101 - How Mark Stern Uses Boxes to Skyrocket Show-Up Rates for Virtual Events

High Profit Event Show

In this episode of The High Profit Event Show, I sit down with Mark Stern, founder and CEO of Custom Box Agency. Mark is not just a box designer—he’s a customer journey strategist who has redefined how physical products can create immersive experiences for virtual and live event attendees. With an MBA from Duke University, a former consultant at Deloitte, and a feature in Forbes as one of the next 1,000 entrepreneurs to watch, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and a powerful perspective to the conversation.

We dove into the idea that an event doesn’t start on Day One—it starts the moment your attendee registers. Mark shared how strategically using custom event boxes before, during, and after an event can dramatically increase engagement, retention, and conversion. He explained how his agency helps event leaders use boxes to pre-frame the event experience, boost show-up rates, and even engineer the buying journey. One standout story included how a pre-event audio journey and physical box led to a 20% increase in show-up rates for one client—and even sparked community buzz online before the event began.

Mark also broke down how boxes can activate more senses—beyond sight and sound—by introducing touch, smell, and even emotion into the mix. He walked us through how Custom Box Agency builds "book-sized" boxes designed to live on bookshelves and remain top-of-mind. These boxes become containers of memories and breakthroughs, filled with envelopes, QR codes, and carefully timed reveals that guide participants through a meaningful transformation.

Mark integrates behavioral psychology into his box strategies—like sending attendees “Box 1 of 2” to create a powerful open loop and drive desire to ascend into the next program. It’s a smart blend of story arc, gamification, and identity-shifting strategy.

If you're an event leader looking to deepen your connection with attendees, increase engagement, or elevate your post-event follow-up, this episode is a must-listen. Mark’s insights into blending physical and digital experiences will inspire you to think beyond the screen—and into your audience’s hands, homes, and hearts. Be sure to catch the full episode and learn how to implement these ideas into your next high-ticket event.

Want to connect with Mark?

Website: http://series.com/

Activate Series (blueprint from 7-8 figure entrepreneurs on how they acquire customers): https://activateseries.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marustern/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.sterno/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marksternofficial/