Explore every episode of the podcast Event Marketing: Redefined

Event marketers are some of the most capable professionals out there. They juggle strategy, logistics, leadership expectations, and ROI goals all at once.

But the truth is, there’s only so much they can control. Leadership decisions, last-minute changes, and competing metrics often leave them reacting instead of leading. And that constant pressure? It’s what pushes even the best to the edge of burnout.

In this episode, Princess Castleberry, CEO of Castleberry Global and creator of the Live, Lead, and Build Leverage™ Framework, joins Coty Adams to help event marketers reclaim their clarity and capacity. Princess breaks down how to identify your triggers, manage stress before it manages you, and lead with more confidence—even when you can’t control every variable.

Learn how to:

✅ Recognize the triggers draining your capacity and turn them into data that drives better decisions

✅ Build discipline and self-alignment when demands feel nonstop

✅ Protect your energy and clarity so you can lead teams (and yourself) through high-pressure cycles

Join us live to learn how to stop running on fumes and start leading with leverage.

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Connect with Princess Castleberry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/princesscastleberry/ 

Connect with us

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/ 

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 
   
🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

Every year at EXHIBITORLIVE, the conversations go deeper than booth design and swag trends. This year, the question that stopped people in their tracks was simple: “What’s the biggest challenge event marketers are facing right now?”

And the answers said a lot.

Event pros from every corner of the industry opened up about the real pressures behind the scenes. From proving ROI and fighting for executive buy-in, to balancing endless stakeholder opinions, to adapting to a new generation of attendees who expect authenticity, purpose, and sustainability in everything they experience.

Hosted by Coty Adams (VP of Sales & Marketing) and Mollie Stahl (Senior Account Executive) from Rockway Exhibits + Events, this compilation captures honest, unfiltered insights straight from the show floor.

You’ll hear how marketers are:

✅ Redefining ROI and KPIs to finally earn a seat at the table with leadership

✅ Navigating stakeholder overload while staying grounded in strategy that actually works

✅ Tackling sustainability and generational shifts with creative, practical solutions

Listen in for a pulse check on where event marketing really stands in 2025—and what today’s challenges say about where it’s headed next.

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Connect With Us

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/ 

Mollie Stahl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliestahl/  

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined   

Most exhibitors spend nearly half their budget just getting to the show floor—booth space, travel, shipping, services. By the time the event starts, there’s almost nothing left for strategy or measurement.

That’s how event marketing gets stuck in the “cost of doing business” trap. The result? Overbooked schedules, flat ROI, and event teams that feel more like order takers than growth drivers.

In this conversation, Matt Kleinrock and Pablo Gonzalez break down the numbers, the hidden inefficiencies, and the bigger picture. They share how to rethink events like a business unit, not a checkbox, so every dollar is tied to real value, pipeline, and progress.

You’ll learn how to:

✅ Rebalance your event spend to prioritize what actually drives results

✅ Make your case internally for fewer, better events that deliver measurable ROI

✅ Turn data and alignment into your biggest budget levers

Listen in for a no-BS breakdown of where event money really goes and what to do about it.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/  

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Events don’t work like they used to.

Back then, great speakers and flashy venues were enough. Today? Audiences expect connection, conversation, and clarity of purpose. But most event strategies still haven’t caught up.

That’s why in this episode, Matt Kleinrock and Pablo Gonzalez go rapid-fire through the “new laws of events”—from connection over content, to why five-week registration windows change everything, to how matchmaking, negotiation, and follow-up drive real ROI.

You’ll learn what’s really driving successful events right now:

✅ Why connection trumps content and how the best events mix both to create community

✅ How to adapt when people commit later and planning windows keep shrinking

✅ Why the real ROI happens after the show once data and follow-up kick in

Listen in for a no-fluff conversation that challenges everything you thought you knew about running events.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/  

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Event marketers talk about personalization a lot. We slap a name on a badge, segment an email list, and call it a day.

But attendees want more than that. They want to feel seen: from the first invite, to the way a session is designed, to the follow-up that lands after the show. That’s the kind of personalization that creates loyalty, accelerates deals, and turns an event into something people don’t forget.

That’s why on this episode, Jody Hall (Director, Global Event Management at Labcorp) and Michelle Khair (Event Coordinator at Argen Corporation) get real about what’s working.

Join them as they talk about:

✅ How intentional design keeps personalization clear and focused

✅ What it means to “architect moments that matter”

✅ Where AI supports personalization without replacing the human touch

Listen in for a conversation that cuts through the noise and shows what true personalization looks like in practice.

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Connect with Them
Jody Hall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyahall/
Michelle Khair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-khair-766066169/

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Most giveaways end up in the hotel trash. Most booths blur together.
Brian Burkhardt thinks it’s time to change that.

In this conversation, the Co-Founder of Oliver Patch Project shows how to turn event swag and booth design into something people actually remember. He and Matt Kleinrock dig into creating emotional reactions, weaving brand purpose into every touchpoint, and taking creative risks that make attendees stop, look, and talk.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to replace throwaway swag with purpose-driven giveaways that carry your story home

✅ How to design for feelings first, so every detail reinforces your message

✅ How to push past safe ideas and create experiences worth talking about

Hear how to make your next event unforgettable for all the right reasons.

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Connect with Brian Burkhardt
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-burkhardt/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You can have the biggest booth, flashiest tech, and sleekest design. But if your audience doesn’t feel something, you’ve missed the mark.

And right now, too many brands are still playing it safe, checking boxes, or overdesigning without purpose.

That’s why we’re zooming in on experiential creative direction: how it’s evolving, what matters more than ever, and why storytelling, empathy, and smart constraints lead to better outcomes.

In this conversation, we’re joined again by Stuart Fingerhut, an experiential creative director with 20+ years of experience across tech, automotive, gaming, and entertainment. He’s helped brands like AWS, Google, and Hyundai build experiences that not only impress, but connect.

Tune in to hear:

✅ How AI tools like Krea can enhance (not replace) the concepting phase of experiential design

✅ Stuart’s real-world process for pulling references, training visual styles, and unlocking faster creative development

✅ Why smart prompts are only powerful if they’re grounded in story, strategy, and emotion

This is the episode for marketers, designers, and strategists who care about meaning, not just metrics.

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[[View the deck here]]

Connect with Stuart Fingerhut
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartfingerhut/

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Events aren’t just about logistics anymore. They’re about results. And while event planners know how to deliver flawless execution, companies now need marketers who understand pipeline, customer journeys, and human connection.

But too many organizations still treat events as one-off experiences instead of demand engines. That gap costs opportunities, slows deals, and misses the chance to build loyalty.

So in this episode, Ghazwan Almoazen (Director, Global Experiential Marketing Demand & Communications at Docusign) shares how he blends digital marketing, demand gen, and experiential strategy to design events that accelerate deals, reduce churn, and keep attendees coming back.

Takeaways:

✅ Why every event pro needs to think like a marketer, not just a planner

✅ How attendee needs—learning, networking, and entertainment—shape engagement and retention

✅ Where data and content intersect to prove pipeline impact and secure buy-in

Tune in to learn how to make your events more than experiences. Make them growth engines.

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Connect with Ghazwan Almoazen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghazwanalmoazen/

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

The season’s almost wrapped. Budgets are in. And for many event marketers, that means it’s time to shift into prep mode for 2026. But where do you start? And how do you plan with intention, not just habit?

While every company is approaching things a little differently, seasoned event pros know this moment sets the tone for next year’s success. But too often, planning gets lost in spreadsheets, silos, or surface-level reflection.

So Coty Adams is stepping in to host—and we’re bringing back two strategic voices to share how they’re approaching 2026: what’s shifting, what’s working, and how to make your planning process more effective than ever.

→ Sarah Gannon (Director, Corporate Events at MathWorks), a 25-year industry leader and recognized voice in corporate experiential marketing and strategic event planning

→ Garrett Burnett (Head of Global Events at Silicon Labs), a seasoned global event leader with a strong track record across user conferences, trade shows, and international activations

In this episode, you’ll learn:

 ✅ How experienced marketers audit the past season and spot what to improve

 ✅ Where to begin when mapping out a 2026 strategy rooted in results

 ✅ Small tactical shifts that lead to stronger alignment and fewer planning missteps

If you’re ready to prep with purpose (not guesswork) this is your starting line.

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Connect with them:
Sarah Gannon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahehamilton/ 
Garrett Burnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-burnett/

Connect With Us

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Sloppy seams. Sagging walls. Zero strategy. If your booth looks like you don’t care, that’s exactly what your audience will believe.

Too many companies treat trade shows like a checkbox, not a channel. They work with order takers, cut corners to save costs, and focus on the wrong things… then wonder why the event didn’t deliver.

But on the floor, it shows. Dull design. Generic messaging. An experience no one remembers. And the worst part? You’re spending real money on that.

In this episode, Pablo Gonzalez joins Matt to talk through what a high-impact booth actually looks like, and how to flip the conversation from “just get it done” to “make it count.”

Learn:

✅ How to spot order takers vs. partners who elevate your strategy

✅ What truly great booths have in common (hint: it’s not the size)

✅ Why booth ROI starts way before install—with the right people in the room

If you’re serious about turning your trade show into a real growth driver, start here.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/  

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

The post-event handoff to sales is where so many event programs lose steam.

Leads get cold. ROI disappears. And all that effort on the show floor doesn’t translate to results.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this fourth installment of our “Back to the Basics” summer live series, Matt Kleinrock and Coty Adams (Director of Sales + Marketing at Rockway Exhibits + Events) break down the musts for a successful sales handoff so your hard work doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

 ✅ Exactly which parts of the handoff event marketers can (and can’t) control

 ✅ How to advocate for your team and get sales to follow through

 ✅ Simple ways to set expectations and create accountability

If you’re tired of watching your post-event leads disappear, this is your blueprint for turning event energy into measurable impact.

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Connect With Us

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Whether you’re collaborating with external partners, internal teams, or cross-functional stakeholders—shared events come with shared pressure. And if you’re not careful, your strategy can get lost in the noise.

Suddenly, you’re managing 20 different opinions, 5 conflicting goals, and a booth space that feels more like a compromise than a campaign. The event might still “run,” but it rarely delivers what it could have with true alignment.

For the third episode of our “Back to the Basics” summer live show series, we’re digging into one of the trickiest fundamentals: how to stay focused, aligned, and intentional when you’re not doing it alone.

Sonia Murphy (Senior Director, Marketing Events & Partnerships at SOCi) and Kassidy Gala Carpenter (Director, Global Events at World Fuel Services) return to the show to share what actually works when collaboration is non-negotiable.

What you’ll take away:

 ✅ What it looks like to lead when the event isn’t 100% yours
 ✅ How to balance shared input with strategic clarity
 ✅ Post-event follow-through: who owns what, and how to stay accountable

Planning a shared activation or juggling competing inputs? This is your roadmap to leading shared events with confidence.

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Connect with them
Sonia Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniamurphy/ 
Kassidy Gala Carpenter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kgalacarpenter/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/      

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Too many event programs are spread thin, under-resourced, and missing the mark. Budgets get diluted, sales handoffs break down, and strategy never makes it past the slide deck.

When that happens, even the best-looking booth or smoothest show can’t deliver meaningful results…. and event teams get stuck in a cycle of “just execute.”

At CEMA Summit 2025, Matt Kleinrock, Coty Adams, and Mollie Stahl saw firsthand how top event marketers are breaking that cycle and leveling up from order-takers to strategic growth drivers. 

Discover:

✅ Why “less is more” is redefining event portfolios
✅ How soft skills and business acumen separate high performers from the rest
✅ The real roadblocks to strategy adoption and how to overcome them

Listen now to learn how to elevate your event program before another season slips by.

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Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Job loss, career pivots, and the quiet in-between—they’re not talked about enough in our industry.

But nearly every event marketer has faced them.

That’s why for this second episode in our 2025 summer live show series, we’re going there—with honesty, empathy, and some real talk from two pros who’ve lived it.

Join Matt Kleinrock as he brings back two familiar voices: Matt Bohn, Field Marketing Manager at Tines, and Kimberly Kee, Director of Event Marketing, for their first-ever live conversation together. They’ll share what it’s really like to navigate career change in events and how to stay grounded, strategic, and true to yourself along the way.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

 ✅ What helped them move forward after layoffs or long searches

 ✅ How to rebuild confidence and communicate your value—without buzzwords

 ✅ The small mindset shifts that made a big difference

If you're in the middle of a transition (or supporting someone who is), this episode is packed with practical encouragement and sharp perspective you won’t want to miss.

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Connect with them
Kimberly Kee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyakee/ 
Matt Bohn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjbohn24/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/     

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You want your event to connect. To be remembered. To make people feel something. And most importantly, you want it to work.

But too many event marketers skip the hard part: crafting a story that actually moves people.

This episode peels back the curtain on what it really means to build a strategic event narrative—one rooted in customer insight, emotional resonance, and purpose. Matt Kleinrock and Pablo Gonzalez break down:

✅ How story-driven pitches outperformed every other idea at Event Marketing Congress 2025

✅ What it means to design for both emotional and strategic outcomes

✅ Why understanding what your audience cares about is the real unlock and how to build everything from that

If your event strategy feels stuck or stale, this is the clarity you didn’t know you needed.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Trade shows are back in full swing and at InfoComm 2025, the energy was real.

The booths were bigger, the tech was smarter, and the stakes felt higher for event marketers trying to drive business and make their brand stand out.

But the truth is, success doesn’t come from flashy screens or clever activations alone.

It comes from alignment, authenticity, and a whole lot of behind-the-scenes strategy that most people never see. From prepping sales teams to planning customer dinners, managing internal politics to executing last-minute surprises—it’s all part of the job.

That’s why in this special episode, we’re handing the mic to the real event marketers behind the booths. Rockway Exhibits + Events’ Coty Adams, Mollie Stahl, and Karen Adair caught up with leaders from brands like Williams AV and Barco to talk shop:

✅ What’s changing in how they plan and measure success

✅ How they're tackling event challenges with small but mighty teams

✅ What they wish more people understood about the role of events today

It’s a candid, insightful look into the evolving reality of trade shows, and a must-listen for anyone in the events world.
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Connect with them
Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/
Mollie Stahl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliestahl/
Karen Adair: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-adair-18b747a/

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Events are evolving—and fast. But many marketers are still stuck in rinse-and-repeat mode, defaulting to outdated formats, shallow experiences, and one-size-fits-all ideas.

And that’s exactly why Bibi Brown, Senior Vice President Business Development at GES, kicked off our 2025 Summer Live Show Series with a much-needed reality check (and roadmap forward).

Because if we want our events to connect, convert, and inspire today’s audiences—we’ve got to break up with the old playbook and design with more purpose.

In this episode:

✅ What to retire from your event strategy ASAP—and what to try instead.

✅ Real-world examples of how brands are rethinking networking, swag, and content with modern audiences in mind.

✅ How to sell leadership on newer strategies that still align with business impact.

Tune in to get inspired, take notes, and start rethinking your own approach—because “Back to the Basics” doesn’t mean boring. It means getting intentional again.

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Connect with Bibi Brown
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibibrown/

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/    

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Event marketers want to stand out. They want to tell a story. They want ideas, themes, and creative experiences that resonate.

But too often, the “big idea” gets lost in the scramble—buried under stakeholder pressure, budget constraints, and rinse-and-repeat tactics.

That’s why in this episode, Matt Kleinrock teams up with Pablo Gonzalez to break down a simple, step-by-step framework to help event marketers come up with their next great idea. Whether you’re planning a trade show, SKO, customer summit, or internal event—this approach helps you build creative concepts that actually stick.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to use brand truth + audience insights to shape your event theme

✅ Real examples of standout concepts—and why they worked

✅ What not to do when brainstorming (like copying cool things without context)

Stuck on where to start with something new this year? Hit play on this one.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Your events shouldn’t feel like they’re held together by duct tape.

But when processes are unclear or inherited from chaos, it’s hard to know where to start—especially if you’re stepping into a new event marketing role or revamping an existing one.

That’s where Matt Bohn comes in. Now Field Marketing Manager at Tines, he’s spent the past 20 years building scalable, structured event programs for brands like Walgreens and fast-growing tech companies.

In this episode, he joins Matt Kleinrock to talk about the real (and often messy) work of creating better systems:

✅ The first steps to take when inheriting (or overhauling) an event marketing program

✅ How to streamline cross-functional collaboration with legal, sales, and ops

✅ The small things that make a big difference—like naming conventions, templates, and intake forms

Tune in if you’ve ever thought, “There’s gotta be a better way to do this.”

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Connect with Matt Bohn
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewjbohn24/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/    

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You’re running events, but leadership still sees them as a cost center.

You know events can drive real business results. But you’re stuck in the weeds: planning details, chasing RSVPs, and reporting on foot traffic.

In this conversation, Kimberlee Kee, a Director of Event Marketing, talks about the real shift happening in the industry: event pros must become strategic marketers. 

She and Matt get into the nitty-gritty of how event marketers can plug into sales, contribute to pipeline, and speak the language of growth.

Key takeaways you won’t want to miss:

✅How to shift your role from event planner to integrated marketer

✅Tactical ways to track deal velocity, pipeline impact, and customer expansion

✅How to make your voice heard—especially when no one’s asked for it (yet)

 Real talk, clear advice, and a better way forward. This episode will change how you show up at work.

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Connect with Kimberly Kee
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyakee/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You want your brand to be memorable, but most event experiences blur together. And while many marketers rely on flashy gimmicks, true impact comes from intentional storytelling.

In this episode, Matt is joined by Theron Skees—Walt Disney Imagineering alum and founder of The Designer’s Creative Studio—to unpack how Narrative Experience Design can transform your events into immersive, emotionally resonant brand stories. You’ll learn how to build trust, deepen audience connection, and use experience as a strategic business tool—not just a visual one.

Here are a few takeaways from the conversation:

✅ Why story-first thinking builds emotional equity and brand recall

✅ The difference between decoration and transformation

✅ What Theron learned from leading $1B+ projects at Disney—and how you can apply the same principles

Tune in to learn how to create brand experiences people don’t just visit—they remember.

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Connect with Theron Skees
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theronskees/  

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b     
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Trade shows still dominate the event calendar and budgets, but are they delivering the same value they once did? Small-scale experiences are rising in popularity but many teams miss the mark when trying to replicate them.

In this honest and tactical episode, Matt Kleinrock sits down with Aleksandra Panyukhina, Experience Marketing Director at Pixelz, to unpack what’s actually working right now—and what’s getting in the way. From her experience designing intimate, high-impact events to the realities of expensive trade shows with unclear ROI, Aleksandra breaks down the choices every event team is facing in 2025.

✅ What defines a “good” trade show—and why so many fall short

✅ The overlooked power of small events (and why size isn’t the strategy)

✅ A framework for evaluating where to invest time, money, and creative energy

Join us live to learn how to future-proof your event strategy and make smarter bets with every show.

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Connect with Aleksandra Panyukhina
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apanyukhina/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/   
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You planned for your ICP. You shipped the booth. But the results? Flat.

Because what no one tells you is that even the best events fall short when you don’t account for who’s actually at the show and what they’re there for.

In this episode, Matt and Pablo break down the disconnect between static ICPs and dynamic show audiences—and how to bridge the gap with real strategy. Expect to learn:

✅ Why “ideal customer profile” thinking can actually hurt your booth strategy

✅ How to use audience behavior (not just titles) to drive engagement, messaging, and budget allocation

✅ A 3-step framework to build better big ideas and tie them directly to business outcomes

Before you plan your next show, listen to this episode and learn how to design for results, not just attendance.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/ 

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/   
Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Event costs are climbing. Expectations are higher. And marketers are being asked to do more—with less.

In this episode, Rockway Exhibits + Events' CEO Matt Kleinrock and Director of Marketing Coty Adams break down what’s really going on in the events industry right now—using fresh data and trends Matt’s been tracking across the field.

They’ll talk about:

✅ What today’s rising costs mean for your 2025 planning

✅ The metrics that actually matter (and how to align around them)

✅ Smart ways to reframe your strategy—even if your budget’s been slashed

If you're tired of recycled playbooks and ready for a clearer, more creative path forward, this one's for you.

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Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

EXHIBITORLIVE 2025 brought together some of the smartest minds in event marketing—and we captured their thoughts straight from the show floor.

Matt wasn’t there, but Coty Adams (Director of Marketing) and Mollie Stahl (Senior Account Executive) at Rockway Exhibits + Events were. And in this special compilation, you’ll hear direct insights from event pros on what’s shaping the industry now: AI, sustainability, CTSM education, workforce development, event design trends, and why this community still matters more than ever.

✅ Real perspectives from first-timers and 25-year veterans

✅ What’s changing in booth design, material usage, and sustainability

✅ Why education, community, and creativity are fueling the future of events

Hit play and catch the pulse of what’s next in face-to-face events—live from San Antonio.
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Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/

Mollie Stahl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molliestahl/ 

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

Everyone wants a booth that turns heads, but pulling it off takes more than just flashy lights and bold graphics.

Matt teams up with Stuart Fingerhut, Creative Director – Events & Experiences at Production Club, an award-winning creative with two decades of experience designing immersive brand experiences for companies like Google, AWS, and Hyundai.

They’ll break down what it really takes to design a booth that connects and converts:

✅ Common design mistakes that dilute your brand presence

✅ How to use AI as a creative partner—not just a shortcut

✅ How to translate complex services into tangible, memorable experiences

Listen now to learn how to design with purpose and create experiences your audience won’t forget.

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Connect with Stuart
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartfingerhut/ 

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/   

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Event marketers rarely get to hear directly from the person whose opinion matters most when it comes to budget, strategy, and impact: the CMO.

But without that insight, it's hard to know where your event program really stands—or how to level it up.

Matt Kleinrock sits down with John Seeds, CMO at TTEC Digital, for a rare and candid look at how a top executive actually views events inside a go-to-market strategy. They unpack what CMOs care about, how event teams can align with business goals, and what a “wildly successful” event looks like from the top down.

Expect to hear:

✅ Where events actually fit in modern GTM planning

✅ What moves the needle—and what CMOs wish event marketers would stop doing

✅ How to reverse engineer event success based on executive expectations

If you want a seat at the table, start by understanding how the C-suite sees the game—join us live!

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Connect with John
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnseeds/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You’re great at planning events, but you want to make a bigger impact. Maybe even move up. And that means proving you’re more than logistics.

In this episode, Sarah Gannon, Director of Corporate Events at MathWorks, shares the mindset and strategies that helped her grow from tactical planner to trusted business partner. With 25+ years in tech events and multiple industry accolades, Sarah breaks down what it takes to earn buy-in, align with sales, and show the true business value of events.

You’ll hear:

✅ Why aligning with sales is the shortcut to C-suite buy-in.

✅ How to think about pipeline—not just leads—when planning events.

✅ The tools and tactics Sarah uses to fill her calendar before the show starts and how she measures success after.

If you’re ready to lead with impact—not just logistics—this is the episode for you.

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Connect with Sarah
On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahehamilton/ 

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/   

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Event marketing is expected to deliver real business outcomes—and you want to lead with strategy, not just execution.

But translating high-level goals into a measurable, aligned plan? That’s where most teams get stuck.

In this live strategy session, Matt Kleinrock and Pablo Gonzalez bring the Event Success Framework to life—showing how to bridge the gap between ambition and action, one stage at a time.

You’ll walk away with:

✅ A step-by-step breakdown of how to align stakeholders, goals, and KPIs

✅ How to reverse-engineer your entire event using budget, resources, and pipeline goals

✅ The real conversations and strategic decisions behind event success

Listen in and watch strategy in motion, so you can plan with clarity, lead with purpose, and drive better results in 2025.

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Connect with Pablo
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Part 1 had people talking—and asking for more.

You leave a trade show with a stack of business cards, a lead list, and big opportunities. But if your follow-up strategy isn’t airtight, those opportunities vanish.

Most post-show outreach is slow, generic, and ineffective. Leads get cold. Follow-ups sound the same. And before you know it, you’re starting from scratch at the next event.

In this highly requested Part 2, Matt Kleinrock and Doug Foley, President of Giant Goat, reveal the exact AI-powered prompts you need to make post-show follow-up smarter, faster, and more effective.

✅ AI-powered lead segmentation to focus on the best opportunities.

✅ Automated LinkedIn and email outreach that actually gets responses.

✅ How AI can analyze trade show ROI and optimize future events.

You asked, we delivered. Now, let’s make post-show follow-up effortless. Listen now.

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Part 1 (AI & Events: The Playbook for Pre-Show Tactics & Better Engagement): https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035112/episodes/16692463
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9oAtKetqQs

Connect with Doug 
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasjfoley/ 

Connect with Me 
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Sometimes you get 6 months to plan an event.
Sometimes your VP drops a booth on your desk and says, “We need to be there in 30 days.”

In this conversation, Matt and Pablo walk through how to make smart, fast decisions that still move the needle. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things, fast.

Expect to learn:

✅ How to avoid overspending (or underdelivering) when timelines are tight

✅ How to set realistic expectations (and when to skip the booth entirely)

✅ What to prioritize: graphics, messaging, engagement (and how to keep it simple)

✅ Guerrilla strategies, pre-show offers, and how to make noise with limited time and spend

Listen now—because even with 30 days, you can still show up strong.

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Connect with Pablo Gonzalez
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/

Connect with Matt Kleinrock
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

Event marketers create incredible experiences, but too often, their role feels undervalued and stagnant. Promotions are unclear, budgets get cut first, and without a clear path to leadership, event marketing can feel like a dead end. If you’re not seen as a strategic player—driving revenue, influencing pipeline, and aligning with marketing and sales—you risk being sidelined.

In this episode, Matt Kleinrock sits down with Pablo Gonzalez to tackle the real career potential for event marketers, breaking down how to go beyond logistics and execution to become a strategic force within an organization.

✅ How to earn a seat at the table and prove event marketing’s business impact.

✅ Career growth paths: where event marketers can go next.

✅ Why great execution gets noticed and how to turn it into bigger opportunities.

If you’ve ever wondered about your next step in event marketing, this is the conversation you need to hear.

----------------------------------

Connect with Pablo
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablotheconnector/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

Most booths blend in, not stand out. Companies spend months preparing for trade shows but still end up with booths that fail to engage, generate leads, or create memorable experiences.

You don’t need a bigger budget—you need a better strategy. The difference between a forgettable booth and one that attracts the right people, holds attention, and drives ROI? Smart design choices. And the best way to learn them? Seeing what works in action.

In this episode, Matt Kleinrock and Coty Adams will walk you through real trade show booth designs that have captured attention and delivered results. They’ll break down:

✅ Winning booth themes that drive engagement, conversations, and brand impact.

✅ Real-world examples of brands using immersive storytelling, interactive demos, and smart layouts.

✅ How to design a booth that ties directly to your event goals—so ROI isn’t an afterthought.

Take the guesswork out of booth design. Tune in and get inspired by real examples that work.

Check out this link to view the deck: https://rockwayexhibits.com/wp-content/uploads/Rockway-Exhibits-Designs-that-Win.pdf
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Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Companies rely on events to drive pipeline and brand visibility, but too many hire event managers without a clear strategy.

Without the right hire (or the right structure), events become a logistical nightmare instead of a pipeline-generating, relationship-building machine. And when budgets get tight, event teams are the first to get cut.

In this episode, Matt Kleinrock and Pablo Gonzalez unpack everything you need to know about hiring and structuring an event role that actually moves the needle.

✅ Event manager vs. event marketer—which one do you really need?

✅ How to hire the right event pro (and set them up for long-term success).

✅ The biggest mistakes companies make when building an event function.

Hiring an event manager, or stepping into the role yourself? Get the insights you need to succeed. Listen now.

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Connect with Pablo
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-gonzalez-4333b42/ 

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

Most event marketing strategies stop at logistics. Booth design? Check. Speaker lineup? Done. But what about actually driving engagement before, during, and after the event? Without a structured approach, you’re leaving valuable connections—and revenue—on the table.

Sales and marketing teams scramble to fill schedules last-minute. Booths are filled with unqualified traffic. Leads go cold because follow-up is inconsistent. AI can be your secret weapon, but only if you know how to use it.

Enter Doug Foley, President of Giant Goat, who joins Matt Kleinrock to break down how AI is transforming event engagement—from pre-show outreach to post-event follow-ups.

You’ll learn:

✅ The AI-driven pre-show tactics that secure more meetings before the event even starts.

✅ How real-time AI transforms lead qualification and booth interactions.

✅ Why the Fibonacci email sequence is the secret to structured, 
high-conversion follow-ups.

This isn’t a future prediction—it’s happening now. Tune in to learn how AI can make your event marketing smarter, faster, and more effective.

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Connect with Doug
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasjfoley/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

For too long, events have been seen as logistical line items rather than strategic revenue drivers. And when budgets tighten, they’re the first to get cut.

The reality? Events amplify sales, marketing, and customer success but only if they’re aligned with company goals and measured effectively. Without clear data, leadership won’t see their value, and event marketers will struggle to prove impact.

In this episode, Matt Kleinrock and Pablo Gonzalez tackle what event marketers need to know to make events a powerhouse in go-to-market strategies.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to align stakeholders and define event goals that drive real business impact.

✅ Why customer success and product teams are crucial to event success (and how to get them involved).

✅ The data-driven strategies that prove event ROI—so your budget never ends up on the chopping block.

Stop seeing events as a cost center—start using them as a GTM catalyst. Listen now.

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Connect with Pablo
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-gonzalez-4333b42/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Your trade show booth might be attracting visitors, but is it converting them into real business?

Most companies rely on giveaways, flashy displays, and generic engagement tactics—but those aren’t enough. Your booth needs to do more than just look good—it must pull people in, create meaningful interactions, and drive real business results.

In Part 2 of our Booth Design That Drives Results series, we’re going beyond the basics with innovative booth engagement strategies and tackling a major event challenge: converting engagement into leads that actually close.

Join powerhouse hosts Matt Kleinrock and Coty Adams as they break down the must-know tactics to turn your booth into a business driver. 

Learn:

✅ How to design engagement strategies that reinforce your brand story.
✅ The smartest booth experiences we’ve seen—and what made them work.
✅ How to convert booth interactions into pipeline (and avoid weak follow-ups).

If you’re ready to elevate your booth experience and maximize results, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

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Check out the deck: Rockway Exhibits That Tell a Story.pdf

Connect With Us: 

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/ 

Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Event marketing success goes far beyond what happens at your booth. It’s about using data to drive smarter decisions, align stakeholders, and maximize ROI—but how do you get there, especially with limited resources or time?

In this episode, Matt Kleinrock leads a discussion with industry experts Jon Wolff (Sr. Global Events Manager at Lenovo) and Joe Federbush (President at EVOLIO Marketing) to explore how data-driven strategies can transform event marketing. 

Here’s what you’ll take away:

✅ The must-have framework for creating KPIs and measuring success.

✅ How to overcome common barriers like time constraints and resistance to change.

✅ Strategies for leveraging data to make decisions that deliver ROI.

From stakeholder insights and portfolio analysis to real-life examples like Lenovo’s innovative approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can apply—no matter the size of your company or budget.

Ready to take your event marketing beyond the booth? Listen to learn how data can power your biggest decisions in 2025.

--------------

Connect With Them

Jon Wolff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwolff/
Joe Federbush: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joefederbush/ 

Connect with Me:

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Planning successful events in 2025 isn’t getting any easier. With tighter budgets, rising costs, and supplier negotiations that can feel like a minefield, even seasoned event pros face major hurdles. So, how do you deliver impactful events without breaking the bank?

In another special compilation episode, we’re bringing together the best advice from past guests who’ve tackled these challenges head-on.

✅ Hollie Ashby (Manager, Senior Global Events at Akamai Technologies): Learn how to optimize budgets with data-driven decisions that deliver measurable results.

✅ Brittany Lindquist (Director, Marketing Strategy at 8x8): Hear the pitch strategy that secured $600K in event funding—and how you can replicate it.

✅ Heather Schneider (Global Director, Events & Experiences at Celonis): Get supplier negotiation tactics to save money and streamline your event planning.

Want to turn tight budgets and rising costs into opportunities? This episode is your playbook. Press play and take the first step toward smarter, more impactful events in 2025. 

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Connect with Hollie:
On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollieashby/

Connect with Heather:
On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatheraschneider/

Connect with Brittany:
On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-elizabeth-lindquist/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Crafting a brand story that connects and converts at events can feel overwhelming. From defining your core message to ensuring every team member communicates it consistently, where do you even begin?

Without a clear story and unified strategy, your brand risks getting lost in the noise of the event floor—or worse, missing valuable opportunities to build trust and stand out.

In this episode, Matt sits down with Laura McKinney, founder and CEO of StrataBrand, to uncover the fundamentals of effective brand storytelling for events. Together, they’ll dive into how to craft a message that resonates, engages, and drives meaningful results.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why cohesive storytelling is critical to event success

✅ The role of sensory experiences in creating memorable connections

✅ Proven strategies to align your team and maximize event impact

Don’t let your brand blend into the crowd—tune in to learn how to share your story with clarity and impact!

---------------------

Connect with Laura:

On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckinney2020/


Connect with Me:

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/


🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Planning a standout tradeshow booth can feel overwhelming. Between aligning stakeholders, designing a booth that’s functional and eye-catching, and managing marketing before, during, and after the event, where do you even begin?

Without a clear, tactical plan, your booth risks blending into the crowd—or worse, falling short of your goals. And let’s face it, tradeshow investments are too big to leave to chance.

Start 2025 strong with the first “Event Marketing: Redefined” live show of the year, where Matt Kleinrock is joined by Coty Adams, Rockway Exhibits + Events’ Director of Marketing. They’ll share the step-by-step blueprint for tradeshow booth success—guiding you through what it takes to plan, build, and execute a winning booth.

You'll learn: 

✅ How to align your booth goals with stakeholder expectations and measurable outcomes.

✅ Key design tips to ensure your booth stands out while staying functional.

✅ Post-show strategies for maximizing leads and driving ROI.

Don’t miss out—tune in and get the blueprint you need to succeed in 2025!

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Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/  
Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/   
Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/  

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

2025 is here, and you’ve got big goals. January is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and start fresh—and what better way to kick off the year than with advice from those who’ve walked in your shoes?

This special episode is a compilation of some of the most thoughtful answers we’ve received to the question: “What advice would you give your younger self or a young event marketer?”

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll hear:

• Carrie Davenport: Why asking questions is your ultimate career hack.
• Garrett Burnett: How to elevate conversations and showcase impactful solutions.
• Christine Sionne: The secret to making yourself indispensable.
• François Fournier: How to find your passion and build a lifelong network.
• Lindsey Cohen and Katie Baker: Building connections that fuel your growth.
• Tavar James: Balancing accountability with self-compassion.
• Nancy Touhill: Why you shouldn’t take it all personally (and when to step back).
• Sonia Murphy: How to build tough skin in a high stakes industry.
• Sam Zelitch: Don’t panic—how to stay calm when things go wrong.
• Jon Wolff: Why embracing failure is key to moving forward.

This episode is your reminder that growth doesn’t happen all at once—it’s built one thoughtful move at a time.

Tune in, take notes, and let these lessons guide you to your best year yet.

Connect With Them

Carrie Davenport: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriedavenport83/ 
Garrett Burnett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-burnett/ 
Christine Sionne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-sionne-5660718a/ 
François Fournier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francois-fournier-ctsm-cem-15981120/ 
Lindsey Cohen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseyjross/ 
Katie Baker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-baker-54960214/ 
Tavar James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tavarjames/ 
Nancy Touhill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-touhill-2a419831/ 
Sonia Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniamurphy/ 
Sam Zelitch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/szelitch/ 
Jon Wolff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jondwolff/ 

Connect With Me

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined   

The RFP process—love it or hate it, it’s a staple in the events industry. But what if it’s fundamentally broken? Matt Kleinrock, CEO of Rockway Exhibits + Events, and Pablo Gonzalez dive deep into the challenges of traditional Request for Proposals (RFPs) and why it’s time to shift toward a Request for Results (RFR) mindset.

In this episode, Matt and Pablo share why Rockway turned down two RFPs worth over $1.5 million in potential revenue and break down the flaws in the traditional procurement-led process. They explored how event marketers can rethink RFPs to focus on partnership, creativity, and results.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ The critical difference between procurement-led RFPs and value-driven partnerships.

✅ Why shifting from a “budget mindset” to an “investment mindset” changes everything.

✅ How to align your RFP process with the results you actually want to achieve.

Whether you’re stuck in an outdated RFP cycle or looking for ways to elevate your procurement strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you foster better partnerships and achieve real results.

🚨 Don’t miss this episode. Hit play and start redefining your RFP process today!

Connect with Pablo:
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-gonzalez-4333b42/ 

Connect with Me:
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

The stakes for event marketers have never been higher: rising costs, tighter budgets, sustainability pressures, and the constant demand to prove ROI. So how do you measure success, stand out, and drive real impact?

To kick off 2025, we’ve pulled together the top insights from 2024’s most powerful episodes featuring:

✅ Gerilynn Marburger, Global Events Director at Hewlett Packard Enterprise
✅ Kodi Morton, Marketing & Events Specialist at Bruker Scientific
✅ Mark Brewster, CEO and Founder of Explori

These industry heavyweights tackled the biggest challenges facing event professionals—and delivered practical, actionable strategies you can’t afford to miss.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

🔑 How to Evolve Your Role: Gerilynn shares how to shift from reactive planning to becoming a strategic event marketer who thrives under pressure.
🎯 Maximizing Small Budgets: Kodi breaks down her three-step framework (Goals, Budget, Message) to make even small booths and sponsorships unforgettable.
📊 Proving ROI: Mark explains why event measurement is no longer optional and how to build a data-driven case for your events—before rising costs and carbon mandates force the issue.

The takeaway?
The event game has changed. If you want to create impact, stand out, and prove your value in 2025, this episode gives you the tools to make it happen.

Connect with Gerilynn
On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerilynnmarburger/

Connect with Kodi:
On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kodi-morton-97820613a/

Connect with Mark
On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-brewster-09931221/

Connect with Me
On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/   
On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/   

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

The world of event marketing saw some big wins and even bigger lessons in 2024, and as we head into 2025, the stakes (and opportunities) are higher than ever. But without reflecting on what worked and didn’t, it’s easy to fall into old habits that hold us back.

Outdated playbooks and scattered strategies won’t cut it. That’s why, in this special year-end live show, Matt Kleinrock joins Coty Adams, Rockway Exhibits + Events’ Director of Marketing, to explore what’s next for event marketers.

They’re ready to tackle the biggest lessons from 2024, sharing key insights to help you build smarter, more strategic event plans for the new year.

Sleigh your next event with these takeaways:

🎁 What 2024 taught us about pipeline-driven metrics, show strategy, and audience engagement

🎁 Fresh strategies for making a big impact in 2025.

🎁 Why the new event playbook is all about relationships and experiences.

Pour yourself a drink (holiday flair optional) and join us as we unpack the best of 2024 and get ready to crush it in 2025. Don’t miss this one—it’s your strategy session wrapped in a bow.

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Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/ 
Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/   
Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined  

In Episode 117, Matt Kleinrock and Coty Adams discussed how AI is shaking up event execution and exposed a deeper issue: misalignment in event programs.

Now, in this follow-up, Matt is back with Pablo Gonzalez to dig deeper into the question at the heart of it all:

Who actually owns the strategy for your events?

Here’s the reality: companies invest millions in trade shows, hosted events, and conferences, expecting sales and marketing results. But too often, event managers are handed the responsibility to execute without the resources, time, or authority to drive strategy.

In this episode, Matt and Pablo cover:

✅ Why strategy gets lost when event pros are stuck in execution mode.

✅ The gap between executive expectations and the infrastructure needed to deliver results.

✅ A call to CEOs, CMOs, and VPs: If events are a sales and marketing channel, who owns the strategy?

✅ How event managers can push upward—asking the right questions to align goals and execution.

✅ Why empowering a “strategic owner” for events can transform your event program into a true revenue driver.

This episode builds on the insights from Matt and Coty’s conversation in Episode 117, offering a practical roadmap to close the misalignment gap and ensure events deliver on their full potential.

Listen to Episode 117: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2035112/episodes/16183106

Connect with Pablo:

On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-gonzalez-4333b42/

Connect with Me:

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Swag—love it or hate it, it’s everywhere in event marketing. But let’s face it: too much of it ends up as waste. What if we flipped the script on traditional giveaways and turned them into something truly meaningful?

In this episode, Matt Kleinrock, CEO of Rockway Exhibits + Events, and Pablo Gonzalez tackle the swag conundrum. From ditching cheap, mass-distributed tchotchkes to creating intentional, story-driven, and sustainable swag strategies, they share insights that will transform how you think about giveaways.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why understanding your audience is the foundation of swag success.

✅ How to blend creativity, sustainability, and storytelling to create giveaways people actually value.

✅ Real-world examples: From personalized charity donations to digital trees that grow with attendee participation.

This episode is packed with actionable tips to level up your trade show booth engagement and maximize word-of-mouth impact. Whether you’re giving away hats, planting trees, or commissioning custom artwork, it’s all about aligning your swag with your brand story—and your audience’s values.

Connect with Pablo:

On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-gonzalez-4333b42/

Connect with Me:

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/

On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

You’ve spent years perfecting your craft and leading the charge, but what happens when it’s time to step back and help others rise?

The pressure to keep control while ensuring everything runs smoothly can leave you feeling torn. How do you prepare someone to take the reins without compromising the success you’ve worked so hard to achieve?

Christine Sionne, Senior Marketing Manager, Trade Show at Hunter Industries, joins Matt Kleinrock to talk about embracing transition with purpose. From mentorship to career-defining lessons, Christine shares her hard-won advice on leadership, balance, and the art of stepping into the next chapter with grace.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Candid advice on making yourself indispensable—and then learning to let go.
✅ What training a protégé taught her about leadership and legacy.
✅ Why taking risks (and letting others fail) can lead to breakthroughs in growth.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation on turning the page without losing the story.

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Connect with Christine

On her LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-sionne-5660718a/

Connect with Me

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/ 

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined

Events can be powerful tools for engagement, but too often, misaligned goals and a lack of support hold back event teams from delivering their best. On top of that, AI is opening up new possibilities—if you know how to use it.

From leadership’s high expectations to real-world resource challenges, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a tug-of-war between what’s possible and what’s expected. And with AI evolving so fast, there’s a lot to figure out.

In this episode of Event Marketing: Redefined, Matt Kleinrock teams up with Rockway Exhibits + Events’ own Director of Marketing, Coty Adams, to break down the latest AI tools changing the events industry and share strategies for bridging those pesky alignment gaps.

Learn:

✅ How AI tools can make your life easier (and which ones to watch).
✅ What to do when leadership wants big results without giving big resources.
✅ Simple steps to bridge gaps and make your event team unstoppable.

Ready to align your team and leverage AI for real results? Tune in today!

Connect With Us:

Matt Kleinrock: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
Coty Adams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cotykadams/ 
Our Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined 

Life’s too short to work for leaders who don’t understand event marketing. In this episode, Matt Kleinrock, CEO of Rockway Exhibits + Events, is joined by Pablo Gonzalez to unpack the frustrating reality that many companies fail to align their event marketing with strategic goals.

Matt and Pablo break down the red flags that signal your company doesn’t “get” events and share what event marketers can do to shift the narrative—or recognize when it’s time to move on.

Here’s what they cover:

✅ How companies’ expectations clash with their actual approach to events.
✅ The three levels of misalignment: leadership goals, empty metrics, and overworked event teams.
✅ Why event marketers need clarity and alignment to grow their careers.

Bonus: Learn about a proven framework to help you align your event strategy with real results. Reach out to Matt or Pablo to get your hands on it!

If you’ve ever felt stuck in execution mode or wondered if your company is the right fit, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you take control of your event marketing career.

Connect with Pablo:

On his LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablo-gonzalez-4333b42/ 

Connect with Me:

On my LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kleinrock-9613b22b/
On my Company: https://rockwayexhibits.com/

🚨 Register for the show here: https://tinyurl.com/EventMarketingRedefined