PlayAbly Podcast Episode 37: Booths, Badges & Busts: Which Conferences Are Actually Worth It for Your Brand?

Welcome back to the PlayAbly podcast! In this episode, John and Kajal ask a question every ecommerce founder, brand marketer, and growth lead has faced:

Are conferences really worth the cost—or are they just expensive hype?

From mega-events like Shoptalk, INBOUND, and NRF to tightly curated niche summits and DTC-specific forums, we break down what kinds of conferences actually drive ROI—and which ones just burn your budget.

We share:

• Real stories of brands spending $25K on booths with zero follow-through
• Why sponsored attendees (yes, even at big-name events) might not be your buyers
• How some founders got better returns from VIP dinners than massive floor space
• When to sponsor vs. when to just attend
• The secret to stretching conference ROI with content, follow-up, and first-party data collection

We also talk about how tools like PlayAbly
can amplify your post-event engagement—whether through gamification eCommerce
strategies or building a gamification rewards program
that keeps leads and customers connected long after the conference ends.

✅ Plus: A practical checklist to help you choose smarter, prep better, and follow up like a pro.

If you’re tired of mistaking foot traffic for conversions and want your next event to actually move the needle—this one’s for you.

Welcome to the PlayAbly Podcast, where we dive into the art and science of gamification, customer engagement, and driving conversions. 

At PlayAbly, we turn passive audiences into active customers through shoppable games and playable experiences that transform how brands connect with their customers. Book your free demo here.

Get Your First Month of PlayAbly free when you mention this Podcast during your free PlayAbly Demo - learn how gamification can improve your ecommerce shop at www.playably.ai