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
Cultivating event team success and longevity with Ashley Ronkowski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:36
In this episode, Event Experience host Rachel Moore interviews Ashley Ronkowski, a seasoned event professional with extensive experience in event planning and marketing. Ronkowski shares her comprehensive approach to eve…
Building an iconic festival experience with SXSW's Hugh Forrest [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:28
In this episode, host Rachel Moore sits down with Hugh Forrest, the Co-president and Chief Programming Officer of SXSW. With roughly 35 years of experience with SXSW, Forrest explores the evolution of this monumental eve…