215: LIVE from NWES: AI and Human Capacity, Designing Events For The Brain

At the Northwest Event Show, podcast hosts Anca Platon Trifan (Events Demystified) and David T. Stevens (Return on Wellness) discuss AI, cognitive load, and performance in events with Wendy Turner-Williams (AI/data/tech executive with experience at Tableau, Salesforce, and Microsoft) and Lisa Schulteis (Electrify Marketing founder and neuroscience-based event strategist). They argue events are often designed for logistics and run-of-show rather than the brain, leading to fatigue, poor retention, and low post-event action. The panel recommends using data and real-time audience feedback to communicate impact to executives, treating events like marketing campaigns, and recognizing “invisible labor” in event work that AI can’t replace. Practical fixes include intentional white space for decompression, memory-building resets (e.g., “Forgetting Curve” journaling), and a “less is more” approach. They warn that fast-moving tools like “digital doubles” and AI agents will accelerate change, requiring human judgment.00:00 Welcome and Setup01:23 Meet the Panel03:18 Why Cognitive Load Matters05:45 Design for the Brain07:02 Executive View and AI08:01 Fixing C Suite Blind Spots10:58 Agenda Fatigue and Focus12:24 Wellness and Retention16:00 Invisible Labor and Feedback18:31 Decompression and Data21:39 Judgment Over Speed23:26 Key Takeaways and Whats Next24:50 Digital Doubles Are Coming26:41 Connect and Closing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------👉 Episode Notes: ⁠⁠https://eventsdemystified.com/⁠⁠👉 Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share! Your support helps us continue to deliver insightful and engaging content.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------Sponsored and Produced by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events Production LLC⁠Connect with your Podcast Host at the links below:⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Book Anca to Speak at Your Event⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-------------------------------------------------------------⁠⁠“Events: demystified” Podcast ⁠⁠is brought to you by ⁠⁠Tree-Fan Events⁠⁠, a leading woman-owned boutique event planning and production agency offering a comprehensive approach to event management and production, with a focus on enhancing the attendee experience with the #FIT4EVENTS™ framework for a holistic event cycle in order to create memorable events. 👉 Leave us a comment about how you think AV and AI will shape the future of events, and share this episode with others in the industry#eventsdemystifiedpodcast #demystifiedpodcast #eventsdemystified #events #demystified #podcast #womeninAV #eventprofs #eventsdemystified #AItools #Leadership #HolisticWellbeing #PodcastEpisode #AIinevents #fit4events #eventsdemystifiedpodcast #eventsdemystified #eventinsights #videoproduction