Building Community Through Intimate Events with Gather & Grow Experiences

Building Community Through Intimate Events with Gather & Grow Experiences

Author: Bizzabo October 20, 2025 Duration: 30:31

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes back Hugh Forrest, longtime leader of South by Southwest, to explore his latest venture: Gather & Grow Experiences. Drawing on over 35 years in the events industry, Hugh shares how he's helping organizations design smaller, experience-driven gatherings that spark connection and elevate civil discourse.

They dive into the shift from massive events to more intentional, human-focused experiences, especially in Austin's changing event landscape. Hugh also shares his work consulting for events that empower underrepresented communities and his approach to building impactful international programs. Listeners will take away valuable insights on why face-to-face interaction still matters and how thoughtful planning leads to more meaningful event outcomes.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why face-to-face interactions foster a deeper community than digital platforms

  • How intimate events can create more value than large-scale productions

  • The importance of long-term planning and iterative improvement in event design

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: www.bizzabo.com/podcast/gather-grow-experiences-intimate-events

 


Ever wondered what really happens behind the curtain of a massive conference or a groundbreaking product launch? Event Experience, presented by Bizzabo, pulls back that curtain entirely. This isn't about abstract theory; it's a direct line to the people who've actually built the stages, managed the chaos, and captivated thousands. Each episode sits down with a different Event Experience Leader, those individuals responsible for shaping how we gather and connect. You'll hear firsthand accounts-the unexpected hurdles, the last-minute saves, and the strategies that turned a simple gathering into a memorable phenomenon. Conversations dive deep into the practical realities of event marketing and management, exploring how to genuinely engage an audience and, crucially, how to define and measure success beyond just ticket sales. The podcast serves as a collective masterclass, distilling hard-won wisdom from the trenches of global events. If you're involved in bringing people together, whether for a corporate function or a sprawling festival, these candid stories and actionable insights will change how you approach your next project. Tune in to learn from the best, so you can leave your own audience talking long after the lights come up.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Event Experience
Podcast Episodes
Improving exhibitor experiences at trade shows with Adam Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:53
In this episode, we'll walk a mile in exhibitors' shoes with Adam Jones to reduce frustration and maximize value at your events. In our own version of Undercover Boss, we examine the realities of the exhibitor experience…
Then and Now: The state of 2024 event industry trends [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
In this episode, you'll take a journey back in time to late 2023 when event industry experts delivered predictions for the new year, and then fast forward to the present as host Rachel Moore and a panel of experts discus…
Get Ready for Season 5 of the Event Experience Podcast! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04
Are you ready for Season 5 of the Event Experience podcast? Named one of the top event industry podcasts by multiple outlets and celebrated in the inaugural Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Event Technology Platforms, this p…
Celebrating 100 episodes of Event Experience with Alon Alroy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:21
This milestone 100th episode of the Event Experience podcast features a conversation between Host Rachel Moore and Bizzabo CMO and Cofounder Alon Alroy. This episode delves into the challenges and transformations in the…
Go behind the scenes of White House events with Deesha Dyer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
In this engaging episode of Event Experience, host Rachel Moore sits down with Deesha Dyer, the former White House Social Secretary and current president Hook & Fasten Consulting, to delve into the intricacies of plannin…