117 - The Art and Science of Filling Events with Daven Michaels

In this episode of The High Profit Event Show, host Rudy Rodriguez sits down with Daven Michaels, a New York Times best-selling author, global entrepreneur, and master of large-scale event production, to explore what it truly takes to create, fill, and sustain events that both inspire and convert. With a rich background spanning entertainment, outsourcing, and now community-based event leadership, Daven brings decades of experience and a deep understanding of how to blend creativity with proven business systems to create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

The conversation begins with The Art and Science of Filling Events, where Daven breaks down the key differences between free and paid events, explaining how pricing directly affects attendance and engagement. He reveals that while free events may attract large registrations, they often lead to an 80% no-show rate, whereas paid events—especially those priced at $97 or higher—see up to 90% attendance. But the real secret, Daven explains, lies in follow-up and connection. Selling tickets is only half the battle; the real work is in cultivating trust through high-touch engagement, confirmation campaigns, and genuine relationships long before the event begins. This thoughtful approach transforms attendees from sign-ups into eager participants, setting the stage for meaningful interaction and stronger conversions.

From there, Rudy and Daven dive into one of the most powerful forces driving event success today: Building Community as the Foundation for Event Success. Daven shares the story behind his creation of The San Juan Social Club, which started as a local gathering in Puerto Rico and blossomed into a thriving community of nearly 4,000 members. That sense of belonging later evolved into the San Juan Social Cruise, an exclusive networking experience that now brings together 500 entrepreneurs and founders for connection, collaboration, and shared growth. Daven emphasizes that we’re living in an age where “community is the new currency,” and those who invest in relationships over transactions naturally build ecosystems that fill themselves. Rudy echoes this by highlighting how strong communities turn events into movements that last well beyond the closing session.

Finally, the discussion turns toward Creating Transformative Experiences Through Relationship and Vision. Daven explains that every great event begins with a clear intention—an emotional blueprint that guides every decision, from venue and design to programming and attendee experience. He draws from his roots in entertainment, where he produced massive 20,000-person concerts, to show that the key to transformation lies in authenticity and connection. When attendees feel like “homies before they even arrive,” as Daven puts it, the event becomes less of a transaction and more of a transformative journey. He encourages event leaders to balance artistry with structure—to combine creative vision with strategic systems that ensure smooth execution and measurable results.

Throughout this inspiring conversation, Daven’s insights remind event leaders that success isn’t about chasing numbers; it’s about creating impact. Whether you’re hosting a virtual summit, live conference, or mastermind retreat, this episode offers the mindset, methods, and mastery to help you fill your events, foster connection, and lead with purpose. Tune in to The High Profit Event Show to discover how to turn your events into powerful platforms that transform lives—starting with your own.

Want to connect with Daven?

Website: https://davenmichaels.com/story/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davenmichaels

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