MESA EDUCATIONAL CAMPFIRE PROGRAMME
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Tuesday 20th May
1030-1050 How to make your event more inclusive using event technology
In this campfire session, we will explore strategies to enhance event inclusivity with technology, focusing on accessible interaction, real-time communication tools, and breaking language barriers to accommodate diverse attendee needs effectively.
Jelmer van Ast, Founder & CEO, Conference Compass
1050-1110 The Art of Managing Expectations
As an event planner, you're constantly juggling expectations—from clients, suppliers, delegates, and your own team. In this practical campfire session, we’ll explore how setting and communicating clear, realistic expectations can reduce stress, improve collaboration, and keep your events on track. Learn how to manage others’ assumptions, say “no” with confidence, and set boundaries that protect both your well-being and your event outcomes.
Sébastien Braun, CEO & Founder, idloom
1110-1130 Future-proof your events: The next frontier in sustainability reporting
Discover how integrated tools like Qondor and SQUAKE are revolutionising sustainability in the meetings and events industry. Learn how tracking emissions for travel, accommodation, and F&B is just the beginning, and explore what the future holds for smarter, more sustainable events.
Knut Amund Gulsvik, Chief Commerical Officer, Qondor
1130-1150 Managing visitor flows and capturing data
Explore how smart, scalable solutions can streamline check-ins, manage visitor flow, and capture meaningful data. Whether you’re running the show or manning a booth, discover practical ways to reduce stress, improve ROI, and create seamless, engaging experiences for attendees.
Pascal Lagadec, VP Sales and Business Development, fielddrive
1200-1220 MESA Group Presentation: A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event (Part One)
1400-1420 MESA Group Presentation: A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event (Part Two)
MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association) is a collaborative network of event and technology suppliers dedicated to the meetings industry. Together, we create innovative solutions tailored to overcome your challenges. Join us on a journey that covers every stage of your event— from planning to execution and post-event follow-up. We’ll share fresh ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and practical tips to help you deliver exceptional events for your company, your clients, and your attendees. Both sessions will look at different technologies - Connect with us to explore and discover:
- Innovative event services and technologies to elevate your next event
- Effective solutions to address your specific challenges and enhance event experiences
MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association)
1430-1450 From Invite to Impact: Engaging Sales Before, During and After Events
Discover how involving your sales team early, during planning, invitations, and execution, can boost engagement and ROI. This session shares practical strategies to align sales and marketing around events, supported by the smart use of event marketing tools. Ideal for marketers seeking stronger collaboration, accountability, and measurable business impact across all event types.
Mark van der Kinderen, Co-Founder, InviteDesk
1450-1510 Exhibitor Experience Is Your Brand Experience
First impressions start long before the show floor. Many event planners still rely on outdated tools, creating confusion and damaging their brand. In this campfire session, we’ll explore how a smooth, professional exhibitor and sponsor journey builds trust, saves time, and protects reputation—without needing a huge team or budget.
Christian Skelton, Co-Founder, Eventflow
1510-1530 How to boost learning at events - the informal approach :-)
Events are hotbeds of learning. However the most impactful learning is often not in the speaker sessions, but in the conversations we have with others between sessions. How can you boost and promote this valuable informal learning at your events? Join our informal learning session to find out!
Tamsin Treasure-Jones & Raymond Elferink, Co-Founders, Kubify
1540-1600 From Insights to Action: How AI Unlocks Business Value Hidden in Your Event Content
Most event content goes unused—but AI can change that. Discover how AI-powered content intelligence platforms turn keynotes, panels, and audience engagement into real-time business insights. Learn to identify intent signals, deliver session summaries, and boost sponsor ROI. Walk away with practical strategies to transform your event content into measurable business value—fast.
Vamshi Velmajala, Managing Director, Snapsight by Gevme
JOIN US ON TUESDAY EVENING FOR THE MESA RE-FRESH DINNER
SPONSORED BY ARC INTERNATIONAL EVENT INSURANCE
Wednesday 21st May
1030-1050 Why "attendee first" event design matters
Designing, planning and marketing your event with an “attendee-first” mindset is the best way to deliver successful outcomes for ALL event stakeholders, not just attendees. It’s the way to elevate your event to one that your industry raves about, that attendees recommend to their networks, and that they want to return to time and again. Join this interactive chat to discuss and share tactics and experiences.
Tamar Beck, CEO, Gleanin
1050-1110 Why insurance is so important and who is responsible when things go wrong?
Are you prepared if something goes wrong at your event? Join this session to learn how event insurance can protect you from unexpected risks—from cancellations to accidents. We'll break down who’s responsible when things go sideways and share must-have tips for building a solid risk management checklist. Don’t leave your event to chance—get the insights you need to stay protected and stress-free!
Terry Waller, Managing Director, Arc International Event Insurance
1110-1130 One free and easy way to double your meeting ROI
After 40 years in meeting design and 4 books, I came to one fundamental conclusion: there is one technique that doubles the value of any gathering. It is free, easy and everyone loves it. This campfire will address 7 questions that lead to this technique. Join us and find it!
Maarten Vanneste, President, Meeting Design Institute
1130-1150 AI & Content Capture. The juice is worth the squeeze!
Content is the fruit of your meetings, get the most out of it! Don't miss out on the benefits that AI is about to bring to our meetings industry. Automated translations and summaries of presentations create new business opportunities for organisers. AI will revolutionise participants' meeting experiences and knowledge transfer!
Thomas Berghausen, Owner, meta-fusion
1200-1220 MESA Group Presentation: A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event (Part One)
1400-1420 MESA Group Presentation: A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event (Part Two)
MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association) is a collaborative network of event and technology suppliers dedicated to the meetings industry. Together, we create innovative solutions tailored to overcome your challenges. Join us on a journey that covers every stage of your event— from planning to execution and post-event follow-up. We’ll share fresh ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and practical tips to help you deliver exceptional events for your company, your clients, and your attendees. Both sessions will look at different technologies - Connect with us to explore and discover:
- Innovative event services and technologies to elevate your next event
- Effective solutions to address your specific challenges and enhance event experiences
MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association)
1430-1450 Let’s Talk Marketing: AI, Influencers & Finding Your Edge
Marketing isn’t just for marketers anymore. Whether you’re promoting an event, building your personal brand, or automating your workload, this chat is for you. Led by a micro-influencer in the events space, we’ll explore AI tools, influencer marketing, and practical ways to stand out - without burning out. Bring your hacks, questions, and curiosity.
Johnny Martinez, Partnerships Manager, CrowdComms & Chloe Richardson, Head of Content, ELX
1450-1510 Bridging the Gap: How to Get Sponsors and Delegates to Truly Connect
Unlock the power of connection! Discover why meaningful delegate-sponsor interaction fuels event ROI. We'll dissect the emotional and psychological hurdles preventing engagement and equip you with practical organiser strategies and real-world success stories to foster valuable relationships and leave attendees with actionable connection blueprints.
Richard Morris, Director, Active Media Events
1510-1530 Let everyone join the conversation
How can we encourage delegate interaction while respecting different comfort levels? This session explores inclusive ways to manage Q&A, presenter preferences, and participation styles—plus alternatives to sit-down presentations. Join us to rethink how spoken engagement can be more accessible, dynamic, and engaging for all.
Tim Brown, Managing Director, Apple Sound
JOIN MESA FOR DRINKS ON G310 1630-1730 ON WEDNESDAY
Thursday 22nd May
1030-1050 Events are no longer about who’s on stage, they’re about who you’ll meet!
As it has become more difficult to reach people over the phone, via e-mail or through social media, events are becoming more important as arenas for networking. Studies show that as much 88 percent of participants choose to attend events primarily to meet people. What does this mean for you as an event planner? Should you design your events differently? Which tools can you use to make it easier for participants to get as much value as possible from attending?
Martin Klöfver, Founder & Head of New Markets, Trippus Event Solutions
1050-1110 Designing Events for Everyone: Inclusive Tips for Success
Gain simple, actionable tips for more inclusive events that increase engagement, foster belonging, and ensure a successful outcome.
David O'Coimin, Founder/Director, Nook Event Pods
1110-1130 Spark Connections: Rethinking networking at events
It’s said the best way to Create the Future You Want is to build it. AI doomsters predict the end of work as we know it, but your networking prowess will ensure your future is bright and the one others desire. Join us to future-proof your future role.
Adam Fillary, Executive Managing Director, Professional Association of Networking (PAN)
1130-1150 Empowering Associations: Innovative Tech Solutions for Seamless Events
Explore how associations can overcome today’s biggest event challenges—from logistics to engagement—through smart, scalable tech. This session uncovers practical solutions that streamline planning, enhance member experience, and boost ROI. Join us to discover real-world innovations empowering associations to deliver more impactful, seamless events.
John Martinez, Founder & CEO, Shocklogic
1150-1210 From Overwhelmed to In Control: Smarter Tech Choices for Live Events
Smart hardware decisions start with understanding attendee flow, registration needs, and check-in complexity. Choose scalable, reusable solutions—like iPad kiosks, thermal printers, recyclable badges, and digital platforms. Prioritise sustainability and efficiency to reduce waste, streamline operations, and create a smooth experience for attendees and organisers alike.
Kerem Baran, Co-Founder & COO, Eventpack
1210-1230 Return on Wellness: Designing Events That Feel as Good as They Perform
Wellness isn’t a luxury—it’s your event’s secret ROI. Join David Stevens as he shares the four pillars of wellness—mindfulness, movement, meals, and meaning—and how to integrate them into your event strategy. Discover how small changes can improve attendee satisfaction, boost engagement, and deliver measurable results for organisers and sponsors.
David Stevens, Co-Founder & Head of Global Events & Wellness, Club Ichi
1230-1250 Life in Balance: Beyond the 9 to 5
Struggling to juggle career demands with personal well-being? Join this open discussion on setting boundaries, managing time, and redefining success. Share experiences, gain practical tips, and explore how our industry can better support balance. Let’s talk real-life strategies for thriving—professionally and personally—without burning out.
Duncan Strain, Director & Owner, Silent Seminars
Our campfire seating is sponsored and provided by FestivalChairs 
MESA campfires take place using MESA Member Silent Seminars headsets 