Small, Big & Everything In Between: Why events are essential

CNBC's inaugural thought leadership event "CONVERGE LIVE" at the iconic Jewel Changi, Singapore | March 2025.

This year, I’ve been involved in several events – some big, some small, and everything in between. From corporate conferences with a thousand attendees to intimate roundtables with just a handful of people, I’ve seen firsthand how in-person events can spark collaborations, connections and conversations. 

Most of us have spent plenty of time on Zoom webinars, sent countless emails and connected with people on LinkedIn. But there’s truly something irreplaceable about being in the same room as someone. It’s that spontaneous conversation that happens after a session ends, the moment when you sit next to a stranger at lunch or running into a familiar face in the coffee line. Based on the numerous LinkedIn posts I’ve seen after conferences, it’s clear that many participants share this sentiment.

I’ve also experienced it from different angles – as a writer curating content for the sessions, a producer running the show to planning the PR for an event. But here are three things I’ve learned that can elevate your next event.

1. The experience is what truly matters

While the speakers and sessions are important for drawing an audience, the overall experience is what makes the event memorable. Think of it like watching a live performance—every moment, from start to finish, needs to be carefully crafted to keep the audience engaged. Having an emcee can really elevate the atmosphere, adding energy and setting the tone for the event. Likewise, experienced moderators bring a level of sophistication, guiding panelists through discussions and ensuring the conversation remains dynamic and captivating.

Engaging the audience through interactive elements like polling or Q&A sessions also helps maintain energy and involvement. Incorporating video is another effective way to capture attention—whether it's used at the beginning of a session to set the tone or during breaks, much like a TV commercial, to keep the momentum going between segments.

2. Balancing intimate connections with high impact

Large events with well-known keynote speakers have the ability to draw in the audience but it is also critical to provide opportunities for smaller gatherings that will allow for deeper and more meaningful conversations among industry peers. This could be a breakfast gathering or a roundtable, where the smaller setting makes it easier to have authentic conversations and foster real relationships. Integrating these smaller gatherings into larger events allows for broad networking and personal engagement.

3. Making space for connection

At the end of the day, the true value of an event lies in the interactions and networking it fosters. It's essential to build time into the schedule for attendees to connect with one another. Networking drinks or casual meetups at the end of the day are always a hit, giving everyone a chance to reflect on the experience and make lasting connections.