Explore the impact of this year’s record-setting EDPA Access conference, a critical forum for business networking, talent development, and community growth within the exhibit and experiential marketing industry.

Chris Griffin and Khalil Benalioulhaj break down key attendee statistics, sponsorship milestones, and the integration of 22 new companies, marking one of the highest levels of engagement the event has seen in years.

Learn how Access transforms standard industry meetups into high-value, long-term connections. From curated breakfasts to hands-on team competitions, every interaction is intentionally designed to create relationship-driven outcomes. This discussion highlights how to maximize networking ROI—not by collecting business cards, but by building partnerships that lead to real follow-up and measurable business growth.

The conversation also spotlights the Future Leaders program, reflecting a clear shift toward Gen Z and Millennial leadership within the industry. You’ll take away practical ideas for recruiting, onboarding, and retaining next-generation talent to support sustainable agency growth.

Finally, the episode underscores the value of being an active participant—from engaging in local chapters to contributing at the national level—as a way to deepen your network and validate your investment in the industry.

Ideal for CEOs, senior managers, and growth-focused business developers looking for concrete frameworks to strengthen community, improve talent pipelines, and extract real value from industry conferences.