Events & Entrepreneurship: Our Conversation With Waco Hoover

The beginning of a new year always buzzes with the promise of fresh ideas and bold ventures.

In our first Gen City Labs Live session of 2024, we hosted Waco Hoover , a Marine Veteran and a pioneering figure in the event industry, along with Gen City Labs' own Mike Schaiman , Eric Arvai , and MK Granados . Read on for a recap & the playback link in case you missed it.

Community & Partners

"Community is such an important aspect, any type of event that you're going to build." - Waco Hoover

Waco, with his diverse background from military service to event entrepreneurship, emphasized the significance of community in the success of any event. He shared his journey, starting from an eye-opening internship at the Cannes Film Festival to launching various event brands. His experiences illustrate the importance of adaptability and shaping events to the needs of attendees, especially when developing future-proof concepts.

The conversation delved into the delicate balance of attendee engagement and sponsor relationships. The panelists shared anecdotes highlighting the need for creativity and strategic thinking in sponsorships, ensuring that brand activations align with the event's ethos and audience's expectations.

Technology as a Cornerstone

A crucial point discussed was the role of technology in enhancing event experiences. Waco noted advancements like augmented reality and data analytics as game-changers, allowing for more interactive and measurable event experiences. However, he also stressed the importance of not overcomplicating technology usage, reminding us that at the core, successful events hinge on human connections and meaningful interactions.

On Resiliency

"You got to have a short memory, you got to make sure you learn something and carry the learnings forward." - Mike Schaiman

Resiliency emerged as a key theme in our discussion, underscoring its critical role in the event industry. Waco shared how adapting to unforeseen challenges and learning from failures paved the way for his success. This resilience, coupled with a deep understanding of community and audience needs, is vital for anyone looking to thrive in the dynamic world of event management and creative technology.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the event industry, this session with Waco Hoover and our team offered invaluable insights. From building communities to leveraging technology and maintaining a balance between creativity and commercial interests, the discussion provided a roadmap for both budding and seasoned event professionals. At Gen City Labs, we're committed to pioneering this path, creating unforgettable experiences powered by innovation and human-centric values.

We'll be live again on Wednesday, January 24: Follow Gen City Labs to catch our next session with an event industry icon!

Watch the replay:

About Gen City Labs:

We’re a creative technology studio, crafting interactive experiences that captivate audiences and drive engagement. We collaborate with brands and agencies to bring their visions to life across both live and virtual channels. Our team of experts leverage the latest technologies to create showstopping storytelling within interactive pop-ups, activations, flagship retail, tradeshow booths, innovation centers and more. GCL is the trusted partner of choice for Fortune 500 brands and global agencies.

If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch at [email protected].

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