Think about the last truly memorable event you attended – the one that made you feel part of something bigger. What made you invest your time, travel the distance, choose to be present? The impact of experience is profound – those moments of connection, those sparks of inspiration, those insights that changed your perspective. Whether a conference, celebration, or gathering of minds, these are the experiences you can't put a price on, yet they become the currency that enriches our lives and relationships in ways that last far beyond the event itself.

Over the course of my career, I've had the privilege of being part of more than 25,000 events. There's a moment in everyone when everything aligns perfectly – when technology, creativity, and human connection come together to create something extraordinary. Each event unique, each carrying its own weight of expectations, dreams, and possibilities. When people ask what I've learned from these moments, they often expect me to talk about technology, production values, or the latest industry trends. But what strikes me most isn't the numbers or the technology – it's what these moments have taught me about the true nature of human connection in our increasingly digital world, and the teams that make the impossible possible.

When I launched bb Blanc in 2008, during a challenging economic period, many thought it was madness. But after all, we are in the event business – madness is part of our DNA. With decades of experience and relationships behind me, we achieved in 24 months what had previously taken years. Those thousands of events had taught me what matters most: when times are tough, meaningful experiences become more valuable, not less.

What many don't realize is that our industry – the business of creating these impactful experiences – ranks as the third most stressful profession in the world, surpassing even surgeons and first responders. Behind every flawless production, there's a team of dedicated professionals managing countless moving parts, adapting to ever-evolving technology, and carrying the weight of others' expectations on their shoulders. The impact of this work is clear: 81% of businesses now recognize that events are instrumental in forging and strengthening team relationships. This isn't just data – it's validation of what we've always known: these experiences, whether in-person or virtual, have the power to transform organizations and unite people. Each format offers unique opportunities for connection and engagement.

At bb Blanc, we often talk about "crushing the box" rather than just thinking outside it. This philosophy was born from understanding that true innovation comes from our people – their creativity, their dedication, and their unwavering commitment to excellence. In an industry where technology changes daily, it's our human capital that remains our greatest asset.

It's this combination of innovative thinking and human dedication that defines our approach to value creation. In the experience economy, ROI isn't just measured in dollars – it's measured in impact. When technology amplifies creativity, when teams bring visions to life, when a message resonates so deeply it drives action, when a brand moment becomes a lasting memory – that's when we know we've created real value.

This is why we approach every project as an opportunity to create different forms of currency – not the kind you deposit in a bank, but the kind that builds holistic value through the perfect blend of technology, creativity, and human connection:

As we launch this newsletter, I want to acknowledge every member of our industry who works tirelessly to create these transformative events. Your dedication, creativity, and resilience don't just make events happen – they make experiences unforgettable. I look forward to sharing insights from our journey with you – stories of human connection, of challenges overcome, and of moments that matter.

Looking ahead, I see an industry at a turning point. The companies that understand and invest in experience as currency will be the ones that thrive. They'll be the ones who recognize that in an increasingly virtual world, creating powerful moments isn't just valuable – it's essential.

Every space we transform represents more than just another event. It represents an opportunity to create something meaningful, something memorable, something magical that reminds us why we do what we do. After 25,000 moments, I've learned that while technology enables us and innovation drives us, it's the human element that makes each experience extraordinary. And while methods may evolve and technology may advance, one truth remains constant: in business, as in life, experiences are the moments that matter.

Because in our business, the experience isn't just everything – it's the only thing that lasts.

About The Author

Rennie Colelli, founder and CEO of bb Blanc Inc., is one of Canada's leading creative audiovisual production companies. With over 35 years in the industry and 25,000+ successful events to his name, Rennie has transformed bb Blanc from a startup into an industry trendsetter. Recognized as one of the 50 most influential event technology professionals by Eventex Awards in 2023, his innovative approach to event production continues to set new standards in the industry. Under his leadership, bb Blanc delivers exceptional experiences across corporate conferences, product launches, and social celebrations, staying true to their core principle: The experience is everything.