Events today are more than just logistics—they’re emotional journeys. At IMEX America 2025, our Community Builders track explored how to design experiences that foster trust, belonging and awe. The goal? Transform attendees from passive participants into active, connected community members.
Here are five key takeaways:
1. Trust starts with vulnerability
Trust isn’t automatic—it’s built through radical empathy, grace and openness. Leaders like LVCVA’s Vanessa Claspill and MGM Resorts’ Stephanie Glanzer emphasized the power of leading with love and creating safe spaces for honest feedback. Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the foundation of psychological safety.
2. Community needs intentional design
Gathering people isn’t enough. Aiko Thurlow, InFounders, shared frameworks for engineering meaningful connections, while Dîner en Blanc showed how shared rituals and structure can spark deep bonds. Purposeful design moves events beyond networking into true connection.
3. Safety is essential
LGBT MPA highlighted the importance of both physical and psychological safety. From photo-free zones to clear incident plans, safety enables authenticity. Without it, belonging can’t flourish.
4. Connection is the new content
Attendees come for the relationships, not just the sessions. Events are now platforms for shared experiences. Networking isn’t a side benefit—it’s the main draw.
5. Community has ripple effects
Catherine Chaulet, Global DMC Partners, and Jason Dunn, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professioinals, reminded us that events impact more than attendees—they support local economies, fund public services and shape culture. Community building is a force for good.
The challenges ahead
1. Political headwinds
Anti-DEI and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation complicate destination choices and event design. Organizers must find creative ways to protect and support their communities.
2. Scaling intimacy
As communities grow, maintaining authenticity gets harder. Sandy Safi, Dîner en Blanc, shared how frameworks can help, but the challenge remains: how to stay personal at scale.
3. Going deeper than surface-level networking
Most networking is shallow. The real challenge is designing experiences that invite vulnerability and real conversation—especially for introverts.
4. Bridging generational gaps
Different generations have different expectations. From communication styles to mental health support, community builders must create inclusive models that resonate across age groups.
5. Measuring the intangible
Trust, safety and emotional connection are hard to quantify. Without metrics, it’s tough to justify budgets. But these intangibles drive long-term loyalty.
The opportunities to seize
1. Design for depth
Facilitated formats create space for real connection. Vulnerability accelerates bonding.
2. Empower co-creation
Let attendees shape the experience. Dîner en Blanc’s model—where guests bring their own décor and food—shows how ownership builds pride and engagement.
3. Build mentorship into the model
Mentorship bridges generations and strengthens professional communities. Programs like SITE’s mentor-mentee initiative foster growth and support.
4. Lead with empathy
Leadership is service. Models from Vanessa Claspill and Jason Dunn show how care, grace and trust build resilient teams.
5. Use data to personalize
Communities are rich in insights. Listening through surveys and conversations helps tailor experiences and deliver more value.
Back to the track. We’ll be back on the community builders track at IMEX Frankfurt 2026. Stay tuned.
Report created with the help of Snapsight and SparkAI.
