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Networking app adoption is broken: how to design connection journeys people actually follow
42% of events have low networking engagement. Here's why, and the exact 30-day playbook to fix it. From activation to follow-through, every stage mapped with actions.

Caylee Donaldson
20 min read


Two years on. What CDM has become.
Two years on from launch, CDM has grown beyond its original shape — into a flexible resourcing firm for B2B event organisers, with two specialist sub-brands now joining the family. Sprint, for specialist projects. In Diary, for outbound campaigns. A founder's note.

Caylee Donaldson
5 min read


Beyond Impressions: How to Transform Event Data Into Strategic Intelligence
A deeper dive into the Event Data Intelligence framework featured in HEN Magazine At International Confex in March, I moderated a conversation about why event teams aren't using the technology they already own. The room was packed. The discussion was honest. And one thing became crystal clear: The problem isn't procurement. It's utilisation. But here's what emerged from the conversations during that session, and what I've been exploring since with event organisers: Even when

Caylee Donaldson
7 min read


One Year at CDM: What I’ve Learned as a Marketing Consultant at CDonaldson Marketing
Rachel McMahon reflects on her one year anniversary at CDM. More freedom, more growth, still learning.

Rachel McMahon
3 min read


Why event marketing cost-per-registration keeps rising... and how to fix it
Most event campaigns are planned channel-first, and it's quietly doubling your cost-per-registration. Here's the two-week fix, and why your CFO will notice.

Caylee Donaldson
7 min read


Unlocking Event Tech: What We Learned at International Confex 2026 (And What To Do Next)
Discover the key lessons from International Confex 2026 on event tech utilisation, commercial alignment, platform adoption, and how event teams can unlock more value from existing tools.

Caylee Donaldson
3 min read


25 Years of Event Marketing Experience - Louise Gosling Joins the CDM Network
Meet Louise Gosling, the latest consultant to join the CDM network, bringing 25 years of B2B event marketing, martech and campaign expertise.

Caylee Donaldson
5 min read


Rewriting the Rules of Events Leadership Starts With Honesty
After attending International Confex, I reflect on leadership, motherhood, and why I felt I had to hide my pregnancy while building my business.

Caylee Donaldson
4 min read


Never Split the Difference: Negotiation tactics every event marketer should steal
Key negotiation tactics from Chris Voss’ Never Split the Difference—translated into practical scripts for sponsorship, speakers, suppliers, and buy-in.

Caylee Donaldson
5 min read


The 2026 B2B Event Marketing Reset: what’s changed (and what hasn’t)
In-person is still one of the most powerful B2B channels — but it’s no longer getting a free pass. Here’s what’s changed in 2026, what hasn’t, and a 10-minute scorecard to benchmark your event marketing.

Caylee Donaldson
6 min read


Meet Rosie Andre: CDM’s New Event Marketing Consultant
Rosie Andre joins CDM as a Marketing Consultant, bringing end-to-end event marketing expertise, martech confidence, and a meticulous eye for copy.

Caylee Donaldson
4 min read


LinkedIn Ad Creative for Events: Formats, Copy and Visuals That Drive Clicks
Discover which LinkedIn ad formats, visuals and copy angles work best for event marketing. Learn how to design Sponsored Content and Event Ads that drive clicks to your agenda, sponsor and registration pages.

Caylee Donaldson
8 min read


LinkedIn Targeting for Events: How to Reach the Right Audience at the Right Scale
Learn how to use LinkedIn targeting for events to reach the right delegates, sponsors and speakers without over-narrowing your audience. Practical examples and audience recipes for event marketers.

Caylee Donaldson
11 min read


Please welcome Gemma Watson to the CDM Consultancy Network - Travel & Tourism Event Marketing Specialist
Meet Gemma Watson, marketing and brand strategist across travel, tourism and events, joining the CDM Consultancy Network on a part-time basis.

Caylee Donaldson
3 min read


LinkedIn for Event Marketers: Turn Scrolls into Clicks (and Registrations)
Learn how to use LinkedIn marketing for events to drive high-intent traffic to your website. A practical framework for event marketers to turn impressions into clicks and registrations.

Caylee Donaldson
11 min read


The Event Marketer’s Guide to Chatbots: Turning Conversations into Registrations, Revenue & Retention
Chatbots have moved far beyond the clunky “Can I help you?” pop-up. This guide shows event marketers how to use chat to qualify sponsors and exhibitors, boost visitor registrations, support delegates 24/7 and create red-carpet experiences for key accounts.

Caylee Donaldson
8 min read
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