In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, hosts Chris Dunn and Brendon Hamlin sit down with Carter Parrish, Leader of Growth / Senior Producer at Robotproof, a creative experiential marketing agency. Carter shares his insights on how brands can extend their reach beyond the trade show floor by creating immersive experiences that engage audiences before they even enter the booth.

Through his work with Samsung and other large brands, Carter illustrates how creating experiences outside the booth can generate buzz, gather valuable data, and create long-lasting connections. Drawing from real-world examples like the Samsung Freestyle Activation at CES 2022, Carter breaks down how 70+ freestylers across Las Vegas helped create a massive activation that not only spread awareness but also led to pre-sales, driving customer engagement and generating conversations both on the street and in the booth.

This episode dives deep into the power of experiential marketing, how to scale these efforts for businesses of all sizes, and the critical role storytelling plays in any successful activation.

• Engaging Outside the Booth: Expanding Your Reach
  • Trade shows are pivotal, but creating experiences outside the booth is key to extending brand exposure. Whether it’s street-level activations or pop-up experiences, getting your brand in front of people before they enter your booth is crucial to building relationships and warming up conversations.
• The Power of Freestylers: Taking Over the Streets
  • Samsung’s Freestyle Activation at CES 2022 is a prime example. Freestylers (think breakdancers, freestyle footballers, and roller girls) were sent into Las Vegas, equipped with QR codes and projectors, creating buzz on the street before consumers even made it to the booth. This organic street-level engagement helped with pre-sales and customer awareness.
• The Future of Experiential Marketing: Innovation & Inclusivity
  • Carter shares insights into the future of experiential marketing, where inclusivity, accessibility, and immersive experiences like VR and neurodiversity considerations are gaining importance. Creating safe spaces for attendees to recharge is becoming a significant trend in the industry.

Carter Parrish’s insights into the power of experiential marketing highlight that success doesn’t just come from booth engagement. By creating immersive, out-of-the-box experiences, brands can connect with consumers on a deeper level, both before and after the event. With the right strategy, any brand—no matter the size—can scale these efforts to drive awareness, engagement, and sales.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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In this episode of Event Marketer’s Toolbox, we’re taking a step in a bold direction with Caleb Williams, founder of DSCMFRT. Caleb joins hosts Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito to explore the intersection of sneaker culture, corporate gifting, and event marketing.

With an impressive knack for custom footwear, Caleb reveals how sneakers - when designed with intention - can be used as standout branding tools for events. From corporate gifts to trade show giveaways, these one-of-a-kind creations can create buzz, elevate brand identity, and surprise attendees in ways traditional swag cannot. Caleb shares the journey behind his business and how he went from painting Air Jordans in his garage to creating viral sneaker designs for big brands and high-profile clients.

In this lively conversation, we also unveil the Event Marketer's Toolbox x Blue Hive custom sneakers live on air, talking through the design choices, the creative process, and how these shoes could transform your next corporate event.

🔹 Turning Sneakers into Brand Storytelling
Caleb explains how custom sneakers are more than just footwear—they’re a canvas for creative expression and an opportunity for brands to craft a memorable experience.

🔹 Why Social Media Drives Sales for Custom Sneakers
From TikTok to LinkedIn, Caleb shares how his business has leveraged social media for viral success, reaching millions with creative, behind-the-scenes content. TikTok videos showing the customization process often generate more interaction than showcasing the finished product.

🔹 The Art of Corporate Gifting
Custom sneakers are perfect for corporate events, trade shows, and giveaways. Caleb explains how brands like Ibotta, Denver Nuggets, and Seamless AI have used custom sneakers as a tool to surprise clients, employees, and attendees, creating lasting impressions that go beyond traditional swag.

🔹 Building a Brand with Purpose
Starting as a hobby, Caleb’s passion for sneakers and craftsmanship evolved into a full-time business. He shares insights into balancing B2C and B2B work, while staying true to the creative side of the brand.

🔹 Custom Sneakers at Events
Caleb discusses how these one-of-a-kind shoes can be used for attendee engagement, giveaways, or even as a conversation starter at trade shows. Brands are using sneakers to create buzz and draw attention in a crowded marketplace.

Custom sneakers aren’t just a fashion statement, they’re a powerful marketing tool. Whether you’re using them for corporate gifts, trade show giveaways, or building buzz on social media, the creativity and personal touch Caleb brings to each pair makes them unforgettable.

With insights on social media strategies and a behind-the-scenes look at creating custom sneakers, this episode provides invaluable ideas for marketers looking to push the boundaries of branded swag.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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Event marketing in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries demands precision, responsibility, and an in-depth understanding of compliance.

In this episode, Chris Dunn and Dana Esposito are joined by Dawn Marie Raczka, Executive Vice President of Global Business Development at BlueMed, for a detailed conversation on what makes healthcare events uniquely complex - and why getting them right matters more than ever.

Dawn Marie offers a compelling insider's view of the regulatory landscape, the structural and strategic limitations, and the creative possibilities within pharma event planning.

The episode demystifies terms like ISI and Med Affairs, outlines Sunshine Act responsibilities, and showcases how to balance innovation with obligation.

Whether you’re an experienced exhibitor or new to regulated verticals, this episode delivers a crash course in high-stakes event execution.

• Pharma's High-Stakes Event Landscape

Pharma events are overseen by the FDA with strict rules on ISI, black box warnings, and booth layouts. One compliance mistake can cost millions and tarnish reputations.

• Breaking Down Booth Zones

Commercial, Medical Affairs, and Pipeline areas each have their own layout rules. Even hanging signs must follow regulations—like avoiding commercial product names in non-commercial zones.

• Designing for Scientists, Not Spectators

HCPs (Health Care Professionals) attend events for precision. They seek pipeline updates and efficacy data—not entertainment. Designers must align every touchpoint with this goal.

• The Sunshine Act’s Impact

Also known as Open Payments, the Sunshine Act limits the value of giveaways and mandates full disclosure of any financial transactions with HCPs. Some associations prohibit gifts altogether.

• Organizations that Support You

Industry groups like HCEA and The Exhibitor Advocate offer education, advocacy, and community for navigating union rules, regulatory updates, and strategic planning in medical events.

📌 Dawn Marie’s 3 Takeaways

1. Find the Right Partner – Work with experts who understand compliance, regulatory language, and industry expectations.
2. Build Two-Way Communication – Collaboration between internal teams and external agencies is essential for success.
3. Lead with Passion and Precision – Get the science right, communicate it effectively, and bring the right energy to every project.

This episode reveals the layered complexity of marketing within one of the world’s most regulated sectors. From legal compliance to audience engagement, every detail matters - and every partner must pull their weight. For event marketers looking to excel in pharma, biotech, or medtech, this conversation is essential listening.

👉🏼 Join us for more insightful discussions like this by tuning into 'Event Marketer's Toolbox,' where industry leaders share the tools, tactics, and trends driving success in the event world.

This Show is sponsored by Blue Hive

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