How Brella Is Shaping Virtual 2.0 Events

How Brella Is Shaping Virtual 2.0 Events

Author: Bizzabo April 6, 2026 Duration: 41:01

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore sits down with Mark Mallchok, event experience strategist and co-founder of Brella.

With over 30 years in the industry, Mark shares how events have evolved from traditional in-person formats to what he calls the "Virtual 2.0" era, where engagement, production quality, and accessibility take center stage.

He challenges common assumptions, including the belief that in-person events are always more effective and that virtual events inevitably lead to Zoom fatigue. Instead, Mark explains how virtual experiences have expanded access, enabling participation across geographies and budgets in ways that weren't previously possible.

The conversation explores how event planners can create more compelling digital experiences by prioritizing audience engagement over content volume. Mark encourages planners to think like broadcasters, focusing on storytelling, pacing, and production value, while also drawing inspiration from creators outside the events industry.

He also addresses the role of AI in event production, noting that while technology can enhance execution, human connection and storytelling remain at the core of memorable experiences.

This episode is packed with practical insights for planners looking to adapt, experiment, and elevate their virtual events in a rapidly changing landscape.

What you'll learn: 

  • Why virtual events can be more inclusive and scalable than in-person experiences

  • How to design engaging virtual sessions that avoid fatigue and hold attention

  • Why treating virtual events like broadcast productions leads to better results

For transcripts, mentions, and more, visit: https://www.bizzabo.com/brella-virtual-event-strategy


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
2024 event trends and insights from the industry's top leaders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Join us as we dive into the future of event planning! This episode explores event trends and insights for 2024, particularly conscious conferencing, DE&I, sustainability in event planning, the evolving dynamics of sponso…
Navigating Event Tech and Sustainability with Adam Parry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:06
In this episode, Adam Parry, the Cofounder and Editor of Event Industry News, shares his extensive experience and insights into the evolving world of event technology and sustainability. He discusses the triumphs and cha…
Harnessing AI in event management with Atlassian's Josh Shepherd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:04
In this episode, Josh Shepherd, the Head of Event Technology and Innovation at Atlassian, delves into the evolving landscape of event technology. With a rich background working for companies like Microsoft, BW Events Tec…
Crafting captivating events with industry veteran Yvonne McNair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:12
In this episode, we sit down with Yvonne McNair, the Chief Experience Officer and Founder of Captivate Marketing Group. A two-time Emmy-nominated event producer with 20 years of experience in the events industry, McNair…
How the Financial Times event team drives growth at scale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:53
This episode — which aired recently as a webinar — provides a deep dive into the strategic world of event management, spotlighting the strategies and experiences of FT Live, the event arm of the Financial Times. Managing…
What's changed (and what hasn't) about in-person gatherings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:12
Join us for a dynamic episode about the state of in-person events today — based on responses from more than 4,000 organizers and attendees who participated in Bizzabo's in-person B2B conference survey from June 2023. In…