It Started As A Party — Cory Livengood & Meryn Hayes at DASH

What happens when a studio anniversary party turns into one of the motion design industry’s most loved gatherings?

In this episode of The Fabulist, I talk with Cory Livengood (Creative Director & Founder, Dash Studio) and Meryn Hayes (Executive Producer, Dash Studio) about the evolution of Dash Bash—a Raleigh-born festival that’s become a biannual hub for creativity, collaboration, and community.

Originally launched to celebrate Dash Studio’s 5th anniversary, Dash Bash has since grown into something much bigger. Cory and Meryn share the origin story, the highs and lows of producing an event of this scale, and why gatherings like these matter more than ever for the future of our industry.

You’ll hear:

• How Dash Bash evolved from a party into a multi-day festival
• Why Raleigh has become a surprising creative hotspot
• The realities (and rewards) of producing large-scale events
• Stories of late-night lobby talks, spontaneous collaborations, and community moments that fuel both mental health and momentum
• What the future holds for Dash Bash—and why its focus on people over technology makes it stand apart

Whether you’re a studio founder, freelancer, or creative hungry for connection, this conversation offers practical takeaways and a reminder that we’re stronger—and more inspired—together.

🎧 Listen in—and mark your calendar: the next Dash Bash is coming in 2027.