Episode 56

full
Published on:

2nd Sep 2025

Event Technology Elevates Art Experiences From Click to Curtain Call with Drew McManus

Have you ever wondered how technology can dramatically impact the event experience, from the moment someone discovers your event to long after they've left the venue? In this episode, I sit down with Drew McManus, CEO of Upstage Technologies, to explore the intricate world of event technology and its profound effect on attendee satisfaction.

The Journey from Tuba to Tech

Drew's fascinating background as a tuba performance major turned arts consultant and technology expert provides a unique perspective on the challenges facing event organizers today. We discuss:

  • The evolving landscape of competition in the events industry
  • How arts organizations can learn from commercial ticketing giants
  • The importance of meeting modern user expectations in the digital age

Crafting a Seamless User Experience

Drew shares invaluable insights on creating a frictionless ticket-buying process, including:

  • The critical importance of structured data for search engine visibility
  • Strategies for optimizing landing pages and driving conversions
  • Innovative approaches to seat selection that boost buyer confidence

The Two-Email Approach

Discover why Drew's company sends a minimum of two emails post-purchase and how this strategy enhances the customer experience.

Beyond the Purchase: Nurturing Attendee Engagement

We explore often-overlooked opportunities for event organizers to build excitement and prepare attendees, such as:

  • Tailored communication strategies for first-time vs. returning attendees
  • The power of day-of-event reminders
  • Leveraging data to measure and improve customer satisfaction

The "Confetti Boom" Effect

Learn about an unexpected design element that significantly increases post-purchase happiness and its potential impact on long-term attendee loyalty.

Throughout our conversation, Drew offers a wealth of actionable insights for event organizers looking to elevate their ticketing and registration processes. Whether you're running a small local gathering or a large-scale conference, this episode provides valuable strategies for creating memorable experiences from the very first click.

Are you ready to harness the power of technology to transform your events? Tune in to discover how small changes in your digital approach can lead to big improvements in attendee satisfaction and loyalty.

Contact Drew

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/upstagedrew/

Website:: https://upstagecrm.io/

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About the Podcast

The Event Innovator Show with Phil Mershon
Innovative Strategies for Launching and Transforming Events
The Event Innovator Show is your go-to podcast for fresh ideas and breakthrough strategies in the event industry. Whether you're launching your first event or looking to reignite the impact of an established one, join host Phil Mershon—event strategist, coach, and author of Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences—as he interviews leading event creators and innovators. Each episode uncovers the secrets behind successful events, exploring everything from cutting-edge technology to creative content and unique venue ideas. Tune in weekly to discover the tools and inspiration you need to elevate your events and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

About your host

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Phil Mershon