Tess M. Vismale challenges us to reimagine how we design events—prioritizing human connection, emotional engagement, and purposeful experiences. 

Here are the standout takeaways from her session:

Embrace the power of pauses

Sometimes, the magic lies in the quiet moments. Intentionally create spaces for authentic connections and organic conversations that  that could evolve into lasting bonds.

Engage all the senses

An event that stimulates sight, sound, touch, and even smell can leave a lasting impression on your attendees. Tess recommends a multisensory approach to transform events from meh to memorable.

Focus on ROE (Return on Emotion) and not just ROI

It’s not just about business metrics—events should aim to inspire, connect, and spark curiosity. Focus on creating emotional impact to make sure attendees leave feeling empowered and transformed.

Redefine event spaces

Move beyond traditional layouts. Flexible, visually captivating, and tangible environments can encourage deeper engagement and create delightful surprises.

Design with your audience in mind

Truly listening to what your audience wants allows you to craft experiences that feel personal and meaningful. When people feel seen and valued, the impact is profound.

This session serves as a reminder that events are most effective when they’re intentional, emotionally engaging, and designed to connect with people on a deeper level.

Watch the complete session for more insights. It’ll be worth your time.