Marc challenges organizers to think in terms of problem-solving, long-term impact, and community building.

This conversation explores what separates good conferences from unforgettable ones, why content must be integrated earlier in the planning process, and how event teams can survive — and even thrive — when everything goes sideways.

• A conference is born from a problem, not a venue
  Marc explains that the strongest conferences begin by identifying gaps in the market — what audiences aren’t getting elsewhere — and validating those gaps before a single speaker is booked.
• Content is the backbone, not the afterthought
  From session arcs to speaker strategy, Marc breaks down what “content creation” really means in the conference world and why it must align with long-term learning, not just show-day agendas.
• The 365, 24/7 mindset
  Conferences should be one moment in an ongoing engagement cycle. Webcasts, podcasts, articles, and community touchpoints before and after the event are what create lasting value.
• ROI goes beyond spreadsheets
  Marc challenges traditional ROI thinking and introduces the importance of Net Promoter Score, audience advocacy, and long-tail business impact when measuring success.
• Managing chaos when everything changes
  From speaker cancellations to weather disasters, Marc shares real stories about pivoting under pressure — and why experience, preparation, and teamwork matter more than perfect plans.
• Cross-functional collaboration wins
  Conferences succeed when content, sales, marketing, AV, and leadership are aligned — not siloed. Marc emphasizes learning each other’s roles to unlock better outcomes

This episode is a masterclass in thinking differently about conferences. Marc LeDuc reminds us that great events aren’t defined by square footage or production value — they’re defined by clarity of purpose, quality of content, and the ability to create momentum beyond the show floor.

For event marketers, planners, exhibitors, and content teams alike, this conversation is a powerful reminder that conferences don’t end when attendees leave — that’s when the real work begins.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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Season 2 is officially here — and EMT kicks off 2026 with a deep dive into AI, automation, and what “real ROI” can look like when you capture the conversations happening on the show floor. Chris Dunn (BlueHive Exhibits) and Brendon Hamlin (Hamlin Creative) are joined by Jordan Walker and Hunter McKinley, co-founders of Backtrack, an AI note-taking tool built specifically for live events.

You’ll hear why teams forget most of what they hear within a day, how “speed to lead” can make or break post-show momentum, and how conversation capture can turn fuzzy anecdotes into real, usable reporting — without losing the human part of events.

• “Humans do the human things, robots do the robot things.” The goal isn’t replacing connection — it’s removing busywork so teams can stay present on-site.
• The real ROI problem: you can’t improve what you can’t remember or measure — and teams often leave shows with vibes… not usable data.
• Speed-to-lead wins deals: the first follow-up is 3–5x more likely to move to the next step than waiting until later.
• Privacy is a feature, not an afterthought: “be a good human and always ask,” with opt-in rates around 90% when done transparently.
• How to start using AI without getting stuck: “start with fun, then work” — low-stakes experiments that teach you the tools before you automate the serious stuff.

As Event Marketer’s Toolbox kicks off Season 2, this episode sets the tone for 2026: smarter tools, stronger relationships, and more intentional event strategy. If you care about improving follow-up, proving value, and keeping events human in an increasingly automated world, this conversation is a must-listen.

Listen to the full episode, share it with your team, and start thinking about one place in your event workflow where AI could give you back time — without taking away connection.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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Episode 50 marks the Season One finale of Event Marketer’s Toolbox. Hosts Chris Dunn, Brendon Hamlin and Dana Esposito come together for a special recap episode, reflecting on the ideas, conversations, and guests that shaped the show’s first year.

Instead of introducing a new guest, this episode revisits standout moments from across the season, reacting to key insights and sharing what they’ve learned along the way — about events, relationships, community, and what really drives meaningful experiences.

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Season

• Community first: Great events (and great brands) are built on trust, consistency, and genuine connection — not just attendance.
• Human-centered design matters: From “warm hug” experiences to intentional layouts, the best events make people feel something.
• Flexible teams win: Fractional and project-based models allow brands to bring in the best talent without unnecessary overhead.
• Know your brand DNA: Successful exhibits and activations start with clarity around audience, purpose, and identity.
• Relationships over transactions: Authentic engagement — on LinkedIn, on the show floor, and beyond — builds trust faster than any pitch.
• Content extends impact: Capturing and repurposing event moments turns one experience into long-term value.

💬 Memorable Quotes

🔚 Final Thoughts

This episode brings Season One to a close by highlighting a simple truth: events that work are intentional, human, and built around relationships. The hosts look ahead to 2026 with gratitude, curiosity, and excitement for what’s next.

🎧 Subscribe and stay tuned — Event Marketer’s Toolbox returns in January with more real conversations and actionable insights.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

📅 Join us LIVE every Thursday at 12 PM ET on LinkedIn

Follow Us on LinkedIn and YouTube

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