In this episode of Not the Same as Last Year, Clare is joined by seasoned event sales and sponsorship expert Richard Morris, who’s been transforming how sponsors show up at events for over 25 years. From tired sponsorship packages to cringeworthy on-stage moments, Clare and Richard explore the very real tension between what sponsors want...
Gamification at events, it’s everywhere. But does it actually work? Or is it just another buzzword slapped onto an event with no real impact? In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I break down what gamification should actually do and how to make it meaningful rather than just sticking points and badges...
After an unplanned (and chaotic) two-month break, I’m back with episode 32 of Not the Same as Last Year! This one’s all about Next Generation Event Goers and the shifts they’re driving in the B2B events world. These changes aren’t just for them – they make events better for everyone. In this episode, I explore:...
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, Clare Forestier discusses one of the biggest challenges in event planning today: short lead times. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, economic uncertainty, or the trend of late bookings, planners and suppliers are increasingly having to adapt to events that are confirmed last minute. Clare...
In Episode 29 of Not The Same As Last Year, Clare is on a mission to shake up predictable event formats. Sick of the rinse-and-repeat style that keeps sessions safe but stale? Clare introduces a range of alternative formats that foster real interaction and keep energy levels high. Here’s what’s covered: Blending Tradition with Freshness:...
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, we’re talking about the magic of storytelling and its crucial role in event design. Clare discusses how to use storytelling to create a cohesive, engaging, and memorable attendee experience. Whether it’s weaving the theme into every session, introducing your speakers through compelling narratives, or getting...
Let's talk about FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out — and how it can quickly become dangerous at events if not handled with care. While FOMO can be a powerful marketing tool, if you lean too heavily on it, your attendees could leave feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and dissatisfied. We explore the fine line between...
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I'm looking at the world of trade shows and exhibitions to explore why they so often miss the mark when it comes to genuine attendee engagement. Joining me is Lee Ali, from Expo Stars Interactive, who shares his insight on how exhibitors can stop chasing...
This episode of Not The Same As Last Year explains why repurposing event content is essential for making the most of your efforts. We’ll cover why the old excuses for not capturing and reusing content don’t hold up anymore, how repurposing can boost attendee satisfaction and make your job easier, and the steps you can...
In this episode Clare investigates why certain experiences, like a rock concert, keep people coming back despite the challenges — and it’s all about emotion, community, and connection. Clare breaks down how to capture that same emotional engagement and sense of community in business events. It’s not about the flashy lights or celebrity speakers but...
