Great Events Cvent

You may think university events are just a small, normal piece of a university's student life and marketing plan. 

But what if we told you that it's actually vital to create a long-lasting relationship with that student, who then continues into their journey as a professional adult and alumnus?

This is why we’re dedicating a special two-part episode of Great Events to investigating the impact of events on education.

Join us as Host Alyssa Peltier sits down to discuss this unique topic with Stacey Sheppard, Senior Manager of Solutions Marketing at Cvent. 

In part one of our conversation, we explore the entire lifecycle of a student and the lasting impact of strategic event planning on the university experience. We also discuss the evolution of campus tours, the various departments that planners come from within universities, and the critical role of virtual events post-pandemic. 

So, whether you're a student, an educator, or an event enthusiast, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. 

Here are a few key takeaways from Part 1:
Higher Ed events can lead to lifelong loyalty in the student lifecycle. One university found that if a person participated in an event as a student, they were 80% more likely to be active, engaged, and philanthropic alumni. Experiences that engage and excite students virtually and in person are more likely to improve students’ experience and appreciation for the university.No matter if it's corporate or educational, customizing events for your audience is key to success.

What does a successful event really boil down to? Effective planning and preparation. 

Join Paulina Giusti and Robin Clark, Senior Manager of Trade Shows and Event Marketing at Cvent, as they delve into sales enablement and engagement, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between marketing and sales.

Robin gives an insider look at how detailed tracking of the attendee experience at Cvent CONNECT — encompassing session engagement, survey feedback, and appointments — equips sales reps with the narratives they need for follow-up that resonates.

We discuss setting clear, actionable goals for different business lines and ensuring team members are aware and fully understand their targets in a post-pandemic landscape with steady growth.

Tune in to understand how important it is for sales and client service teams to be armed with the right information pre-registration and throughout the promotion to capably field questions and nudge early registrations.


Here are a few takeaways:
Collecting detailed attendee journey data will empower marketers to craft personalized follow-up narratives for sales reps, fostering deeper connections and potential sales.The partnership between sales and marketing teams is crucial for event success. Advocating for open communication, goal alignment, and early planning to create a cohesive strategy will help you avoid task overload and maximize team talents.Ensure your sales and client services teams are prepared to promote events and engage with potential attendees. Strategic timeline management helps ensure a successful event by fostering early interest and confidence.

Have you made a habit of prioritizing sustainability? 

In the events industry, it’s much-discussed, but action is key. As Great Events host Alyssa Peltier says, “When it comes to sustainability, a zero excuses policy is the best policy.” 

In this episode, Alyssa joins fellow hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu to discuss insights shared by Cassidy Knowles, Group Managing Director of Chorus Creative Group. 

From Chorus's spectacular sustainability efforts to the small steps each individual can take, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. 

Here are a few takeaways:
Ask: How can we reduce first? It’s about the best money-saving strategy for the organization's people and the planet. Start small: With large organizations, one policy change that can be rolled out across that sea of events is significant. Begin to institutionalize things, and that institutionalization becomes a cultural shift. There’s always more to learn, and—to that end—Cassidy suggests visiting the B Corp website and filling out an initial survey. 

Content doesn't have to go to waste. 

Rather, its shelf life and value can increase over time.
In this episode of Great Events, join host Felicia Asiedu and content strategist Victoria Akinsowon as they dive deep into the art of repurposing event content. 

They discuss practical tips for identifying the most resonant event themes/messages and how to repurpose them into various formats––from turning event sessions into engaging blog posts to creating captivating video snippets for social media.

They also tap into the significance of audience feedback and use real-time insights from events to guide your content strategy. They leverage tools like AI for efficient content repurposing and share insights into measuring the success of your repurposed content across different platforms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to utilize your event content to the fullest potential by using real-time audience insights and feedback to create meaningful contentHow to leverage a variety of content formats and channels to extend the lifespan and reach of your event contentHow to stay agile in measuring and adapting your content's impact across different channels

Why does Group Travel matter so much? 

In a world full of Zoom and digital dial-ins, what makes in-person connection so essential? 

Well, in this episode of Great Events, hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu discuss those very questions—and usher in Global Meetings Industry Day— with Ishma Haider, VP of Group Travel at the US Travel Association. 

From defining the whats and whys of the Association to the broader roles of advocacy and in-person global events, it’s the perfect conversation to kick off GMID 2024. 

Here are some key takeaways:
There are a wide variety of resources available to members of the US Travel Association. Take a closer look at all the areas this organization impacts and how it can help you in your corner of the industry.To breathe innovation into events, it’s important to keep a pulse on what the industry wants. Events like IPW are a great way to do just that. When the travel industry thrives, America thrives. In 2023, travelers in the US spent 1.3 trillion, producing an economic footprint of 2.8 trillion and supporting more than 15 million American jobs. And in the meetings and events space, 2023 travel contributed 119 billion in spending to the US economy. 
Additional Resources:
GMID Toolkit to help you engage in the day: Global Meetings Industry Day Toolkit | U.S. Travel Association (ustravel.org). Reach out to your local policymakers (and neighbors) to share about our industry - what it brings, what it means to you, and why meetings matter. 

What are you doing to improve the effectiveness of your SKO event planning?

In this episode of Great Events, join host Alyssa Peltier as she dives into a discussion with Caroline DeCamp and Becca Martinson from Morningstar. They share their insights and experiences in planning and executing Sales Kickoffs (SKOs) and other large-scale events. 

The conversation covers various aspects of SKO planning, including challenges related to attendance, scaling content regionally, engaging stakeholders, measuring event success, and planning for the future. 

Whether you aim to make your events more inclusive, leverage AI for content creation, or effectively measure their impact, this conversation offers the guidance you need. 

Here are a few takeaways:
Implement strategies to accommodate demand to manage scope creep in event attendance effectively. It is essential to maintain exclusivity and relevance throughout the process.To enhance inclusivity in event experiences, implement closed captions and quiet areas for attendeesTo streamline event planning processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, implement AI