Exit 5 pivots from mega-events to roadshows for year-round demand gen

Oct 30, 2026 · Exit Five
🎧 PodShort 42 min squeezed to 2 AI SprinklerAS Marketing Automation New
Episode artwork
Dave Gerhardt
Host & VP Marketing at Exit 5
Dan Anshore
CEO at Exit 5
Exit Five
42 min squeezed to 2
Full episode from Exit Five
Quotable Moments

In a world of AI slop, we just want to make something that's actually worth going to.

Dave GerhardtHost & VP Marketing at Exit 5
00:15

We're going to pivot our strategy heading into 2027 and retire Drive.

Dave GerhardtHost & VP Marketing at Exit 5
04:44

The event business is not for the faint of heart and we carry that stress 300 days out of the year.

Dave GerhardtHost & VP Marketing at Exit 5
06:45
Key Insights
  • Exit 5 is retiring its annual 'Drive' event in Vermont and shifting to a roadshow model in 2027, visiting cities like Boston, San Francisco, Toronto, and Austin.
  • The decision to pivot from the annual conference was driven by a need to be more accessible and reach a wider audience, moving away from a single large event to a series of smaller, more frequent gatherings.
  • The 'Drive' event was successful in fostering real human connection and community, a crucial element for B2B marketers.
  • The event business is 'not for the faint of heart' due to the immense amount of work involved, leading to the decision to change the strategy.
  • The new roadshow model will feature smaller, focused events like a half-day workshop in Austin for B2B marketing leaders and intimate networking opportunities.
  • Dan Anshore, as CEO, was initially surprised by the pivot, as he had a vision for 'Drive' to become a large-scale B2B marketing trade show.
  • The shift to a more accessible model is intended to invest more in content, newsletters, and podcasts, making Exit 5's resources available year-round.
  • The challenge of running a large event like 'Drive' is that it consumes significant time and resources from the team, impacting other areas of the business.
Metrics Mentioned
  • 800 people flew to Vermont (for the Exit 5 'Drive' event over three years.)
  • 3 years of hosting 'Drive' (the annual event in Vermont.)
  • 3 B2B marketing leaders (were featured as speakers at the 'Drive' event.)

RevBots.ai View:

  • AI Sprinkler teams bolt on events without integration; Exit 5 shows strategic pruning.
  • Roadshow model mirrors ARM's focus on scalable, distributed engagement.
  • Tab Hoppers should note: community beats scale in post-AI marketing.
🎧Full Episode:Exit Five →