MESA EDUCATIONAL CAMPFIRE PROGRAMME
Click on each of the title links of each session below to see on The Meetings Show Education pages
The Meetings Show Education Full Programme
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VIEW THE MESA CAMPFIRES ON THE MEETINGS SHOW EDUCATION PAGES
Wednesday 25th June
1030-1050 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
1050-1110 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
1110-1130 Ultimate fusion of elevated team building & practical learning & development
Discover how music can build trust, boost motivation, and strengthen team dynamics. This interactive session helps meeting professionals create unified teams by exploring individual strengths, improving communication, and fostering collaboration. Walk away with practical tools to support thriving teams—whether within your organisation or for your clients.
Sam McNeill, General Mgr (UK/Europe), SongDivision
1130-1150 The 20-Minutes News Brief
Explore the top 7 trends impacting our events industry —from AI and accessibility to wellness, talent, and social media shifts.
Paul Cook, Writer, Storyteller and Creative Producer, Paul Cook Storyteller & Bob Toovey, Founder & Owner, Event Planner News (EPN)
1200-1230 7 Sparks of FRESH Innovation: Lightning Pitches from MESA Partners
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 for a fast-paced showcase as seven MESA partners each take the stage to pitch a standout innovation or unique solution transforming the events industry. From smart registration to AI-powered tools and audience engagement platforms—expect bold ideas, fresh tech, and real impact in under 30 minutes.
MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association)
1240-1300 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
1400-1420 Unfiltered: Event Tech Reality Check - Discussing the Hard Questions
Let us tackle the big questions facing event tech today, unfiltered. All-in-one versus integrated solutions. Does anyone really care about sustainability, or is it just greenwashing? And is the event app still alive, or on life support? Come with your tough questions, bold opinions, and an open mind for an honest conversation.
Matt Allen, Managing Director & Will Custard, Product Director, CrowdComms
1420-1440 How On Stage Talent Should Transform the Attendee Experience
What’s the real impact of a well-matched Moderator, Host, or Voice of God on your event’s success? Join Conference Host Clare Forestier to see how aligning on-stage roles with the right skills and energy makes for a great attendee experience. Whether you’re a planner or supplier, take part in this interactive look at why each role matters and get practical insights to help you create more engaging, seamless, and memorable events.
Clare Forestier, Event Host & Public Speaker, Clare Forestier Event Host
1440-1500 World Café: Sparking Collective Insight Through Conversation
Join this interactive campfire to experience the World Café method—a powerful, inclusive approach for sparking meaningful dialogue. Discover how structured conversations can foster listening, shared understanding, and actionable outcomes. Ideal for innovation sprints, engagement forums, and collaborative strategy, this method works in both in-person and virtual settings.
Paul Nundesea, Group Facilitator / Book Author, My Meeting Support
1500-1520 Chasing the Dream: How I’m Writing a Novel While Working Full-Time in Event Tech
Discover how I’m turning my dream of becoming a published writer into reality—while working full-time in event tech. I’ll share the mindset, habits, and surprising ways my sales career supports my creative journey, offering practical inspiration for anyone balancing ambition with a busy professional life.
Marlen P. Chason, Senior Sales Executive, Conference Compass
1520-1540 Future-proof your events: The next frontier in sustainability reporting
Discover how integrated tools 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
JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY EVENING FOR THE MESA RE-FRESH DINNER
SPONSORED BY ARC INTERNATIONAL EVENT INSURANCE
Thursday 26th June
VIEW THE MESA CAMPFIRES ON THE MEETINGS SHOW EDUCATION PAGES
1030-1050 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
1050-1110 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, Co-Founder, Kubify
1110-1130 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
1130-1150 Are You Being Taken Seriously?
Discover how to command the room and earn real influence. Richard shares three essential techniques top consultants use: crafting a clear strategy, asking powerful questions, and maintaining control. Leave with actionable insights to elevate your presence and credibility in any professional setting.
Richard John, CEO, Realise.me.uk
1200-1230 7 Sparks of FRESH Innovation: Lightning Pitches from MESA Partners
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 for a fast-paced showcase as seven MESA partners each take the stage to pitch a standout innovation or unique solution transforming the events industry. From smart registration to AI-powered tools and audience engagement platforms—expect bold ideas, fresh tech, and real impact in under 30 minutes.
MESA (Meetings & Events Support Association)
1240-1300 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
1400 - 1420 From AI Assistants to Agents: Rethinking Events
Events are evolving fast. AI assistants support tasks—but AI agents will act, decide, and reshape experiences. This session dives into how AI agents will transform event planning, personalisation, and operations. Learn what this shift means for human roles, creativity, and the mental leap event pros must make to lead this future.
Tom Gavazzi, Owner & CEO, Woom AI Marketing Agency
Our campfire seating is sponsored and provided by FestivalChairs 
MESA campfires will take place using MESA Member Silent Seminars headsets. 