EventSpeak with Big John

Big john sits down with Maureen Valker, president of the brandmark agency, as they talk on this episode of industry spotlight. Maureen talks about the new launch of Brandmark, concert promotion, and exciting new festivals and events to come in the future. The manifestation of Brandmark is something that will provide new opportunities for the talent out there in the industry all while giving the team their new own identity. This episode is one you won't want to miss!

Big John sits down with Manny Kapranos, a Sales and Marketing Director for SmartJets. Manny helps drive business anywhere from brand design, the website, digital and email campaigns, to bringing in revenue, expanding their network and finding new customers for products they sell. Kapranos ended up in private aviation through an unconventional way. He started in financial services, then got his MBA, and ended up in private aviation. Covid-19 has affected both commercial and private aviation and they discuss how both the US and Canada approached facing the pandemic and helping out small businesses. Finally, be sure to tune in as they discuss good restaurants in LA, you might find your next favorite brunch spot! Manny tells us that Montreal’s bagels are better than NY bagels. Let us know if you disagree!

Big John sits down with Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR. Public relations is the practice of deliberately managing the release and spread of information between an individual or an organization and the public in order to affect the public perception. At Blaze PR Matt has worked with a wide variety of clients and discusses how much he loves to work with Youtheory. Youtheory Collagen is an oral supplement that is designed to replenish lost collagen in the body and thereby support healthy joints, tendons, skin, hair, and nails. It is also said to deliver intensive nourishment to help counter the effects of the aging process and support factors important to health and beauty. Since PR is earned media, there’s an opportunity to give an honest review where the media can tell a story on a brands behalf, ensuring trust and quality branding.

Big John sits down with Jonathan Kazarian to discuss the virtual event space. Jonathans company Accelevents grew 2000% in 2020 and was self-funded. Accelevents is an all-in-one virtual event platform that empowers you to engage your audience, create an evergreen community, and drive sustainable revenue growth. Once live events come back Jon still believes that there is room for live events to co-exist with in person events. Be sure to tune in to gain valuable insight into the power of virtual events!

On the latest episode of EventSpeak, Big John sits down with longtime friend & tour buddy Jeff Nolan, an expert music memorabilia consultant whose credits include Hard Rock Café. Jeff reminisces about various memorabilia and the stories that go with it as well as playing lead guitar in his band The Ludes. It's a real treat to hear the boys touch on stories that include Bryan Jones (original guitarist of the Rolling Stones), Mud Honey, Mother Love Bone, Lemme of Motorhead, Scott Weiland and Pearl Jam. Jeff also talks about his interview with guitarist, Johnny 5, which recently went viral as a result of Howard Stern coming across the clip on YouTube. So grab a stool and tune up your guitar and be prepared to laugh and get an earful of Experiential Marketing meets all things rock and roll! Listen & subscribe to the EventSpeak podcast with Big John: https://eventspeak.com/shows/big-john/ More from Jeff Nolan: https://www.instagram.com/thejeffnolan https://www.facebook.com/TheLudes Follow EventSpeak: https://www.facebook.com/EventSpeak https://www.instagram.com/eventspeak https://twitter.com/EventSpeak https://www.linkedin.com/company/eventspeak #EventSpeak #Podcast #EventMarketing

In our first “Glory Stories”, episode, Big John sits down with Carter, Neuman, and Mishke to reminisce on the days when they were all on the road together. From the first time they met, to working sleepless nights, to Breakfast Burrito’s; they came together to reflect on the past and talk about the future of the event industry.

Big John sits down with longtime friend and fellow Warped Tour alum, Emily Nielsen, founder of Punk Rock & Paintbrushes. They dive into the deep end of where Punk Rock meets Art and all things in between. She has showcased her clients work at art galleries, music festivals and even pivoted to a covid-friendly tennis court gallery show at Fat Mikes due to the pandemic. Emily has also written a book with the Vandal's Warren Fitzgerald, called “The Insides of Artists Written by Outsiders” which will be available on April 15th, 2021 at punckrockart.com Be sure to check it out. Do your part! Buy Art! For more information on Emily and Punk Rock & Paintbrushes, check out the below: Website: www.punkrockart.com Socials: https://www.instagram.com/punkrockandpaintbrushes/ Book: https://www.punkrockart.com/product/prp-new-book-the-insides-of-artists-written-by-outsiders/

In our first "Industry Spotlight" episode, Big John and Amanda sit down with leaders from the world of Cannabis to learn more about their business with the hopes of building bigger and better experiential campaigns. Our panel of experts include: Patrick Rea- Co-Founder and Managing Director of CanopyBoulder, a seed-stage, mentorship-driven business accelerator for the cannabis industry. CanopyBoulder has raised 5 funds and invested in 115 companies since 2014. Kate Lavin- Editor at Marijuana Business Magazine, publication covering the legal cannabis industry in the U.S. and globally. Prior to MJ Biz Daily, Kate spent 10 years covering the Wine industry as managing editor for Wines Vines Analytics. John Lynch- Founder of TradeCraft Original, a Cannabis Consulting agency and Head of Business Development at Omura a Cannabis Vaporizer that uses flower cartridges. Max Lenderman- Former founder and CCO of School, a purpose-centric creative consultancy that had experiential at its core (and part of holding company Project Worldwide). Sit down and relax as we turn a spotlight on this new and exciting world of Cannabis. Enjoy!

Join us for an important conversation about equality and creating a safe environment for your employees no matter your race, gender, or background. Kate Gardiner is the Founder and CEO of Grey Horse, a full service communications company, who works with individuals and brands "who are changing the world for the better with big ideas, bold plans, and a commitment to equality and the environment." This is a power packed interview that you won't want to miss. For more information Kate and her agency Grey Horse, check-out the links below. Enjoy! www.greyhorse.cc www.kategardiner.com

Give a listen as Big John sits down for a delightful conversation with tried and true New Yorker, Laura Mignott, CEO of DFlash. Topics include simple ways to achieve well executed diverse events, the new café culture of NYC, living in a wallet free world and NYC cocktails! Laura also has a weekly podcast….The Reset Podcast and interviews a variety of Experiential Marketing guru’s. For more information on Laura and where to find her podcast, check out the below links. Enjoy! https://anchor.fm/the-reset-podcast https://twitter.com/TheResetPodcast http://www.dflash.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauramignott/

Big John digs in with music promo veteran and Danny Wimmer Presents SVP, Maureen Valker. Maureen discusses how the reset button (aka the pandemic) is allowing music promotors and agencies to truly explore the digital options, and a variety of new revenue streams now becoming common place for music performers and artists (pay per view, digital broadcast, licensing, endorsements etc.).For more info on Maureen and her company, DWP, check-out the below:https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureenvalker/https://dannywimmerpresents.com/ Enjoy!

On this episode of EventSpeak, Big John chats with music industry exec, Michael Schneider about how his platform, Single Music, helps musicians/performers/bands keep their fair share of the pie in the livestreaming/merch-sales space.  Michael understands what artists are up against and is passionate about allowing them to keep their focus on the art and not worry about the business stuff. Join as we talk about "the business" on this special music edition of EventSpeak.   For more info on Michael and his Simple Music platform, check out the below. Enjoy! https://singlemusic.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/singlemusic/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpaulschneider/

Big John has an epic interview with experiential expert Max Lenderman. Max knows a thing or two about the experiential/creative world, and it’s a punk rock lovefest as the two of them talk experiential. So sit, listen and enjoy, as Max reveals. “Advertising in general is meaningless while experiences are not!” Enjoy! For more information on Max, check out his website and socials below: www.maxlenderman.com https://eventspeak.com/members/maxlenderman/ https://www.instagram.com/maxlenderman/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxlenderman

On this episode of EventSpeak, Big John sits down with long time friend Soma Snakeoil Co-founder of nonprofit The Sidewalk Project. Join us as we discuss their events (pre COVID) to support LA's houseless community. They take a walk down memory lane of much wilder times in both of their pasts and be ready to blush as Soma is delightfully and unapologetically well.... Soma. This one is really fun put on your big kid shoes and jump on in!

Big John sits down with Justin Miller, CEO and founder of Showplace. Showplace provides brands a platform to place products in the homes of short term rentals like Airbnb. Listen as Justin talks about how Showplace is revolutionizing the way way contactless sampling is done and how it could be used to elevate guests experiences attending high-profile events in the future. More information on Justin and Showplace can be found at https://www.showplacehq.com/   Enjoy!

Join us as Big John sits down with Digital Content Producer and Event Manager, Marielou Mandl. Marielou talks to us about amplifying your event with a digital strategy as consumers are looking for more ways to engage with brands. For more info on Marielou, check out her website at: www.marieloumandl.com And if you're content producer, looking for community support from tech tips to strategy, check out her Facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createreleaserepeat

Join us at Big John sits down with the multi-talented (and creative genius behind our fancy new intro), Montana Debor, as we talk about the world of performance art and it's place in events. For more information on Montana, check out her socials below. And don't forget to continue the conversation at www.eventspeak.com https://www.montanadeborarts.com/ https://www.instagram.com/deboratorium/

Big John sits down with creative soul, Sam Ewen. Listen in as they talk music, experiential events and where those two worlds collide. Sam is Managing Director at dotdotdash and is based in NYC and has been in the Experiential space for over twenty years. He is passionate about the art and emotions at play within the experiential space. Big John and has Sam discuss some amazing experiential campaigns, including a concert for the deaf amongst other things. Enjoy!

On this episode of EventSpeak, Big John sits down with the "Road Mama" herself, Ms. Athena Simpson. Join us to be inspired and encouraged by this modern day Renaissance woman as we take you on a journey through they eyes of a world traveler, aerial silk performer, and podcasting savant.For more info on Athena, check out her website at: https://athenasimpson.com   

Big John welcomes powerhouse pro drummer Gary Foster to the show. Gary and Big John go back to the good old days when both were playing out on the Van's Warped Tour and Gary is one of Big's closet friends. Listen in on a conversation of stories from the road, lessons in life- punk rock style and lighting roman candles down peoples pants... (Yes, you read that right) Enjoy!

On this special tech focused episode of EventSpeak, Big John dives deep into the digital realm with our friends at Gamerjibe and EventSpeak's own Joel Martin joining as co-host. Who says you can't do events right now? Gamerjibe shows us how they do it and gives us a peek behind the curtain of what's not only the future but the now. Grab some conference center nachos and a $4 cola and pull up a chair you don't want to miss this one.

Pull up a chair and sit down with ever entertaining Amanda Younger one of Big John's former tour family and dearest friends who's also the Senior Event Manager for NYC Pride! Amanda talks with Big John on some of the positives that have come out of working remote during Covid-19 and transitioning several times on the game plan for NYC Pride 2020 (due to and ever changing Covid-19 landscape) -- to basically an all-digital format (no small feat). Whatever you do don't sign off early as you'll see at the end of the episode that drinks are on Big John and Amanda!

Teeg is an encyclopedia of Event Industry knowledge and heads up the AAEP (American Association of Event Professionals), a nonprofit organization that is long overdue in the event/experiential world. Teeg discusses the benefits of being an AAEP member, why it is needed, what role it will play in the industries future -- as well as reminiscing about the early days of the event industry and how they both just fall face first into it and even worked together on the AT&T Warped Tour Campaign 2008-2009! If you are involved with any component of the event industry treat yourself to this epic educational episode!

Big John sits down with the delightful Devin Bender to discuss how a recent college grad has achieved so much so soon in her career. Devin is a social media influencer, Playboy model, and recent graduate of Florida State University. Topics include; Healthy living, Brands approaching social influencers, how to have a healthy relationship with social media and where to get the best chicken wings in the country - Devin's "it can't hurt to try" attitude is as infectious as she is!

Big John travels across the pond (via Zoom) to sit down with Claire Grecian, Managing Director at Circle Agency. Claire discusses some campaigns Circle Agency is involved with in the midst of COVID-19, talks similarities and differences between Experiential campaigns in the UK and US and reminisces about how she stumbled into events, fell in love with the industry and stuck with it like so many of us do!

The amazing Billy Burrs joins Big John to discuss his journey in the record industry from, Zoo Entertainment to Geffen Records and now is at The Syndicate all in an executive capacity. Billy has worked with the likes of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Black Keys, The Strokes and Cage the Elephant and talks about how the record and touring industry is being impacted by COVID-19.

On this amazing episode Big John is joined by Mitch Mishske who will blow your mind with his knowledge of being a tour manager, emcee, host and driver. Mitch hails from Chicago but now calls a hippie commune home in Colorado (no lie it is the fruitiest place west of the Mississippi). Mitch is also the recurring driver for March Forth (a band like no other) and regularly emcees at the Ride Festival each year. He is also the host of a zainy virtual trivia show live on Facebook every Monday. Check it out- there’s no one quite like Mitch!

Big John sits down with the multi-talented Rachel Silvestrini of YouTube’s Movies, Music and Mayhem and regular competitor on Movie Trivia Schmoedown. Rachel and Big John swap road warrior stories from Warped Tour to Disney Theatrical Group as well as what it takes to get on tour.

On this special “Diva” edition of EventSpeak, Big John sits with the Fabulous Ms Amy Armstrong. An internationally known singer and performer., Amy and Big John discuss how she courageously just beat cancer, she’s dealing with COVID-19 life in Mexico, and how musicians are finding new ways to connect with their audience.

Join Big John as he sits down with Assist Marketing President and Founder, Joe Wroblewski, to talk shop on the staffing business, AAEP, and how they are adapting to COVID-19 life and what comes next.

Join Big John on this special down under edition of Event Speak as he sits down with Richard Jones, Partner and Head of Experiences at Kreate Australia.

Big John talks with Event Producer and all around great person, Bruce XuXin from Brain Trust, a boutique event agency in Beijing, China.

Big John sits down with the legendary Steve Mallory, producer, writer and actor in many Hollywood productions including co-writer of “The Boss”, starring Melissa McCarthy. Give a listen as he reminisces about his days at creative agency, Edelman, and what it’s like launching a new series format during a pandemic. Enjoy!

Join us as Big John sits down with the co-founder of On The Go Marketing, Ari Forman, and how he turned his passion into a thriving experiential agency.

Big John sits down with Experiential Production Director, Jeff Yeatman. Topics include the US experiential industry, the future of events, and virtual pizza classes. Buon Appetito!

Big John sits with NYC based event and art world boss, Austin Fremont, to discuss her company, Fremont Blue Events, COVID-19 life in the Big Apple and being Andy Warhol's goddaughter.

Big John talks with pro drummer and producer, Feudor Lockshin, on a special Russia with Love edition of EventSpeak. Feudor talks about the music industry in Moscow, his side-hustle in drum shields, thoughts on VR and life as a new Dad.

Big John sits down with the CEO/Owner of Encore Nationwide, Larry Hess in this special Event Staffing edition of Event Speak.

Conversation with the co-founder of Las Vegas based talent agency Posh Productions, Sierra Sapunar.

Conversation with music industry mogul, Lucas Keller, founder of Milk & Honey LA.

Conversation with the founder of New Mandate Films & WRPCO Republic Pictures, Matti Leshem.

Conversation with the Director and Owner of Barcelona based Golden Goose Events, Lorena Smit Garcia.

Conversation with the Founder of The Vans Warped Tour, Kevin Lyman.

Conversation with Brian Saliba, CEO of Las Vegas based Smash Magazine Presents.

Big John speaks with the founder of EventSpeak, a global event networking platform, and why he is re-launching the site to service event professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.