Will and Brandt celebrate their 250th episode by diving into their AI platform journeys, with Will sharing his switch from ChatGPT to Claude and his experiments with agentic AI systems. The conversation explores Claude Code features, OpenClaw setups, and the future of AI assistants running automated workflows. They also discuss the challenges of building complex automation systems and share their latest tech recommendations.

Discussions Include:

• Will's migration from ChatGPT to Claude and the reasons behind the switch
• Building agentic AI workflows with OpenClaw and automation systems
• The evolution of AI coding assistants and Claude Code capabilities
• Audio and video routing in home studios using NDI and Dante protocols
• Roborock vacuum recommendations and smart home automation

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"Hardware is always gonna do a better job than software. That's why everything in my studio is hardware routed." - Brandt Krueger

"I had my own personal Claude $20 a month plan and was loving that. I quit it because I was like, oh we've got this enterprise ChatGPT. And like a week later, I reupped my Claude plan. I was like no, not for my daily driver." - Brandt Krueger

"My journey into Claude was primarily driven by the desire to find a better technology to try to improve my OpenClaw setup." - Will Curran

"Claude doesn't have any native image generation but honestly, the interface is fantastic. I get better answers." - Will Curran

And here's the referenced Claude "Hedcut" image showing it can't do image gen:

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Episode Summary:

Will walks Brandt through the ins and outs of Meshtastic, an off-the-grid mesh networking technology that allows users to send messages and share locations without relying on cellular networks or the internet. The duo explain how the decentralized system works by creating a network of independent nodes that relay messages across the airwaves. Plus, Brandt announces his exciting move from live event production into event tech as the new Director of Industry Relations & Partnerships at EventMobi.

Discussions Include:

• What Meshtastic is and how it uses free 915 MHz radio spectrum for decentralized messaging
• The node-based mesh network concept and how it differs from traditional cellular reliance
• Real-world setup and configuration of your first Meshtastic node
• Practical applications for events, natural disasters, and off-grid team communication
• Brandt's transition to EventMobi and the future of event technology

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"Meshtastic essentially is an off the grid way to message and share your location without the use of a cell network, internet, or anything like that." - Will Curran

"The people are the network. So you're not relying on T-Mobile. You're not relying on any kind of AT&T or anybody like that." - Brandt Krueger

"Hugely excited that you are now in that role and I know you're gonna do wonders- you're gonna kill it completely." - Will Curran

Discussions Include:

• Brandt’s experiences with ChatGPT hallucinating brand standards and form data when source files or images were unreadable
• Will and Brandt comparing Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity, projects, GPTs, and agent mode behavior
• The dangers of AI defaults, image compression, and systems that refuse to say “I don’t know”
• Will’s recent successes using Cursor, Home Assistant, and automation powered by AI tools

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

“So I fed it a blank document and it completely made up an entire brand standard and held me to it as I wrote my document.” - Brandt Krueger

“Rather than saying, I don’t have any data, it just completely made stuff up.” - Brandt Krueger

“AI right now is just trying to be so helpful that they have programmed it to not say, I don’t know.” - Will Curran

“The fact that I have to go in here and say, do not make things up, is terrible for consumers.” - Brandt Krueger

Discussions Include:

• Brandt Krueger’s departure from his full time production role at EideCom and what comes next
• CES trends around robots, AI, and devices that genuinely improve daily life
• Notable tech highlights including Roborock’s stair climbing vacuum, smart mobility aids, next-generation TV displays, and E-Ink signage
• Vibe coding, Raspberry Pis, and why building small personal tools may be the future of software

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
“I feel like usually CES gets a lot more mainstream coverage, but it definitely didn’t feel like that this year.” - Brandt Krueger

“I want to talk about the things that I think actually really are cool, not just everything that happened.” - Will Curran

“The future of coding is make your own stuff, scratch your own itch and make it do exactly what you want.” - Brandt Krueger

Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ on TWiT, along with some other great coverage of CES 2026:
https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech/episodes/1066?autostart=false

We kick off with an impressive AI-generated intro from Suno's newly released V5 model, showcasing how far AI music creation has come. The conversation quickly shifts to hands-on hardware reviews, with Will sharing his one-week impressions of the iPhone 17 Pro Max (in orange) and both of us discussing the new AirPods Pro 3. From iOS 26 performance quirks to the practical realities of running beta software on production devices, we cover the full spectrum of Apple's latest releases. The episode wraps with an extended discussion on electric vehicle charging strategies, vehicle-to-grid technology, and why Brandt might finally be warming up to those Rivian headlights.

Discussions Include:

• Suno's V5 model release and whether the $20/month subscription is worth it for better AI music generation
• Real-world impressions of iPhone 17 Pro Max and iOS 26 after a week of daily use
• AirPods Pro 3 features, including hearing aid functionality and adaptive transparency mode
• Electric vehicle charging economics and the future of vehicle-to-grid technology

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• "You handed a caveman a flame- and then took it away from him." - Will Curran
• "I noticed that iOS 26 just runs better on it. This is what I'm noticing- with my being in the iPhone upgrade program is that I'll do the beta, I run it on my 16 Pro or Pro Max, whatever it is, and I notice slight performance issues." - Will Curran
• "Every time [a Rivian] drives by me and I'm like, well, it's actually not that bad looking. It's like, it's wearing me down... I can't get past the headlights. Weeelllll, I might be able to get past the headlights." - Brandt Krueger
• "So the guy basically insinuates 'I'm on the employer's dime. I'm going to be charging my car and then I'll just go back and sell it back to the grid and make a profit,' heheh..." - Will Curran

Discussions Include:

• The challenges of getting AI music generators to understand style without naming specific artists
• Meta's latest copyright troubles and what they might mean for AI training on music
• Will's live unboxing of the new AirPods Pro 3 in orange, complete with first impressions
• Colorware customization pricing and the eternal quest for black AirPods
• Why you shouldn't install iOS 26 on production devices (Will learned this the hard way)

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
 "I love music and all of this kind of stuff. And I get it, right? We don't want to be able to just type in, make a Fatboy Slim song... But I'm just trying to say, I like the style of Fatboy Slim. I'm not trying to pass anything off as being a Fatboy Slim song." - Brandt Krueger

"It is crazy how smart the AI is getting now though, if you ask it to describe the music, it pulls out specific instruments and notes and stuff like that." - Will Curran

"Do not install it on your production machines. I made a really dumb decision." - Will Curran (regarding MacOX Tahoe)

"I've never liked the [AirPod] design with that stick sticking out. Like as dorky as my Bose look... I mean, on the plus side, you can see it sticking out of a tech's ear from 20 feet away." - Brandt Krueger

Episode Summary:
Brandt Krueger and Will Curran break down Apple's latest iPhone 17, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3 announcements, finding the keynote more ordinary than expected after two years of blockbuster reveals. The conversation explores whether Apple's product lines are converging toward price point differentiation rather than feature distinction, examines the surprisingly pro-level camera capabilities that could replace traditional rigs, and debates the durability of the impossibly thin iPhone Air. Along the way, they discuss vapor cooling, the "plateau" (not a camera bump), concert etiquette, and why Brandt still refuses to wear white electric toothbrush heads in his ears.

Discussions Include:

• The iPhone 17 Pro's cinema-grade camera features like GenLock and multi-camera sync that are targeting professional videographers and content creators, potentially replacing traditional camera rigs in tight spaces
• Whether the ultra-thin iPhone Air can survive "BendGate 2.0" and if sacrificing camera capability for sleekness makes sense when you'll just throw a case on it anyway
• Apple's product differentiation strategy shifting from features to price points, with specs becoming more similar across the lineup except for camera count and storage tiers
• The AirPods Pro 3's heart rate sensing feature raising questions about redundancy in the Apple ecosystem when most users already have an Apple Watch for fitness tracking

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
"It's not a camera bump, ladies and gentlemen. It's a plateau." - Brandt Krueger

"I am not going to stick an electric toothbrush head in my ear. Just not. I'm just not." - Brandt Krueger (on AirPods)

"I started thinking to myself, I'm looking at my studio and I'm going like, maybe I just put up iPhones. Like- in the end they all wirelessly communicate to my Mac." - Will Curran

"They said something that really made me sad and I hope to God it's not right. They said 'This feature is great for concerts where you can record your reaction and the stage' and I go no no no no no." - Will Curran

"It felt kind of ordinary, to be perfectly honest." - Brandt Krueger (on the overall keynote)

In this episode of “Where’s the Future?”, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran experiment with podcast intros, share hard-won lessons in AI-driven task automation, and reminisce about the wild west of search engines. The conversation shifts from the quirks of cloud storage and the pitfalls of syncing, to an in-depth look at new Philips Hue product announcements, culminating with palpable excitement for upcoming smart home innovations. Sprinkled throughout are community shoutouts, tech rants, and nimble pivots between AI fatigue and genuine gadget enthusiasm.

Discussions Include:

• Experimenting with AI-generated podcast intros and the search for a unique theme sound - HELP US!!
• The practical frustrations and promise of agentic browsers, scheduling tasks, and project-based GPT memory
• Cloud storage headaches with Google Drive and OneDrive, and why more physical storage is always a safe bet
• Upcoming innovations and leaks in the Philips Hue smart lighting ecosystem, including smarter, cheaper bulbs, string lights, and expanded hub capabilities

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• “Just take to the bridge...” – Brandt Krueger
• “I was so frustrated that something that was so consistently good at, ‘Hey, you put it in a folder, have a Google Drive save it for you, and it will be there,’ just turned into this nightmare. And I’m realizing now I’ve got to pay so much money for storage on Google cloud that used to be free” – Will Curran
• “[Person detection being added to Hue bulbs is] going to be something I think is super duper exciting to see what ends up happening from it. But is it going to, you know, work?” – Will Curran
• “You’re never going to regret having too much storage space. Right? You’re never going to regret that.” – Brandt Krueger 

They also discuss the approaching potential AI bubble and industry consolidation, as well as the democratization of app and tool creation through no-code platforms. Be sure to joint the WTF community to stay in touch between episodes! https://wtf.community

Discussions Include:
• Early experiences and challenges using AI agentic browsers to automate web tasks
• Current concerns around web scraping, data privacy, and the open web’s future
• The outlook on the AI bubble, industry hype, and the need for specialization in AI tools
• The rise of no-code app development and democratizing technology creation
• Highlights from the WTF community on emerging tech like Apple Watch updates and smart home devices

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
• “At first I was like- this is amazing! Then, my God, this is terrible. My God, you are so dumb! Wait, no, what? No. Actually? No. This is pretty cool? Nope, you’re just dumb.” - Brandt Krueger
• “We can see what it could be… It’s kind of like glimpsing out a window and seeing all the kids playing outside and you know that you could be that kid playing outside, but Perplexity and Comet Daddy won’t let you go out because you’re grounded.” - Will Curran
• “I think the opportunity is if we have leveled off on these Uber GPTs, that’s good because now we can focus on specialty- on unitaskers that do one thing really well.” - Brandt Krueger
• “The internet’s becoming more like a city with complex rules and less like free land where you could build whatever you wanted.” - Will Curran
• “The AI bubble means tons of money thrown at it, lots of people hired, then a collapse where the lower level people lose their jobs, but the big players get their guaranteed payouts.” - Brandt Krueger

In this bittersweet installment, Will Curran and Brandt Krueger close the book on the Event Tech Podcast- at least as we’ve known it. After years of stretching topics to fit the confines of “event tech,” they’re rebranding and broadening the focus to Where’s the Future? (conveniently, WTF). With a wider lens on technology, gadgets, innovation, and how they all connect to real life, the duo reflect on their favorite episodes, industry shifts post-COVID, and the future of both the show and the community. It’s equal parts nostalgia, industry critique, and excitement for what’s ahead.

Discussions Include:
 • Why the Event Tech Podcast is winding down and evolving into Where’s the Future? (WTF)
 • The changing pace of innovation in the events industry post-COVID
 • Memorable episodes, rants, and recurring themes from the show’s history
 • How the new community and live podcast recordings will work

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• “We were promised jetpacks… where’s my flying car? Where’s the future?” - Will Curran
• “If you liked what we were doing before, I’d like to think you’re going to continue to like what we’re doing... it's just broader.” - Brandt Krueger
• “Sometimes I think our listeners already knew how things tied into events. They just wanted to know what’s GOOD and we’d figure out the rest.” - Will Curran
• “We moved the ball down the field ten years in one year… and then we went backwards.” - Brandt Krueger
• “Let’s be honest. Will and I are going to talk even if no one’s in the room.” - Brandt Krueger

Be sure to check out the WTF community! Conveniently located at http://wtf.community ;)

This time on the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt and Will welcome industry veteran Matthew Byrne to unpack the pains and progress of event content management. Byrne introduces ShowSync, a new solution designed to streamline the collection, synchronization, and distribution of event content- eliminating versioning headaches, USB thumbdrive chaos, and other PPT nightmares. The episode explores the real-world challenges that inspired ShowSync, how it works across multiple production environments, and the future possibilities for integrating with other industry tools.

Discussions Include:

• The origin story of ShowSync and the persistent problems it solves in event production
• How ShowSync manages real-time content syncing, version control, and secure uploads across multiple machines and locations
• Technical insights into hardware integration, cloud syncing, and InfoSec compliance for sensitive client data
• The roadmap for ShowSync, including potential integrations and expansion into new event and retail environments

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"Essentially what it does is it seamlessly syncs all of content across production for events- and then on the back end leverages out the content that's created at an event in a much more cost effective and efficient way." - Matthew Byrne

"If then on machine one, you delete slide one, every version number 29 in that package on every machine just starts to lose slide one. Like as fast as the 10 gigabit connection can make that happen." - Matthew Byrne

"We always say that a live event is a content machine. If we can cut down the expense and time to be able to leverage that value out, I think that that solves a lot of problems." - Matthew Byrne

"It's always nice when someone's able to go, 'how about we put it all together into one thing and make it go?' It's wonderful." - Brandt Krueger

Learn more about ShowSync at https://byrneproductionservices.com/showsync/

This episode of the Event Tech Podcast explores the real-world performance of OpenAI's Operator, the agentic AI tool that promises to automate browser tasks on your behalf. Will shares his hands-on experience running Operator through its paces—from sending personalized Twitch messages to attempting LinkedIn research and even trying to buy festival tickets. Brandt and Will dissect what works, what doesn't, and why Operator currently feels less like a job-stealing super-agent and more like a well-meaning, but exasperating, digital intern. The conversation also touches on the future of agentic AI, the importance of user data, and the quirks of modern AI assistants.

Discussions Include:

• What “agentic AI” actually means and how Operator fits the bill
• Real-world Operator use cases: Twitch messaging, LinkedIn research, and online purchases
• The current limitations, quirks, and slowdowns of agentic AI tools
• Broader implications for the future of work and the data arms race among tech giants

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"Once again, Will's taking the hit so that we don't have to, right? He's letting us know that it's not there yet." - Brandt Krueger

"I think we're potentially in this world where I do think agents are starting to do things that we never would have comprehended." - Will Curran

"It's like a really, really dumb intern. You show someone a task once and at least they get it, right? But this thing constantly forgets." - Will Curran

"The tasks that you’ve given it are very close to the examples we gave when we first started talking about operator and agentic AI. It doesn't sound like it can do that yet." - Brandt Krueger

Discussions Include:

• Will Curran’s joining Voxo and the company’s mission in event tech
• How Voxo uses AI to generate instant, branded session summaries and reports
• The technical process of capturing audio, identifying speakers, and producing content assets
• The future of personalized event reports and AI-driven attendee recommendations

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"I just started up a new gig at Voxo, which is the Swedish company... If you were at Event Tech Live London, you will definitely recognize the 

"At the base level, essentially, we're summarizing every session... capturing all the audio... and in real time, we're creating these reports and transcriptions and all that fun stuff, and then branding it." - Will Curran

"The thing that blew my mind the most about it is... you walk off stage, man, you as speaker walk off stage instantly, you have this PDF report, available to you as an audience." - Will Curran

"One of the most powerful things about this AI report that gets generated is... and it also comes in a LinkedIn version... a one-by-one carousel because we all been there ... We get done with a session and we're like lucky if we remember to take a selfie!" - Will Curran

"We not have the ability to completely remember everything that happened at an event? ... There's no reason why that can't be offloaded somewhere else." - Brandt Krueger

Brandt Krueger and Will Curran return with a lively breakdown of the latest trends spotted while judging the Eventex Awards, offering a behind-the-scenes look (within NDA limits) at where event technology is headed. From lightning-fast badge pickup and GDPR-compliant facial recognition to hyper-personalized attendee journeys and the resurgence of event bots, this episode unpacks the innovations shaping conferences, registration, AI, and event apps. The conversation also explores the tension between niche solutions and global platforms, the creative uses of Generative AI, and the growing importance of deep integrations between proprietary tools and third-party event apps.

Since recording, the winners of the Global Eventex Awards have been announced, so be sure to check out the winners!
https://eventex.com/winners2025

Discussions Include:

• How AI is transforming attendee journeys, reporting, and real-time event analytics
• The rise of hyper-personalized registration flows and niche event tech providers
• Creative uses of generative AI for art installations and next-gen word clouds
• The return of event chatbots and the push for deeper, more meaningful event app integrations

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

“Speed, right? That was one of the things- it was all about how quickly can we get thousands of people registered, get them their badges and things like that.” – Brandt Krueger

“Most of these high-end registration platforms have the ability to really customize the journeys that your attendees will take. We’re used to having a few different buckets for attendees… Well, now you can have 50 buckets.” – Brandt Krueger

“Let’s be honest, no one in planning space wants to learn to be a data analyst. That was the thing that I looked at for so long, especially when we were doing Klik and like there’s so much data available to planners who just don’t want to look at data.” – Will Curran

“I just couldn’t believe that finally, two years into this AI blooming that we’re seeing, we’re finally getting back to having good, decent event bots that can help us out with these things.” – Brandt Krueger

This week on the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran unpack the latest leaps in AI-powered image generation, focusing on new capabilities within ChatGPT and Midjourney. From photorealistic hands and seamless text rendering to transparent backgrounds and continuity across images, the conversation explores how these advancements are transforming event production, branding, and creative workflows. The hosts also touch on the evolving landscape of video generation tools and share a few candid lessons learned from the trenches of AI experimentation, including an apology to Perplexity.

Discussions Include:

• The evolution of AI image generation: photorealism, hands and body parts finally look right
• Continuity and consistency: generating series of images with persistent elements and styles
• Text and logo integration: AI’s newfound ability to handle crisp, accurate signage and branding
• Transparent backgrounds and practical applications for event production and design
• Midjourney’s new draft mode, voice prompting, and the speed gap in creative iteration
• Reflections on the future of video AI and lessons learned from using AI tools in real-world projects

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"I have some of the worst short-term memory of all time and all I can do is blame the 90s." - Brandt Krueger

"This ability to do continuity between images makes me feel like this is going to be great for brands who are like, I need to make the announcement image for my event...and now I need to say that I'm announcing that Seth Rogen is going to be the keynote speaker." - Will Curran

"It's a very talented intern. Or I think somebody once described it as like your cousin-in-law's nephew who you've been using to do graphics design and maybe does a little too many drugs." - Brandt Krueger

"I continue to be really excited by where these things are going. All that video is- is a thousand pictures. So we're going to get there really soon." - Brandt Krueger

In this special episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Krueger and Will Curran have some exciting news to share, followed by some fun chatting about the FAR future of events- robots, AI, and beyond. The duo explores the possibilities—and limitations—of automation in the events industry. They discuss everything from robot bartenders and holographic keynotes to automated floor-chalking Roombas and AI-driven video production. Along the way, they reflect on the irreplaceable human touch in events and share their thoughts on how technology will continue to shape the industry.

Discussions Include:

• An announcement about the new AI hosts and [SPOILER] acquiring the podcast
• The role of robots in events: from bartenders to exhibit booth assistants
• How AI could enhance AV production, from auto-ducking audio to sentiment analysis
• The balance between automation and preserving human artistry in event production

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

1. "There are lots of possible futures of event technology, many of which could be very interesting." – Robotic Host (Brandt)
2. "I think there’s always going to be a call for both—the quick-and-dirty automation and the high-touch human interaction." – Brandt Krueger
3. "Imagine a world where a glass breaks, and a camera spots it, sending a Roomba to clean it up. That’s coming in five years!" – Will Curran
4. "A good camera op can tell when someone is about to move—it’s an art that AI hasn’t quite mastered yet." – Brandt Krueger
5. "We wouldn’t just drop news like that on you—or replace ourselves with AI—without telling you first!" – Will Curran

Let us know what you think about the future of robots and AI in events, and if this episode may have lived up to its release date :)

Discussions Include:

• Progress and Regression in Accessibility: The hosts reflect on how COVID accelerated the adoption of accessibility technologies like captioning but lament that these practices have largely been abandoned in the return to in-person events.
• Technological Advancements: They discuss how AI has improved captioning services, making them more affordable and efficient, though still not as reliable as human transcription.
• Broader Benefits of Accessibility: The conversation highlights that features like captioning benefit a wide audience, including those with hearing difficulties, language barriers, or simply preferring visual aids.
• Future-Proofing Events: The hosts suggest investing in technologies that can capture and stream content from events, enhancing accessibility and providing valuable resources for attendees.

Quotable Quotes:

• "I think one of the things that during COVID, we started to see, you know, every platform put in at least some basic level of captioning, whether it was auto-generated or otherwise." - Brandt Krueger
• "People with difficulty hearing would literally call these services 'craptioning' at the time because they were so bad." - Brandt Krueger
• "For the first time, a lot of people with accessibility issues felt like they were on even ground with all other attendees, right? Because we were all attending from our living rooms and our bedrooms." - Brandt Krueger
• "Like a lot of attendees, I might want to turn it on just because of the fact that like, you know, every once in a while there's a word I might miss." - Will Curran

Discussions Include:

• The benefits and limitations of Perplexity and it's deep research feature
• Potential applications of AI agents for task automation in event planning
• Predictions for the future of AI integration in operating systems
• The impact of AI on job roles and productivity in the events industry

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• "Deep research is now my favorite thing to do." - Will Curran
• "If you could free that time up to focus more on other things like, you know, plan more events, take on more business, be the first one to respond to the RFP..." - Brandt Krueger
• "We're creating these systems that will allow us to no longer have to be in the day-to-day." - Will Curran

-and-

• "We only learn from each other. So we need to expand the people that we talk to!" - Brandt Krueger 

So be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn so we can do that!

Discussions Include:

• The recent surge in in-house AV pricing and its impact on event budgets
• The mechanics of revenue-sharing agreements between venues and in-house AV companies
• Strategies for event planners to negotiate better deals and maintain flexibility in vendor choices
• The importance of thoroughly reviewing venue contracts before signing

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
"There's no incentive for the venues to fix it. There's no incentive for the in-house AV companies to fix it. And we can't fix it. The only people that can are you, the planners." - Brandt Krueger

"Let's be honest, there's a lot of people planning events who are not listening to things like the Event Tech podcast, learning about these tips and tricks. And that's why this is happening." - Will Curran

"I will always be happy to look at your ... venue contracts, because that's where you get nailed. People are looking at '25, '26, '27 for their venues and they're signing now." - Brandt Krueger

"If you are struggling with 100% increases, 200% increases, 300% increases in your AV bill, it doesn't have to be that way, but only you can stop paying too much for AV." - Brandt Krueger

And to whoever "the guy" is that hassled Will for using the phrase about before signing being negotiation and afterward being begging, let's talk. If you can prove you're the source, happy to attribute it to you from now on. Pretty confident that lil' nugget's been around for a while, and advanced metasearching doesn't attribute it to any one person. Happy to be wrong, though!

Discussions Include:

• The resurgence of professionals returning to the events industry post-COVID
• The impact of AI on job applications and hiring processes
• The growing emphasis on high-touch, immersive events in marketing strategies
• The balance between generalist and specialist roles in the evolving job market

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• "It's not AI that's going to come for your job. It's going to be someone who knows how to use AI that's going to come for your job." - Brandt Krueger (though we both say it all the time now, I just happened to be the one in this episode- BK)
• On why people are coming back to the industry: "Event people are fun. And, you know, there's so much love in the industry, even amongst competitors. Friendpetitors!" - Brandt Krueger
• "If you're looking for a job, if you're a freelancer or someone who's looking for a full-time position, AI is gonna be your friend." - Brandt Krueger
• "Never stop learning. I mean, we talk about this all the time, it's obvious, but this is just a reminder that if you right now are sitting here and you haven't learned something new in the last year that is like game changing, you think is life changing, right? It's probably time ... this is your call to action." - Will Curran

Discussions Include:

• E-ink digital posters and their potential use in event signage
• Nvidia's AI advancements and personal AI computers
• Sustainable technologies like paper-based batteries and salt-simulating spoons
• The future of cameras and privacy in smart homes and devices

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

• "Look for the breakthrough concepts, not the breakthrough products." - Brandt Krueger
• "I love this idea that you can toss it in your garden and this is going to decompose." - Will Curran, on paper-based batteries
• "Do I think we'll ever reach a point where we're just OK with having cameras everywhere? Maybe someday, but I mean, it's not going to be soon." - Brandt Krueger
• "I was watching it and ... I was like yeah, there wasn't very much stuff that made me go 'My God! Take my money right now!'" - Will Curran

Discussion Include:

• The evolution of AI tools in event design and their potential to revolutionize the creative process
• Using AI to generate stage designs, event layouts, and visual concepts
• Leveraging AI for faster turnaround times and improved client presentations
• The importance of human creativity and taste in conjunction with AI-generated content

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

"We are using it as a tool - it just allows us to do more you know with less and in faster time" - Wayne Johnson Jr.
"I feel like AI is the car for the mind. You don't have to think about balancing, you don't have to think about pedaling, you just say go and you put a little effort and it takes you exactly where you want to go." - Will Curran
"It's not automation, this is a tool for someone creative like Wayne who's going to recognize the colors and things like that... it's garbage in, garbage out." - Brandt Krueger
"All of these tools are just going to make us better at our jobs and better at what we do and better at giving the client what they want as quickly as possible." - Brandt Krueger
"AI is just another burnt stick. We've always been artists who use whatever tool comes to them." - Wayne Johnson Jr.

Personal apologies to Wayne for misplacing this episode. You rock, man!

Discussion Points:
• The recent announcements of AI-powered search engines by Microsoft (Bing) and Google (Bard)
• Potential applications of AI in the event planning industry, such as venue finding and RFP processing
• The importance of staying current with AI technologies and their potential impact on various job roles

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):
• "If right now you're like 'Hell no, this is not going to work, this is not going to help me,' I would be really afraid. I'd be pressuring you right now to at least be playing with this stuff to be aware of it." - Will Curran
• "The future for your job is not 'Can you do these things?' but 'Can you use these tools now to leverage even further?'" - Will Curran
• "I think hopefully what folks are taking away from this is the clear difference in how we are talking about this again versus how we've been talking about the metaverse and stuff like that." - Brandt Krueger
• "Every week for the last month solid, something new has popped into my head of like, 'Oh, I know how we could use this' or 'Oh, I know how this is going to impact events.'" - Brandt Krueger

Discussions Include:

• The growth and global reach of the Eventex Awards
• How Evalato simplifies the awards judging process and ensures fairness
• The shift to fully online awards and its sustainability benefits
• Trends in event design and technology across the world
• Using Eventex winners as creative inspiration for future event planning
• The importance of transparency in award scoring and feedback
• Predictions on how AI and sustainability will shape the future of event awards

Quotable Quotes:

• “Eventex is not just about competition; it's a learning experience.” – Vesko Milev
• "It’s not about the size of your event; it’s about the creativity and achieving your goals." – Brandt Krueger
• “Sustainability and AI will continue to drive the future of event management.” – Dessy Marinova
• “The software takes into account how you score in the morning versus the evening—personal bias gets neutralized.” – Vesko Milev

Discussions Include:

• Differences between consumer, prosumer, and professional-grade equipment
• Audio chain optimization for home studios and theaters
• Will’s home theater journey: From Sonos to high-end in-wall speakers
• Exploring the balance between quality and budget with tech purchases
• Using Dante for digital audio networking and audio routing
• Buying used gear: When to take the leap and the risks involved
• The ubiquity of networking gear and its impact on event tech setups
• Analog vs. digital: Pros and cons of keeping audio fidelity high

Quotable Quotes:

• "Buy once, cry once." – Alex Lindsay and the Office Hours panel
• "As you move from consumer to prosumer to professional, the improvements start to become incremental, but the costs don’t." – Brandt Krueger
• "You can start low and work your way up, but the key is understanding where the trade-offs are." – Brandt Krueger
• "Sometimes the satisfaction from gear isn’t linear to the price—you can obsess over small improvements." – Will Curran

Discussions Include:

• The power and accuracy of AI voice cloning with tools like ElevenLabs.
• Practical applications for event tech, including creating multilingual event content and custom sound effects.
• The potential impact of AI on jobs in the voiceover and sound design industries.
• Security concerns and the importance of family codewords to guard against AI voice spoofing.

Quotable Quotes:

• "This was terrible a year ago... now it's really pretty good because the only thing they're focusing on is the text-to-speech stuff." — Brandt Krueger
• "Imagine the future though, that I could put a voice filter over myself and completely change my voice too." — Will Curran
• "Professional voiceover actors should be a little nervous about this and you should start looking into your contracts." — Brandt Krueger
• "We could just change [our voices] over to Morgan Freeman it'll be awesome." — Will Curran

Discussions Include:

• Starlink's Impact on Event Connectivity: How Starlink's satellite internet is transforming connectivity, allowing for reliable internet access anywhere.
• Peplink and Speed Fusion Technology: Combining multiple internet connections to create seamless and stable networks for events.
• Outdoor Event Possibilities: Exploring how enhanced connectivity could make outdoor and remote events more viable and engaging.
• The Future of Event Tech: Speculating on the next steps in internet technology, including solar-powered systems and drone-supported events.

Quotable Quotes:

• "In this day and age, connectivity is on a whole different level than we’ve ever seen before." — Will Curran
• "It’s not just about staying connected anymore; it’s about how far we can push the boundaries of where and how we host events." — Brandt Krueger
• "What would you do if you had internet access literally anywhere?" — Brandt Krueger

Discussions Include:

• VR and AI in Event Production: How VR and AI are being used to create photorealistic environments for clients, allowing them to virtually explore event setups before they happen.
• Concert Innovations: The integration of 3D visuals and live lighting at Foo Fighters concerts, creating immersive experiences that blend real and virtual elements.
• LED Walls and Beyond: The growing use of LED walls in live performances and how they can be creatively redesigned for corporate events.
• Olympics Opening Ceremony: A breakdown of some of the tech behind the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, including the stunning use of lighting on the Eiffel Tower and a floating mechanical horse carrying the Olympic flag.
• Trends in Spectacle: A reflection on the current phase of iterative innovation in event tech, where the focus is on refining existing technologies rather than introducing entirely new ones.

Quotable Quotes (should you choose to share):

• "It’s not just about what’s new; it’s about how you creatively use the tech that’s already available." — Brandt Krueger
• "We’re seeing artists and event producers push the boundaries of what’s possible, creating experiences that are not just visually stunning but also deeply immersive." — Will Curran
• "The Olympics showed us that even in the most traditional events, there’s room for technological innovation that enhances the storytelling without overshadowing it." — Brandt Krueger

Discussions Include:

• How open-world games like Fallout can inform event design
• The balance between too much and too little choice for attendees
• The potential pitfalls of traditional gamification methods
• The importance of meaningful engagement metrics
• The future of event apps and wayfinding technology

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

1. "I think there's some things that are more metaphorical, more spiritual when it comes to how we design our events. More strategic, there we go- that's maybe a more better, gooder word." - Brandt Krueger
2. "In the same way that we say we want more white space, we want the choice of more white space." - Will Curran
3. "Let's refocus our gamification on the things that actually matter, like networking and engagement with exhibitors." - Will Curran
4. "It's almost worse than not having gamification at all because now I feel deflated." - Brandt Krueger

Discussions Include:

• Introduction and initial thoughts on the Arc Browser
• Unique features: clean interface, sidebar, pinned "bookmarks", and spaces
• Transitioning from other browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge
• AI integration in Arc Browser and Arc Search app
• The importance of privacy and potential monetization strategies for Arc
• Comparisons with other browsers and the future of browsing
• Pros and cons: current bugs, desktop vs. mobile experience, and more

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

1. "Arc Browser feels like what Chrome did when it first came out—revolutionary and refreshing." — Brandt Krueger
2. "The 'Browse for Me' feature in Arc Search is a game-changer. It's like having a custom-built website for every search." — Will Curran
3. "The Arc Browser team has rethought the entire browsing experience, making it more intuitive and user-friendly." — Brandt Krueger
4. "It's the first time I've been excited about a web browser in 20 years. Arc Browser is truly that innovative." — Will Curran
5. "If you're looking for a browser that respects your privacy while boosting productivity, Arc Browser is worth a try." — Brandt Krueger

Will forgot to send me his referral link so here's mine- muahahahaha! (BK): 
https://arc.net/gift/c123f69d

Discussions Include:

• Introduction to OpenAI's Sora and its capabilities.
• Comparisons between Sora and previous AI developments like ChatGPT and Gemini 1.5.
• Early impressions and examples of Sora-generated videos.
• Potential applications of AI video generation in the events industry.
• Ethical concerns and legal implications of AI-generated content.
• Future possibilities for AI in video editing and event production.
• Personal experiences and insights into current AI tools being used in events.

Quotable Quotes (should you choose to share):

• "The genie is out of the bottle ... There is no putting it back in." - Brandt Krueger
• "Imagine creating video moments of CAD designs with a fly-in drone shot. The creative possibilities are endless." - Will Curran
• "It's about banning the behavior, not the technology." - Brandt Krueger

And for the record, we were using colons in our episode titles and words like "delve" long before AI.

Discussions Include:

• Introduction to Vision Pro: Brandt and Will's first impressions and initial thoughts.
• Price and Accessibility: The high cost of the Vision Pro and additional accessories.
• User Reviews: Contrasting feedback from influencers and everyday users.
• Positives: Transformative potential for personal and professional use, such as workspace customization and immersive media experiences.
• Negatives: Issues with field of view, comfort, and the effectiveness of the pass-through feature.
• Future Potential: Speculations on how Apple might improve the device and its applications for events and social interactions.
• Social Implications: The awkwardness of wearing bulky headsets in public and the societal adjustments needed for widespread adoption.

Quotable Quotes (Should you choose to share):

1. Brandt Krueger: "It's really, really expensive ... You're looking at forty-five hundred at least by the time you get rolling, if not a heck of a lot more."
2. Will Curran: "I've seen a lot of positive things about putting windows all around ... being able to take a blank room and turn it into a workspace is really exciting."
3. Brandt Krueger: "Is it worth it? And for me, as of right now, **SPOILERS***, based on what I've seen."
4. Will Curran: "I think Apple has the ability to universally create the standard for avatars... Imagine an avatar store, just like the app store, where people could sell avatars into your platform."
5. Brandt Krueger: "It feels like we're just skirting around the edges of all of this... we all really want, just actual transparent lenses, Tony Stark style."

Tune in for a deep dive into the pros, cons, and future possibilities of Apple's Vision Pro, and find out if this new tech is truly groundbreaking or just another high-priced novelty.

Discussions Include

• The importance of learning AI to stay competitive in the industry.
• How to use AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Adobe Firefly for various event planning tasks.
• Overcoming creative blocks and speeding up proposal and content creation.
• Real-world examples of AI-generated stage designs and artwork adjustments.
• The future of AI in events: chatbots, automated summaries, and more.

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

• "It's not that AI is going to take your job, but people who know how to use AI are going to take your job."
• "Generative AI can help you overcome the blank page syndrome and get your creative juices flowing."
• "Imagine feeding all your event information into a chatbot that can answer attendee questions in real time."
• "We used AI to expand a 16x9 image seamlessly into a panoramic view, and the client didn't even notice the difference.

Thanks, and be sure to connect with us on LinkedIn and give us feedback!

Discussions Include:

• The decline of "virtual event software" and the rise of "webinar platforms".
• The enduring value and challenges of executing successful hybrid events.
• The influence of remote work on event attendance and format preferences.
• The impact of AI on content creation and consumption within the event space.
• Speculations on the future role of AR and VR technologies in enhancing event experiences.

Quotable Quotes Should You Choose to Share:

• Will Curran: "We're seeing a decline in hybrid, which is really interesting. It's like the event world is retracting back from the virtual edge."
• Brandt Krueger: "Hybrid events have the power to combine the best of both worlds, but the real challenge lies in executing them correctly."
• Will Curran: "The future of event tech might not lie in massive shifts but in how we incrementally improve the virtual and in-person experiences."
• Brandt Krueger: "Even as technology evolves, the core of event planning remains about connecting people and sharing knowledge."

Discussions Include:

• Safety is not just a responsibility but a crucial aspect of event planning, emphasized by this tragic incident
• The discussion of rigging safety serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers in event production and the importance of using professional services
• Brandt and Will advocate for comprehensive safety measures, including the presence of first aid kits and defibrillators, underscoring the collective responsibility for event safety

Quotable quotes (should you choose to share):

"Just about the worst possible thing you can think of that could happen at an event." - Brandt, discussing the impact of having a death at one of your events.

"Safety is about planning ahead, being prepared, and thinking through everything that could happen." - Will, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures in event planning.

"The safety of everyone is everyone's job." - Will, emphasizing the collective responsibility for maintaining safety at events.

Key Topics:

1. Integration of E-Commerce in Trade Shows: Exploration of how Ribbon, a hybrid trade show platform, integrates e-commerce into the trade show experience, making it omnichannel and more accessible for both vendors and attendees.
2. User Experience and Aesthetics in Technology: Discussion on the importance of user experience and aesthetics in technology implementation, especially in curating trade show experiences.
3. Challenges and Opportunities in Technology Adoption: Insights into the varying levels of comfort and challenges faced by exhibitors in adopting new technology, and how mandatory participation in digital platforms can be beneficial.
4. The Future of Trade Show Technology: Predictions about future advancements in trade show technology, including potential integrations and new features that could enhance user experience.
5. Role of Curated Content and Discovery: Emphasis on the importance of curated content and the opportunity for discovery in trade shows, highlighting the significance of storytelling and editorial elements in digital platforms.

Find out more at meetribbon.com, and especially because Brandt couldn't seem to get it right in the episode, that's shoppeobject.com
S...H...O...P...P...E... dot com :)

Key Topics:

1. Developments in AI and Event Technology: Discussion of recent advancements in AI and how they are influencing the event tech landscape.
2. Personal Experiences with AI Tools: Will and Brandt share their experiences using different AI tools, such as ChatGPT and MidJourney, highlighting their functionalities and practical applications.
3. Google I.O. Announcements: Insights into Google I.O.'s latest announcements, particularly those related to AI integration into workspace tools and their implications.
4. Security and Ethical Concerns: Addressing security issues in AI tools, including a White House initiative for hacking AI systems at DEF CON to test their vulnerabilities.
5. Future of AI in Everyday Applications: Predictions and expectations for the integration of AI into daily tools and platforms, like Photoshop and Raycast, and how these advancements could shape user experiences.

Thanks for listening!

(This episode was recorded before Will became Head of Klik for Bizzabo)

In this episode, Will and Brandt discuss their favorite clothing, bags, and organizers for event professionals. They recommend the Patagonia Torrent Shell rain jacket for its breathability and packability. Will also suggests the Arcade Adventure Belt, a comfortable and durable belt for everyday use. When it comes to bags, Will recommends the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 backpack for its unique design and comfort, while Brandt shares his love for the eBags Professional Slim Laptop Bag. They also discuss the use of pouches and organizers to keep cables and chargers organized in their bags.

Takeaways

• The Patagonia Torrent Shell rain jacket is a recommended choice for event professionals due to its breathability and packability.
• The Arcade Adventure Belt is a comfortable and durable belt option for everyday use.
• The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 backpack and the eBags Professional Slim Laptop Bag are both recommended for their design and functionality.
• Using pouches and organizers can help keep cables and chargers organized in bags

Note: This podcast was recorded in 2023 before Will left day-to-day operations at Endless Events and began his work as Head of Klik for Bizzabo

In this episode:

1. Introduction of Financial Management Tools: Discussion about how tools like Ramp and Brex can enhance efficiency in handling corporate expenses, specifically in the event industry.
2. Benefits of Corporate Credit Cards: Exploration of how corporate credit cards can simplify expense tracking, provide security, and manage employee spending with customizable limits and rules.
3. Travel Management and Integration: Insights into how these tools assist in managing corporate travel, setting budgets, and adhering to company policies.
4. Virtual Credit Cards and Security: The advantages of using virtual credit cards for better security and control over online subscriptions and free trials.
5. Lasso – A Comprehensive Freelancer Management Tool: An overview of Lasso as a tool for managing freelance staff, integrating travel management, and providing a centralized platform for event staffing.

If you have any unique tools or strategies you use for corporate spending and travel management in your event planning business, share your insights with us! Reach out on LinkedIn, and we might feature them in a future episode. Stay tuned for more innovative discussions on the Event Tech Podcast!

This episode was recorded in 2023 before Will Curran left day-to-day operations at Endless Events and became the Head of Klik for Bizzabo.

Topics include:

• Definition and Purpose of Per Diems
• Variations in Per Diem Rates
• Budgeting and Impact on Event Costs
• Cultural and Company Policy Considerations
• Meal Preferences and Habits on Show Site
• The Per Diem "Game" and Employee Perspectives
• Innovative Solutions and Tools for Managing Per Diems
• Importance of Team Meals and Building Camaraderie

Join us by connecting on LinkedIn, joining the EventProfs Community, or by participating in the EventTech Chat!

We're thinking about some changes for the podcast, like potentially introducing paid memberships or offering an ad-supported version. We'd love to hear your thoughts on content preferences too. Your feedback is crucial!

Rest assured, the podcast isn't going anywhere. We're committed to maintaining the high-quality content you know and love. So stay tuned for more exciting updates in the world of event technology. Event Tech podcast, OOOOOOuuuuuuuttttttt! Or in this case... BAAAAAACCCCKKKK!

Hosts: Will Curran and Brandt Krueger

 In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Will shares why he’s decided to make the shift, what he’s excited to implement in the new #EventProfs community, which platform the community will use, and what you can expect in the coming weeks and months. Let’s get started!

In today’s episode of the Event Tech podcast, Will and Brandt share some of the latest AI technology news, their thoughts on how you should embrace the fast-growing technology, and what they’d like to see from it moving forward. Let’s get right into it!

In today’s episode of the Event Tech podcast, Will and Brandt tackle cybersecurity, driven by the recent and controversial data breach at LastPass and a listener question. Eliza C. asked, what steps would you give to a new event planner to help protect against cybersecurity threats for virtual events? Tune in to learn six tips to protect your business and events against cybersecurity threats in 2023.

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Will and Brandt consolidate years of advice into eight tips event professionals can take into 2023. They’ll share where they would start if forced to reduce your event budget, what and how to cut, and how the right mindset can change your perspective.

Endless Events has articles on VR dating back to 2017. Still, VR technology has been slow to make a splash in the average household. Bulky, uncomfortable, and impractical hardware has largely been to blame. But will people be more willing to change their lives to integrate this new tech? Join Will and Brandt as they search for an answer and share their thoughts on what will catapult VR tech forward.

In this episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Will and Brandt welcome a special guest who brings a new and inexpensive solution to event management software, Rob Vaas. Rob is a co-founder and director of a new software company called Joi, a planning and scheduling software with unique features, including budgeting solutions that might be just what the industry needs.

Implementing these services into your event can be full of benefits, making your events accessible to international audiences and those with auditory impairments. But, when done poorly, translation, transcription, and captioning services can lead to a poor attendee experience and even offend listeners. To help you ensure that doesn’t happen, Will and Brandt share tips for working with the services and explain how you can ensure you’re getting the total value from these services. Let’s dive in!

In this episode of the Event Tech podcast, Will and Brandt discuss current event industry trends and the future of events. They’ll also share two helpful tips for navigating the choppy waters ahead.

Despite how gloomy current events might feel, Will and Brandt have some inspiring things to share. In this Event Tech episode, they’ll continue discussing the trends they noticed from the previous IMEX Frankfurt event, cool new logic utilizations, and…booze? Let’s get to it!

Join Will and Brandt as they discuss how we got here and how to navigate layoffs and consolidation in the events industry. While they can’t predict the future of events (as we’ll find out), they have been discussing this topic for months and are ready to offer actionable advice and support.   

That’s why today’s episode focuses on how you can increase data security and protection in your business. Will Curran and Brandt Krueger share first-hand what they’ve learned from working with valuable data. Together, they’ve come up with 6 data protection tips that will help you avoid making common data security mistakes.

#Eventprofs is designed to put your knowledge on center stage. In Kyle's words, “Whether you're a festival producer or a lighting technician, you can teach the whole world of event professionals what you know and help make everyone's events better.” But in today's episode, Will and Kyle share their valuable insights as they learn how to build an event community.

In today’s episode, Will Curran and Brandt Krueger discuss AR for events. Together, they explore how AR for events can reshape how people interact with each other and their venues. Looking past flashy screen-based AR, Will and Brandt focus on what they hope to see, issues that may arise, and what might be around the corner in AR tech.

Today, Will, Brandt, and Kyle discuss event chatbots in 2022 and the community model with chatbot expert Chuck Elias. They update us on how chatbot technology has evolved in recent years and how you can use event chatbots to successfully engage a community year-round. 

In a global industry that's still feeling the effects of the worldwide pandemic, Brandt focuses on the trends he saw at IMEX. The two discuss how new factors, like an uncertain economy, may also play a role in recent trends. But don't let that hold you back. Today's episode is full of helpful insights into the powerful ways the events industry is adapting to the ever-changing landscape of event tech. 

To wrap the episode up, Will tells us he's feeling some FOMO (fear of missing out). "We'd love to hear from you if you were at IMEX Frankfurt," he says. "What'd you think about it? Was there anything that caught your eye? Or, was there something we talked about that you'd like us to dive into deeper?" Reach out! We always love to hear from our listeners.

In today’s Event Tech Podcast episode, Brandt Krueger and Kyle Kocinski talk about the event tech stack and several tools that event planners might want to incorporate into their stack. They think event planners should re-evaluate their stacks regularly to make the most of their time and money.  

Brandt concludes by emphasizing the major takeaway from today’s podcast, “Take a moment to think about where you might be able to shave some time off your work and what tech might be able to help you do that.” He invites listeners to reach out with their responses to today’s conversation at eventtechpodcast@helloendless.com.

In today's episode, Will and Brant talk about the event management industry's unique client base and where event management software fails to meet client needs. Possible solutions to the lack of budgeting and profit margin projection tools include templates and building your own tool. Will and Brant explain how these options may work and how they have failed in the past. 

Our dynamic duo has talked about transparency in the event industry before, but not about the event technology space specifically. But if you need a transparent comparison of top event platform providers, make sure to check out Endless' transparent 100 Top Event Platforms spreadsheet where you can compare companies based on pricing, features, and more. And now, without further ado, here is the Event Tech Podcast!

Here are the 10 event technology trends that Will and Brandt discuss in this unique and exciting episode:

1. NFTs,
2. blockchain,
3. metaverse,
4. drones,
5. smart glasses & AR,
6. community marketing,
7. privacy & security,
8. machine learning & AI,,
9. facial recognition,
10. attendee tracking.

Which ones will make it to the hot list and which ones are merely hype? Tune in and find out.

Read the episode's show notes here. 

Those who have survived the harsh conditions of the pandemic are fully booked and expensive. On the other hand, there is a wave of new labor coming in, but they are not as experienced. Aside from increasing their event budgets, what should event planners do?

Join Will and Brandt as they talk about the current state of event technology labor. They give sound advice to event planners and up-and-coming event technology enthusiasts who are just getting started in the events industry.

See the episode's show notes here.

Brandt admits that he never thought of Peloton content as a hybrid event case study. But in this episode, he admits that Peloton indeed ticks off all the hybrid event boxes. They talk about the technology, production, content, diversity, and gamification aspects of Peloton. Even if you do not own a Peloton, this episode is well worth a listen. It just might inspire your hybrid event planning process.

See the episode's show notes here.

So, what is the best way to deliver email notifications? Is it push notification or a text? Brandt and Will go over several solutions, discussing the pros and cons of which. But as always, what matters the most is that event planners know their stakeholders well. Don't force anything they do not like or know on them just because it's the newest event tech trend.

Read the episode's show notes.

In today's Event Tech Podcast episode, Will and Brandt answer a poignant question by one of the podcast's listeners. Attendees need Wi-Fi to access virtual events. So, how can we connect with low-income families who might not have access to the internet?

A difficult question, but Brandt and Will come up with several solutions. Then, they also address how certain people might simply be reluctant to embrace event technology, such as Metaverse or VR. What do we do with those audiences? Surely we cannot just leave them behind. Tune in and find out what our event tech masters have to say!

Check out the episode show notes.

Not only do matchmaking services change the way we can network at virtual events, but they also have immense potential to improve remote company culture and make the most of our internal meetings.

It just so happens that in one of the latest acquisitions in the event technology world, two companies that are all about elevating breakout rooms and providing matchmaking as a service joined forces. We're talking about twine acquiring Glimpse - a match made in heaven.

Will and Brandt welcome Lawrence Coburn, the co-founder and CEO of twine, and Helena Merk, the co-founder and CEO of Glimpse, to talk about their respective products, the recent acquisition, twine for Zoom, and the metaverse-like future of remote work.

Tune in; match-optimization technology doesn't only concern event planners, but also everybody interested in making their remote works more connected in organic and dynamic ways.

Check out the episode's show notes!

Brandt and Kyle welcome Amy Hyatt, the Head of Customer Success at Remo, who brought along Remo's client, Michael Willoughby, the Tech Director at Battle Born Progress. They go over Remo's features and learn what Michael's experience with the platform has been like.

Remo is a map-based virtual event platform that has been building events and meetings since 2018. Among their most celebrated features are brandability, customer support, community, and interactive maps. Once Battle Born Progress got a taste of the virtual world, they are not going back, Michael says. Remo must be something right! Tune in and learn what makes the platform stand out from the rest in this Remo case study.

In today's Event Tech Podcast episode, Will and Brandt will talk about the importance of customer service and what planners can do to choose the right platform when doing research. It's all about the onboarding process and transparent implementation. And finally, software companies should see event planners as long-term partners rather than one-time customers.

Our guest is Mark Herschberg, an MIT instructor, the author of The Career Toolkit, speaker, and CTO. While he is not in the events industry bubble, he nonetheless knows a lot about events and conferences. And what he's noticed is a serious lack of audience engagement. In his blog post, Creating Engaging Conferences Your Attendees Will Love, he explains that content alone is not enough to make an event a success. Instead, event planners should focus on creating the right experience for the attendees.

But how? Tune in to today's Event Tech Podcast episode and find out! Will, Brandt, and Mark will be talking about networking at events and audience engagement tactics that truly go a long way when creating engaging event experiences.

It's a great episode to catch up with everything Will and Brandt have been talking about in the past year and to see just how engaging this dynamic duo sounds in front of a live audience. They go over several favorite event tech tools, future predictions, and general event planning tips. Enjoy!

It all started in 2020 and continued with full steam head in 2021: we saw huge investments in event platforms and multi-billion dollar valuations of some of the largest players in the field. At the same time, there were so many mergers and acquisitions that we could barely keep count. What about this year? Is this trend going to continue or will it slowly die out? 

At first, they were skeptical, but Brandt and Will believe that the era of mergers and acquisitions isn't just over yet. They discuss where this trend is leading us and what the event tech market might look like further down the line. It's a must-listen for everyone interested in the financial aspects of event technology as well as those who like to have a pulse on the state of the events industry in general.

Will and Brandt are joined by a regular guest on the Event Tech Podcast: Endless' very own Kyle Kocinski. As the mastermind behind the top 22 event platforms to use in 2022, he has a great grasp of where things are going in the ever-evolving world of event technology.

The Event Tech podcast duo thinks that there's still room for improvement. And so, they decided to go back to basics and revisit this good old topic. It doesn't just apply to event planners who are planning their next big event. If you ever need to hop on a call, you should give this episode a listen. You might feel called out, but remember, Will and Brandt are only trying to help and make the events industry a better place. Without further ado, let's talk tech!

Please welcome Jonathan Kazarian, the CEO and founder of Accelevents, and Stephanie Baiocchi, the director of membership & events at IMPACT. Not only do they talk about this particular event platform's solutions, but they also nerd out about data analytics, virtual audience engagement strategies, and the ROI of virtual events. Press play and join them!

And what's on the menu? Nick, Will, and Brandt discuss Facebook's announcement that they're planning on becoming a metaverse company and Facebook Horizon, a virtual reality that is currently in the beta phase. And since this is the Event Tech Podcast, they elaborate on the implications this futuristic technology might have for event planners.

In this episode, Brandt welcomes back Kyle Kocinski, the Head Of Implementation at Endless Events, to fill Will's shoes. Some of you might know him already as he joined the show in the past when the tech nerds talked about virtual and hybrid event platforms. Today, they talk about the history of audience response systems, comment on the current state of audience engagement tools, and recommend some of their favorite tools to our listeners.

When talking about AI, we must be careful: all that glitters is not gold! Many event apps and tools claim they feature AI to lure techy people in, but in reality, they (only) feature predictive analytics or machine learning. So, which one is which and why does it matter? After this Event Tech Podcast episode, you'll know better than to jump on every AI-related hype train!

Inspired by the last episode with CrowdPass, Brandt also wanted to continue exploring the related topic of attendee tracking. This episode is futuristic, informative, and also a little bit creepy. Don't skip it, it's like listening to a Black Mirror episode - in a good way!

What is CrowdPass, you might be wondering? You'll find out from Brandt's two very special guests! Some of you might know Lawrence Helfant as the co-founder of CrowdSync technology and Crowd Health. Half a year ago, he co-founded the CrowdPass software. It just might be a gamechanger in bringing in-person events faster and more efficiently! He is joined by Quinn Zsid, the marketing director of all three projects. Let's get to it, shall we?

They cover all levels of staffing at hybrid events, beginning at basic customer support and tricks for higher audience engagement. Then, they move into discussing AV labor positions. Mics, cameras, graphics - they cover it all!

In one of the most resourceful conversations in the history of this podcast, Kyle talks about how event platforms have adapted since last year and where are they going next. From must-have features to pricing, he covers it all. After all, event platforms are key to planning the best hybrid or virtual event and are definitely here to stay.

In this episode, Will takes the wheel and brings Brandt up to speed about the project. Together, they embark on a journey of exploring the potential benefits of Starlink in events!

Time and time again, Will and Brandt have proven to the Event Tech Podcast listeners that they are experts in all things tech. In this week's episode, however, they demonstrate that they also have a sharp eye for business. They take a closer look at the news about Hopin's staggering $5.65 billion valuation. Most readers take such news at face value and view the investment as a success, but Will and Brandt know what goes on behind the scenes. What exactly does this mean for Hopin and what does it say about other event platforms? Tune in and find out what the spicy duo has to say!

In this week's episode, Will and Brandt move away from pure tech talk and talk about virtual events for exhibitors. Unlike many would like to believe, the key to driving value in digital and virtual events is not necessarily cutting-edge technology. What is it, then? Tune in and find out for yourself!

One of the greatest challenges the future poses are hybrid event interactions. How can we bridge the gap between the virtual and the in-person audience? The last thing we want is for the virtual guests to feel like flies on the wall or as if they were sitting at the kids' table, as Brandt cleverly put it. But we are getting ahead of ourselves - tune in and learn what else our lovely hosts have to say about hybrid audience engagement and interactions between the two audiences.

Today's Event Tech Podcast episode tackles it all: the changes in the world of event tech, hybrid events, awesome event app design advice for increased engagement, and speculations about the future. Will and Brandt are passionate techies, so they know it all!

Because of the unprecedented state the events industry finds itself in, the CES 2021 went virtual this year for the very first time. One of the main appeals of the CES in general was sorely missing: the visitors couldn't try out innovative new products themselves. And while Brandt and Will would have loved to give the newest flying cars a go, that didn't sour their experience. Here's their take on the tech highlights of the CES 2021 as well as the execution of the thrilling event itself.

One of the main takeaways from the 2021 Event Trends is that expectations towards virtual presenters are slowly, but surely rising. A huge part of that is minding the space you're in and what other people can see. Our hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran got creative and talked about all there is to know about the art of setting the perfect backdrop. Who is your audience? What kind of a message you want to send? Should you get personal or is it better to keep it neutral? What kind of backdrops even are there? All this and more in today's Event Tech Podcast. Take it away, tech-nerds!

As mentioned in our 2021 event trends guide, attendee expectations will be on the rise. And in order to correspond to said expectations, planners must support their speakers as well as possible. A great first step is, of course, to get educated on the best virtual speaker kits out there. So press play and join us for round two of the Event Tech Podcast's take on the subject!

But just like with every bad experience, there's something to be learned. This is why this week's episode of the Event Tech Podcast will be all about a live stream horror story that Brandt recently lived through. And as he explains to us and Will just how abysmal the whole experience was, there are plenty of notes to take. It's time to learn from other people's mishaps but in an enjoyable way. Press play and join our lovely hosts for another episode of the most tech-induced podcast in the industry!

Our lovely hosts have years of experience as podcasters, speakers, and technical producers. So who better than the wonderful duo of event tech nerds to give you the top recommendations? Without further ado, here are Will and Brandt's greatest pieces of advice on the audio portion of the best speaker kits you could ask for to set yourself and your speakers up for success.

So on this week's episode of the Event Tech Podcast, Brandt Kruger and Will Curran are tackling this head-on. Since we've been putting so much pressure on remote speakers and audiences, it's time to wonder: what can we do? How can we make their roles easier? And what sort of help can we provide? Press play and join us to find out!

So today, we open the floor to our incredible nerd-talking duo. Will and Brandt have a lot to catch up on and a lot to share with event profs everywhere. How did their professional lives change? What will the future look like? And what do we have to say about the industry now that things have stabilized for a bit? So without further delay, here's the Event Tech Podcast, in all its former glory, with a look back at 2020 in events.

So on this week's Event Tech Podcast, we're happy to welcome William Warren. He's the founder and CEO of The Sketch Effect, an exciting technology that contributes to improving engagement at virtual events in novel ways. Our host Will Curran has a lot to ask, and William certainly has. a lot to teach! So waste no more time and let's get playing!

Well, not anymore! Because this week, we're bringing back the Event Tech Podcast. And our awesome host Will Curran is proud to welcome Matthew Funge as a guest. Matthew is the Managing Director and co-founder of Your Stand Builder, an award-winning company that "revolutionizes the way companies all around the world prepare for their exhibitions". So who better than him to teach us how to create amazing exhibitor experiences for virtual and hybrid events? Press play and join the chat!

And Klik has solutions for everything and everyone. Whether it's a virtual, hybrid, or in-person event, this platform has got you covered. But just in case you are in dire need of an in-depth, honest review, the Event Tech Podcast is here to help! In this week's episode, we introduce Simon St-Germain and Shana Thomas. Simon is Klik's representative on the episode, and he works as the Marketing & Communication Director. And Shana, Director of Digital Experiences at Connex, is here as the client who's actually tried Klik. She'll offer us a unique look into the platform, why it helped her, and what the highlights were. So if you're excited about this awesome Klik review, press play and join us on another amazing edition of the Event Tech Podcast!

That’s what our very special guest for this week wonders. The extraordinary Lee Papa is an internationally recognized Mindfulness and Meditation speaker and trainer, specializing in the Meetings, Events, Hospitality, and Travel industries. For years, Lee has been teaching professionals in the industry about the importance of mindfulness in events. And today, she’ll be walking us through her personal experiences, the importance of this practice, and exactly why we should be doing it. So grab a nice, warm cup of tea and join us for an incredible edition of the Event Tech Podcast – it might just change your outlook on life!

Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about on this episode of the Event Tech Podcast! Our incredible host Will Curran is joined by Todd Giannattasio, the co-founder of Ziotag. And Ziotag is the tool event planners everywhere have been waiting for! It’s an AI-powered video player that will help you create a seamless content database using your existing library of videos. The results? More views, increased engagement, and a powerful marketing tool for planners. Are you curious? Then press play and join us on yet another exciting adventure through the world of event technology!

And we previously covered some ways you can learn to figure out how to price your virtual event. But today, we wanted to bring you yet another interesting option. Imagine a world where your attendees pay what they want for the experience. A world where they attend and only after do they decide how much the experience was worth. Sounds strange, right? But in reality, it can be a game.changer for you! So, in order to explain everything a little bit better, we welcome Kahlil Ashanti of weshowup. He'll tell you and our amazing host, Will Curran, all about this event pricing model. Join us right now and learn how you can adopt it!

But we couldn't bring you the history of event tech without inviting a true connoisseur. So joining our incredible host Will Curran is none other than Corbin Ball. And Corbin is no stranger to Endless! He's been featured on #EventIcons before. And as the leading meeting event tech guru, Corbin has plenty of wisdom to share. So, if you're ready to embark on this unforgettable journey and geek-out, press play and join us right now. We're revisiting the history of event tech!

We thought you might. And that’s why we invited Rodrick Pauley, a previous guest on #EventIcons, to chat with us. Our amazing host Will has a lot of questions for Rodrick. And they’re all around the topic of how to bring broadcast quality to your virtual event! Pauley has ten years of experience in the subject. Which means he has plenty of tips, tricks, and best practices to share! Because we’re all on the same boat right now, we should share the wisdom. So if you’ve been wondering how you can take your virtual experience to the next level and make it unforgettable, press play and join us right now!

But here at Endless, we love nothing better than to educate. And because the industry is witnessing such an enormous shift, we want to help where we can. So on this week’s episode of the Event Tech Podcast, we’re giving you some answers. Our incredible host Will Curran sat down with Andrew Latimer to tell you all about virtual event possibilities. So if you’re curious to learn exactly what can be achieved with virtual events, then wait no longer and press play now! For all the resources and more be sure to check out the blog here! 

These are only some of the questions we’ll be answering today. Our incredible host Will Curran is a veteran Zoom user. So that means he can offer you all the guidance on the topic of Zoom for virtual events! If you’re ready to learn more, then wait no further – press play and join us for another awesome edition of the Event Tech Podcast! Check out the resources, transcription and more for this week here! 

So this week on the Event Tech Podcast, we’re talking about imagination and events. And to help us out, we have two experts joining our hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger. Anthony Hickson is the Director of Imagination Studios, and Stephen Van Elst is the Global Creative Innovation Director for Imagination. They’re experts in bringing technology and storytelling together to create amazing events – and they’re here to tell us all about it. Press play and join us on this journey! Click here for the Blog.

Will Curran and Brandt Krueger are ready to give you the scope on the PSAV is now Encore news. Did we see it coming? What does this mean for the events industry? And more specifically, to the world of event tech? Well, if you want all these questions answered, wait no more – press play and join us on this special edition of the Event Tech Podcast!

Our lovely hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger have quite a few stories to share. They’ve been in the industry for years, right? So who better to tell you what to do when your AV company slacks off? If this is something that’s crossed your mind a few times, you’ve come to the right place. Press play right now, and join us for a new edition of the Event Tech Podcast!

Thankfully, our two lovely hosts are the perfect people to walk you through the motions. Brandt Krueger and Will Curran have extensive experience in this matter. And on today's edition of the Event Tech Podcast, they will be answering the million-dollar question: what's the difference between an event production company and AV company. So press play and join us on this quest!

So today, that’s exactly what our lovely hosts will be up to. Will and Brandt sit down to let us hear their Super Bowl reaction. What were the highlights? What didn’t they enjoy that much? And most importantly, is there anything we, as event professionals, can learn from it? If you want to hear the answers to these questions, wait no longer. Press play and join us!

If you're ready to have some fun, then we advise you to join us today. As always, Will Curran and Brandt Krueger are here to entertain and educate you. And what better way to do so than with corporate AV and event production bingo? If you want to play along, make sure you go and grab your own cards. Even if you're still a bit confused, go ahead and press play. It will be worth it! Click here to play!

Starring our always tech-savvy hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger, this is an episode you'll want to check out. Maybe you've been wondering whether or not you can get away with just an iPad. Or maybe you've been wanting to switch your Mac for a while and you're not sure if it's a good call. Either way, you're questions will be answered. Just press play, it's Event Tech time! For the full audio transcription and show notes click here! 

Our amazing guests Brandt Krueger and Will Curran sat down to discuss all the amazing things to come out of this conference. From the most promising technology to the coolest tech, they’re covering it all. And whether or not you had the chance to be a part of it, you’ll want to listen to this episode. So wait no longer and press play! For the full blog and transcription read here! 

So, joining our amazing host Will Curran is Scott Mirkin. Scott is the co-founder of ESM Productions, and when we say he's one of the best, we're not exaggerating! Because he has done work for some of the most powerful people in the world. And these people include none other than hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, President Obama, and Pope Francis. Are you excited yet? Then press play, because this is an episode you don't want to miss!

So, considering that the core of the podcast is event tech, it's only fitting that we look back. And that's exactly what our incredible hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger will do today! From 2010 onwards, it's time we get an overview of the past decade of technology. A decade filled with exciting promises and innovations. And one that challenged the events industry to change its mindset and outlook into how we work. So, without further ado, press play - it's Event Tech Podcast o'clock!

In order to provide you with the freshest and most complete information, we have the honor to introduce Ashlee Ammons. Ashlee is the co-founder of Mixtroz, so she can tell you everything you need to know. And joining her is none other than our amazing host, Brandt Krueger. Together, the two will dive deep into the background of Mixtroz, how it came to be, and why it is something you will definitely want to implement at your next event. Are you ready for this? Press play, we're getting techy!

Our amazing hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger are here to give you the breakdown. What is Disney Plus all about? And why should you, as an event professional, even care? If you’re curious to hear the answers to these questions and more, then sit tight and press play. We’re about to get techy, with just a small hint of magic!

And joining them is a very special guest, Michael Bleau. Michael is the CEO of Event Hub. And so, he works with more than 300 large live annual events through his event management software company. Plus, he has more than a decade of experience as an event organizer and brand sponsorship manager. So, are you ready to get into the nitty and gritty of event management tools? Then press play, it’s time to get techy!

So, on this week's episode of Event Tech Podcast, we're breaking down the Google quantum supremacy news. Join our amazing hosts, Will Curran and Brandt Krueger, as they take you on a scientific adventure through this magical and complex world. Press play, and join us on the quest to achieve supremacy!

So today, we’re talking about the “Mind Your Own Business” Act. Whether you’ve heard it about or not, this is definitely an episode you want to pay close attention to. And especially if data privacy is something that you worry about! So, without further ado, our amazing hosts Will Curran and Brandt Krueger are ready to walk you through it. Press play, it’s time to get techy!

Well, if you've asked yourself that before, you've come to the right place. It's been a month now, and Will Curran is ready to give you the breakdown on this Samsung Fold review. And alongside him is the always curious Brandt Krueger, who is just as curious as all of us to know what this device is all about. So, are you ready to get the scoop? Press play, it's time for Event Tech Podcast!

But what does this mean for events? What are the good things? And what isn't quite as great? Will this be the norm from now on? All of this and a little bit more coming your way on today's episode of Event Tech Podcast. Hosted by the always chipper and amazing Will Curran and Brandt Krueger, this is something you don't want to miss. Press play, we're getting techy!

Safety and security are topics we’ve tackled many times. But they’re also extremely hot, especially in the digital age. Black Hat and DEF CON are two of the biggest hacking conferences in the world. So of course, there was quite a bit to learn where cybersecurity is concerned. Will Curran and Brandt Krueger wanted to make sure you didn’t miss a single detail, whether or not you had the chance to attend. Get your black hoodie and unsuspicious sunglasses of choice, because it’s time for the latest news on cybersecurity in events!

Resources:

What Security Pros Need to Know About Black Hat and DEF CON

How Not Having Data Backups Will Ruin Your Event

Philips HUE Bulbs

Joining our phenomenal and always entertaining hosts is a very special guest. Will Curran and Brandt Krueger welcome Maarten Vanneste. An entrepreneur since he was only 18 years old, Maarten has over 35 years of experience in meeting design. He’s an author, a speaker, a trainer. And since 2012, he has organized the FRESH Conference in Europe. Ready to hear all about the ground-breaking magic of multi-hub meetings? Don’t miss a beat, it’s Event Tech Podcast time!