Are Live Events Still Worth It?
ROI, AI & Keeping the Magic Alive
Live events are evolving. AI is reshaping how people connect, exhibitor budgets are under pressure, and industry consolidation is creating new questions for exhibitors and event marketers.
At EXHIBITORLIVE 2026, Derse joined EXHIBITOR Magazine for a conversation about what these shifts mean for the future of trade shows and why branded live events are more valuable than ever.
Watch the full conversation to hear Derse leaders discuss event ROI, AI, budget pressures, experiential strategy, and how brands can create live experiences that are both meaningful and measurable.
Watch the Podcast
In this conversation Editor of EXHIBITOR Magazine Emily Olson sits down with Brett Haney, CEO, TK Komlofske, Vice President, Client Strategy, and Ashlyn St. Ours, Senior Customer Experience Designer.
Learn Why:
- Trade shows still matter in the age of AI
- How exhibitors can think differently about event ROI
- What industry consolidation means for event partnerships
- How to create memorable experiences with tighter budgets
- Why measurement should start with the business goal
“People don’t want to just stare at a screen. People don’t want to just go to Google or ChatGPT, they want to have interactions with one another.”
— Brett Haney
“Historically, what we’ve seen is that events have been considered a cost center, and more and more, companies are beginning to understand that they’re a growth driver.”
— TK Komlofske
“There’s measurement behind magic, and everything can be measured.”
— Ashlyn St. Ours