--- title: Your event playbook is old and boring. Here’s how to make marketing events actually worth the time description: B2B marketing events are getting stale. Learn how to create sharper, high-impact events that drive engagement, trust, and pipeline. image: https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Blogs-May-25-2026-10-07-22-2947-AM.png --- [Skip to content](https://blog.goenvy.io/event-playbook-is-old-and-boring#main-content) [![ENVY Logo black](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/ENVY-Logo.svg "ENVY Logo black")](https://goenvy.io) - Services Show submenu for Services - [Elizabeth, The Brain Build](https://goenvy.io/services/elizabeth-creative-messaging/) - [Harry, Paid Media Planner](https://goenvy.io/services/harry-william-paid-campaigns-gtm/) - [William, Full GTM Service](https://goenvy.io/services/harry-william-paid-campaigns-gtm/#William) - [Charles, HubSpot IQ](https://goenvy.io/services/charles-hubspot-ai/) - [HubSpot Implementation and Onboarding](https://goenvy.io/services/hubspot-implementation-and-onboarding/) - [HS \<\> LI Warm Outreach Agent](https://goenvy.io/services/warm-outreach-agent/) - [Resources](https://goenvy.io/resources/) Show submenu for Resources - [Banter with Billy](https://goenvy.io/banter-with-billy/) - [All Resources](https://goenvy.io/resources/) - [Pricing](https://goenvy.io/pricing/) - [Blog](https://blog.goenvy.io) - [Contact](https://goenvy.io/?pop=contact-us) - Services Show submenu for Services - [Elizabeth, The Brain Build](https://goenvy.io/services/elizabeth-creative-messaging/) - [Harry, Paid Media Planner](https://goenvy.io/services/harry-william-paid-campaigns-gtm/) - [William, Full GTM Service](https://goenvy.io/services/harry-william-paid-campaigns-gtm/#William) - [Charles, HubSpot IQ](https://goenvy.io/services/charles-hubspot-ai/) - [HubSpot Implementation and Onboarding](https://goenvy.io/services/hubspot-implementation-and-onboarding/) - [HS \<\> LI Warm Outreach Agent](https://goenvy.io/services/warm-outreach-agent/) - [Resources](https://goenvy.io/resources/) Show submenu for Resources - [Banter with Billy](https://goenvy.io/banter-with-billy/) - [All Resources](https://goenvy.io/resources/) - [Pricing](https://goenvy.io/pricing/) - [Blog](https://blog.goenvy.io) - [Contact](https://goenvy.io/?pop=contact-us) ![SolutionPartnerTierBadges\_FINAL\_ELITE\_TEAL-s](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/SolutionPartnerTierBadges_FINAL_ELITE_TEAL-s.png?width=120&height=120&name=SolutionPartnerTierBadges_FINAL_ELITE_TEAL-s.png "SolutionPartnerTierBadges_FINAL_ELITE_TEAL-s") ![HB-Elite-Logo 1](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/HB-Elite-Logo%201.png?width=34&name=HB-Elite-Logo%201.png "HB-Elite-Logo 1") ![](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Blogs-May-25-2026-10-07-22-2947-AM.png?width=920&height=400&name=Blogs-May-25-2026-10-07-22-2947-AM.png) # Your event playbook is old and boring. Here’s how to make marketing events actually worth the time [Marketing Strategy](https://blog.goenvy.io/tag/marketing-strategy), [Inbound Marketing](https://blog.goenvy.io/tag/inbound-marketing), [Cybersecurity Marketing](https://blog.goenvy.io/tag/cybersecurity-marketing) ![Billy Cina](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/purple%206%20final.jpg?width=60&height=60&name=purple%206%20final.jpg) Billy Cina After three decades in tech and a decade of running Envy’s own events, I’ve lost patience for panels where everyone agrees, breakfasts that could’ve been a newsletter, and keynote slots dedicated to yet another breathless meditation on artificial intelligence. Our ecosystem is inundated with BORING corporate events. The return on time is diminishing. And yet, when done well, events still have the power to galvanize, convert, and create momentum you simply cannot replicate with any digital campaign, no matter how sophisticated the targeting. ## What makes Envy’s events enviable We’ve been running events at Envy for over a decade. Across time zones, verticals, and formats, the goal has always been the same: create something worth leaving the office and/or screens for. And while we had some relative flops, we’ve built a reputation for curating speakers who are sharp, funny, and tactical, for talks with no fluff, no filler. And past attendees have said that: “All the [Envy](https://www.linkedin.com/company/goenvy/) events are practical and useful. Every time I pick up something I can actually use at work.” “Fantastic competition for TED.” “I actually loved it, I was so impressed and just told my husband all about it.” “Super practical and important ideas that I haven’t seen implemented enough.” And guess what, during our events we even talk about... organizing events: [![Check Out Our Videos](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1880938/interactive-174997855655.png)](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJxEz03hQIWLo104bwkafs%2FzaXyC%2BdJ13NEf1q%2BrAulgaCwYfWGZCN1P34cGtdpEbeAmyKjxOnPlA6%2Bu3WBolOL%2FK2U1w%2B6R7oT%2FZ4QaCfyQALBt2bYwvhxkTxUSdJF1hrWmzwKFXUneQDNN0w7Q7wdgRMO5cMSlvGI5mdkJJEgfF4WojWM1Rk%2F4rV8IBR55NtBSaDKpz4%3D&webInteractiveContentId=174997855655&portalId=1880938) So yes, we’ve set the bar high. But high standards alone aren’t enough anymore. Because while great events build trust, attention, and authority, the pressure to deliver measurable value has never been higher. ### The anatomy of a no-compromise event So how do we make it work? How do we create events that are worth your energy and your audience’s time? This year at Envy, we did what we always do: question everything 😉 That means: - No panels unless panelists are willing to be truly authentic, and that often means disagreeing with other panelists. Groupthink isn’t thought leadership. You need tension to create an actual debate. - Speakers are carefully selected. We now run a Call for Papers in order to unearth smart, sharp voices from outside our usual customer and LinkedIn bubble. Some had never spoken on a "B2B marketing" stage, and were better for it. - Speakers need to agree to at least 2 dry runs and to ensure their presentations do not run for longer than ±15 mins. We time them, literally. - Representation is non-negotiable. We’ve all seen too many event posters covered in faces that all look the same: white, middle-aged and, in majority, male. It’s either gender-balanced, or we don’t run it. Broader representation is a work in progress, but I trust we’ll get there. - Use cases over theory. Nobody needs another funnel framework. Attendees want specifics. What actually worked? What failed? What would you never do again? - We measure presentation success by the number of folks taking notes, taking pics of slides and the writeups afterwards on Linkedin. ### Don’t miss the post-event follow-up A great event doesn’t end when the mics are packed away. The follow-up is where the value is extracted. This is what our LinkedIn looks like for weeks after a successful event: ![Screenshot 2026-05-25 at 11.43.49](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2011.43.49.png?width=501&height=49&name=Screenshot%202026-05-25%20at%2011.43.49.png) And it takes weeks and not just hours because: - We send surveys within 24 hours. They’re short & specific, but they give us tons of insights. - We email the attendees (and no-shows, we understand!) with the presentations, photos, videos and thoughts. Just like we’ll send this post across our audience too. - We stay close with the speakers and let them ride the wave too. They get professional photos of them presenting and videos so they can build on their own brand. They also get mentioned non stop on social media and share their own experiences. - LinkedIn is your real goldmine. People leave wrap-up notes with what they learnt, like here:     Looking at [Forrester’s data,](https://www.forrester.com/blogs/the-global-state-of-b2b-events-8-key-findings-from-the-forrester-2024-b2b-event-trends-survey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 92% of marketers say they’re actively improving post-event follow-up this year. If you’re not part of that 92%, you’re wasting the momentum you worked hard to build. ## Final thoughts about valuable events in 2026 So, here’s Envy’s golden rules when thinking about your next event: - Small and specific \> big and broad. Niche wins. A 20-person dinner with real buyers beats a 200-person party where everyone’s just there for the vibe… although there is a time and place for those kind of events too. - Do less, but do it better. Skip the fancy video recaps if it means there’s no time to nail the follow-up. Measure by meetings booked and opportunities created and not the number of attendees. - Go format-agnostic. Webinars still work if the content is sharp and short. An in-person workshop can outperform both, but only if it’s intimate and packed with value.   If you’d like to participate in an Envy event, [follow us here](https://www.linkedin.com/company/goenvy/) for updates on the next one.   Share ![share title underline scrible](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Envy/images/share-line.svg) [![Share on linkedin](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/linkedin.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.goenvy.io%2Fevent-playbook-is-old-and-boring%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on facebook](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.goenvy.io%2Fevent-playbook-is-old-and-boring%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.goenvy.io%2Fevent-playbook-is-old-and-boring%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.goenvy.io%2Fevent-playbook-is-old-and-boring%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [Start Your Free 30 Day ![hubspot logo](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Envy/images/hubspot%20logo.svg) Trial Today](https://goenvy.io/contact) About the Author ![Billy Cina](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/purple%206%20final.jpg?width=112&height=112&name=purple%206%20final.jpg) Billy Cina I've spent my entire career marketing B2B tech brands. From shiny new startups with a BHAG, to more established tech companies fighting for market dominance, no two marketing challenges are ever the same. I work with companies on articulating and testing company messaging, building their digital marketing strategy and budgets with an emphasis on producing top notch content as the engine for growth. In 2014 I Co-founded Israel's leading tech marketing agency, Marketing Envy. Now lovingly referred to and known as, Envy. ### Sign Up For Updates [![Marketing Events to Attend in 2024](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/marketing-events-to-attend-in-2024%20(1).png?width=352&name=marketing-events-to-attend-in-2024%20(1).png)](https://blog.goenvy.io/15-b2b-marketing-events-you-dont-want-to-miss-in-2024) ### [15 B2B marketing events you don't want to miss in 2024](https://blog.goenvy.io/15-b2b-marketing-events-you-dont-want-to-miss-in-2024) [![cybersecurity events 2023](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/31b-1.jpg?width=352&name=31b-1.jpg)](https://blog.goenvy.io/cybersecurity-events-this-year) ### [Save the Date(s): Cyber Security's Hottest Events in 2023](https://blog.goenvy.io/cybersecurity-events-this-year) [![Cyber Security Events to Attend in 2024](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/cyber-security-events.png?width=352&name=cyber-security-events.png)](https://blog.goenvy.io/15-cyber-security-events-you-dont-want-to-miss-in-2024) ### [15 cyber security events you don’t want to miss in 2024](https://blog.goenvy.io/15-cyber-security-events-you-dont-want-to-miss-in-2024) [![ENVY Logo mwhite](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/ENVY-Logo-white.svg "ENVY Logo mwhite")](https://goenvy.io) ![SolutionPartnerTierBadges\_FINAL\_ELITE\_TEAL-s](https://blog.goenvy.io/hs-fs/hubfs/SolutionPartnerTierBadges_FINAL_ELITE_TEAL-s.png?width=140&height=140&name=SolutionPartnerTierBadges_FINAL_ELITE_TEAL-s.png "SolutionPartnerTierBadges_FINAL_ELITE_TEAL-s") Resources - [Banter with Billy](https://goenvy.io/banter-with-billy/) - [Case Studies](https://goenvy.io/resource_type/case-studies/) - [Videos](https://goenvy.io/resource_type/videos/) Services - [Elizabeth, The Brain Build](https://goenvy.io/services/hubspot-implementation-and-onboarding/) - [Hary, Paid Campaign Planner](https://goenvy.io/services/harry-william-paid-campaigns-gtm/) - [William, Full GTM Service](https://goenvy.io/services/harry-william-paid-campaigns-gtm/#William) - [Charles, HubSpot IQ](https://goenvy.io/services/charles-hubspot-ai/) - [HubSpot Implementation & Onboarding](https://goenvy.io/services/hubspot-implementation-and-onboarding/) - [HS \<\> LI Warm Outreach Agent](https://goenvy.io/services/warm-outreach-agent/) Company - [Pricing](https://goenvy.io/pricing/) - [Privacy Policy](https://goenvy.io/privacy-policy/) We like to share thoughts [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/GoEnvy) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/goenvy/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mktgenvy) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/billy.cina) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.youtube.com/@Get_Envy) ![goolge-partner](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/goolge-partner.svg "goolge-partner") ![google-developers-experts-logo](https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy/google-developers-experts-logo.svg "google-developers-experts-logo") © Powered by the tears of ambitious and envious CXOs © Copyright 2026 Envy ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Billy Cina", "url" : "https://blog.goenvy.io/author/billy-cina" }, "dateModified" : "2026-05-25T10:47:20.688Z", "datePublished" : "2026-05-25T10:47:20.000Z", "headline" : "Your event playbook is old and boring. Here’s how to make marketing events actually worth the time", "image" : [ "https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Blogs-May-25-2026-10-07-22-2947-AM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.goenvy.io/event-playbook-is-old-and-boring", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.goenvy.io/hubfs/Envy-logo-Black.png" }, "name" : "Envy" } } ```