Gathergeeks by Bizbash

This special edition of GatherGeeks was recorded live at Connect NYC, which took place in late February. In this episode, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Michael Cirino, chief experience officer at House of Attention; Chelsey Lavere, senior sales manager of meetings and conventions at Turning Stone Resort Casino; and Mary Giuliani, founder and CEO of Mary Giuliani Catering & Events. The panel discusses why and how the catering experience is the final frontier in event marketing—and the ultimate touchpoint where brands can make a lasting impression. They also delve into cutting-edge culinary innovation and event experiences, from drone cocktail bars to deconstructed chicken dinners, and even an avant-garde 100-course dining experience. In addition, the group explores how technology intertwines with the dining experience and, even more importantly, how event profs can engage their catering partners to be as much a marketing partner as their internal teams and agency partners. Listen in on a discussion that's sure to tantalize your taste buds and inspire your event planning endeavors.

This special edition of GatherGeeks was recorded live at Connect NYC, which took place in late February. In this episode, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Jennifer Savica, head of corporate events at New York Life Insurance Company, and Michael Weiss, co-founder of Ai4, to discuss the future of events. Adler calls them two of the brightest minds shaping our industry, and their conversation touches on not only event trends for 2024 but what's on the "trash heap" of event planning, the evolving format of keynotes, the role of AI in events, the shift from virtual to hybrid and back, and the importance of belonging and community. Get ready for a deep dive into the new frontier of events.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with David Allison, author of The Death of Demographics and a globally recognized researcher known for coining the term "valuegraphics." This data-informed strategy seeks to unpack human behavior by spotlighting shared human values over outward demographic characteristics. Major companies like Lulu Lemon, PayPal, Google, and the United Nations Foundation have embraced this concept, and here Allison breaks down how it can be used to better understand audiences, sell products, motivate teams, and design user experiences. He also discusses why it's time to apply this concept to the world of event planning to create programs that truly resonate. This is an episode definitely worth a listen for anyone seeking to take their events to the next level.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with two of the best in the event lighting biz: Billy Butchkavitz of Billy Butchkavitz Design and Curt Stahl of Images by Lighting. Based in Los Angeles, this duo is at the forefront of transforming event spaces into mesmerizing experiences. Here, they discuss various facets of event lighting, how lighting has evolved, its pivotal role in setting the stage, and considerations for different event scenarios. This episode also touches on the impact of social media on lighting design, plus Butchkavitz's and Stahl's dream projects (hint: One of them hopes to light the Olympics one day). Take a listen.

Welcome to part two of our podcast with Head Table Talks. (Missed part one? Listen here.) In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrand of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the event industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. In part two, the focus shifts to the latest happenings in the event business and provides valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges.  The group touches on topics that are shaping the fate of the industry and candidly discusses everything from the pros and cons of new technology advancements, the legacy impacts of COVID-19 on the events sector, to rising security concerns. These event profs also share their own experiences of juggling personal and professional lives. Take a listen, and keep scrolling to read more about our distinguished guests. Melva LaJoy LegrandAs a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the live event industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race and identity, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community leader, and storyteller. As the founder and CEO of LaJoy Plans, an event planning firm she relaunched in 2019, Legrand has been recognized as a trailblazer in the event industry, receiving the BizBash Top Event Industry Innovator Award and the Events Industry Council Global Social Impact Award in 2022. As of 2023, Legrand has spearheaded two new initiatives: Mondays With Melva, exclusive monthly content for her subscribers, offering career guidance as well as event planning tips, and Head Table Talks, an annual luncheon she co-created as a safe space for event planners. Margo FischerMargo Fischer is the owner of Bright Occasions, a full-service event planning company specializing in bespoke weddings and milestone occasions. Fischer brings a wealth of industry knowledge and hands-on experience to her clients, from previous roles in corporate event planning and private event catering. She has a passion for curating unforgettable events. With a strong foundation in event planning and an impressive career in some of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious venues, Fischer boasts over 14 years of expertise in the event industry. In addition to helping couples and families, Fischer has worked on community events such as the annual Art in Bloom museum experience and gala reception at Anderson House. She also co-produced the Beyond the Blackout series to highlight diversity and inclusivity within the event industry and is currently co-producing Head Table Talks networking luncheons to create a space for event planners to gather, mingle, and learn from one another. Kawania WootenKawania Wooten, CMP, brings a unique mix of experience and skills to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and The Enlightened Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality world includes hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30 years as a professional meeting and event planner for Washington, D.C.'s elite. Wooten strives for professionalism, creativity, and impeccable organization within every function planned by the Howerton+Wooten Events team. She is an adjunct instructor in the hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts department at Prince George's Community College.  Aisha Malik RodriguezAisha Malik Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Aim Aro Logistics LLC, a dynamic company specializing in production and event management on a global scale. With a career spanning over 25 years in the event and hospitality industry, Malik Rodriguez has become a true expert in her field. Born and raised in Fairfax County, Va., and hailing from a rich Pakistani cultural background, Malik Rodriquez brings a unique blend of experiences and perspectives to her work. Her family, which is large and spread around the world, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Malik Rodriguez's company, Aim Aro Logistics LLC, excels in a wide range of services, including vendor management, event permitting, and emergency response management. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, she and her team are dedicated to helping clients navigate the entire event process from start to finish. Whether it's a festival, a government or military event, a corporate gathering, a nonprofit initiative, or a private celebration, Malik Rodriguez's expertise shines through. Jennifer CharlesJennifer Charles is a co-founder and the chief creative officer at Something Fabulous. Charles' specialty is in designing experience and storytelling marketing. She has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Charles began her career in radio, television, and film. From interning at theToday show and Good Morning America to working in production with The Food Network and New Line Cinema, she has experienced storytelling from many different angles and industries. Becca MaiBecca Mai is a West Virginia native who transplanted to the D.C. area shortly after launching a career in hospitality. She has been in the wedding industry for over 10 years specializing in planning for LGBTQ+, multicultural, and fusion weddings and events. While the majority of her career has been geared toward wedding operations, she has spent a lengthy portion of it building out platforms, training programs, and more. She is now a business strategist for wedding professionals and an inclusive wedding planner, assisting wedding business owners on the back of the business to streamline, automate, and organize with hospitality 100% in mind. 

In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrend of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the events industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. At this particular Head Table Talk, held in late October at Dauphine's, Adler brings his Jeffersonian-style of discussion to the six planners gathered and asks each of them: What was your first job? And what did you learn from it? This is just part one of this thought-provoking discussion. Part two, to be released next week, will shift its focus to the latest happenings in the event business and provide valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges. These are two episodes you don't want to miss.  In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrend of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the events industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. At this particular Head Table Talk, held in late October at Dauphine's, Adler brings his Jeffersonian-style of discussion to the six planners gathered and asks each of them: What was your first job? And what did you learn from it? This is just part one of this thought-provoking discussion. Part two, to be released next week, will shift its focus to the latest happenings in the event business and provide valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges. These are two episodes you don't want to miss. Keep scrolling to learn more about our distinguished guests. Melva LaJoy Legrand As a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the live events industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race and identity, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community leader, and storyteller. As the founder/CEO of LaJoy Plans, an event planning firm she re-launched in 2019, Melva has been recognized as a trailblazer in the events industry receiving the BizBash Top Event Industry Innovator Award and the Events Industry Council, Global Social Impact Award in 2022. As of 2023, Melva has spearheaded two new initiatives: Mondays With Melva, exclusive monthly content for her subscribers, offering career guidance as well as event planning tips, and Head Table Talks, an annual luncheon that she co-created as a safe space for event planners. Margo Fischer Margo Fischer is the owner of Bright Occasions, a full-service event planning company specializing in bespoke weddings and milestone occasions. Margo brings a wealth of industry knowledge and hands-on experience to her clients, from previous roles in corporate event planning and private event catering. She has a passion for curating unforgettable events. With a strong foundation in event planning and an impressive career in some of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious venues, Margo boasts over 14 years of expertise in the event industry. In addition to helping couples and families, Margo has worked on community events such as the annual Art in Bloom museum experience and gala reception at Anderson House. And she co-produced the Beyond the Blackout series to highlight diversity and inclusivity within the event industry and is currently co-producing Head Table Talks networking luncheons to create a space for event planners to gather, mingle, and learn from one another. Kawania Wooten Kawania Wooten, CMP, brings a unique mix of experience and skills to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and the Enlightened Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality world includes hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30 years as a professional meeting and event planner for the Washington D.C. elite. Kawania strives for professionalism, creativity, and impeccable organization within every function planned by the Howerton+Wooten Events team. She is an adjunct instructor in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts Department at Prince George's Community College.  Aisha Malik Rodriguez Aisha Malik Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Aim Aro Logistics LLC, a dynamic company specializing in production and event management on a global scale. With a career spanning over 25 years in the event and hospitality industry, Aisha has become a true expert in her field. Born and raised in Fairfax County, Va., and hailing from a rich Pakistani cultural background, Aisha brings a unique blend of experiences and perspectives to her work. Her family, which is large and spread across the world, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Aisha's company, Aim Aro Logistics LLC, excels in a wide range of services, including vendor management, event permitting, and emergency response management. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, she and her team are dedicated to helping clients navigate the entire event process, from start to finish. Whether it's a festival, a government or military event, a corporate gathering, a nonprofit initiative, or a private celebration, Aisha's expertise shines through. Jennifer Charles Jennifer Charles is a co-founder and the chief creative officer at Something Fabulous. Jennifer's specialty is in designing experience and storytelling marketing. Jennifer has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She began her career in radio, television, and film. From interning at The Today Show and Good Morning America to working in production with The Food Network and New Line Cinema, she has experienced storytelling from many different angles and industries. Becca Mai Becca Mai is a West Virginia native who transplanted to the D.C. area shortly after launching a career in hospitality. She has been in the wedding industry for over 10 years specializing in planning for LBGTQ+, multicultural, and fusion weddings and events. While the majority of her career has been geared toward wedding operations, she has spent a lengthy portion of it building out platforms, training programs, and more. She is now a business strategist for wedding professionals and an inclusive wedding planner, assisting wedding business owners on the back of the business to streamline, automate, and organize with hospitality 100% in mind. 

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Kelly Roe, the brand-new executive creative director at global experiential powerhouse Jack Morton. At the time of this recording, she's been at the helm just three weeks. During their enlightening conversation, Adler and Roe discuss her time at The Kitchen, the in-house creative agency at Kraft Heinz; the evolving world of influencers; the art of inspiring teams and extracting their full potential; and the changing nature of what works now in events. This conversation is a wellspring of knowledge and inspiration—take a listen.

In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded live at Connect Marketplace 2023 in Minneapolis—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Deesha Dyer, who served as the White House social secretary for the last two years of the Obama administration. Here she recounts the meticulous planning that went into the Pope's visit, navigating unexpected situations with poise, and how her time as social secretary informed her understanding of the intricate interplay between politics, social customs, and the importance of creating memorable experiences. Listen for a behind-the-scenes look into events held at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded live at Connect Marketplace 2023 in Minneapolis—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Michael Schaiman, CEO of creative technology studio GenCity Labs. Schaiman is a powerhouse of knowledge on everything digital. From shaping trailblazing digital experiences to spearheading impactful strategies, his prowess is certain to bring a fresh perspective to our listeners. In this episode, Adler and Schaiman chat about the latter's recent work with the Detroit Lions and Mercedez-Benz, antiquated event tech stacks, how AI can improve an event experience, AI platforms to test out, and more. Take a listen.

It's likely you've seen the news from over the weekend: Thousands were trapped at Burning Man—the psychedelic art and music festival that pops up every year in the Nevada desert—after days of torrential rainfall. In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Bentley Meeker, a legendary lighting artist and Burning Man attendee for the last 14 years. Meeker takes us through what happened this year and how he got out (trekking through three miles of mud), his work on a massive art installation depicting a 30-foot clitoris (yes, you read that correctly), and his past work lighting the famous Temple at Burning Man. This episode is bound to ignite your senses and expand your horizons. Take a listen.

Host: David Adler Guests: Anika Grant, Cara Kleinhaut, Dan Mannix Welcome to part two of our exploration of the event and experiential agency world. (Missed part one? Listen here.) Last week, these three agency leaders—Anika Grant of Idlewild Experiential, Cara Kleinhaut of AGENC Experiential + Digital Marketing, and Dan Mannix of underdog venture team—gave us their insights on the pulse of the industry. This week, they'll discuss their own journeys navigating the waves of experiential marketing like seasoned sailors. Expect real stories, heartfelt emotions, and hard-earned lessons. This episode will leave you enlightened on the power of vulnerability and leadership, the art of navigating transition, and what it truly means to be a good boss. 

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler has assembled a powerhouse panel of experiential agency leaders to get the pulse of what's happening in the world of experiential marketing—what do clients want now? He's joined by Anika Grant, the founder and CEO of Idlewild Experiential; Cara Kleinhaut, the founder and CEO of AGENC Experiential + Digital Marketing; and Dan Mannix, the co-founder of underdog venture team. Join them as they navigate the intricate laboratory of the experiential marketing world, exploring the aspirations of its key players and understanding how they can harmonize these diverse needs to create exceptional experiences. Whether you're an industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode promises to be a wealth of insights that will help you stay ahead in this dynamic field. Also, stay tuned for part two next week, where they will discuss the joys and pitfalls of being an agency entrepreneur and fostering a culture of curiosity. 

Host: David Adler Guests: Christopher Felts, Wayne Fernandez If you're looking to geek out on venues, budgeting, and AV, this episode is for you. Joining BizBash chairman and founder David Adler this week are two experts who understand the intricacies of how having great venue partners can make or break you: Christopher Felts, director of operations for AES NYC, and Wayne Fernandez, the general manager of Magic Box Event Center in Los Angeles. Although located on different coasts, these venues both provide raw, blank canvas spaces to planners. In this conversation, expect the trio to get honest about how quickly partner relationships can go sour, budgeting prowess, and insights into what they're seeing firsthand in events today. And they see everything.

Host: David Adler Guest: Michael Cirino In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Michael Cirino, the mastermind behind the 100-Course Meal and founder of creative studio House of Attention. Cirino knows that events have the power to evoke emotions and leave lasting impressions, and his storytelling prowess is sure to leave you inspired. In this episode, he shares the secrets behind that groundbreaking dinner event, discusses the inner workings of House of Attention and his concept of “big ideas,” and reveals his remarkable perspective on event experiences. This conversation is sure to challenge your perceptions and ignite your imagination. 

Host: David Adler Guest: Chris Detert In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Chris Detert, chief communications officer for Influential, dubbed as the largest influencer marketing company in the world. The company recently wrapped work for Possible, a new marketing conference that brought brands and tech and media companies—plus big-name speakers like A-Rod, Elon Musk, and LL Cool J—to Miami last month. In this lively convo, Detert discusses Influential's nail-biting approach to helping make this inaugural conference successful, curating celebrity speakers, how the company completed a big land grab for the upcoming Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity by taking over Twitter Beach, and the promising future of AI.

Host: David Adler Guests: Meera Somji, Andrew Carney In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Meera Somji and Andrew Carney, the co-founders of Clusivity, a consultancy that helps organizations take a data-driven approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The duo recently gave a presentation at the 2023 SISO CEO Summit in Las Vegas and used a powerful storytelling style that masterfully combined hard facts and compelling narratives. In this candid conversation, Somji and Carney discuss how they crafted that presentation for the SISO audience (comprising global show organizers), as well as how their company is breaking new ground and addressing DEI in the events industry in unique ways. This episode also explores the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing DEI strategies—plus the impact these efforts can have on both the industry and the world at large.

Host: David Adler Guests: Chris and Jill Drury In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Chris and Jill Drury, the husband-and-wife team behind event agency Drury Design. The two are involved in just about every aspect of group dynamics for both virtual and in-person events. They are the go-to couple for updates on what's really going on in the world of large corporate events. They collaborate on all aspects of their business—whether it's with clients like IBM and Microsoft, their teams, and especially with attendees. In this episode, they discuss the biggest changes in the events industry in recent years ("people want more meaning out of these events," Chris said), plus how to create an atmosphere of openness, piggybacking private events around major trade shows, and an exercise they do internally called “idea jams.” If you want a sense of what's going on in the industry right now, take a listen.

Host: David Adler Guest: Jonathan Steffert In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Jonathan Steffert, the cultural attaché of public diplomacy and public affairs for the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C. Steffert represents a new generation of diplomats who understand the importance of developing soft power in ways that engage and promote the values of their country. He's a great believer in using storytelling in every part of his job, especially when hosting events at the embassy. (Pro tip: This includes mowing the lawn ahead of every event to get that great cut-grass smell, and handing out friendship pins off his own suit when other people show an interest.) Steffert is one of the most strategic thinkers on soft power. And as the epitome of New Zealand love for the environment, diversity, and kindness, his lessons are as important for an experiential marketer, to a meeting planner, to an event designer, and everything in between. Take a listen, and take notes.

Host: David Adler Guest: Richard Waddington In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Richard Waddington, one of the most creative players on the international event scene. He is the co-founder and former CEO of event agency First Protocol, which is now known as FIRST. And he's been in the news recently as part of PCMA's acquisition of the U.K.-based Event Marketing Association (following its acquisition of another event marketing body, CEMA, in 2020). Here, Waddington recalls working his way up the hospitality ladder, candidly discusses his struggle with dyslexia, and speaks about trust and the importance of apprenticeship relationships. As a leader and a participant in the huge growth of the events industry over the past 20 years, Waddington is a must-listen guest. The episode concludes with the return of our “Ask the Experts.” Dawn Penfold of Meetingjobs talks dealing with being miserable at work—and how to know when it's time to leave. And wine and spirits specialist Vanessa Cominsky returns to discuss how wine is no longer a luxury but a must-have at events, plus how cannabis and nonalcoholic beverages are faring now.

Host: David Adler Guests: Hugh Forrest, Cindy Lo In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with two key event profs behind South by Southwest (SXSW), the buzzy annual festival in Austin that attracts emerging talent, iconic performances, and groundbreaking ideas in the realms of music, TV/film, tech, and culture. We first hear from Hugh Forrest, SXSW's co-president and chief programming officer, who delves into the festival's 30-plus-year history, how it's evolved and thrived in those decades, why AI will be a big topic this year, and what else he's most looking forward to at the 2023 festival. Cindy Lo, CEO of full-service events agency RED VELVET, then joins the pod. She's been producing brand events and activations for years with SXSW, and here she discusses what both planners and attendees want most out of these experiences, how brands are measuring ROI, and how the fest is attracting younger generations. This is a preview episode you won't want to miss.

Host: David Adler Guest: Luigi Romaniello In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Luigi Romaniello, the new managing director of New York's iconic The Plaza Hotel. Like the famous book series Eloise, the 30-year industry veteran actually lives at The Plaza where he oversees all aspects of the luxury hotel, including daily operations, guest experiences, and continued growth strategies. He comes to New York after years managing other iconic properties in The Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Dallas, and Abu Dhabi. He's the first one to tell us that no one really owns The Plaza except for the people of New York. And in this interview, he also touches on his management philosophy, what hospitality looks like today, and how hotels can become epicenters of community. In addition, you'll hear from three new “Ask the Expert” guests: Tim Groot, CEO and founder of Grip, an AI-powered event platform; and renowned event designers David Beahm of David Beahm Experiences and Todd Fiscus of Todd Events.

Host: David Adler Guests: Paul Bulencea, Claus Raasted, Tahira Endean In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder sits down with the founders of the College of Extraordinary Experiences, a five-day conference held inside a 13th-century Polish castle that uses an immersive education method to study experience design. We also hear from “graduates” of the conference—including IMEX's head of programming Tahira Endean—on the life-changing learning that impacts how they plan events and conduct their lives. Founders Paul Bulencea and Claus Raasted come from the world of LARP (live-action role playing)—could that be the ticket to entice this next generation of eventgoers? We also hear from our returning “Ask the Experts.” Wine and spirits specialist Vanessa Cominsky delves into wine myths, and hiring pro Dawn Penfold of Meetingjobs discusses what hiring managers in the meeting and event industry are looking for today.

Host: David Adler Guests: Carla Ruben, Chap Gage, Dawn Penfold, Vanessa Cominsky In this episode of GatherGeeks, along with the main interviews, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler has added two new “Ask the Expert” features. One is with career and hiring pro Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs, who will discuss salary transparency and where the job market is today. Our second expert is Vanessa Cominsky, wine and spirits specialist for Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co., who will touch on how the wine and beverage industry has changed because of the pandemic. In the main interviews, our two speakers give us a sense of the state of the catering industry. Carla Ruben, owner of Creative Edge Parties, dishes on a new generation of guests at events, and how clients are moving away from comfort food and leaning into clean, luxurious offerings. Then, Chap Gage, CEO of Susan Gage Caterers, discusses how the building blocks of a great company include taking care of coworkers and building meaningful relationships with clients and the community, and how aspects of his military training have become a benchmark for service.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with BizBash's editorial team—interim editorial director Shannon Thaler, managing editor Sarah Kloepple, and senior contributing editor Claire Hoffman—to discuss how events fared in 2022. The trio answer questions about what gave them “goosebump moments” this year, their favorite BizBash stories they worked on in 2022, and what they predict is in store for the industry in 2023. 

Host: David Adler Guest: Deesha Dyer Imagine orchestrating a visit from the pope and a Chinese state dinner… within days of each other. In this episode of GatherGeeks, recorded live at Connect Winter Marketplace in Washington, D.C, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Deesha Dyer, who served as the White House social secretary—the person responsible for planning and coordinating official social events at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.—for the last two years of the Obama administration. Dyer is also the founder and CEO of Hook & Fasten, a social impact agency that specializes in transformational relationships between corporations and communities, diversity and inclusion, and executive operations. In this conversation, Dyers gets candid on navigating stressful moments in a high-stakes environment, working with Michelle Obama, how she started as an intern at the White House, lessons she's learned, and insights on serving the country.

Host: David Adler Guests: Tony Wagner, Sara Meyer Meeting professionals are constantly multitasking. The last thing they want to do is spend time on manual, tedious processes that should just be easy—including cross-checking spreadsheets to track down commissions and payments. This is where Onyx CenterSource's GroupPay™ can help. This holistic solution is an industry-first payments automation platform that provides hotels and meeting professionals with unparalleled transparency and efficiency to track and proactively manage their event commissions—which, in turn, enables easy reconciliation and faster payments. In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Onyx's Tony Wagner and Sara Meyer to discuss the company's expansion into the meetings and events payments sector of the hospitality industry, how GroupPay™ can help when planners feel like they're “flying blind,” and what fast, easy commissions can look like with the right technology in place. Do you manage the meetings and events commission payments process? Tell us your thoughts on how we can streamline and simplify this process for a chance to win an Apple Watch Series 8! Take the survey here. Sponsored by Onyx CenterSource.

Host: David Adler Guest: Amy Calvert In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Amy Calvert, CEO of the Events Industry Council (EIC), which oversees more than 30 member organizations in the events industry. The EIC is a global champion of event profs and event industry excellence, offering professional standards and recognition and certification programs that take the industry to new heights. In this podcast, Calvert divulges what keeps her up at night representing this industry, discusses why inspiring young people to enter the industry is more important than ever, and how the CMP—considered the gold standard for planners—is changing as a result of the pandemic.

Host: David Adler Guest: Doug Emslie In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Doug Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group (one of the largest exhibition companies in the world), to get a global perspective on trade shows and exhibitions. How have things changed since the pandemic? How do they differ culturally between markets like Europe, the Middle East, and North America? Emslie also discusses how to bring back attendees each year, how the global structure of events is becoming more regional, the rise of bleisure travel, and why technology and sustainability will be positive disruptors to the industry.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman Guest: Vaibhav Jain In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash's senior contributing editor) sit down with Vaibhav Jain, CEO of event technology solution Hubilo, to discuss how he took the company from a local in-person event solution to a global behemoth. He also touches on how he realized events could be life-changing, how he raised money and pivoted strategy, and how he knew the platform had to involve agile, fast development to meet client needs.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman Guest: Damien Baines In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash's senior contributing editor) sit down with Damien Baines, the experiential marketing lead at Instagram. They go behind the scenes at Meta Beach where, for the first time, the company has used Meta branding at the festival. Baines also discusses what inspired many of the elements for this year's beach, planning a superbloom-themed dinner for the event, and how Instagram aims to highlight all types of creativity and passion on the platform.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman Guest: Judy Lee In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash's senior contributing editor) sit down with Judy Lee, head of global brand experiences and programs at Pinterest. She breaks down her team's strategy and execution of Pinterest Beach, which put creatives front and center. She also discusses being a jury member for this year's festival, Pinterest's approach to face-to-face marketing, and creating spaces that reflect a multitude of different communities.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman Guest: Keyana Kashfi In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash's senior contributing editor) sit down with Keyana Kashfi, the global senior director of experiential and content production at Spotify. Kashfi, who is also a BizBash Event Master, was in charge of the creation of Spotify Beach at this year's festival. She brought in some of the world's top musical talent not only to grab attention at Cannes, but to prove that live experiences are critical to Spotify. In this podcast she also discusses the daytime/nighttime approach her and her team took to create Spotify Beach, differences she's seeing in audiences post-2020, and advice for event pros just starting out.

Host: David Adler Guest: Steve Clemons In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Steve Clemons, who has begun a role as a senior executive in charge of events at Semafor, a new global news organization launching this fall. Clemons was previously editor at large of The Hill. He also served as the Washington editor at large of The Atlantic, where he was the editor-in-chief of AtlanticLIVE, the brand's live event series. He specializes in high-stakes gatherings, and in this episode, he gives a master class on connecting people. Clemons also discusses why he believes the best events reach people's hearts and not just their minds, embracing uncomfortable conversations, and how event pros can engineer moments that bring about change.

Host: David Adler Guests: Jennifer Savica, Sophie Ahmed In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with longtime event pros Jennifer Savica, vice president and head of corporate events for New York Life Insurance Company, and Sophie Ahmed, senior vice president of market strategy for Hubilo. The trio discusses the newfound clout of corporate event organizers and how C-suite executives' perception of events is changing. They also touch on the pain points of engagement strategies, navigating new formats for producing events, the inclusivity of event technology, and building upon the momentum created by the return of live events.

Host: David Adler Guest: Kristin Banta Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with award-winning celebrity event designer Kristin Banta, owner and creative director at Kristin Banta Events. A teacher and mentor to the industry, Banta's clients have included Justin Bieber and Oprah Winfrey. In this conversation, Banta touches on how everyone is craving tactile experiences—but warns event pros not to overstimulate the senses—how multiculturalism and aspirational travel is having a huge impact on events, the art of hosting and how to make guests feel special, and designing for introverts.

Host: David Adler Guest: David Beahm Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with David Beahm, founder of event design firm David Beahm Experiences, who has designed weddings for high-profile clients like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as Fortune 500 corporate events for clients like Target, Victoria's Secret, Christian Dior, and McDonald's. In this conversation, Beahm discusses supply chain issues, the importance of budgets to help constrain your creativity to actually be more creative, how luxury is about aspiration and scarcity, must-haves for luxury events, and more.

Host: David Adler Guest: Todd Fiscus Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with Todd Fiscus, founder of Todd Events, whose clients include Tom Ford, the Dallas Cowboys, Audi, and Neiman Marcus. In this interview, Fiscus discusses navigating the waters of a post-pandemic world, his definition of the new VIP experience, strategies on how to think like a guest when walking into a room, differences between social and corporate events, and the state of gifting.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen Guest: Larry Abel Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with Larry Abel, CEO and “dreamer in chief” at Abel McCallister Abel, a full-service experiential agency. In this interview, Abel talks about how the industry is rebuilding back better than ever and taking more risks, and how he strives to create a journey with his events. He also touches on the importance of surprise-and-delight moments with recent examples—edible glitter! a surprise bounce house!—and why he moved his 17-year-old company from LA to Nashville.

Host: David Adler Guest: Gianna Gaudini In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Gianna Gaudini, head of events for Airtable, for a master class in planning events and experiences—whether you're an old pro or just starting out. The pair discusses Gaudini's work for companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Softbank Vision Fund, along with what went into creating her best-selling book and e-learning course. Gaudini believes that people want to attend events to experience some sort of catharsis or transformation—and she shares tips for how to accomplish that, along with insights into driving global event strategy, brand awareness, diversity and inclusion, and more. Sponsored by Hopin.

Host: David Adler Guests: David Landgraf, Allison Pieter In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with industry veterans David Landgraf, the founder and chief experience officer of Make It Happen Management in New York, and Allison Pieter, the founder and president of Cassis Productions in Los Angeles. The group shares real-world pain points—and solutions—for the event industry, diving into topics like the impact of new technology, whether traditional events have given way to unproven experimentation, the frustration of supply chain issues and labor shortages, and more. They also discuss whether the so-called “great resignation” is having an impact, how budgets and costs have changed, their insights into the future and much more. Sponsored by Hopin. Running time: 43:33.

Host: David Adler Guests: Tim Groot, Natasha Wood, Carolyn Dawson In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Tim Groot, CEO and founder of AI-powered event success platform Grip; Natasha Wood, head of strategy for FT Live at the Financial Times; and Carolyn Dawson, CEO of Founders Forum. This powerhouse panel sets out to define what event success means today—and quickly realizes there are no clear answers, and that we continue to be in an era of experimentation and growth. In this candid conversation, the group asks the hard questions about what we have learned, how we can form smart strategies based on data and how we can reimagine what's next.  Sponsored by Grip. Running time: 42:48.

Hosts: David Adler Guests: Erica Boeke, Austin Johnston, Nancy Shaffer In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with a powerhouse panel of event industry professionals: Nancy Shaffer, chief creative officer at RJ Whyte Event Production and the president of the Live Events Coalition; Austin Johnston, CEO of AKJOHNSTON and president of the Experiential Guild of America; and Erica Boeke, the founder and CEO of Liberty & Co. The group dives deep into how partnerships of all kinds have impacted their event businesses and shares key learnings on how to collaborate effectively. They give practical tips and takeaways for using partnerships—with both internal and external teams, with brands and artists, with the industry as a whole and even with event guests—as one of the most important principles of our post-COVID era. Sponsored by Hopin.

Hosts: David Adler, Cathy Song Novelli Guest: Cliff Rigano In this special sponsored edition of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler is joined by Cathy Song Novelli, SVP of marketing and communications at virtual and hybrid events software platform Hubilo, to chat with Cliff Rigano, creative director and head of culture, content and experiential marketing for Mast-Jägermeister US. Rigano shares how he brings mosh pit-inspired energy, enthusiasm and a unique ethos to Jägermeister's events and activations. He also discusses how he leads his team, outlining why he thinks of them as an indie band on the verge of making it and why every activation is just another song on the album. Don't miss these literal “Cliff Notes” for effective team management and innovation.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen Guest: Mo Husseini Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with creative mastermind Mo Husseini, senior vice president of design at Freeman Company based in Portland, Ore. Husseini reveals how his design-led thinking helps him successfully manage the complex ecosystem at Freeman, the world's largest event producer. He also divulges details on understanding the needs of audiences, employing segmentation and utilizing data in order to create smart strategies and execute events at the highest level.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen Guest: Shelly Tolo Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with Shelly Tolo, president of Tolo Events LLC in Seattle. The group traces Tolo's history in the industry, ranging from her high-school days as a synchronized swimmer to her time as a development officer for nonprofits. She shares what works in nonprofit events and gala fundraisers now, particularly in terms of design and decor—and why she's on a mission to end the 10-top table format. This episode is a must-listen for anyone hoping to reinvent the traditional gala fundraiser in a post-COVID world.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen Guest: John Fuhr Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with business development expert John Fuhr of CenterCircle Creative in Phoenix. With his acute awareness of emerging trends and market conditions, Fuhr offers up a host of insights into his own observational research. He talks using white space to spread out and escape the prison of the cubicle, feeding people's desires to connect at events, what should be included in every event strategy and more.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen Guest: André Wells Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with André Wells, founder and CEO of Events by André Wells in Washington, D.C. In this candid interview, Wells talks about everything from how the management of his 19-year-old event company has completely changed as a result of the pandemic, to how he's designing events for audiences that want to be reached where they are. He also shares why our newfound craving for intimacy is calling for new strategies and the changes he's seeing in his event and design consulting business. This episode is a must-listen for any event entrepreneur.

Host: David Adler Guests: Dawn Penfold, Travis Pham In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with recruiting veteran Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs, a Cadre Company, and up-and-coming event professional Travis Pham, global business director for 360 Destination Group. The group discusses why passion is the defining characteristic for career success, and why we're in an employee market where staffers are reexamining their purposes and goals—plus, what that means for hiring managers right now. They also share their thoughts on corporate outsourcing solutions, how employers are attracting talent right now, how technology is changing the game and much more. Sponsored by Hopin. Running time: 34:15.

Host: David Adler Guest: Julius Solaris In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Julius Solaris, vice president of marketing strategy, events, for digital and in-person event platform Hopin. The duo traces Solaris' journey in the event industry, discussing why he left the media sphere to join the massively popular tech platform. They also explore how the new event platforms are empowering the participant and are influencing post-COVID event design in dramatic ways. Solaris shares why he thinks technology will continue to be where major investments are made that enable connections both online and in-person—and why the future belongs to the flexible visionaries who want to keep up with the latest tech tools for events of all types. Sponsored by Hopin. Running time 37:00.

Host: David Adler Guests: Brendan Brown, Sohini Mitra In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with Brendan Brown, vice president of strategy for George P. Johnson, and Sohini Mitra, the vice president of experiential at ImpactXM, to tackle the ever-relevant question of engagement at virtual, hybrid and face-to-face events. The group discusses what keeps the attention of attendees at events of all types right now, exploring whether it's true that attendees pay attention to novelty, and if entertainment is the cost of entry for engagement. The world is changing rapidly, and this episode offers key ways to understand the audience, brand and context of any assignment—and to challenge all your prepandemic assumptions about engagement. Sponsored by Hopin. 

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen Guest: Tom Kehoe In this episode of GatherGeeks, we're kicking off our “Royal CORT” series, sponsored by CORT Events, which focuses on experience designers. BizBash founder and CEO David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with powerhouse designer Tom Kehoe, the owner of Kehoe Designs in Chicago, who has completely refreshed his outlook on events over the last two years. Kehoe discusses how his company has survived and thrived through experimentation and core fundamentals; he also shares his design philosophy, insights into his company culture and passion for collaboration, his approach to sustainability, future trends he's excited about and much more. Sponsored by CORT Events. Running time: 36:34.