Creating Unforgettable Events With Phil Mershon

What if your next event didn’t just inform—it transformed? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Mershon, the creative force behind Social Media Marketing World, one of the largest and most iconic marketing events on the planet.

Phil shares his hard-earned secrets to crafting truly unforgettable experiences—ones that people not only love attending but feel deeply connected to. We explore the elements that make great events magnetic and how you can take those same ingredients and infuse them into your brand, business, or team culture. Whether you’re hosting a retreat, planning a team offsite, or looking to deepen community in your business, this episode will show you how to turn a gathering into a movement.

On This Episode

[00:02:18] — The origin story of Social Media Marketing World

[00:05:55] — What makes an event truly unforgettable (hint: it’s not just great speakers)

[00:10:44] — The "secret sauce" behind memorable experiences

[00:14:15] — How to make attendees feel seen, valued, and excited to return

[00:18:37] — Mistakes people make when planning high-impact events

[00:22:04] — How to design events that feel like an extension of your brand’s mission

[00:26:11] — Infusing storytelling and sensory elements into your live experiences

[00:31:30] — How leaders can bring event thinking into their everyday business culture

[00:35:20] — Why inclusion and belonging are essential to experience design

[00:39:10] — Phil’s advice for entrepreneurs planning their first in-person gathering