TAKING PLACE ON STAND F81: MESA EDUCATIONAL CAMPFIRE PROGRAMME
WEDNESDAY 24TH JUNE
1020-1040 What organisers forget: The attendee journey beyond the event days
There is a lot of effort that organisers will put into the day of the event. But with every year, attendee retention becomes harder, even when the events are better. What makes the attendee come back next year, spread the word to their peers? Join this campfire session to go over the weakest points in event planning that are dragging down your ROI.
Sjoerd Bakx, Head of Sales & Marketing, Conference Compass
1100-1120 Years of running events? Can AI actually use that data?
There are 10 dimensions to event operations data. Structure. Connectedness, Transformability. Most teams hit a few without knowing it. This Campfire shows you all 10 and gives you practical steps to close the gaps before your next event.
Ali Taghavi, Co-Founder, MergeLabs
1200-1220 MESA Group Presentation: A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event
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)
1240-1300 Using AI photo distribution to explore an untapped revenue stream for organisers
In this session, we’ll explore how organisers can unlock new revenue streams through their sponsors with just one simple tool. Once built for attendee experience and UGC (User Generated Content), AI-powered photo distribution has now become a powerful driver of sponsor visibility and an untapped revenue model for organisers.
Anup Mohan, CEO & Co-Founder, Premagic
1400-1420 How to Survive Events Without Leaving Drained
Back-to-back gigs, long days, constant pressure. In 20 minutes, get practical tools to spot stress, reset during events, and recover between gigs, so you stop carrying exhaustion forward. No fluff, just real fixes you can use at your next event and daily.
Johanna Roodt, Co-Founder, Event Mental Wellbeing
1420-1440 Stop Selling Space, Start Selling Outcomes: Re-engineering Sponsorship for 2026
With budgets tightening, the old Gold/Silver/Bronze tiers are dead. This session provides a toolkit for pricing and packaging based on "Lead Value" and "Sponsor Routes to Market." It teaches organisers how to reverse-engineer their pricing to align with what sponsors actually buy (outcomes), rather than what organisers want to sell (floor space/logos on stuff).
Richard Morris, Director, Active Media Events
1440-1500 What Makes an Event Unforgettable?
Why do some event experiences stay with us for years while others are forgotten before we get home? Join this interactive discussion as we explore the moments, experiences, and design choices that create lasting memories. From emotional connection and surprise to participation and sensory engagement, we'll examine what makes certain experiences unforgettable and how those insights can be applied to future events. Bring your own examples, questions, or simply your curiosity.
Lisa Schulteis, Founder, ElectraLime Marketing
1500-1520 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)
1520-1540 Stop buying tools. Start buying outcomes
Event tech decisions too often lead to silos, spreadsheets, and unclear ROI. This campfire explores how agencies can shift from features to outcomes, design smarter ecosystems, and turn vendors into true partners—protecting margins, speeding delivery, and asking sharper questions that drive measurable impact.
Knut Amund Gulsvik, Chief Commerical Officer, Qondor
THURSDAY 25TH JUNE
1100-1120 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
1120-1140 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
1200-1220 MESA Group Presentation: A Discovery Journey of Event Services and Technologies for Your Next Event
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)
Interested in running a campfire at one of our events? Contact Sandie
Our campfire seating is sponsored and provided by FestivalChairs
MESA campfires will take place using MESA Member Silent Seminars headsets
