Live from Go West Live in Edmonton, this episode of Events: Demystified unpacks what happens when an industry event is designed with intention instead of habit.

Joined by Arthur Kerekes and Evan Babins, we break down:

• Why this 600-person conference felt more alive than many large-scale industry shows

• The RFP compensation problem and the creative labor conversation no one wants to have

• How thoughtful programming eliminates attendee burnout

• What makes a trade show floor feel like a retail experience instead of a fluorescent maze

• Why people, not production budgets, ultimately define event success

We also explore how schedule design, entertainment integration, food experience, and speaker selection can shift an event from transactional to meaningful.

If you plan events, speak at events, sponsor events, or attend them, this conversation will challenge how you think about experience design, energy management, and where the industry should go next.

Recorded live at Go West Live.

Real reactions. Real noise. Real insights.

00:00 Live from Go West Live: Why This Conference Feels Different01:47 Meet the Guests: Arthur’s AI Activations & First-Time Go West Impressions03:04 Evan’s Speaker Lineup + Arthur’s Interactive Game Show Reveal05:46 Industry ‘Dirty Secrets’: RFPs, Creative Work & Fair Compensation08:19 What Go West Gets Right: Fresh Speakers, Short Keynotes & Smart Agenda Design09:47 No Competing Sessions (Mostly): Programming Wins + Tech to Beat Breakout FOMO12:22 Networking Across Canada: New Connections, Canadian Hospitality & Value14:34 The Vibe Factor: Food Everywhere and a Retail-Style Trade Show Floor16:21 AV Production That Actually Delivers (No Extra Gear Needed)17:31 Design + Trade Show Energy Spills Into Social Events17:55 Instagrammable Activations & Surprisingly Great Food19:15 Small-Conference Feel: Community, Care, and Real Connections20:32 Entertainment That Feels Intentional (Not Slapped On)22:10 Sustainability-Focused Venue & Navigating the Multi-Level Layout23:51 Wrap-Up Hot Takes: Trade Show Vibe, People, and Wellness-Friendly Scheduling28:39 What Could Improve: Speaker App Tools, Rotating Cities, and US Marketing32:19 Where to Connect + Final Thanks and Sign-Off

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👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC.

Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:

Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry!

This episode of the Events Demystified podcast features Chris Carver, CEO of Sessionboard, and explores the significant shift in the event industry from AI or hybrid focuses towards trusted, author-based content and its role in bridging events, marketing, and revenue. Chris Carver shares his journey through various facets of the industry, his experiences with hypergrowth, and his immense contribution to redefining how content drives event growth. Learn about his ethos on hyperfocus, transparency, and honesty, and gain insights into the new age of event marketing, where content is king. If you are an event marketer or leader, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and future-forward strategies.

👉 Like and share this video to spread the knowledge.

👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC.

Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:

Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry!

This is Built From Within. In this episode of Events Demystified Podcast, Anca Platon Trifan recounts her recent experience at the Rainfocus conference in Salt Lake City.

// Please Follow & Subscribe for more episodes exploring performance, leadership, resilience, AI, and the inner work behind sustainable success.

Initially recounting a panic moment of losing her DJI video recorder at the Hyatt Regency, she delves into the deeper insights she gained from the event. Highlights include discussions on AI integration in the event industry, the evolving nature of AI from exploration to operational necessity, and the duality of advanced technology and basic human kindness. Trifan emphasizes the importance of fitness and mental health for event professionals, and discusses her upcoming talks and workshops, particularly focusing on the lessons she's learned from her experiences. Tune into this brand new conversation on the Events Demystified Podcast!

00:00 The Stomach-Dropping Moment

01:09 The Missing Gear Panic

03:13 Introduction to the Episode

04:22 Event Industry Insights from Rainfocus

06:21 The Human Element in Events

09:37 AI and Event Technology Evolution

18:48 The Importance of Physical Fitness

27:29 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts

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Subscribe for more episodes exploring performance, leadership, resilience, AI, and the inner work behind sustainable success.

👉 Episode Notes: https://eventsdemystified.com/

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

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Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC.Discover the future of events: https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

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Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

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Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

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“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

This episode features Robin Raskin, CEO of Virtual Events Group, a pioneering woman in technology recounts her transformative journey from writing a compelling piece on the future of technology to receiving calls from tech giants like Bill Gates and Bill Ziff. She highlights her transition from being a novice in technology to becoming the editor of PC Magazine during the early days of the internet. With the mentorship of several influential men, she navigated through a male-dominated industry, driven by her belief in the profound future impact of technology on our lives. Her story is a testament to foresight, perseverance, and the importance of being true to oneself while contributing meaningfully to a burgeoning field.

👉 Like and share this video to spread the knowledge.

👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC.

Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:

Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry!

This is Built From Within. Today’s episode breaks down the four pillars and ten habits that keep me fit year-round. Physical fitness is the outcome. The real work lives in the systems underneath. If your life is demanding and your standards are high, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it.

👉 Like and share this video to spread the knowledge.

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Subscribe for more episodes exploring performance, leadership, resilience, AI, and the inner work behind sustainable success.

👉 Episode Notes: https://eventsdemystified.com/

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC.Discover the future of events: https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

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Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

--------------------------------------------------------------⁠⁠

“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

This episode of the Events Demystified podcast features Pedro Goes, co-founder and CEO of inEvent.

Anca Platon Trifan delves into Pedro's journey of growing inEvent into a global event technology powerhouse, merging in-person, virtual, and hybrid experiences into one seamless platform. Pedro discusses the evolution of the event tech industry, the importance of managing talent, the challenges and rewards of innovation, and his vision for the future of event technology. He also shares insights into how his company navigates the complexities and dynamic changes of the event industry, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic focus.

👉 Like and share this video to spread the knowledge.

👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC.

Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:

Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry!

Anca Platon Trifan recaps the diverse and content-rich Season 10 of the Events Demystified Podcast, featuring a wide range of guests and topics from budget-friendly marketing strategies to AI innovations and sustainable event planning.

Each episode is highlighted, detailing the contributions of notable guests such as Nicole Jacobson, Carina Bauer, Noah Riley, and many more. Anca also reflects on her upcoming memoir and shares plans for Season 11, focusing on in-depth conversations with CEOs in the event technology space. She expresses gratitude to her listeners and touches on future sponsorship opportunities to support the podcast's production.

00:00 Introduction and Season Overview

00:30 Highlighting Key Episodes and Guests

08:46 Special Episodes and Personal Reflections

17:24 Upcoming Season and Future Plans

18:56 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

👉 Like and share this video to spread the knowledge.

👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC. Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:

Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry!

Reflecting on 2025: Wins, Challenges, and Lessons Learned | Events Demystified Podcast. In this episode of Events Demystified podcast, host Anca Platon Trifan reflects on an intense year, discussing the highs and lows of 2025.

From exciting speaking engagements, AI projects, and a bodybuilding journey, to personal milestones such as her first trip to New York and the poignant decision to postpone her participation in a national bodybuilding competition. Anca provides an authentic look into her experiences, sharing insights on resilience, the importance of mental health, and learning to give herself grace while pursuing ambitious goals.

As she anticipates 2026, she announces an upcoming CEO edition of the podcast focusing on genuine leadership conversations.

Tune in for a candid discussion that will resonate with many navigating their own professional and personal challenges.

00:00 Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Mixed Emotions

01:52 Welcome to Events Demystified Podcast

03:09 Chronological Walkthrough of 2025

04:50 AI in the Event Industry

08:15 Bodybuilding Journey and Competitions

11:51 Travel Adventures and Wellness

21:49 Achievements and Recognitions

27:43 AI Hackathon and App Development

33:02 IMEX America and #fit4events Challenge

44:25 Family Reunion and European Travels

47:22 Emotional Wellness Retreat in Scotland

52:32 Facing Disappointment and Learning to Slow Down

01:03:49 Looking Ahead to 2026

👉 Like and share this video to spread the knowledge.

👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content like this.

Sponsored and Produced by Tree-Fan Events Production LLC. Let's change the way we plan, produce, and experience events together!

Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:

Book Anca to Speak at Your Event: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/booking-page/⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ancatrifan/⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/anca.platon.trifan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast/

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Original Podcast Music written and produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Fable Score Music. ⁠⁠

⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events.

👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry!