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 👉 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!
