Going Global – How hybrid experiences are allowing organizers to reach new audiences.
2020 taught us that with the adoption of digital-first experiences, our reach as organizers can be greater than ever. This can pose endless opportunities for traditionally regionalized events to expand and reach new markets, increasing their community and network of buyers/sellers. This incredible opportunity also opens the door to potential challenges such as connecting across multiple cultures and staying true to your organization's brand identity.
With this in mind, we were excited to speak with two global experts for our first episode of 2021. Carolene and John share their real-world experience planning and organizing experiences across multiple regions and cultures. They also dive into strategies on how to approach in-person vs. virtual experiences, and how they can tie together in a cohesive hybrid experience to connect organizers to the audience in meaningful ways.
Our Guest(s)…
Carolene Méli – Experience Strategist @ Carolene Méli Consulting
Carolene is helping businesses create exceptional experiences for their employees and their guests through inspiring workshops, speaking and 1:1 consulting.
She has spent the last 10 years on tour with Cirque du Soleil running front of house departments in 17 different countries and over 50 different cities worldwide. Her specialty was VIP events and loved seamlessly intertwining surprise, curiosity, and wonderment with a touch of luxury into each experience.
Her love for leading young, passionate teams led her to devise and roll out a successful employee development program for touring employees as well as countless standalone leadership workshops for Cirque du Soleil. She also ran the entertainment team on a cruise ship, bringing previously unheard-of personal development initiatives to the department.
If you happen to be in a conversation with Carolene, it is highly likely that within the first minute together she will tell you that: ‘One great experience can change someone’s world’.
Website (http://www.carolenemeli.com) - Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/in/carolenemeli)
John Pistotti – Experience Architect – Endless Events
For more than 10 years John has managed complex event logistics at hotels, universities, convention centers, and outdoor venues. His hospitality career began working with the banquets team at the Playboy Mansion. He worked as a volunteer for the UCLA Jazz Reggae Festival, and then Sacramento State UNIQUE, before working as an event coordinator and eventually Technical Director at the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego for corporate events, and EDM/Hip Hop concerts like Benny Benassi, David Guetta, Nas, and Lil' Jon. His experiences as an event manager, DJ, photographer, videographer, marketing designer, and sales professional led him to his role as an Experience Architect with Endless Events, helping deliver virtual and hybrid event solutions for his clients.
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpistotti/)
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