How Great Events Happen

The countdown to 2024 has officially begun. And in terms of trends in the events industry, the future is looking bright. Things like staffing levels, diversity, sustainability, accessibility, and AI will be covered in this week's #GreatEvents episode. All FOUR hosts, Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/), Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/), Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/), AND our new 2024 host, Felicia Asiedu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu/), tap into 12 key trends to look forward to in 2024. But remember, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. They'll also talk about inflation, how it's affecting the meetings and events industry today, and how it will affect it in the future. But… is there a secret on how to get over these hurdles? Find out in this episode. You won't want to miss it. In this episode, you'll learn: The significant impact of AI on the meetings and events industry The evolution and centralization of event operations within companies The continuing importance of prioritization and ROI in event planning

“No matter who you love, what the color of your skin is, what your religion is, or where you are from in the world, you're welcome here in San Antonio.” San Antonio is a welcoming city… A city that has something for everyone. In this episode of Great Events, Marc Anderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-anderson-a6b4634/), President and CEO of Visit San Antonio (https://www.visitsanantonio.com/meeting-professionals/), shares the ins and outs of San Antonio, the rich culture and history, the delicious food and culinary experiences, and how the city is redefining the events industry. In this episode, you'll learn: How San Antonio is a welcoming and inclusive destination The growth and evolution of San Antonio The behind the scenes of hosting a citywide event

HOT TAKE: An event without community is worthless. Why? Because community creates connection, and connection creates relationship. In this episode, Katie Ray (https://www.linkedin.com/in/community-katie/), Director of Community at Metadata (https://metadata.io/), and Tiffany Sanford (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-j-sanford/), Demand Gen at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), discuss the contrast between audiences and communities and how, using that understanding, you can enhance events and conferences. They also discuss strategic approaches to strengthen community bonds during events and integrate personal branding as a powerful tool in this process. You won't want to miss it. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of personal branding Ways to improve the community at events Community building strategies

Let's face it… the meetings and events industry is changing daily and can get busy. And through the busyness, hurdles arise. In this episode, hosts Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/), Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/), and Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/) sit down to chat about the challenges they've faced in the world of events during the peak seasons at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/). They also share insights on the difficulties of team resourcing, the shift from factory-focused to trial-and-error events post-COVID, and the struggles in justifying the need for more bandwidth and resources. And through it all, they share advice and best practices to navigate these industry challenges. In this episode, you'll learn: The challenges faced in the events industry post-COVID and the need for flexibility in event planning and execution The struggle with team resourcing and the difficulty of hiring new members The importance of effectively communicating the true volume of time and expectations involved in event planning

Engagement. A word that's thrown around and talked about on the daily. But what does it really mean, and how do you accurately measure it? Well, you're in for some good news. In this episode, Clark Campbell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bclarkcampbell/), CEO and Co-founder at RVRB (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rvrbagency/), and Heather Pocorobba (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherrenaep/), Lead of Social Media Strategy and Corporate Communications at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), share all the answers. They dive into the world of social media strategies for events while discussing valuable insights for marketing and meetings and events professionals that will empower you to level up your social media game. In this episode, you'll learn: How to harness the power of emotional connection How to elevate your social media strategy How to shift from the FOMO to D Money approach

ABM has become a buzzy word in the marketing world. But what exactly does it mean? In this episode, EJ Oelling (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ej-oelling/), VP of ABX at 6sense (https://6sense.com/), breaks it down. She explains the difference between ABM and ABX while emphasizing the importance of bringing the experiential factor to ABM in events. But what about the data? Data is a crucial component of any successful ABM strategy, and EJ shares the five steps that drive their approach at 6sense. It's not just about throwing a party anymore – it's about knowing your audience and getting the right return on your event investment. In this episode, you'll learn: - The difference between ABM and ABX - The role of technology in ABM events - The importance of data in ABM and events

Ever think we'd do a live wine tasting on the podcast? Neither did we. Grab your choice of wine, and let's get the party started. In this episode, Anthony Giglio (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-giglio-88381a4/), Speaker, Writer, Author, and Wine Expert, joins the show to discuss all things wine. From the importance of that first sip to challenging traditional pairing rules, Anthony brings a fresh and entertaining perspective to the art of wine tasting. We'll explore the joy of unexpected pairings like champagne and popcorn and discover how Anthony's blue-collar roots have shaped his approach to wine tastings. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his experiences hosting events and seminars that will leave you wanting to uncork a bottle and join the fun. So grab a glass, pour yourself a drink, and get ready for this week's episode. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the first sip never counts Why you cannot have wine without food Why you MUST chill your red wine

With over 11,000 Martech solutions available in 2023, filtering through the noise and implementing the right technologies becomes crucial. In this episode of Great Events, @Alyssa Peltier and Stephanie Sweetland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesweetland/), Director of Marketing Technology and Automation at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), dive into the challenges faced by marketers and event planners in managing various technology systems. They discuss the pain points of siloed data, lack of integrations, and manual tasks that often hinder efficiency and productivity. The episode further explores how marketing professionals can stay updated with Martech trends and validate technology sources through reputable reports, peer-reviewed sites, and marketing operations resources. In this episode, you'll learn: How Martech can improve operational efficiency and save costs in your marketing and events practices How to navigate the overwhelming landscape of Martech vendors and identify the right technologies to solve pain points in your organization How to gain insights on validating and onboarding new technologies through reputable sources and industry research

Understanding and demonstrating ROI holds greater significance than ever in light of the industry's resource constraints and staffing concerns. One key step towards effectively navigating the dynamic events landscape is mastering the art of calculating and quantifying the value of event benefits within ROI. In this week's episode, we're honored to be joined by Brad Gillespie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbradg/), VP and General Manager of Cvent Consulting (https://www.cvent.com/), who will provide insights into the world of ROI. Tune in as he shares his perspectives on the importance of quantifying ROI, the challenges confronting event professionals, and the essential skill of crafting impactful ROI narratives to justify investments. In this episode, you'll learn: The significance of understanding and quantifying the impact that events have on stakeholders The ROI equation The challenge of measuring benefits for internal programs

A great keynote can be a strong tool to ensure attendees leave your event with a memorable experience. You want your speaker to be someone your audience can resonate with while providing an engaging and thought-provoking panel. But sometimes, finding the right speaker and sourcing them in time for your event can be difficult. So, how should you get started? In this episode, Kayla Sommers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-sommers-cmp/), Events Lead at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), joins the show to give her insights on successfully navigating the keynote sourcing process. Kayla shares some of her favorite experiences working on Cvent Connect while also breaking down some challenges when landing that perfect keynote. Listen as she details the importance of planning ahead. She explains that having an extra month to work on sourcing will help you avoid last-minute pitfalls. You'll also learn how you can pitch your keynote ideas to your team in a way that gets everyone on the same page. In this episode, you'll learn: How you can get creative in your formal offer to maximize keynote marketing potential What makes a good keynote How you can navigate a bad keynote experience

After adapting to virtual events during the pandemic, many planning teams are searching for ways to improve their AV components. But to make improvements, it's essential to understand what's going on in the audio/video world. So, how can you learn where to start? In this episode, Brandt Krueger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brkrueger/), Senior Production Manager for EideCom (https://eidecom.com/), joins the show to delve into AV trends in events. Having been in the industry for over 25 years, Brandt has a wealth of knowledge to pull from and offers insights on how to level up your AV game. He shares his thoughts on how AV trends in 2024 will continue to evolve, moving in the general direction of more professional equipment. Dissecting the stigmas surrounding “hybrid events,” he explains the difference between attending an event virtually and watching a live stream. You'll also learn Brandt's strategies for getting ahead of the curve regarding the upward trend in AV pricing. In this episode, you'll learn: Why you should prioritize audio components in events How the pandemic has evolved the usage of video in events How you can avoid AV contract pricing pitfalls

Planning an event is a tall task in itself, and making sure everything is packed and ready to go only adds to the stress. So how can you make the packing process more efficient without worrying about forgetting the essentials? In this episode, hosts Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/) and Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712) sit down to unpack the key to a successful packing experience. You'll hear their insights on how to utilize spreadsheets and checklists to ensure nothing is left behind. You'll also learn the significance of planning before the packing phase, ensuring your entire team is accounted for. And hear Rachel and Paulina's personal packing lists they wouldn't dream of leaving behind. In this episode, you'll learn: How to create a successful packing plan How to utilize checklists How a general contractor can help save on shipping costs

When striving towards a more inclusive workplace, there's a lot of focus put on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But one part of the conversation that's oftentimes overlooked is ageism. It's important that we work to bridge the gap between generations, and there's no better way to close that gap than by starting a dialogue. In this episode, Karen Carter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencartermktg/?originalSubdomain=uk), Director in Enterprise Marketing at Cvent (http://cvent.com/), joins hosts Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier) and Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712) to break down the barriers that ageism can cause in the workplace. hey sort through the Harvard Business Review, comparing the data to their own personal experiences, And discuss the importance behind bringing ageism to the forefront of conversations. When we see other perspectives, we start to understand and eliminate many of the challenges caused by ageism. In this episode, you'll learn: How to bridge the gap between generations in the workplace Why you should start the conversation regarding ageism Why you should look at ageism from a different perspective

Your audience is the most important part of your event. At the end of the day, you can spend all the time in the world planning the perfect event, but without an audience, it may all go to waste. One way to make your attendees both feel great about your brand and enticed to come to your event, is to offer them some sort of swag. Who doesn't love free stuff? In this episode, Alex Olley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexolley/), Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Reachdesk (https://reachdesk.com/), joins the show to provide an inside perspective on how you can utilize swag and gifting within your event space. Alex shares that, when done right, swag can be a powerful tool not only for customer marketing, but for boosting internal morale as well. By providing useful products, your attendees will begin to feel a sense of fondness for your brand when they put their swag to use. Alex also explains the importance of sustainability, and how it's more important to gift useful items over something more likely to end up in a landfill. Lastly, you'll learn about how Reachdesk can be used as a tool to ensure you're getting the most out of your gifting efforts. In this episode, you'll learn: The impact of the pandemic on corporate gifting Why you should be thoughtful when determining your swag How Reachdesk is making an impact on an international level

As time continues, we're seeing the number of powerful women in leadership roles continue to rise. It's important to take the time to reflect on how far we've come, while also continuing the conversations centered around empowering each other inside the workplace. In this episode, host Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews) leads a panel on Women in Leadership during Cvent CONNECT. Join Tracy Judge (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjudge/), Reina Herschdorfer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/reina-herschdorfer-1098b998/), Stacey Fontenot (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-fontenot-138aa8/), and Leslie Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslierandrews/) as they share the journeys that lead them to finding success in their careers. You'll discover some of the challenges they've faced along the way, while gleaning their insights on how you can push past those obstacles. Learn the importance of getting your foot in the door, and the power behind sharing your capital to help empower those around you. And hear their outlook on how women's roles in leadership will continue to evolve in the near future. In this episode, you'll learn: How you can look at failure as a stepping stone to success How you can be a great leader as an introvert What you can do to lift up the women around you

While events can be used as a great marketing tool, they can also be used to do a lot of good as well. Every year, there are a large number of charity and nonprofit events all over the world that are working to help change lives for the better. In this episode, Tyler Armstrong (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-armstrong-198b5981/), Managing Director of Special Events at UNICEF (https://www.unicef.org/), joins the show to share his insights into the world of nonprofit events. At UNICEF, Tyler's been making a change through events for several years, working to improve the lives of children everywhere. Hear his stories about some of their previous events and the impact that they've been able to make. You'll also learn how UNICEF is looking to expand their event strategy in the future by hosting cultivation events, and how you can partner with UNICEF to run your own nonprofit events. Along the way, Tyler shares his advice for anyone looking to jump into the world of nonprofit event planning. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance behind nonprofit events How UNICEF is changing lives through events How to generate engagement around a nonprofit event

Cvent CONNECT is our annual industry conference that brings event professionals together for the opportunity to network, learn from, and inspire each other. With attendees from widely different areas of the industry, it's a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of the meetings and events community. In this episode, hosts Rachel Andrews, Felicia Asiedu, Paulina Giusti, and Alyssa Peltier sit down and reflect on their experiences at this year's CONNECT. You'll hear some of their key takeaways from the event, while also learning how events can be used to create long-lasting working relationships. You'll also hear the power behind confidence when speaking publicly at an event, and how staying composed when things go awry can go a long way in maintaining your event flow.

As event planners, we're always striving to make our next event better than the last. This growth mindset constantly causes the landscape of the industry to evolve, and as it does, new trends begin to rise to the surface. But how can you begin to capitalize on these trends? In this episode, Mike Dietrich (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedietrich1/), Vice President of Product Marketing at Cvent (http://cvent.com/), joins the show to delve into the results from Cvent's latest industry trends survey. Mike details the effects of the pandemic on events, with results showing that more attendees expect digital elements to be involved in some way. By using this information, learn how you can begin to successfully incorporate technology into your event. You'll also discover how you can leverage event data to make adjustments during your next planning phase. In this episode, you'll learn: How the data shows that a team effort makes for a great event The impact of the digital boom on events How the pandemic has affected industry trends

With each generation, a wave of new perspectives and ideas are ushered into the meetings and events industry. In order to keep our events fresh, it's important to lean on that generation, and provide them with a platform to make their ideas a reality. In this episode, Samantha Efthimiades (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaef/), Planner, Meetings & Events at Cvent, joins the show to share her insights on the industry from a Gen-Z perspective. Sam believes in the vocal power of Gen-Z and encourages the fresh faces to have the courage to share their ideas with the rest of their team.Hear her thoughts on how those ideas, such as rethinking booth giveaway items, can begin to increase engagement and bring in a broader audience. She also delves into the world of internships, sharing her experience as the head of Cvent's Meetings and Events Internship program. Having gone through the program herself, she shares the importance of making sure that Gen-Z individuals feel like their voices are being heard. By building a connection with your interns, not only will they become more likely to speak up and share their ideas, but they'll also begin to feel like they're truly part of the team. In this episode, you'll learn: The power of a great internship program How to utilize social media in events How to entice Gen-Z at events

Betsy Pake (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpake/), former Cventer and Subconscious Change Expert, is back! A big fan of the New Year, new beginnings, and Monday mornings, she's a marketer and event professional who loves to reflect on successes and learn from failures. In this part two episode, she joins us for a discussion around uncovering the power of reflection and goal setting. Listen in as she shares insights on transforming failures into successes, celebrating successes, and creating an achievable plan for the future. In this episode, you'll learn: How to use reflection to create a positive mindset and set goals for the new year Best practices for reflecting on successes, failures, and mediocrities How to craft our own narratives and create our own realities when setting goals

Events are known to be a social experience. And while this may not be a problem for extroverted individuals, it's important to take a step back to ensure that our introverted guests are also having a great time. But what steps can you take to reach that goal? In this episode, hosts Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier), Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews), and Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/) sit down to share their insights on how to make events more inclusive for introverts. They delve into the idea of having a planned downtime for everyone to break and recharge. And by coupling this with “do not disturb zones”, you could begin to create a safe space for more introverted guests to enjoy their meals or get work done during their break. You'll also hear about how technology can be used to take a bit of social strain off both your attendees and planners. By using applications that allow you to anonymously submit questions for panels, you're able to provide an avenue for introverts to participate without having to raise their hands. In this episode, you'll learn: How pre-surveys can be used to gauge your audience The importance of taking time to recharge How introverts are accommodated outside of the event space

Sponsorships can be a great way to collaborate with another company to create a great experience at your next event. When you connect with a sponsor, not only do both parties get the chance to step in front of a new audience, but it also opens an opportunity for your guests to get more out of your experience. In this episode, Nick Kopach (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-kopach-13b56b9/), Director of National Event Sales & Programs at Topgolf (https://topgolf.com/us/), joins the show and shares how to create a great partnership with a sponsor. By looking through the lens of Cvent's relationship with Topgolf, you'll begin to learn what can make a sponsorship successful. Discover the importance behind planning a sponsorship so that everyone involved takes something away from it. You'll also hear some examples of how Topgolf has helped to elevate Cvent's events in the past, and learn how to measure the impact of a sponsorship. In this episode, you'll learn: The story of how Cvent's partnership with Topgolf began How to create an engaging sponsorship experience The metrics of success that make for a great sponsorship

Diversity, equity, and inclusion form the foundation for fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for all individuals. Therefore, it's important to make sure you're keeping DEI in mind when planning an event. What steps can you take to set yourself up for success? In this episode, Nathan Chin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanmchin/), Global Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Cvent (https://catalog.colorado.edu/courses-a-z/cven/), joins the show to share his insights on creating an experience everyone can be included in. Having co-founded the LGBTQIA+ employee resource group at Cvent, Nathan makes it his goal to strive towards upholding DEI in everything he does for the company. Hear his thoughts on the planning process. By utilizing questionnaires, you can begin eliminating DEI blindspots you may have missed. You'll also hear his take on the importance behind setting your goals to ensure that your event reflects your attendees. In this episode, you'll learn: How to go about promoting DEI the right way Examples of inclusive language Cvent Connect's DEI focused efforts

Pride is something that should continue to be celebrated on a day-to-day basis, not just during the month of June. When planning an event, it's important to ensure that you create an experience that everyone can enjoy, regardless of race, disability, or sexuality. In honor of Pride month, this week's episode features Michael Newton (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnewtonuk/?originalSubdomain=uk), Senior Manager at Cvent (http://cvent.com/). Michael joins the show to reflect on how the meetings and events industry has evolved around the LGBTQ+ community. Over the past five years, he's seen a change in the way conversations are had surrounding inclusivity at events. To Michael, Pride month is about being able to celebrate everyone's uniqueness. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of creating an event for your audience How to create a sense of belonging The difference between diversity and inclusivity

Trade shows can be an exciting way to get your organization in front of a new audience. Knowing how to plan and take notes from other successful stands can go a long way towards making your experience a success. In this episode,  Carina Bauer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-bauer17/?originalSubdomain=uk), CEO of IMEX Group (https://www.imexexhibitions.com/) and Jamie Vaughan (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemvaughan/?originalSubdomain=uk), Vice President of European Sales at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), join host Felicia Asiedu (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu) live on the IMEX Frankfurt show floor to dive into their experiences with the event. The show is back in full force this year after the pandemic, and the creativity and inspiration in this year's stands reflect that. Hear how AI could affect the future of events like IMEX, and how the efficiency boost it offers will help take events to the next level. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of giving your event staff rest days What Cvent has brought to the table for IMEX Frankfurt The importance behind IMEX's rebranding

Marketing conferences and events are a great way to generate buzz around your organization. With Cvent Connect right around the corner, it's time to take a peek behind the curtain to discover what you can expect from this year's event. In this episode, Robin Clark (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-clark-972872110/), Senior Manager of Event Marketing and Trade Shows at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), joins the show to share her insights on planning a successful experience. Robin details the importance of getting your audience to attend the event, and explains how utilizing incentives can be a great way to increase your numbers. She also explains that using personas when creating attendee guides, you can begin to create an event that is curated towards your audience. You'll also gain a sneak peek at what's to come at this year's Cvent Connect. This year is part industry event, part user conference, with a shift in weight towards the latter. And discover why keynotes like Hannah Beachler and Deanna Marsigliese were chosen to take this experience to the next level. In this episode, you'll learn: How to prepare your team to run a successful sales kickoff The importance of curating your keynotes to match your audience Why offering a virtual experience can help grow your event's reach

Accessibility plays a key role in ensuring an event can be enjoyed by everyone. Learning how to make your experience as inclusive as possible is important, but where should you start? In this episode, Ryan Curtis-Johnson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-curtis-johnson-b2233330/?originalSubdomain=uk), Director of Communications at The Valuable 500 (https://www.thevaluable500.com/), dives into why accessibility should be a priority. Making sure everyone can enjoy the same experience, regardless of whether their disability is visible, is simply the right thing to do. Being conscious of graphic readability, using venues that don't hinder mobility, and starting internal dialogues are great starting places towards making sure everyone can be accommodated for. He also explains the importance behind making accessibility seamless. An event should strive to include everyone in the same experience, rather than segregate those who need accommodations. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of providing accessibility options for the right reasons How to make sure people with non-visible disabilities are accounted for How companies like Airbnb are implementing accessibility

Travel plays a big part in the meetings and events industry. In a global effort to reduce carbon emissions, companies are exploring how they can do their part to help sustain our environment. Before you can make an impact, it's important to understand the problem and devise an efficient way to tackle it. In this episode, Timothy Jones (https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-jones-2bb781142/), Head of Corporate Travel at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), discusses carbon emissions and their impact on meetings and events. Tim dives into the idea that by combining trips, researching flight and hotel emissions, and purchasing offset credits, you can cut back your company's carbon footprint. He also shares the importance behind researching the best industry practices for sustainability to be more green. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of internal communication about the environment How the Paris Accord has kickstarted an environmental awakening How you can leverage local staff to reduce travel emission

Attending a trade show can be a great way to get more eyes on your business, but what if a booth isn't in your budget? How can you still make an impact and get your information out there? In this mini-episode, Arthur Castillo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-castillo), Head of Dark Social & Evangelism at Chili Piper (https://www.chilipiper.com/), is back to share his experience at Dreamforce 2022. When faced with the event's high booth prices, Chili Piper decided to find a new way to make their presence felt. By coming together with other companies and communities, they were able to put on the Dreamforce Press Club Party, an event that left people more interested in all the event had to offer. In this episode, you'll learn: The strength of community collaboration How Chili Piper made the most of the hand they were dealt at Dreamforce

At a trade show, a lot of time and effort goes into making sure your booth can make a strong impact in a matter of moments. It's important to connect with your audience, providing them both information and an experience. But what can you do to take it a step further? How can you leap beyond the 10x10 booth? In this episode, Arthur Castillo (https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-castillo), Head of Dark Social & Evangelism at Chili Piper (https://www.chilipiper.com/), joins the show to share his insights on taking the guest experience to the next level at trade shows. Arthur describes the “deposit versus withdrawal mindset.” He explains that it's important to make sure you're “depositing” something to everyone that visits your booth. Give them more than the “withdrawal” of information from your demo. You'll also discover how booking a demo with someone on the spot can go a long way towards continuing interaction post-event. And by implementing a hybrid aspect to your booth through video content, you can widen that reach even further. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of standing out from the rest of the “noise” at an event How knowing the event's audience can inform how you operate your booth How to break through the “solicitation stigma”

A lot of time and effort goes into making sure the event runs smoothly, but what often gets overlooked is the guest experience outside the event. While you may have planned out the perfect menu, guest speakers, and venue, going the extra mile to ensure that your attendees have leisurely options outside of the event can help to make the experience a memorable one. In this episode, Melinda Burdette (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melinda-burdette-cmp-cmm-84b9637/), Senior Director of Events with Meeting Professionals International (https://www.mpi.org/), and Jeffrey Howell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-howell-55618685/), Director of Sales and Marketing at The Lodge Flying Horse (https://lodgeatflyinghorse.com/), join the show to talk about the key takeaways from Cvent's latest Pulse Survey. Listen as they share their insights on how to create a great guest experience. By planning your event in an area that has more to offer your attendees, you can increase attendance rates and make your guests feel good about attending. You'll also learn how being proactive with lead times can help decrease hotel booking problems, and how working with your partners can both lower event quantity and improve event quality. In this episode, you'll learn: How cost shifting can help maximize your budget The importance of hosting your event at the right venue Why building strong partnerships can create opportunities for events to run more smoothly

We spend a lot of time thinking about where we are in our careers, but sometimes it's good to take a step back and reflect on how we got here. We can use the knowledge we've gained through our experiences to lend a helping hand to the next generation and help them find their way to a successful future. For those searching for a place to begin their careers, reaching out to role models in your field can be a great way to get your foot in the door. In this episode, Kate Levenstien (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelev/), CEO & Founder of Cannonball Productions (http://www.cannonballproductions.com/) shares her story of what it's like to start a business from the ground up. She describes the importance of building intergenerational relationships and how they can help both parties gain a better understanding of how to run a successful business. She also dives into the world of internship programs and explains how networking is the first step to setting yourself up for future success. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of shaking off imposter syndrome How dividing your team into structured groups can improve overall productivity Why exploring new experience can open pathways to new opportunities

The world of AI technology continues to evolve, and with it, new opportunities for innovation emerge. In this week's episode, Felicia Asiedu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu/?originalSubdomain=uk), Cvent Senior Marketing Manager in Europe and Co-Founder of the Diverse Speakers Bureau (https://www.diversespeakerbureau.com/), sits down with Paulina to share her insights on how ChatGPT and other AI tech can be used to make the life of an event planner easier. She explains just how much time can be saved by using tools to come up with title options or article descriptions. She also dives into the idea of combining attendee data entry with AI to create a more personalized experience for your events. In this episode, you'll learn: How AI can drastically cut time spent creating push notifications How ChatGPT goes about creating the content it outputs The importance of editing AI generated content and making it your own

We all know that making our events environmentally friendly is important. What people don't realize is that using data from past events can go a long way in helping your organization do its part to make the world a greener place. In honor of Earth Month, Alyssa Peltier sits down with Kimberly Meyer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-meyer-8326949/), Co-founder of The DataAngel, (https://thedataangel.com/) and Kris Justice (https://www.linkedin.com/in/krisdjustice/?originalSubdomain=de), Senior Manager of Customer Success at Cvent Europe, to discuss how to reduce the carbon footprint. The tools for tracking carbon data are evolving, and the manual process tied to reporting that data is creating a real challenge. Leaning into the advancements in technology can help to lower overhead costs and ease a bit of stress off the shoulders of your event planners. Kimberly and Kris also discuss developing a new benchmark for what event planning looks like and how that may go a long way in reducing your carbon footprint. Something as small as swapping your event's food menu from meat-based to vegetarian-based can provide a greater carbon reduction than cutting back on flights. Learn why choosing the right venue can save both money and the environment. In this episode, you'll learn: How leaning into digital data tracking can help cut overhead costs Why carefully choosing travel options can significantly decrease your carbon footprint How to decide which areas of event planning should be a focus for carbon reduction

Now that in-person events are back in full force, it's important to ensure our events are environmentally friendly. This is a great way to cut costs at your event while also doing your part to help keep waste from piling up in landfills. In this episode, Dave Biderman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-biderman-5135646/), former executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (https://swana.org/), explains that communication serves a key role in making your events green. With eight years of experience in his role at SWANA, he's seen firsthand how much of an impact cutting waste can have on the environment as a whole. Informing guests about recycling procedures will help to decrease the waste that ends up in a landfill after your event. You'll also find out how incorporating recycling needs with the hosting facility during contract negotiations will help you better understand how to plan your recycling efforts. In this episode, you'll learn: How reducing physical materials will reduce both cost and waste Why it's important to make recycling at events convenient Why carpeting could be an unnecessary cost for your events

The meetings industry has had to evolve over the past couple of years. Now more than ever, people are excited to get back to in-person events and continue to push the boundaries of what's possible. In honor of Global Meetings Industry Day, Paulina Giusti sits down with Mapreet Kaur (https://www.linkedin.com/in/manpreet-kaur-7829a321/?originalSubdomain=in), Director of Events and Cvent India, to reflect on the meetings industry and where it's headed in the near future. Listen as the two share their stories on how they dove into the world of meetings and events. Manpreet gives her insights on how embracing the technological advancements of the industry and doing away with the manual processes will help to create a more efficient work environment. She also touches on keeping up-to-date on the trends and technology and how implementing those learnings can help improve your day-to-day success. In this episode, you'll learn: Insights on how to get started in meetings and events How to overcome everyday challenges like an industry pro The importance of mentor-mentee relationships

Jumping into the world of advertising can seem like a daunting task. With the wide variety of options at your fingertips, it can be hard to decide which approach will best suit your needs. In this episode, Silvio Perez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvio-perez/), Founder of AdConversion (https://www.adconversion.com/), discusses his perspective on entering the paid advertising scene and good practices to keep in mind to avoid spreading your time too thin. You'll learn how to get started, tools you can use to track the success of your campaign, and how to think like a paid advertiser. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of sticking to one advertising platform when starting out Why testing different types of advertisements is great for finding what works How to measure the outreach that your advertising campaign has gained

Sales kick-off events can be a fantastic tool for setting your team up for a great sales year. However, knowing when to host the event and how to cultivate engagement is key to making the SKO as successful as possible. In this episode, Chris Kearney (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kearney-50317816), Senior Manager in Sales at Cvent, shares his take on why hosting your SKO in the first few months of the year can lead to better morale and performance across the team. You'll learn how to get everyone involved, the benefits of making it available virtually, and why the evolution of the technology space will affect future kick-offs. In this episode, you'll learn: How SKOs have evolved since the pandemic Why hybrid events can help increase event engagement How to capture the attention of Gen Z employees with SKOs

In honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Alyssa Peltier and Paulina Giusti share empowering stories of how they've achieved success, and how other women can continue to build confidence and create communities in their respective industries. International Women's Day celebrates the influence of women and their impact on society. Both Alyssa and Paulina have been supported by many women in their careers, and they're passionate about doing the same for others. Listen in to learn more about how women in the events and meetings industry are transforming the scene and creating opportunities for women to share their stories and experiences. As we commemorate International Women's Day, it is important to prioritize programs that empower and support women and their success. In this episode, you'll learn: The power of female friendships in influencing careers Strategies for cultivating self-confidence as a professional The importance of prioritizing women's empowerment initiatives

Is business travel really back? With whiplash from the pandemic and now an economic downturn, it doesn't seem promising, but GBTA's (https://www.gbta.org/) new CMO and former Cventer Kevin Fliess (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfliess/) has a different opinion. A 25-year marketing and events veteran who's worked in the travel, software, and technology sectors, he joins us to talk about trends he's seeing in the travel industry's path to recovery. Listen in as he shares the benefits of blended travel, the power of sustainability in business travel, and what it takes to succeed as a travel professional. Additional Resources: Join GBTA - https://www.gbta.org/membership/ (https://www.gbta.org/membership/) GBTA Convention 2023 - https://convention.gbta.org/ (https://convention.gbta.org/) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfliess/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kfliess/) Q1 Poll Results - https://www.gbta.org/global-business-travel-forecast-2023-bookings-spending-and-optimism-on-the-upswing-gbta-poll-shows/ (https://www.gbta.org/global-business-travel-forecast-2023-bookings-spending-and-optimism-on-the-upswing-gbta-poll-shows/)

The events industry is called upon to celebrate and bring attention to holidays throughout the year, Black History Month included. But amplifying black voices and promoting diversity in events and marketing cannot be reserved to one month. We have to be intentional about making it a permanent part of the planning process. Felicia Asiedu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu/), Cvent's Senior Marketing Manager in Europe and co-founder of the Diverse Speakers Bureau (https://www.diversespeakerbureau.com/), and Hana Jacover (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanajacover/), executive coach (https://hypehousecoaching.com/book-first-session-free) and Women in Revenue (https://womeninrevenue.org) Board Member, join us in this episode to examine diversity, and the current lack thereof, in the event world. They also share their experiences as women of color and journeys of self-reflection and self-love that made them who they are today. Listen in as they discuss the importance of authenticity in diversifying panels, production teams, and suppliers, and offer specific advice for achieving those goals. Along the way, you'll learn about the role self-reflection and awareness play in ensuring diversity and inclusion in events. Additional Resources: Learn more about the Diverse Speaker Bureau (https://www.diversespeakerbureau.com/) and the Black Speakers Collection (https://blackspeakerscollection.com) Look into the Black Marketers Association of America (https://blackmarketers.org) Find out more about Women in Revenue (https://womeninrevenue.org) Read Ruchika Tulshyan's article “We Need to Retire the Term Microaggressions (https://hbr.org/2022/03/we-need-to-retire-the-term-microaggressions)” Check out these resources for diverse professionals: https://www.blacksintechnology.net/jobs-board/ (https://www.blacksintechnology.net/jobs-board/), POCITjobs.com (http://pocitjobs.com/), https://noirefy.com/ (https://noirefy.com/)

Any expert knows to learn from their mistakes as well as their successes. In the end, it's the only way to get better. Felicia Asiedu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu/) is one of those experts. As the Senior Marketing Manager in Europe, a Fast Forward 15 Ambassador of Diversity and Inclusion, and winner of the 2023 prestigious Cventer of the Year Award, she's always looking to improve and grow. In this episode, Felicia joins Paulina and Rachel to reflect on the innovative and impactful event programs of 2022 and share insights on what learnings marketing and event planners should bring into 2023. Listen in for an invigorating perspective to get you ready for the year.

It's harder than ever to break through the noise and get noticed. Moreover, with shrinking budgets and the rise in event costs this year, it truly seems like an impossible task. Patrick Smith (https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-smith-a5847/), Chief Marketing Officer and SVP at Cvent joins hosts Alyssa (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/) and Rachel (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/) to share his perspective on what marketers and event planners should pay attention to in 2023. You'll learn some high-impact tactics to overcome the daunting challenge of gaining attention and sales in a budget-constrained environment. Along the way, you'll also hear how to maximize your event even after the doors have closed.

The year is almost at an end, and predictions are as trendy as the trends themselves. And guess what? We're jumping on the bandwagon. In this episode, we're going to cover the meetings and event trends we're excited about for 2023. This year, we've learned that event planners expect 83% more events than 2019, health and wellness isn't going away, and there's a renewed focus on ROI and sustainability. Come join us for our season (and year) finale and get excited for what's to come!

Betsy Pake, (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpake/) former Cventer and Subconscious Change Expert, is back! A big fan of the New Year, new beginnings, and Monday mornings, she's a marketer and event professional who loves to reflect on successes and learn from failures. In this part two episode, she joins us for a discussion around uncovering the power of reflection and goal setting. Listen in as she shares insights on transforming failures into successes, celebrating successes, and creating an achievable plan for the future.

We have control over our own thoughts. Betsy Pake (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpake/), former Cventer and Subconscious Change Expert, believes our subconscious is powerful enough to drive change. Having forged a career as a change expert, she's known for substantially altering her clients' lives by shifting the way they think. In this episode, she and Paulina discuss human behavior and how to alter our mindset to live the biggest version of ourselves, wherever we are. Along the way, you'll learn tactics to combat stress, support your teams, and advice for navigating the holidays.

DEI is always going to be an important topic, but what's missing right now is the focus on diverse leadership. This year at Cvent CONNECT Europe, we hosted our first-ever leadership summit. At the summit, we discussed some of those bigger trends in the industry. In one of the panels, we focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion with a sub-conversation centered on women in leadership. This episode is a recording of that panel where guests Muriel Poulenc Charpentier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/muriel-poulenc-charpentier-ab23a910/?originalSubdomain=fr), Director of Strategic Industries at Radisson Hotel Group (https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/), Marsha Jackson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-jackson-b2450431/), Project Director for the Conscious Advertising Network (https://www.consciousadnetwork.com/), Winnie Palmer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniepalmer/), EMEA Head of Marketing at Seismic (https://seismic.com/), and Stacey Fontenot (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-fontenot-138aa8/), Cvent's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Founder of our Women in Leadership Program share their perspectives.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? Not this time! In this episode, hosts Paulina Giusti and Rachel Andrews are joined by Lisa Messina (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasmessina/), Chief Sales Officer at Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority (https://www.lvcva.com/) (LVCVA). Lisa shares what she's been up to since leaving Ceasar's Entertainment (https://www.caesars.com/) and gives some insight into what major events they're planning for in 2023. At the end, you'll also hear her take on diversity and supporting women in leadership.

DEI is always going to be an important topic, but what's missing right now is the focus on diverse leadership. This year at Cvent CONNECT Europe, we hosted our first-ever leadership summit. At the summit, we discussed some of those bigger trends in the industry. In one of the panels, we focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion with a sub-conversation centered on women in leadership. This episode is a recording of that panel where guests Muriel Poulenc Charpentier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/muriel-poulenc-charpentier-ab23a910/?originalSubdomain=fr), Director of Strategic Industries at Radisson Hotel Group (https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/), Marsha Jackson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-jackson-b2450431/), Project Director for the Conscious Advertising Network (https://www.consciousadnetwork.com/), Winnie Palmer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/winniepalmer/), EMEA Head of Marketing at Seismic (https://seismic.com/), and Stacey Fontenot (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-fontenot-138aa8/), Cvent's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Founder of our Women in Leadership Program share their perspectives.

We've been talking about it for a while, but it's time for Cvent employees to return to the office. In this episode, you'll get to hear from all of your Great Events hosts, Alyssa, Rachel, and Paulina, as they discuss their return to the office and the employee engagement events that have kind of surrounded Cvent as a company. Tune in to learn more about the back-to-office trend and how to think about it like an event.

There are somewhere around 10,000 technologies in the market that a marketing operations professional has to look at, procure, and understand the value of before making a recommendation to the organization. It's overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be if you think about it smartly. In this episode, host Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/) talks with Christine Kelly (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinenkelly/) and Taylor Bohn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorbohn0630/), both event technology experts on the Cvent team, about the role that technology plays across the marketing organization. You'll learn best practices on how teams can be smarter about their tech stack, what questions you should ask when acquiring new tools, and how you might be able to solve problems with the tools you already have.