In this episode of Marketing Magnified, host Mary Jo and content strategist Janice Dombrowski from Stream Creative dive into how brands can transform their event and trade show efforts into powerful, ongoing marketing momentum. They discuss how pre-event and on-site surveys reveal valuable audience insights that can shape personalized email campaigns, blog recaps, FAQs, and thought leadership content.

Janice shares how AI and SEO algorithms reward original data and expert insights, turning post-event data into industry reports and white papers that build trust and authority. Together, they emphasize the value of nurturing post-event connections, maintaining communication beyond the event (what Mary Jo calls “the fifth quarter”), and keeping audiences engaged through timely, relevant, and creative storytelling — even tapping into cultural moments to extend brand reach.

• The importance of pre-event surveys for audience understanding
• Using voice of customer insights gathered at trade shows
• Strategies for personalized follow-up content and email nurturing
• Developing thought leadership content from event data
• Creating industry reports, white papers, and blog recaps post-event
• How to nurture leads and maintain engagement after events
• Using AI and SEO-friendly content strategies with original data
• Examples of successful event campaigns, including Experience Inbound
• The concept of the “fifth quarter” — sustaining event momentum
• Incorporating seasonal relevance and newsjacking for extended visibility (e.g., Savannah Bananas & Taylor Swift example)

Follow Mary Jo on LinkedIn here and find Janice here.

In this episode of Marketing Magnified, host Mary Jo from Stream Creative, talks with Phil Mershon, author and Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner, about what it takes to create truly unforgettable events. Phil shares his journey from music and ministry to leading one of the largest social media marketing conferences in the world. They discuss why small details can have a huge impact on attendee satisfaction, how to design networking opportunities that spark meaningful connections, and why the post-event experience is just as important as the event itself. Phil also offers practical strategies for applying the customer journey model to every stage of an event and gives inspiring examples of memorable closing experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Phil Mershon’s unconventional career path into event marketing
• The evolution and uniqueness of Social Media Marketing World
• Integrating AI and marketing as a conference subplot
• The importance of networking and serendipity at in-person events
• The concept “it’s all in the details” for event planning success
• Real-world example: Toothbrushes and toothpaste as a memorable attendee detail
• Maximizing post-event engagement with a 30–60 day follow-up plan
• Applying the customer journey concept to events
• Creating impactful opening and closing experiences
• Example of a surprise closing event to boost memorability