69. Behind my first virtual event: the format, the results, the tech, and what I'd do differently

Running a virtual event that people actually engage with from start to finish is something a lot of small business owners dream about, and spend way too long sitting on. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the Retention Games, my first out-of-the-box virtual event that featured 19 speakers, a crowd voting format, and physical contestant cards. If you've been thinking about hosting your own standout event and want a real, honest look at what's involved, this one's for you. **What we cover:** - What made the Retention Games format so different from a standard virtual summit - The results, including reach, list growth, podcast impact, and a conversion rate I'm genuinely happy with - The tech stack I used (mostly tools I already owned) - Why and how Airtable basically ran the whole event on autopilot - What attendees and speakers loved and the honest feedback I'm taking on board - The popularity contest misconception the numbers totally debunk (full reveal in the Retention Lab debrief on 19 June!) - Whether I'd do it again (spoiler: absolutely) and what the 2027 edition might look like **Tools I mentioned (some affiliate links):** Showit Thrivecart Airtable Blockbuilder GoBrunch Convertbox Hotjar **View the episode transcript** here**.** **Where to from here?** **Join Retention Lab🧪, the membership for savvy online business owners** determined to grow their revenue, referrals and repeat business without *more* marketing. Join here! Find out how you can get my strategic customer experience brain on your brand here. Grab the **FREE State of the Customer online business industry report** with first-hand findings, gaps & opportunities PLUS proven strategies to boost your customer experience. Download FREE here! Check out my favourite CX tools and resources here. **😍 Love the show?** Hit subscribe or follow so you never miss a new episode. Submit your question so I can answer it in an upcoming episode (or invite the perfect guest expert!). **Leave a positive review to help the show get found by more small business owners just like you. To leave a review:** 👉 Find What Would They Do? on Apple Podcasts 👉 Scroll to ‘Ratings & Reviews’ 👉 Tap on the stars to rate the show before writing a review Post a screenshot with your key takeaway on your IG story and tag me @candocontent and #WWTDpod so I can repost your content.