Behind the Scenes of Drive 2025 with Anna Vermillion and Allison Saxon

Oct 16, 2025

In this engaging conversation, Anna Vermillion and Allison Saxon from Exit Five share insights from Drive 2025. Anna, the events lead, discusses the importance of creating 'third spaces' for deeper connections, while Allison dives into the logistics behind successful events. They emphasize the value of community as the true ROI of in-person gatherings. Discover how feedback shaped their approach, the significance of starting with the landing page, and hilarious mishaps that turned into valuable lessons!

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INSIGHT

Events Are Back Because People Crave Humans

Events are resurging because people crave real human connection after years online and AI-driven isolation.
Drive tapped that demand by prioritizing in-person connection over polished formality.

ADVICE

Begin With The Landing Page

Start event planning with the landing page to define the offer, audience, and story.
Use that page as a forcing function before you dive into logistics like catering or banners.

ADVICE

Onboard By Giving Real Work

Make a new event someone's full-time job during the run-up so they learn systems fast.
Use the work itself to onboard hires and force rapid, practical learning.

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#294 Event Strategy | First time podcast guest alert! I invited Allison and Anna from the Exit Five team on for a conversation post Drive 2025 - to talk about lessons learned and behind the scenes from our annual marketing conference in Vermont. Snag your tickets for next year now exitfive.com/drive

Timestamps

(00:00) - – Intro
(02:08) - – Why events are making a comeback in B2B marketing
(06:08) - – What Drive is and how it started
(11:08) - – Why every event should start with the landing page
(14:08) - – Lessons from year one and how feedback shaped Drive 2025
(19:08) - – Treating events like products, not projects
(21:08) - – Building connection through “third spaces” and excursions
(26:08) - – Why community is the real ROI of in-person events
(32:43) - – The biggest Drive mishap (and what it taught us)
(37:43) - – Post-event strategy: why the event isn’t over when it ends
(47:43) - – Favorite moments, lessons, and shoutouts from Drive 2025

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