The funnel is dead, MQLs are out, and your networking events aren’t as human-centered as you think. In this After Show, Megan and Ashley go off the record and into the real stuff: AI myths, event design fails, personalization at scale, and why you should probably stop serving bagels at every conference.

What You’ll Learn in This After Show:

• Why AI isn’t replacing marketers—but marketers who ignore AI might get left behind
• How to scale personalization using content depth and intent frameworks
• The difference between busy work and uniquely human marketing tasks
• Why most networking events fail introverts (and what to do instead)
• The marketing buzzword Ashley wants permanently canceled

• About the Guest:Ashley Faus is the author of Human-Centered Marketing and Head of Lifecycle Marketing Portfolio at Atlassian. She specializes in content strategy, demand gen, and lifecycle marketing—and is a passionate advocate for designing marketing experiences that actually work for real humans.

• Ashley also shares a hilarious booth mishap involving superhero cutouts and the carpet padding lesson no event marketer should forget.

  
  

  Join the Squared Squad at eventaboutitpodcast.com to access exclusive bonus content, connect with guests, and never miss a behind-the-scenes convo like this one.

  Connect with Ashley Faus

  https://www.atlassian.com/blog/author/ashley-faus

  Connect with Megan Martin

  https://msquareddynamics.com/
  

If you think lifecycle marketing ends after your event wrap-up email, you’re doing it wrong. This week, Megan is joined by Ashley Faus, Head of Lifecycle Marketing Portfolio at Atlassian and author of Human-Centered Marketing, to explore how events power long-term strategy and trust-driven campaigns.

Ashley breaks down the difference between industry vs. user conferences, how to repurpose event content without boring your audience, and the unexpected details that make attendees feel seen, heard, and valued.

About the Guest:

Ashley Faus is the Head of Lifecycle Marketing Portfolio at Atlassian and the author of Human-Centered Marketing. She's known for connecting content, product, and demand gen strategies across every touchpoint—plus, she might just turn your next marketing framework into a musical.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The real difference between user and industry conferences (and why you need to know it)

• How to repurpose event content for lasting impact without overwhelming your audience

• The right metrics to measure depending on your event’s purpose

• Why little things, like carpet padding, make a big human-centered difference

• How your event strategy fits into the full customer lifecycle, not just the sales funnel

Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.

👉 Want to hear more from the guest? Tune into the “After Show” HERE www.eventaboutitpodcast.com

Connect with Ashley Faus

https://www.atlassian.com/blog/author/ashley-faus

Connect with Megan Martin

https://msquareddynamics.com/

If you send emails to your customers, you will want to listen to this episode 🎧 This "After Show" is packed with game-changing email marketing insights from our guest Jay Schwedelson who brings the receipts. With over 15 million subject lines tested and 40,000+ campaigns executed annually, Jay doesn’t just talk email strategy he lives it. Jay Schwedelson is the founder of SubjectLine.com and GURU Media Hub, the force behind the world’s largest email marketing events. With over 15 million subject lines tested and a top-ranked marketing podcast, he’s one of the most trusted voices in the email game.Host Megan Martin dives into the myths, mistakes, and marketing moves that can make or break your next event campaign.From laugh-out-loud flops to subject lines that crushed it, this convo covers the raw truth behind successful email marketing. Whether you're promoting your first event or managing thousands of attendees, you’ll walk away with real strategies to cut through the noise and convert.🔥What You’ll Learn:How to write event emails that don’t feel like just another promo, PLUS the one pre-show mistake almost everyone makes.Why your subject line might be killing your campaign and what to do instead.The right timing, tone, and segmentation strategies that drive real registration results.What metrics truly matter (and which ones you’re obsessing over for no reason).The do’s, don’ts, and total cringe trends Jay says have no place in your next campaign.This episode is your blueprint for more successful event emails, straight from the expert who’s tested it all.👉 Don’t forget to head over to eventaboutitpodcast.com to send us your vents and stories for a chance to be featured on a future episode. 🎧 While you’re there, join the Squared Squad for access to exclusive bonus content, guest interactions, and our After Show Episodes where we dive deep with our guests for actionable steps you can take after listening.Until next time, keep growing, keep laughing, and keep eventing about it.Connect with Jay Schwedelson https://jayschwedelson.com/Guru Conferencehttps://guruconference.com/ Connect with Megan Martin https://msquareddynamics.com/

Welcome to the Dynamic Dialogue After Show, where the real tea gets spilled! Host Megan Martin is back with entrepreneur and tech guru Adam Saad for an unfiltered, no-holds-barred conversation you didn’t know you needed.Adam left the corporate grind at Salesforce to build his own “rocket ship”, and he’s telling us exactly why (and how) he did it.We’re breaking down:The burnout that pushed him to quit the sales floor for good (it wasn’t because he worked too hard either)Why tiny, niche events beat massive trade shows every timeHow to work smarter (not harder) when planning sponsorshipsWhy event organizers must make it stupid-easy to spend money with themAnd the ultimate debate: branded vs. unbranded swag—Adam’s got thoughtsIf you love events, business glow-ups, and a little spicy event strategy talk, pull up a chair, grab a drink, and get ready for some seriously real conversation.Connect with Adam ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠https://techstackadvising.com/Listen to Adam’s Podcast HEREhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0aGEEihBcdAvi5n7wC21p6?si=e14bf868dbb94dc2Connect with Megan⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/Enjoyed the episode? We want to hear from you and your vent of the week!Head over to ⁠⁠eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠⁠ to leave us a voicemail with your burning questions or your own Vent of the Week story to be featured in a future episode.As a member of The Squared Squad you can:Submit questions for upcoming guestsShare your own Vent of the Week through the voicemail feature on the websiteBehind-the-scenes blogs and insights from Megan Martin

In this Dynamic Dialogue After Show, host Megan Martin and guest Will Curran dive deeper into the future of event experiences, exploring how wearable tech, AI, and real-time data are reshaping the way we plan, design, and deliver events.Will Curran is a renowned event technology innovator, founder of Endless Events, creator of the #EventProfs community, and Vice President of Go-to-Market for North America at Voxo, where he leads the company’s strategic growth in the region.Together, Megan and Will explore topics like:How wearable tech can enhance networking and on-site engagementAI tools that summarize sessions and conversations for attendeesThe power of personalized event experiences that make attendees feel like VIPsUsing health and behavior data to influence smarter event designSustainability tips, like promoting mindful water consumptionWhy real-time data is a game changer for audience experienceHow DJs and planners can adapt in the moment based on audience reactionsThe importance of building community for long-term event successHow wellness-focused design can improve attendee energy and retentionThe role of AI in delivering multi-format, multi-sensory event engagementWhether you're an event planner, tech enthusiast, or just curious about where the industry is headed, this episode offers a forward-thinking look at how we can blend innovation with intentionality to build stronger communities and unforgettable experiences.Connect with Will https://willcurran.com/Connect with Megan ⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/As a member of The Squared Squad you get exclusive access:Behind-the-scenes insights to Megan's expertiseEarly access to new episodesInsider tips from top event pros The chance to submit your questions to upcoming guest interviews before the interview!Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow event enthusiasts.

In this episode of The After Show, host Megan Martin sits down with Anca Trifan, a powerhouse in event tech, AI strategy, and wellness advocacy. With over 20 years of experience, Anca has built a reputation as a leader in AV production, AI integration, and event technology strategy. As the host of Events: Demystified Podcast and Senior Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Event Technology & AI at M&IW, she’s shaping the future of how AI enhances event personalization, strategy, and revenue growth.Anca is also the founder of Tree-Fan Events, a woman-owned production company specializing in AI-driven event solutions for live, virtual, and hybrid experiences. In this conversation, she shares:Her journey as an entrepreneur and why she started her own production company.Practical advice for those looking to launch their own business in the events industry.The transition from entrepreneurship to a corporate leadership role and what she’s learned along the way.The biggest misconceptions about AI in events and how professionals can start integrating it without feeling overwhelmed.Her favorite AI tools right now and how they can streamline event planning.Her passion for fitness and biohacking, including how her FIT4EVENTS framework is helping event professionals stay mentally and physically sharp.If you're looking for expert insights on AI, business growth, and wellness in events, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.Join the dynamic dialogue and get ready to level up with Anca Trifan!Connect with Anca ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠https://ancaplatontrifan.me/Connect with Megan ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/As a member of The Squared Squad you can:Submit questions for upcoming guestsShare your own Vent of the Week through the voicemail feature on the websiteBehind-the-scenes blogs and insights from Megan Martin

This is The Event About It After Show, where Rachel Kopczyk flips the script and interviews Megan Martin on why this podcast was created and what she hopes to change in the event industry.Megan, an award-winning speaker and expert in marketing, event design, and community building, shares her insights on leveraging events for business growth and creating unforgettable experiences. From radical event strategies to common mistakes and easy fixes, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and forward-thinking ideas for event pros looking to level up.Topics Discussed:The inspiration behind Event About It and what listeners can gain from tuning in.How to move beyond traditional booth setups and drive event-led business growth.Megan's most innovative and radical approaches to event planning.The biggest mistake event planners make—and how to easily correct it.Practical tips for maximizing your marketing impact at events.How consultants can help bring fresh perspectives and cost-effective solutions.Managing stress and expectations while finding grace in event challenges.The importance of engaging with the event community and embracing change.

Join Megan and Rachel for this candid and insightful dialogue that’s sure to inspire creativity and innovation in your next event.

Enjoyed the episode? We want to hear from you!Head over to ⁠eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to leave us a voicemail with your burning questions or your own Vent of the Week story to be featured in a future episode.While you're there, don't miss out on joining The Squared Squad, where you'll get exclusive access to bonus content, including:Each episode's After Show which is an extended conversation with episode guestsBehind-the-scenes insights to Megan's expertiseEarly access to new episodesInsider tips from top event pros The chance to submit your questions to upcoming guest interviews. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow event enthusiasts.

Connect with Megan HERE

Connect with Rachel ⁠HERE⁠

Are you using “Register Now” as your call to action? Or sending your emails at 9 a.m. sharp Monday morning, it’s time for an email marketing intervention. This episode is your no-BS guide to fixing the mistakes clogging up your campaigns and killing your event ROI.

Our guest, Jay Schwedelson, has tested over 15 million subject lines and isn’t afraid to drag bad email habits into the light. Jay is the founder of SubjectLine.com and GURU Media Hub, the force behind the world’s largest email marketing events. He’s one of the most trusted voices in the email game.

From why emojis do work (just stop calling them emojis) to the hidden signals hurting your deliverability, this is the ultimate checklist for event pros who want to stop sending boring emails and start sending strategic ones.

Hosted by Megan Martin, this conversation cuts through the fluff and serves up real tactics that work in the inbox right now.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why subject lines like “Register Now” are tanking your click-throughs—and what to say instead

• The surprisingly simple subject line formatting change that’s outperforming title case

• When to send your emails during the week to actually get opened (hint: avoid the top of the hour)

• Why personalization should go beyond first names—and what data to use instead

• The email traps marketers fall into when they try to “check the box” instead of delivering real value

👉 Want to hear more from Jay? Tune into the “After Show” HERE

Show Notes:

Connect with Jay Schwedelson

Reserve Your Spot for the Guru Conference

Connect with Megan Martin

The Outliers by Malcom Gladwell is the book mentioned.

Bonus Content & Join the Show!

We want to hear from you and your vent of the week!

Head over to ⁠⁠eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠⁠ to leave us a voicemail with your burning questions or your own Vent of the Week story to be featured in a future episode.

While you're there, don't miss out on joining The Squared Squad, where you'll get exclusive access to bonus content, including:

• The Event About It After Show's dynamic dialogue with Anca where we demystify AI, Biohacking, and business growth.

• Behind-the-scenes insights and extended conversations with episode guests.

• Early access to new episodes, insider tips from top event pros and the chance to submit your questions to upcoming guest interviews.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow event enthusiasts.

Until next time—keep growing, keep laughing, and keep Eventing About It!