LIVE From IMEX: What Attendees Really Want from Events! w/CEO IMEX Group Carina Bauer & Freeman SVP Ken Holsinger episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 22, 2026 · 21 MIN

LIVE From IMEX: What Attendees Really Want from Events! w/CEO IMEX Group Carina Bauer & Freeman SVP Ken Holsinger

from Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson

Live from IMEX in Las Vegas, the usual “make it more experiential” advice gets flipped on its head. With Jay Schwedelson joined by Ken Holsinger of Freeman and Carina Bauer of IMEX Group, you’ll hear why attendees remember the basics (one great connection, one useful idea) way more than the fancy stuff planners pour money into.ㅤDownload and share the IMEX Group and Freeman experiential trends research, then use it to redesign your next event around learning, networking, and business before you spend on “wow” extras.ㅤBest Moments:(01:33) The clearest explanation of what IMEX actually is and who it is really for(05:42) The big “experience” disconnect between what planners build and what attendees want(11:45) The stat that stunned me: planners think 78 percent have a memorable moment, attendees say 40(12:09) If someone meets just one person, retention jumps to 51 percent(12:31) Peak moments drive 85 percent retention, and “gala” never shows up in 2,100 attendee responses(18:21) The best swag ever is either a 20-year-old branded card case or unreleased sneakersㅤPartner with Jay: https://www.jayschwedelson.com/contactㅤCheck out Jay Schwedelson's new book: Stupider People Have Done It All net proceeds are donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, let's kick cancer's butt: https://www.amazon.com/Stupider-People-Have-Done-Marketing/dp/1637635206ㅤSubscribe to Jay's newsletter for weekly marketing tips and tactics: https://www.jayschwedelson.com/newsletterㅤRegister for GuruConference (FREE + VIRTUAL!) https://www.guruconference.comㅤCheck out Eventastic (FREE + VIRTUAL!) https://www.eventastic.comㅤConnect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schwedelson/Check out Jay's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelsonCheck out Jay's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/Ask Jay anything: https://www.jayschwedelson.com/askㅤLeave a comment and follow the show, it really helps us out!

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LIVE From IMEX: What Attendees Really Want from Events! w/CEO IMEX Group Carina Bauer & Freeman SVP Ken Holsinger

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This episode was published on January 22, 2026.

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