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What makes one story unforgettable and another easy to ignore?  In this episode, Invision strategists Erin Ruane and Sam Rudelich explore the art and science behind stories that stick, from the psychology of narrative transportation to the power of emotion, specificity, relatability and authenticity.  They also explain why B2B brands lose audiences by leading with products and features, and how starting with the audience’s needs can make complex ideas easier to understand, trust and remember. You'll learn:  What makes stories more memorable, including emotion, specificity, relatability and authenticity  How narrative transportation helps audiences become immersed in a story  Why starting with the audience can make complex B2B ideas easier to understand, trust and remember

Participation is no longer enough. Today’s audiences expect more than a front-row seat, they want a voice in the experience itself. As attention spans shrink, technology becomes invisible, and new generations redefine engagement, brands face a critical challenge: how do you create experiences people don’t just attend, but actively shape? In this episode of Inside the brand experience, host Robb Trost, Senior Director of Business Development at Invision, is joined by members of Invision’s creative team—Rob Deal, Executive Creative Director, John Edgington, Creative Director, and Kat Tischler, Creative Director—to explore The future of experience design. Drawing from insights shared during their panel at PCMA Convening Leaders, the team unpacks the forces reshaping audience expectations, from the rise of neurodiversity and generational shifts to the growing role of AI and emerging technologies. Together, they examine why empathy has become a competitive advantage, why authenticity matters more than spectacle, and how brands can create experiences that invite audiences to become co-creators rather than passive participants. Through real-world examples and candid perspectives, they share how the most effective experiences are designed not around technology, but around people, and why designing for a wider range of needs often creates better outcomes for everyone. Key insights you'll learn: Why the future of experience design may have less to do with technology and more to do with empathy.How Millennials and Gen Z are redefining engagement by expecting agency, personalization, and opportunities to co-create experiences.Why the most impactful technology disappears into the background, allowing authentic human connection and storytelling to take center stage.Whether you're an experiential marketer, event strategist, or brand leader, this episode will challenge the way you think about audience engagement and reveal how the brands that win tomorrow will be the ones that design for people first.

On this episode of Inside the Brand Experience, Invision’s Laliv Hadar, SVP, Brand and Marketing, sat down with Katie Batten, Director of Strategic Events at Okta, and Allison Barrett, Head of Global Events at Asana, to explore a question many experiential marketing leaders face: how do you build intentional innovation into your events program before it becomes an afterthought? Katie shared how Okta's Octane Ambassador Program turned internal enthusiasm into a real operational advantage, and how one ambassador's AI idea changed the way her team works. Allison introduced the 50% Rule, a framework borrowed from Tennis Australia that challenges teams to intentionally reinvent their events year over year. The conversation also got honest about AI, where it actually belongs in a live experience, and where it risks getting in the way of the thing people showed up for. This isn't just about efficiency. It's about creating the conditions for better work and better moments. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to stay fresh on the latest industry trends, technologies and insights.

An EMS preview Ahead of their session at Experiential Marketing Summit 2026, this episode of Invision’s Inside the Brand Experience, Invision’s Rodrigo Espinosa, SVP, Integrated Campaigns, sat down with Sara Grauf, SVP of Experience Development at the San Francisco Giants, to talk about how one of the most iconic franchises in sports is redefining what it means to engage fans today. From her 25-year journey with the Giants, Sara shared how the organization has evolved from a transactional model, selling tickets and calling it a day, into a year-round, experience-driven brand. They explored how every touchpoint, from the moment fans arrive in the neighborhood to what they eat and share on social, is intentionally designed to build deeper connection. This isn’t just about baseball. It’s about designing for relationships, not transactions, and creating moments people want to come back to again and again.

In this episode of Inside the Brand Experience, Invision’s SVP of Marketing and host Laliv Hadar sits down with Jessie Young, Senior Brand Director at Eventbrite, to unpack the IRL renaissance reshaping how brands build community. Jessie shares what Eventbrite’s data is revealing about the surge in in-person experiences—from phone-free gatherings to hyper-local gatherings—and why audiences are demanding more intimacy, belonging, and authenticity from events. You’ll hear how brands can design experiences that prioritize connection over attendance, tap into local culture (yes, even cheese raves!), and use technology in a human-first way to fuel loyalty, advocacy, and movement-building.

Invision SVP Strategy Jon Paul Potts and CultureCon co-founder Zach Blumenfeld explore how to design meaningful employee experiences across five generations in the workplace. From hybrid work to two-way mentorship and brand-aligned culture, discover practical strategies for engaging today’s diverse workforce.

On this episode of Inside the Brand Experience, Invision’s Rodrigo Espinosa joins host Laliv Hadar to discuss how integrated campaigns transform experiential from one-off events into year-round growth engines. Discover why human-to-human connection, AI-driven personalization, and content atomization are redefining B2B marketing.

In this episode of the podcast, we’re diving into how events can be powerful drivers of growth in the tech industry. With long sales cycles and complex buying processes, tech brands need more than just brand awareness, they need meaningful engagement and measurable results. Join Laliv Hadar, SVP of Marketing at Invision, as she speaks with Jeremy Youett, Head of Proprietary Events, Atlassian, to explore how events can transform from one-off activations to always-on engines of growth. With experience at Microsoft, Smartsheet, and now Atlassian, Jeremy shares insights on how to drive pipeline acceleration, deepen customer relationships, and create measurable business impact. Key takeaways: Why in-person events remain irreplaceable for building trust and accelerating sales.How to shift from one-off events to an evergreen, integrated event strategy.Tips for content atomization—turning event content into a continuous engagement stream.Metrics that matter: How to prove event ROI beyond attendance.The role of emerging technology (including AI) in shaping the future of events.Whether you're a marketer looking to elevate your event strategy, a tech brand leader, or just curious about how in-person experiences can drive growth, this episode is packed with practical insights.

In this episode of Invision’s podcast, we’re pulling back the curtain on our agency’s recent rebrand, a shift that reflects not just where we’ve been, but where we’re going. Join Strategy Director Evan Strange and Senior Creative Director John Edgington as they break down the process behind redefining who we are, what we do, and what we believe in. From the early signals (internal feedback, shifting industry dynamics, and evolving client needs) to the many rounds of exploration, feedback, and alignment, this episode explores the rebrand from every angle. Key takeaways: How internal voices and external perceptions converged to spark the need for change.The balance between honoring legacy and embracing evolution.Why simplicity, truth, and plain-speak became the pillars of our new positioning.What it means to “own every moment” and how that belief now guides everything we do.Whether you're navigating a rebrand, considering one, or just curious how agencies rethink their own identity, tune in for a real-world glimpse at the thinking, process, and lessons behind ours.

In an era where customer expectations are higher than ever, building lasting connections goes beyond just selling a product or service. At the recent IMEX Brand Experience Summit in Las Vegas, InVision CEO Angie Smith sat down with industry leaders Dan Preiss, VP of Experiential Marketing at Dell Technologies, and Lindsay Merkle, VP of Growth Marketing at GoodRx, to explore how brands can deepen relationships with their audiences through meaningful engagement and powerful collaborations. Key takeaways: The evolving definition of brand loyalty and what it takes to win long-term customer trust.Why strategic partnerships are essential for amplifying reach and impact.How hyper-personalization and human-to-human marketing are shaping the future of brand experiences.The power of content atomization—how to extend the life and value of event-driven content.Real-world examples of brands that are leading the way in loyalty and engagement.Whether you're a marketer, brand strategist, or event professional, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Tune in now!

In this episode of the Xcast, Ciara Nowak, the Training and Development Manager at InVision, takes us through the significance of employee growth via training and development. Ciara covers trending topics in the training space and shares best practices for fostering a learning culture within organizations. Later, she is joined by Elisha Kessman, Vice President of Experience Delivery, who leads InVision's mentorship program. Elisha highlights the vital role mentorship plays in personal and professional development, sharing tips on how employees can benefit from mentor-mentee relationships across different disciplines. Key Takeaways: Importance of Training and Development: Investing in training and development is crucial for both personal growth and organizational success. It not only helps employees stay updated with industry trends but also enhances productivity, processes, and engagement within the organization.Impact on Employee Retention and Profitability: Organizations that prioritize training and development experience higher employee retention and profitability. Studies show that employees who engage in learning feel a stronger connection and purpose in their work.Designing Effective Training Programs: Effective training programs should be tailored to the audience's needs, considering their learning styles (e.g., interactive, self-paced, or lecture-based), and addressing specific skill gaps. Clear, realistic goals should be set to ensure comprehension and application of the material.Mentorship as a Complement to Training: Mentorship programs are a valuable extension of training, providing personalized guidance and support. Mentors help employees explore growth areas, share experiences, and collaborate across disciplines, enhancing overall development.Creating a Culture of Learning: Organizations should foster a learning culture by leading by example, encouraging employee feedback, and making training accessible. Celebrating learner successes, conducting regular sessions, and offering a blend of live and on-demand learning opportunities can significantly boost engagement.

In this episode of The Xcast, hosts Evan Strange and Michelle Bartosiewicz dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and experiential marketing. Joined by special guest Katie Snider, VP Executive Creative Director at Salesforce, the trio explores how AI is transforming creativity and marketing, from unlocking new efficiencies to enhancing the attendee experience at events like Dreamforce. They discuss how AI is augmenting, rather than replacing, human creativity, and share practical ways brands can use AI intentionally to drive personalization, engagement, and real-time feedback. Key Takeaways: AI as a Creativity Tool: AI enhances human creativity by taking on mundane tasks, allowing creatives to focus on ideation and storytelling. It functions as a "co-pilot," boosting efficiency without replacing the human touch.Fear vs. Opportunity: While many fear AI will replace jobs, particularly in creative fields, the panelists agree that AI augments creativity by offering new tools for rapid prototyping, ideation, and real-time audience engagement.Personalization & Real-Time Insights: AI's power in experiential marketing lies in its ability to personalize experiences at scale, such as tailoring event content or providing real-time audience feedback to enhance engagement.Intentional Use of AI: AI should be used with purpose, not just because it’s a trending technology. Brands should align their AI strategies with business goals, ensuring that it delivers value and enhances the user experience.Dreamforce Preview: Katie Snider offers a sneak peek into the AI-driven innovations planned for Dreamforce, Salesforce’s annual event, highlighting how AI will create immersive and personalized experiences for attendees.

Having an epic story to tell is one thing. Making others believe in it -- and pay for it -- is another. Christy Stratton, LA-based writer and producer, joins Doug and Val on another episode of their series: Behind the Creative.  They discuss: Key ingredients to crafting a good storyReality: Storytelling meets StorysellingCreative is hard; where do you find the passionChristy Stratton is an LA-based writer/producer with credits that include “Modern Family,” “King of the Hill” and “Awkward.” The digital series she wrote and directed in her house, "Everyone's Crazy But Us," was nominated for both an Emmy and a Webby. Her most recent short film “Runt” – set in a roller-rink in 1979 -- is breaking wide on the festival circuit this summer. > Christy was Doug's intern back in the day. His favorite!

Join us for this episode of the Xcast to learn all about the new buzz term in using ABM within the world of events for pipeline generation – aka “account based experiences.”  Events have long been a powerful tool for amplifying brand voices and messaging, creating memorable experiences that resonate with audiences and foster meaningful connections. However, in our post-pandemic world, the need to justify event budgets has become more crucial than ever. In this episode we explore how events can be strategically linked to the sales funnel, providing a clear path from engagement to conversion. This connection is vital for demonstrating the tangible value that events bring to the table, not just as standalone experiences but as integral components of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Our guest, EJ Oelling, shares firsthand insights on navigating these changes and leveraging events to accelerate the sales cycle. Key takeaways: How experiences can speed up the sales cycle.The concept of Account-Based Experiences (ABX) and its impact on business outcomes.The role of events in brand strategy and their evolution over the years.Insights into structuring an Events Portfolio under an ABX strategy.Current trends, including the role of AI in enhancing event success.Practical advice for integrating account-based marketing into your events strategy.Get ready for an enlightening conversation on maximizing the impact of your events in B2B marketing. Grab your headphones and join us!

In this episode, Senior Creative Directors Val and Doug explore how to craft and tell a good story from master Chicago storyteller, Jacoby Cochran.   They discuss: Engagement: How effective storytelling connects emotionally with audiences.Preparation: Practice techniques and physical delivery to improve storytelling performance.Authenticity: How emotions and personal experiences make stories relatable and impactful.A writer, educator, and storyteller, Jacoby Cochran is the award winning host of City Cast Chicago, Chicago's favorite daily news podcast! The podcast was named Best of 2021, 2022, 2023 by the Chicago Reader and Chicago Magazine calls it “the essential Chicago podcast.” You can also catch Jacoby on Chicago's stages, TVs, and radios. As a performer, keynote speaker, and workshop leader, Jacoby has partnered with corporate clients (Google, Spotify, AT&T, Chicago Bulls, Best Buy, Samsung, Kohl's); academic institutions (DePaul University, City Colleges, Syracuse University); and non profits (The Moth, Boys & Girls Club, American Writers Museum). Find him at @cobycochran and jacobycochran.com