Unforgettable Experiences

08/31/2024

This has been a year in the making. I planned to launch a show when my book came out last year, but life has a way of mixing up your plans. And what's cool is that the show I would have launched a year ago is not the one I needed to launch.

I'm excited to share with you the Event Innovator Show where I help event start ups and events who want to reinvigorate themselves. It will largely be interview based.

The first three episodes are live now on your favorite podcast app. I've shared the links for a couple major ones below.

Thanks to Mark Schaefer and the family of Dan Miller for the first two interviews (Ashley Logsdon Kevin Miller).

If you like the show, please subscribe, review, and share with your friends.

Let's go!

07/26/2024

Last minute registrations:

All the trends say last minute registrations are increasing and here to stay. This can be nerve wracking for the planners and marketers in our midst.

While I don't think we can change this tide overnight, there are ways to prepare for it and make the most of it. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Here are a couple of my own reflections:
1) Use incentives, group bundles, and word of mouth marketing to get people to purchase early. While many people seem to prefer to pay more for the flexibility, there are still many more who like discounts and deals;

2) Include hotel rooms in your package that are first come first serve. People like staying at the venue and having more of an all-inclusive experience.

3) Create plans that can flex quickly if you have a 25% surge in the last two weeks. Give the venue and catering a heads up--they should already know this is the trend and be able to accommodate many last minute changes.

That gets us started. What do you add to this conversation?

Adrienne Dorison Julius Solaris

07/17/2024

It's Christmas in July! You can purchase dozens of business books through Prime Day!

Did you know you can purchase Kindle books as a gift? Yup. Details below.

Did you know you don't need a Kindle to read Kindle ebooks? It's true. You can read on your computer or using a Kindle app on your mobile device.

Why am I bringing this up?? Because today is the last day to grab dozens of business books for only 99 cents each.

I joined forces with dozens of business authors and we all lowered our Kindle book price.

Here are just some of the titles you can download:

“Croissants vs. Bagels: Strategic, Effective, and Inclusive Networking at Conferences” by 🥐
Robbie Samuels, MSW 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

“The Experience Maker: How to Create Remarkable Experiences That Your Customers Can’t Wait to Share” by Dan Gingiss

“Reframing The Leadership Dance: The Secret to Finding Your Rhythm as a People Leader” by Stacey Larsen, Ed.D.

“Presenting for Humans: Insights for Speakers on Ditching Perfection and Creating Connection” by Lisa Braithwaite

“Think Like a Marketer: How a Shift in Mindset Can Change Everything for Your Business” by Kate Colbert

Plus, my book: "Unforgettable: the Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences."

Access all these titles and many more at the link in comments:

07/16/2024

Social anxiety is hardwired into us as a survival mechanism - it's a spectrum we all experience to varying degrees. From mild shyness to severe cases like agoraphobia, that fear of rejection and being ostracized is biologically ingrained.

While it can feel crippling at times, understanding this can actually empower you to work with your social anxiety, not against it. One powerful tip? Embrace the 15% rule of vulnerability.

When meeting someone new, take turns going 15% beyond your comfort zone by sharing something personal - not too deep, but enough to humanize yourself. This gives the other person permission to do the same, creating an authentic connection.

It could be admitting you're nervous but showing up anyway, sharing a passion project, or asking about their goals this year. Small yet meaningful vulnerability cracks open the door to richer conversation.

The key is recognizing that a little nervousness is natural, not something to be ashamed of or overcome entirely. By leaning into your discomfort slightly, you're actively resisting the urge to retreat into your shell.

Networking doesn't have to mean stuffy, transactional exchanges. With courage and preparation, you can turn it into spontaneous, serendipitous connections that truly light you up. All it takes is that first 15%.

What keeps you from taking that 15% step in conversations?
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Thanks to Michaela Alexis for these insights.

Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash

07/15/2024

The best networking happens when you stop trying to network. Agree or Disagree?

06/19/2024

Assuming the price was the same, which would you choose:
A) 12-week group coaching program with a cohort of 8 people;
B) One year group mastermind with 8 people with monthly meetings.

This would be for event owners and leaders.

Option A would be more structured learning with workshop elements.

Option B is more of a traditional mastermind where members take turns sitting on the hot seat and getting guidance from peers and the the group leader/expert (me in this case).

Carrie Rose Wilson Dennis Yu

05/10/2024

I woke up the other day from a nightmare.

I had visions of people at an event I was planning trying to get from room to a room. It looks like a cattle chute from an old Western movie. People were crammed shoulder to shoulder with a look of horror on their faces.

I realized our plans might be inadequately accounting for traffic patterns.

Thankfully there was lots of time before the actual event so we can adjust the plans without anyone knowing.

This illustrates a mistake events often make. They try to spin up the event quickly and don't have time to think through the consequences of their plans and the space.

John Cleese (of Monty Python fame) likes to say start your creative process as early as possible so you have time to flesh out the ideas and see the holes in them. If you wait until the last minute you're guaranteed to have problems.

Thankfully my nightmare was only a dream, but it did make take a look at some plans I have and speed up some of my creative brainstorming.

How early do you start your brainstorming and planning? Do you include a research and consideration phase where you can evaluate your ideas?

04/29/2024

Free Masterclass on Event Secrets this Wednesday -

Think of creating an amazing event as cracking an enigma. Sure, you could follow a standard recipe and end up with a decent, run-of-the-mill gathering.

04/06/2024

🎤 Excited to be a speaker at the 2024 MPI Kansas City Annual Conference! Join me as I dive into How to Create Memorable Event Experiences and share valuable insights on the art and science of memory making. Plus, use my special promo code UNFORGETTABLE50 for $50 off registration! Let's level up together at

03/30/2024

Transform your events from mundane to with Phil Mershon's latest masterpiece, 'Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences.' Dive deep into the world of event planning and discover innovative strategies, insightful management tips, and creative ideas to captivate your audience like never before! 🌟

Whether you're an event professional, a marketing maven, or a business owner looking to leave a lasting impact, this book is your ultimate guide. From engaging storytelling techniques 📖 to immersive environment designs 🎨, Phil Mershon takes you on a journey through the essential elements of memorable event planning.

👉 Available NOW! Get your hands on a copy and start crafting experiences that your attendees will talk about for years to come. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your event planning game to extraordinary heights.

🔗 Order Here: https://www.amazon.com/Unforgettable-Science-Creating-Memorable-Experiences/dp/1636981011