Podcasts about eventprofs

Hey Friend!Are you looking to add a little spark of joy to your events? If so, this episode will help you unlock the secret of what it takes to deliver joy to your attendees. If you struggle with how to make connections that matter, and how to do it in a simple and effective way, my guest Jacques Martiquet, The Party Scientist, has many ideas for you up his sleeve. Jacques helps you to uplift and unite your attendees with the science of joy. His approach is an uplifting approach to igniting connection at events. Jacques and I cover how to bring joy to your attendees, and how you can personally gain joy for yourself as you are planning. If you're ready to gain new insights and maximize the value you bring to your events, then click play now. Let's go!Episode Links:Connect with Jacquet, The Party ScientistNext Steps:Grab the Free Simplify Your Work-Life Guide - https://plannersonpurpose.myflodesk.com/simplifyGrab the Free Manage Your Burnout Mini-Course - https://www.plannersonpurpose.com/managingburnout/Read the Blog:Giving Unreasonable Hospitality at Your Events10 Ideas Event Planners Can Use To Live CreativelyListen to Related Episodes:124 - How to Reduce Attendee Stress at Your EventSupport the showShare today's episode and tag me @plannersonpurpose Snag Free Gifts, and Find out More at https://www.plannersonpurpose.com Overwhelmed and Struggling with how to move forward? Get clarity by downloading my FREE Master Your Burnout Guide.Want to work together, friend? Well, I'm here to help you start to get clarity, confidence, and zap out the chronic stress you experience in your event planning process. Get Clarity and Confidence in Your Purpose by scheduling a Purpose Call. Refresh Your Event Planning Process for Less Stress. Advance your Career by Adding Ease To Getting Your CMP. Courses aren't your thing? Perhaps my 1:1 coaching program will be what you need - Let's connect!

At IMEX America 2024, Tracy hit the show floor and stopped random event pros—some she knew, some she didn't—to ask: What's your best tip for managing food and beverage at events? Their answers? Pure gold! From the importance of low-sodium options to creative uses of lighting and signage, the insights from these 15+ event professionals are packed with inspiration to take your events to the next level. In under 20 minutes, learn how understanding cultural differences, incorporating local flavors, minimizing food waste, and even printing personalized cookies can transform your F&B strategy. You'll also hear about:

We Kick off Season 4 with a powerhouse guest: Will Curran, global event industry influencer, founder of Endless Events, and Head of Klik at Bizzabo. From organising high school raves as a shy teenager to building one of the world's top event management companies, Will's story is one of innovation, taking a risk and relentless work ethic.In this episode, we dive deep into Will's remarkable 17-year leadership journey at Endless Events, his decision to step down as CEO, and his new vision for the future of the event industry. Learn how Will created the #EventProfs community, collaborated with industry giants like Amazon and Google, and maintained a relentless focus on customer experience.Plus, we discuss emerging event technologies, AI's transformative potential, and the vital role of community in shaping the future of the event industry. Don't miss Will's rapid-fire Q&A, where he shares his funniest podcast moments, craziest event fails, and even his love for cats and movies!

In this episode, I explore the neuroscience of stress and resilience with special guest, Janet Sperstad, CMP-Fellow and Faculty Emeritus for Madison College. Janet Sperstad's professional history reflects her lifelong vocation: driving excellence in meeting and event management execution and education. She has dedicated her career to defining the competencies and career pathways that articulate meeting planning as a design discipline requiring skills in the social sciences, executive leadership, and the cognitive sciences. Her contributions are global in scope and rooted in over 25 years as a meeting professional and executive leader in the corporate and non-profit sectors. As you listen to this episode, you'll learn that Janet grew up with the philosophy of "a rising tide rises all boats.", and that has been how she has lived a life of helping others and in turn, it helps her in some way.  Through curiosity, Janet started finding out clear connections in what we do in our events around education and saw the connection in social science. On this personal journey, Janet was able to go deep and see things about how we work as event professionals.Two of the main things Janet has learned in all of her studies that she wanted to share in this episode are this:With threat, we run from danger. We look for threat and we respond to threat.We love happiness. We feel good and love laughter and relaxation.The brain goes towards threat, and it wants to keep you safe. So, enter the conversation on how stress can have an impact on your brain and how you can lessen the impacts and become more resilient.Because in essence, we run from threat, and we walk toward reward. If you're feeling stressed out as an event planner. It doesn't have to control you. Let it go. As soon as you let it go, it loses power."We can't handle the externalities that come for us, we can only handle how we react to them." - Janet SperstadJanet gives us a brief solution on how you can relieve stress in the moment, whether you are at your desk frustrated at an email or onsite having to deal with a high-stress situationWash your hands with warm water, take three big breaths…pull your shoulders back and walk away.It's as simple as that. This episode is full of lots of hidden gems for you to use to help you not only understand how your brain works, but give you tangible tips on how to combat stress, and tough times in this industry so that you can stay in the game.Links and ResourcesJanet Sperstad LinkedInThank you so much for listening, until next time, stay on purpose!Support the show

There is a segment of burnout that isn't typically discussed. It has to do with how diversity impacts the burnout experience, and in this episode, we dig deeper into the black experience with burnout.Black people have a different experience than many others when it comes to burnout. Much of the reason why they experience more burdensome impacts of burnout is due to the marginalization, along with other systemic challenges in the world. More specifically, black women experience burnout more than any other group due to these same challenges. Additionally, black women experience things like black maternal mortality, weathering, glass ceilings, and tokenism that all contribute to the continued battle that they face daily.This episode uncovers many of these insights and also offers to the reader what they can do to not only support this community but also to elevate the conversations in their department and in their organizations so that we help make changes that impact us all.    Links and ResourcesFast Company Article Banish Burnout ChallengeIf you enjoyed this episode rate it a high 5! Thank you for listening, stay on purpose.Support the show

In this episode, Bill Hansen, an industry celebrity and veteran joins us to share his knowledge on building a caring culture, one that is built on and for its people. Over the last four decades, Bill Hansen has hosted four U.S. presidents, championship Super Bowl teams, and countless celebrities and athletes. He has catered events for everyone from Pope John Paul II, to The Bush family, The Reagan family, Michael Jordan, Usher, Kim Kardashian and the list goes on. During our conversation, Bill talked about his roots in entrepreneurship from selling door-to-door and operating concessions, and how the spirit of entrepreneurship is engrained in him and fueled how his company got started.For Bill, culture is the number one goal, and is an ever-evolving situation as his company aims to build the ultimate family culture. Building this culture is important and one of the key elements that are needed is engaged workers because engaged workers are happy workers, Bill says.Bill also discusses trends he is currently seeing in the catering space. How highly customized menus are a trend that will stay. He says that more people are using social media to fuel their vision for their events, and how food may now be the last thing that people tend to think of when planning their event experience.We hope you enjoy this chat with Bill Hansen.Links and ResourcesBill Hansen Catering Company If you enjoyed the show please give us a "5"! Thank you for listening, please stay on purpose!Support the show

Client relationships are very important to businesses Yet, what happens when those relationships struggle? How can you maintain a healthy client relationship, one that thrives, not just survives? Our clients have a stake in the success of the work that we do for them. It's understandable that they oversee, critique, and even hover over the process, however, it doesn't have to feel so tough to navigate. In this episode, I unpack 4 tips that will support you in having healthy relationships with your clients. Relationships that are founded on communication, transparency, follow-through, and care. Implement even one of these four tips and watch your relationships grow. Links and ResourcesPlanners on Purpose NewsletterThank you for listening, please stay on purpose!Support the show

In this special episode of Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE at IMEX America, I'm joined by Victoria Chivers (Tori), Vice President of Convention Services & Catering at MGM Resorts International.  Tori and I will dive into the dynamic and essential partnership between #EventProfs and convention service managers when planning meetings and events. With her extensive experience in convention services, Tori will share invaluable insights into how effective collaboration between planners and convention service managers can lead to remarkable events. We'll discuss managing dietary needs, sustainable practices, and strategies to ensure that every guest feels valued. # Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com

Welcome to another episode of the Events Demystified Podcast with your host, Anca Platon Trifan! In today's episode, we're excited to welcome John D'Adamo, currently a consultant for BizBash and a veteran in the event industry, as our esteemed guest. Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of AI and its influential role in reshaping event management.

Did you know that you are more at risk for burnout if you work virtually? Yes, it is true. Without the right tools, boundaries, and buffers in your workplace, you can be leading yourself into dangerous territory as it relates to your mental health.This episode explores the misconceptions about the virtual workplace and the impact that it can have on an event professional's mental health. This episode will also provide some tangible ways to manage our virtual workplaces so that we can help avoid burnout.Event professionals are one of the most stressful jobs in the world and are at risk for having a low state of mental well-being as a result. However, instead of talking about the challenges that we have with maintaining our mental health, some solutions can help impact and improve our mental health. Tune in!Links and ResourcesZippa SurveyBanish Burnout ChallengeThank you for listening, and please stay on purpose!Support the show

Many times we get "stuck" in taking the action that we need to take in our businesses and in our lives. This podcast episode explores the opportunity to take imperfect action and how this type of action can move us past our frustrations, overwhelm, and self-doubt to create the flow that we need to move things forward.What makes us stop taking action on our goals or our tasks? There are so many things like procrastination, fear, overwhelm, and even perfectionism. This episode discusses perfectionism and although we want to create an amazing experience for our clients, doing it from a perspective of perfectionism can do you a disservice.   How we shift into action after we are stalled makes all the difference. Naomi discusses some tips on how to make subtle shifts that will allow you to take imperfect action. Release your frustration and overwhelm and stop being a clog in the wheel in your business or at your company.Links and ResourcesMel Robbins, 5 Second Rule BookSeth Godin Ship It   Thank you so much for listening, until next time, stay on purpose!Support the show

Maintaining a positive mindset in a high-stress industry like the events industry is a great skill to have. This episode highlights how a positive outlook can lead to increased productivity, innovation, and the creation of a better working atmosphere. We explore tips on staying positive that include expressing gratitude, embracing creativity, providing mentorship, and setting and respecting boundaries. The episode underscores the value of reframing negative thoughts into positive ones to sustain a constructive perspective during challenging situations. If you're taking notes, a key takeaway is how implementing these strategies can enable event professionals to establish a more positive work environment, enhance team dynamics, and ultimately achieve better outcomes. Maintaining positivity during busy times is a critical factor in achieving success in event planning. And paired with self-awareness and empathy, your event can be successful inside and out.Links and ResourcesBanish Burnout ChallengeSara Gorlick Episode (Lucky Boxcutter)Thank you for listening, until next time stay on purpose!Support the show

In this episode, we explore ways that you can unleash your creativity as an event professional. We are all on a journey to become prolific and brilliant while maintaining our creative health, and this podcast episode will share ways in which our creative expression works best. We will delve into the importance of balancing productivity, brilliance, and health to avoid burnout. Additionally, you'll find some brief tips on how to structure your day to harness focus and maximize your time effectively. Staying inspired and bringing ideas into your world can be a challenge when you are so incredibly busy, so Naomi shares some tips on how you can stay in the know and spark your creativity.We hope you enjoy this episode, until next time stay on purpose!Links and ResourcesThe Accidental Creative by Todd HenrySupport the show

This thought-provoking episode delves deep into the world of event professionals and mental health. Mental health is a topic that's crucial for all of us, but it takes on a unique significance for event professionals. The demands of the industry can lead to burnout, stress, and overwhelming pressures. Naomi aims to shed light on the importance of mental well-being and how it plays a central role in our lives.In this episode, you'll discover what mental health truly means and how it impacts your ability to cope with life's stresses, realize your potential, and contribute to your community. Moreover, you'll explore the common challenges that event professionals face, such as anxiety, burnout, and exhaustion.You'll learn how to enforce boundaries in your workspace, refine your mental health plan, and explore resources available for support.If you're ready to prioritize your mental health as an event professional, this episode is a must-listen. Join Naomi Tucker as she empowers you to navigate the event industry while maintaining your well-being. Your mental health is a basic human right, and this podcast will guide you toward achieving a sense of balance and purpose in your life. Don't miss this insightful journey – tune in now!Links and ResourcesWorld Health Organization on Mental HealthCenter for Disease Control on Mental HealthSkift and Cvent - Worklife Balance for Event PlannersPCMA Mental Health and the Business Events IndustryNational Alliance on Mental IllnessBanish Burnout Challenge To learn more about Planners on Purpose, visit our website at www.plannersonpurpose.com. Support the show

In the midst of the pandemic, Lauralee Whyte had a major revelation when it comes to her work. She wanted to be intentional about creating diversity and representation with her work. Feeling that there wasn't any representation, belonging, or connection in her industry, Lauralee set out on a quest to create the environment in the speaker industry that she wanted to see through her company Spectrum Speakers.In this episode we chat about how the awareness of the necessity of diversity that surfaced in 2020 has long since fizzled out, replaced by a cookie-cutter embrace to get instant public satisfaction. However, the real intentional work that needs to be done in the event industry still has a way to go.Lauralee suggests that while sustainability is a safe topic, with less controversy or less room or need to do or say the wrong thing -  diversity and inclusion can be a heavy subject with a lot to tackle. Hence, the event industry tends to avoid the deeper conversations that can move the needle. The big takeaway from our conversation is that there is still a lot of work to get done. And because many people walk on eggshells in an effort to not do or say anything wrong we unfortunately turn our backs on making real change.Lauralee was a pleasure to have on the podcast and will give some tangible tips in this podcast for you to have awareness with action when it comes to diversity and inclusion.Links and Resources:Planners on PurposeSpectrum Speakers WebsiteSpectrum Speakers LinkedInSpectrum Speakers InstagramDiversify by June SarpongTo learn more about Planners on Purpose, visit the website at  www.plannersonpurpose.com.Thank you for listening, until next time, stay on purpose!Support the show

With only 60 days left in the year, it's time to finish strong and turn your year-end goals into reality. In this episode, we'll provide you with an action plan to make it happen.Naomi will review how you can get clear about your goals, break them into small steps that serve your purpose, establish a reasonable timeline for you to complete your goals, and of course, celebrate.The end of the year comes with a tremendous opportunity for us to finish strong, and do those things that we have been wanting to complete all year. Perhaps work has gotten in the way, or perhaps your home life is overwhelming, but the good news is that there is still time.So, let's make these last 60 days count and finish the year strong. Stay on purpose, and share your journey with us on Instagram at @plannersonpurpose. To learn more about Planners on Purpose, head over to the website at www.plannersonpurpose.com.Support the show

This episode features Kenny Totten, Co-Founder and COO of Allyfly which makes group airfare booking easier for event planners. Episode HighlightsThe internet is designed to disrupt all middle-men and agencies need to find ways to support themselves online.Kenny talks about how he and his business partner Eric took a risk in building a group travel tool in the midst of a pandemic and how they went from $0 to $1 million in revenue within the first year after.Allfly Quest is a product specifically for the event industry which partners with meeting planners, incentive houses, and event companies to be trusted airfare partners.Allfly Quest's function is a booking platform in which groups can book flights easily and planners and companies get referral fees for booking their groups.Companies can save approximately 15% discount by booking through Allfly.We discussed differences with Allfly in comparison to other booking tools, and the benefits of working with Allfly.Allfly currently integrates with tools like Cvent and Swoogo, and has more integrations on the way to make it even easier to work with other platforms that event planners commonly use.Reports are looking much different with Allfly as reports that are provided are given in the form of graphs and charts so that event planners can see the pattern of travel with their groups.Discussed how the nature of white glove service is changing and how technology is providing the best options. Quick booking is better service, and where exactly "hands-on" support is integrated within a program matters more. You don't have to sacrifice white glove service for speed." -  Kenny Totten"White glove service is about giving people the opportunity be serviced in a way that they want to be serviced." - Kenny TottenDiscussed the changes in technology and how fast they are occurring. Kenny suggests that it is important to know and learn about these technologies because they will shape our future.It is important with new technologies like Chat GPT that you review what's given to you and put your professional eyes and understanding/filter on it. Talked about how AI tools such as ChatGPT can change our roles in society and how can we still show up and provide value.If you are looking for tips on how to grow and scale a business, Kenny talks about the struggles that Allfly had as they were rapidly growing and the characteristics of a driven team."If you want to change something, you have to track it first." - Kenny TottenHow working out, doggie walks, and sleeping well, helped Kenny Totten in taking more healthy steps in his life.Links and ResourcesAllyflyKenny Totten LinkedinSupport the show

Getting your Certified Meeting Professional certification and designation is a big decision, and I want you to know all about the requirements. This episode will focus on providing you with why you should move forward with getting your cmp, the benefits, and the requirements. To learn more about the specific requirements to apply for the Certified Meeting Professional Designation, go to eventscouncil.org.The CMP aims to set the standard of experience for event professionals in the industry.The structure, process, and certification have maintained their designation for over 30+ years.98% of Certified Event Professionals maintain their CMP's after initial certification.In order to get your CMP you have to have applicable education and experience in the event profession and pass the Certified Meeting Professional exam.The application process requires a fee and a brief waiting period for acceptance.All of the experience and education on your application is checked thoroughly to ensure the integrity of the program.  Once approved, you can move forward to schedule your appointment for the exam within 1-year.Links and ResourcesEvents Industry CouncilPlanners on Purpose CMP Study GroupSupport the show

  In the next episode of Eating at a Meeting LIVE I'm talking with Natalie Fulton of Tourism New Zealand and sustainability and social impact thought leader Courtney Lohmann, CMP, to dive deep into the struggles, wins, and ideas #EventProfs are experiencing when planning meetings and incentive events around the world. Join us as we will look at how we can best feed our participants in this new world by finding balance through their food and beverage selection, tackling sustainability when planning F&B, utilizing ingredients multiple times throughout a program, and using disposable coffee cups. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com

In seasons of growth and expansion, there is always an opportunity to move to the next level. Are you positioned to get to your next-level as an event professional? How do you stand out so that you can advance in your career?  This episode highlights how you can stand out amongst everyone and get to your next.Episode HighlightsBe an event planner that stands by your word. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. Do the things you set out to do.Offer your input and suggestions when they are being asked. You never know how your insight can help others with what they do.Refrain from giving unsolicited advice, always ask so that your suggestions are received well by others.Focus on managing your time well. It's important to find unique ways to handle your responsibilities so that you are able to take on more.Tie up all your loose ends well. This is helpful in times of transition. Make sure that you are transparent, and getting others what they need to be successful..Communicate often, and communicate clearly. So many challenges happen because direction or a particular situation isn't made clear. Lean into opporuntity when it arises. If there is a need for help, be the person that raises their hand to help and do it well.Earn a certificate or designation. Consider the CMP certficate for meeting planners. Links and ResourcesCMP Study Group by Planners on PurposeThank you so much for listening to this episode, and until next time stay on purpose!Looking to take your CMP? Join a study group designed to help you pass the test while networking and engaging with the event professionals on the same journey. Click here to learn more!Support the show

The #EventProfs community is a strong network of event professionals who've come together worldwide to share their ideas and insights and seek support in the ever-evolving event industry. Our thriving community includes event planners, marketers, sponsors, technology providers, and more, and we're all committed to improving our craft and the industry. As part of our ongoing commitment to progress and improvement, we're changing platforms.  In this episode of the Event Tech podcast, Will shares why he's decided to make the shift, what he's excited to implement in the new #EventProfs community, which platform the community will use, and what you can expect in the coming weeks and months. Let's get started!

Today we're talking about our favourite topic – getting drinks! Bar service is often pivotal to live events whether we're serving alcoholic drinks or mocktails. But today we're going to focus on the service of alcohol and the balance between our responsibilities as event professionals, and our guests having fun! This episode was recorded on Whadjuk Nyoongar boodja and we pay our respects to our First Nations owners of our beautiful country.

Today we're breaking down things we wish our clients knew. It's a bit of a doozy as we lift the lid on what goes on behind the scenes. From obscure things we have to google to come up with unique ideas, to the amount of time it takes to put together a proposal. Let's go!   BTC Podcast is recorded on First Nations land, Whadjuk Noongar boodjar in Boorloo, Western Australia. We pay our respects to our First Nations people across Australia.

We promise not to put you to sleep as we spice up a dry topic, contracts! Contracts are those multipage nightmares we event managers have to trawl through to ensure we're a) getting the best value for money, b) getting what we actually asked for and c) not getting a bunch of stuff we didn't need or want at all! Behind the Clipboard is recorded on First Nations land, Whadjuk Noongar boodjar in Boorloo, (Perth) Western Australia. We pay our respects to our First Nations people across Australia. 

Today's masterclass is on a handy little skill called Show Calling! It's a role used in large scale events where there's a plethora of multimedia and talent happening in the room. I'm talking live cameras, several screens with varied content, music, speeches, MCs and performers such as dancers, stilt walkers and singers. Show Calling is essentially being in the control room. You're the conductor. You're mic'd up to a headset and calling the shots of what's going to happen and when. Let's find out if this role is for you This podcast is recorded on First Nations land, Whadjuk Noongar boodjar in Boorloo, Western Australia and we pay our respects to our First Nations people.  

Do you have any 2023 events for which the contract was negotiated before or during the COVID pandemic? When was the last time reviewed the contract terms related to food and beverage service, menu items, staffing, and pricing? A lot has changed with food and beverage service due to the pandemic. On Wednesday's episode of hashtag#EatingAtAMeeting LIVE, Joshua Grimes, Esq. of Grimes Law Offices, LLC is going to join me to talk about how, in this strong seller's market, hashtag#MeetingProfs can ensure they are protected and prepared for changes. We're going to cover a lot — inflation, food costs, staff shortages in both the kitchen and front-of-house, how high demand for space may impact what was previously thought secure, gratuity and service charges, and F&B performance policy provisions. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com

Once the event's over and your feet have recovered from 38,000 steps in one day, you have one final job to do...the post event report! This is a gem of a task which will help your future-self infinitely; especially if you're repeating the event. Post-event reporting has a few facets to it. Tune in we'll have you recording your successes and improvements like a pro! This podcast is recorded on Whadjuk Noongar boodjar with respect to our First Nations people.

Known Associates Events, where Mel and Tam spend every day dreaming up cool stuff for their clients, is the event company powering Behind the Clipboard Podcast. This year Known Associates turned 15 – that's right, they're moody, erratic teens who like to party and break all the rules. Mel's putting Founder and Director, Tamara Cook, in the hot seat, touching on all the behind the scenes goss that got the company to where it is today. It's been a journey! Visit us at www.knownassociates.com.au We'd love to hear from you! Tam and Mel xx This podcast is recorded on Whadjuk Noongar boodjar with respect to our First Nations people.

With me on the air today I have Merijn van Buuren, founder of Event Mender, on a mission to make the world a better place together

Did you know that key team briefings can make or break your event? Often in the chaos before doors open it seems like you don't have time for a briefing - INCORRECT. Making sure everyone on the event site is across the purpose, movements and core details of the event is essential. Yes, you may have sent out run sheets and emails etc. but the briefing is when you know the messages sent, are the messages received. Word. Let's check out the who, the what and the where of those lil' pow wows that will make all the difference to the success of your event.       

Excited to have Anh Nguyen - head of customer success at twine, join me on the air and discuss in a very open and authentic way the future of work as it relates to remote and hybrid event roles for #EventProfs, the relationship between event tech & event planners, new technologies that we should watch out for, important skills to develop in 2023, work-life balance, as well as the back story behind #EventProfsBreakShit and the Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) Goes Virtual initiative. Prior to joining the twine app, Anh founded Spark Event Management, an award-winning, full-service event management firm, and the Spark Event Collective, a network of independent planners collaborating to deliver event experiences. Anh is a seasoned business event professional who possesses over 15 years of event design, production, and management experience. She has managed a vast array of events and is known for her keen eye for detail while being able to lead, inspire and manage large, global teams. Connect with Anh on these channels: Twitter: @atnguyen Twitter: @wearetwine ------------------------------ “Events: demystified” Podcast is brought to you by Tree-Fan Events and your Podcast Host is Anca Trifan, CMP, DES. Let's chat about your event, and schedule a time that works for you via the 20 min free consultation link. Original Podcast Music written and produced by Fable Score Music. ---------------- For event and podcast updates, tips, and tricks of the trade, follow us on these social channels: Instagram: @eventsdemystifiedpodcast Our BRAND NEW YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_hOoPp_DhYCvaH2SznPNw --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eventsdemystified/message

I attended IAEE's Expo! Expo! 2022 conference held in Louisville, KY and was able to get some of the EventProfs there to share some Tips and Predictions for exhibiting in 2023!Featured in this episode:Jennifer Millett of ARMA InternationalJohn D'Adamo of VenuIQRoss Sudentas of ExpoFPAndrew Asaro of SessionBoardVinnu Deshetty of eva Event Tech PlatformJeanne Brei of National Trade Show AllianceMentioned in this episode:Trade Show University Episode GuideMany have asked, "Is there an easier way to find the episodes and topics I need?" Now there is!!! Happy to launch our Episode Guide! It's like your curriculum for Event Success and ROI! Every episode easily searchable and sorted into 19 Categories like Marketing, Staffing, Technology, Tips & Tools, and if you're new, check out Trade show basics! Visit tradeshowu.biz/episodes 19 Categories include: -- Trade Show Basics -- Advocacy -- Branding -- Displays -- Expert Interviews -- Fitness & Nutrition -- Goals -- Marketing -- Mindset & Motivation -- Networking & Engagement -- Promo Items -- Social Media & Web -- Speaking & Presenting -- Sponsoring -- Staffing -- Strategy -- Tips & Tools -- Training -- Virtual & Hybrid Events -- Various (topics that are more unique)

Today's interview feature is with special guest Mark Herschberg. Mark is the creator of the Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success that No One Taught You and the creator of the Brain Dump App.Mark has also been recognized on many podcasts, and shows, and has received a plethora of awards for his Career Toolkit book. In this episode, we talk about communication and how if you use communication effectively, it can help boost your career and enhance your leadership.Episode HighlightsHaving the relevant experience for a position before you express interest, can help you to get the role you need.There are many career transitions happening within event planning. Thus, it is important for companies to be transparent and intentional in hiring and have discussions beyond the requirements of the job.If you're looking for some great questions to ask during the interview process, check out Mark's great resource from The Career Toolkit.One mistake we often make when we are onboarding employees into new role is placing them into a box, and telling them to do the job. However, you want someone to understand the full picture of the company, and the larger context off their role.Communication starts with clear guidelines on how to communicate and where resources are within a role.Understand the root "why" of conversations so that you can communicate in a way that relates to their direct "why". When you drill down to the root, there might be different assumptions and goals.The BrainBump App is an app that helps you better retain what you read and what you hear. Download and check out this app and see how it can help you in your professional life.Leadership is changing, we have to be more intentional about our leadership, and be more communicative than before. We have to be more explicit with our leadership and intentional about getting feedback from our employees. More complex and more time-consuming as a leader these days.Events are changing, there is nothing that is changed at an event today that is something that you can't pull up online and get it. So events, need to be more engaging and go beyond what you can get next door.Networking and making meaningful connections is key and needs to be fostered at events.Extending the in-person experience to online before and after an event, can help to leverage the online experiences.Mark recommends the following professional development books: PeopleWare and The Charisma MythLinks and Resources:The Career Toolkit WebsitesThe Career Toolkit TwitterThe Career Toolkit InstagramThe Career Toolkit FacebookThank you so much for tuning into the podcast. Until next time, stay on purpose!Support the show

With this episode, we kick-off season two of Trade Show Talk! We speak with two industry leaders on this one about the state of the exhibitions industry -- we talk about where we have been and we look at where we're headed. "We just got the third quarter results. And what we have found is that about 14% of those shows that were held in the first - third quarters of this year (2022) have surpassed their pre-pandemic levels." -Cathy Breden The industry is recovering, but we do have a way to go. IAEE and CEIR are two industry-leading associations, so who better to hear from than their leadership? Our guests Cathy Breden - CEO of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Breden provides strategic direction and manages the day-to-day activities and business operations of CEIR. CEIR conducts primary, exhibition-related research studies to help exhibition stakeholders with evolving norms, shifting marketing trends, and other issues that can have an impact on the channel itself or how to use it effectively in light of trends. Reports include digital/technology, attendee/exhibitor engagement, attendee acquisition and retention, generational workforce shifts, economic performance and impact, and exhibitor studies evaluating motivations for use of the exhibition marketing channel. She has been working with CEIR since 2006. Cathy also serves in the capacity of Executive Vice President/COO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE), a trade association representing the exhibitions and events industry. She began her association management career in 1984. She is the 2022 Chairperson of the Events Industry Council Board of Directors. She earned the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 1990, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1995, the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation in 2019 and was recognized as a CMP Fellow in 2022. David DuBois - President and CEO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) As IAEE's president, DuBois is responsible for the management of 25 full-time professional staff, producing the annual business operating plan and budget, overseeing the support of all meetings of governance units, leading business development, directing fundraising efforts, advocating for the industry and the organization's members, and providing organizational leadership and strategic counsel to the board. Also, he serves as the association's representative with industry coalitions, partner organizations and strategic alliances. In 2019, DuBois was inducted into the Events Industry Council's "Hall of Leaders," one of the industry's most prestigious honors. His storied career started with Sheraton Corporation in various sales positions including Regional Director of Sales and the Director of Marketing Programs, and has included senior leadership positions for other industry organizations, PCMA and MPI, and the Fort Worth CVB. Of course, he has also served on many boards of directors including ASAE, Dallas-Fort Worth Tourism Council, EIC, and Destinations International. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and the U.S. Travel Association. ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a sponsor or a guest or you have a topic to suggest we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com. And we'd love it if you'd share, rate, and review episode 23 and the show also!

Megan Walker, Owner and Executive of Made by Meg had me at “health inspection score.” She was teaching an educational session at The Special Event back in 2017 on what food safety means and what planners need to know/ask of their caterers. Yes! When I surveyed hashtag#EventProfs on how often they asked their caterers about food safety practices before COVID, 70% of them said NEVER. While we should trust caterers to know how to manage food safety, we still must inquire about their practices. Tune in to #EatingAtAMeeting LIVE on September 21 to get Meg's tips on what to ask food service providers, how she makes food safe, and how she gets the most out of food? Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com

Tracy has known Chef Todd Annis of Cru Catering for ~20 years when we were both in Atlanta - as a caterer and a corporate event planner. When I randomly found his podcast "Catering...WTF", I laughed, was amazed, and immediately reached out because the stories he shares about the behind-the-scenes of catering is important for hashtag#EventProfs to understand. Listen in as Tracy & Todd talk about THE question chefs hate to answer, how business is booming but staffing is scarce, tastings, dietary needs and more. This will be a LIVELY conversation on the role caterers have in an event. Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com

With airline medical kits not being fully stocked being in the news lately and it being Medic Alert Awareness Month, I wanted to talk event safety expert Alan Kleinfeld about what hashtag#MeetingProfs need to know. From hashtag#epinephrine to defibrillators, what should hashtag#EventProfs make sure their medical staff has on hand? Join Tracy and Alan on Wednesday for hashtag#EatingAtAMeeting LIVE to learn how planners can be prepared for medical emergencies? What information can planners ask guests to provide them about any medical conditions? What falls under GDPR/HIPAA? Connect with Tracy: facebook.com/groups/EatingataMeeting thrivemeetings.com

Building an online community can take years of hard work. That's why Endless Events' very own Will Curran and Kyle Kosinski created the #EventProfs community. They're on a mission to build and grow a community from the ground up so they can better understand what it takes to develop an event community.  #Eventprofs is designed to put your knowledge on center stage. In Kyle's words, “Whether you're a festival producer or a lighting technician, you can teach the whole world of event professionals what you know and help make everyone's events better.” But in today's episode, Will and Kyle share their valuable insights as they learn how to build an event community.

Accessibility and inclusivity are not spoken about nearly enough. This month we're covering another super important topic with both episodes. While "tourism" is thought about as people "vacationing," it's about so much more. The travel industry is becoming more accessible, which makes it more inclusive. This also has an impact on the meetings and events industry because of the travel involved with in-person events. "Awareness leads to change... and awareness leads to education... and education leads to change." Read that again: Awareness leads to change. Both guests on this episode are doing incredible work to bring about awareness that leads to change. Jake is doing it with his Travelability events, and Alana through her research and educating college students. We dig deep into looking at this not as something that's simply performative, or just abides by the law, but as something that is morally right. Making it so that an estimated 20% of the population can travel freely, and where people of color feel safe when they travel is important. Every destination, hotel, airline, event organizer, and more can make incremental changes to include people with disabilities. And we can all be allies to people of color and those who have disabilities. The tricky part? Not all disabilities can be seen. Listen and let us know what you think--can you help make a difference? Our Guests Jake Steinman Jake is the founder and CEO of TravelAbility, whose mission has been to educate the tour and travel industry about the need to make travel easier for people with disabilities and to provide access to the features, resources and services that will make the travel experience inclusive for everyone.  Since 2019, TravelAbility has developed an ecosystem that includes an annual conference, an industry newsletter, an online resource hub, The Accessibility Playbook instructional manual, and Accessible Journeys, a quarterly digital magazine to promote disability travel. Alana DilletteDr. Alana Dillette is an Associate Professor in the Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses with a specific focus on leadership development. Her research interests include exploring issues around diversity and inclusion in the hospitality and tourism industry. More specifically, she studies the intersection between tourism, race, gender & ethnicity and is a leader with Tourism RESET as an initiative coordinator.  Currently, she is working on research to gain a better understanding of how systemic racism has shaped the hospitality and tourism industry for Black travelers and professionals. Dr. Dillette works to continue building bridges between industry and academia and can also be found online in publications such as AFAR Media and Conde Nast Traveler.   Resources from Alana & Jake Explorable Podcast Tourism RESET National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH) Links to online features: The Conversation article; The Trip Doctor - Traveling While Black ~*~*~ If you enjoyed episode 14, please take a moment to rate and review the show! The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a sponsor or a guest or you have a topic to suggest we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.

This is our second show this month around the very important topic of sustainability in events. On this one we talk about standards, helping us learn more deeply how we can all make a difference on this front.  The Events Industry Council (EIC) has emerged as our industry's authority for educating and providing standards and resources for sustainability. On this episode we have an expert from EIC who gives us so much to think about on a variety of ways we can make our meetings and events more sustainable and responsible. Having certifications and standards ratings is the perfect way to make sure every single supplier and organizer of events has insight into all the ways we can make a difference. From selecting the right venue, to menu selection, to determining whether an event should be held in person or online–Mariela shares a ton of thoughts and ideas with us that we can all put into practice. Plus, we get some "hot off the presses" industry news from TSNN's Rachel Wimberly. Our Guest Mariela McIlwraith, CMP, CMM, MBA, is the Senior Vice President, Industry Advancement for the Events Industry Council (EIC) and Chief Sustainability Officer for the EIC Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact. Representing more than 30 member organizations with over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 organizations, the Events Industry Council promotes high standards and professionalism in the events industry. Mariela is also the co-author of Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Meetings and Events Industry, a part of the Wiley Event Series, is the Executive Editor of the Events Industry Council Manual, 9th Edition, and co-author of Meet Better: 167 Easy Ways to Make Your Events More Environmentally and Socially Responsible. Resources from EIC: Sustainability Standards and Registry Center for Sustainability and Social Impact Sustainable Event Certificate Program ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a sponsor or a guest or you have a topic to suggest we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.

There's no question our industry needs to have sustainability at the forefront. Our guests on this episode are on two sides of the aisle, so to speak. We have one corporate planner who has made it a priority with his team, and a B-Corp business owner who has made it her BUSINESS! What is clear is there are small efforts we can make that will make a difference, incrementally. AND it's important that we measure how we are reducing our carbon footprint in all ways. Both guests share a lot of strategies, tips, and ideas to help us all be better in terms of our industry's impact on the planet.  Our Guests Amanda Simons Principal of Honeycomb Strategies, Amanda has worked globally specializing in sustainable business operations in the hospitality, event, and tradeshow industry for over 16 years. Amanda works with a diverse client group from non-profits to corporations to identify unique strategies and execute innovative sustainable management programs. Her key focus areas are in supporting sustainable tradeshows, creating sustainable destination management strategies for CVBs and DMOs, and through industry research and corporate benchmarking for a more sustainable future. Throughout her career, she worked to advance industry adoption of sustainability initiatives helping to develop industry standards such as APEX/ASTM Event Sustainability Standards and the TRUE Zero Waste certification for events. Amanda lives in Portland Oregon. She holds a Master's Degree in Environmental Management and Graduate Certificate in Sustainability from Portland State University, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and Finance from Sonoma State University.  David Stevens David is a Silicon Valley native and is celebrating 20 years of being in events full time. He is currently the 4x "Fittest Male #EventProf." He finds these workouts bring balance and higher levels of productivity to his day. He has worked in various capacities in the events world including agencies, non-profit associations, experiential marketing, incentives, concert and tour production, is a former GMIC NCC Board Member, and is currently the head of events at Alation, the leading enterprise Data Catalog company.  Resources from Amanda: B-Corp Certified SWAG providers Bee's Knees Sustainability Blog Additional Sustainability Resources ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a sponsor or a guest or you have a topic to suggest we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.

We believe we've seen a lot of progress in the event technology space over the last ten years, and progress has been made precipitously over the past two (plus) years. I think there are lots of areas of event tech which are under-appreciated and under-invested. And a lot of that is where it intersects with the in person experience. This conversation with Adam Parry came right on the heels of the Event Tech Live Summit, and he gives tons of insights about mergers & acquisitions in the space, successes he is seeing, how trends are emerging (or not?), and more. Adam Parry Adam is the co-founder and editor of the event industry's global online magazine, www.eventindustrynews.com (EIN). In his role as an avid technology enthusiast, Adam combined his 10+ years of event industry experience with his passion for the latest tech trends to co-create Event Tech Live London and Event Tech Live Las Vegas, the industry's two shows devoted to event technology. Adam is also one of the co-organisers of the Sustainable Event Awards and the Sustainable Breakfast Briefing, which promote sustainable events and experiences. Give this a listen for some hot takes, and feel free to reach out directly to Adam if you'd like to speak further about what was discussed! ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a sponsor or a guest or you have a topic to suggest we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.

For our theme this month, we're focusing on food and beverage. It is Food Allergy Awareness Month and Celiac Disease Awareness Month. There is so much more to managing food and beverage than meets the eye. It's no longer about just learning who needs a vegetarian meal. We have to account for allergies and we need to understand it is also about inclusivity and accessibility. There are things you might not be thinking about. By educating the industry from hotel chefs, to planners and CSMs, to food servers, Tracy has made it her mission to not only shine a light on what needs to be done, but also how we can get creative while keeping everyone safe! We have all sat next to people at an event who sat for way too long before being served. Or next to the person who was served a plate of vegetables. Not only can we do better, it is our obligation… AND we can save time and money while doing the right thing. Tracy has a fantastic podcast called Eating at a Meeting, in addition to a Facebook group of the same name where she records her podcast live–check them out also. She knows her stuff! Tracy Stuckrath Dietary Needs Expert. Meetings Industry Changemaker. Certified Special Events Professional. Tracy Stuckrath works with organizations and meeting planners worldwide to create safe, sustainable, and inclusive F&B events that deliver experiences where everyone feels valued. Every guest matters. Every meal matters. Founder of thrive! meetings & events, and the Eating at a Meeting podcast, Tracy has had a 30+year career as an event professional. After being diagnosed with a food allergy, she changed the trajectory of her career in 2009 to help clients establish best practices, mitigate risk, improve experiences, and increase profit with the food and beverage they serve. She has produced 120+ podcast episodes, co-authored two books, published over 100 articles and is recognized as a meetings and event industry leader, including Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry and a Top 500 Event Professionals in North America.

During today's episode, you're guaranteed to get a fresh dose of energy and optimism from a pint-size nuclear energy bomb, my featured guest Thuy Diep Senior Experience Designer at the Austin-based full-service creative & event agency, Haute. She continues to positively impact the #EventProfs industry as the 2021 BizBash's Top 500 Influential Event Professionals and 2020 40 under 40 honorees (which we now both have in common) and today, she's bringing a fresh perspective to our audience on these three important topics: how to overcome the imposter syndrome as a refugee and first-gen immigrant, work-life balance when you're involved in many things and live your passion in many ways, overcoming the fear of failure, especially in an industry where admitting failure is kind of taboo. ————————— Connect with Thuy via these channels: Instagram: @thuyndiep Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThuyDiepCheer and Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thuydiep ————————— “Events: demystified” Podcast is brought to you by Tree-Fan Events and your Podcast Host is Anca Trifan. Let's chat about your event, schedule a time that works for you via the 20 min free consultation calendar link. ————————— For event and podcast updates, tips, and tricks of the trade, follow us on these social channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eventsdemystifiedpodcast Become a Patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eventsdemystified ————————— Tree-Fan Events offers Hybrid Event Production Services: https://treefanevents.com/hybrid-event-services/ ————————— If you like our podcast, please show us some love by subscribing to this podcast on your favorite listening platform and following us on Instagram. By leaving a great review and hitting the 5 stars, you make this Podcast visible to other listeners with the same interests as you. Until next time! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eventsdemystified/message

This is the second episode of our Women's History Month-themed shows. All four women this month have been amazing examples we can all learn from. Our industry has made some progress in recent years. And, more progress definitely needs to be made in terms of diversity in leadership. The data is there – businesses with more women in leadership are more profitable!  Our guests on this episode are not only women in leadership themselves, they are following the research, and trying to educate the industry. Amanda and Annette share their thoughts on how we all benefit from diversity of not only gender and race, but also of diversity of thought.  Contrarians help us make positive progress. We talk about the importance of volunteerism, mentorship, feedback loops, and so much more. This is not your typical conversation about women in leadership! Our Guests Amanda Armstrong, CMP, CSEP, CMM, DES Amanda was named in the top five Women of Influence by Meetings Net Magazine and one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meeting Industry by Successful Meetings Magazine. She is the senior vice president of Brand and Community Engagement for Encore and she supports the stellar team members of Industry Relations, Communications, Social Media, and the Marketing Creative team. Amanda is responsible for the strategic development and management of Encore's brand story and increasing their presence and impact in the events industry.  Staying active in the industry is a top priority; she was the 2018 Chair of the International Board of Directors for Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and was the Vice Chair of Finance in 2016. Of course, she held several volunteer roles as a lead-up to serving on the global board. Amanda currently serves on the Event Industry Council's Business Recovery Task Force and chairs the Event Leaders 100 think tank. Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA  Annette is Senior Vice President, Experience for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), leading its community engagement, events and education teams and delivering programs for its 13,000 members worldwide. She has an extensive background in the meeting and hospitality industry, serving in executive level positions for corporations, associations and non-profits.  Through her consulting company Difference Makers Consulting, she regularly delivers keynotes on topics including diversity and unconscious bias, promoting women in the workplace, and a variety of professional development topics. Annette has taught at several universities including UCSD and SDSU, and was elected Instructor of the Year at SDSU and inducted into the Center for Business Intelligence's Circle of Excellence for her training and speaking. She is an honoree for Women in Tourism and Hospitality, and has won the Coach Award for the Association of Women in Events and Planner of the Year for MPI San Diego.  Annette served on MPI's Board of Directors, the board for the Kim Center for Gender Equity, and San Diego Commission for Women and Girls. She was named to the MeetingsNet Changemakers list for her work in women's empowerment. ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a sponsor or a guest or you have a topic to suggest we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.

Today's interview feature is with special guest Deanna Nwosu. Deanna is a leader in the meeting and event industry as well as an event emcee, moderator, and speaker that believes that the power of memories is overlooked. We will talk a bit about the power of memories and how important they are, especially with the events that we plan.Episode HighlightsDon't allow fear to prevent you from going after what you want.You can't be your barrier to reaching the things you want to get. There will be plenty of external barriers that get in your way, but don't let yourself get in your own way of doing the things you want. Be okay with letting business go that isn't for you. Embrace what's for you and don't be stressed about what's not.The great reshuffling was a once and a lifetime moment to switch up how and in most cases where you work.Gig work and contract work can be seen as an up-and-coming trend in the industry.Diverse income streams are seemingly an aspiring trend too for many post-pandemic. We have to do better with taking care of our physical bodies, our sleep, our eating, and our exercise.You have to protect your boundaries and stand up for yourself. When you do this, you can reduce your stress.Moments and planning events can be so powerful if we just take the time to pay attention.Pay attention to the present moment when planning, and ask yourself a key question: What do we want our attendees to feel or know when they walk away from our event?Links and Resources:Deanna Camille WebsiteDeanna InstagramDeanna LinkedInDeanna TwitterPower of Moments by Chip and Dan HeathAtomic Habits by James ClearBanish Burnout Challenge Thank you so much for tuning into the podcast. Until next time, stay on purpose!The Banish Burnout Challenge is a 5-Day Challenge designed for event planners and professionals to help minimize stress and overwhelm, plus avoid burnout. This challenge will take place April 4th - 8th and will include daily challenge videos, a challenge workbook, and Iive Q&A sessions in a private Facebook group. To sign up for this challenge or to learn more, visit www.plannersonpurpose.com/banishburnout. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/plannersonpurp)

We are an industry filled with remarkable, strong, passionate, driven, and creative WOMEN. This month we celebrate women's history, which was motivation for having some conversations with women who are making a difference in the industry at-large and on individuals personally. On this uplifting episode we chat with two women entrepreneurs who happened into the beginnings of their businesses (years ago now) AND discovered opportunities to change and grow their businesses in inspiring ways. With all of the difficulties of the past two years, it's important to hear the GOOD. To hear the SUCCESS. And these two amazing women deliver. We talk about how their successes came to be, what the last two years have brought them, the difficulties and opportunities of the hiring process, and more. Our Guests Erin Scholes, CMP, CSEP, CMM, DES Erin is President and Founder of SD Meetings & Events, a third-party meeting management business specializing in hotel sourcing, full-service meeting planning, and event operations staffing. She has over 20 years in meeting and event management experience planning hundreds of meetings and events. Erin and the team at SD Meetings have successfully converted their years of managing in-person events and are now sought after digital event experts. They have been helping clients find the right technology, tools, and tricks to produce events in the virtual and hybrid world. Erin has been a dedicated member of the San Diego Chapter of Meeting Professionals since 2000 including serving as Chapter President. She is also a faculty member for San Diego State University's Hospitality and Tourism Management program. During her tenure in the business, Erin has been recognized with numerous industry awards including the coveted MPI Chair Award, Smart Women in Meetings winner, and MPISD's Nancy Morrell-Swanson Visionary Award. She has also earned the respected professional designations Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP), Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM), and most recently Digital Event Strategist (DES).  Jessica Shea  Having always been inspired by the transformative power of creativity and style, Jessica has made a personal passion her profession, launching J Shea in 2012, and most recently, Cheers in a Box in 2020. It is with her meticulous attention to detail and enthusiasm for extraordinary experiences that has allowed Jessica to conceptualize, style and produce full- service, one-of-a-kind, custom events for corporations, associations, and individuals. Today, as the Founder & CEO of J Shea, Jessica has executed hundreds of corporate and association events including galas, sales events, fundraisers, conferences, tradeshows, golf tournaments and social gatherings.   Jessica has been featured in Connect Magazine for their 2020 40 Under 40 Awards, was selected as one of BizBash's Top 500 influential event professionals in 2021, and her events have been featured in publications including BizBash, The Washingtonian, and Meetings & Conventions Magazine.   ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a guest or you have a topic to suggest that we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.

Every individual has different impressions of what diversity, equity, and inclusion means. Some of us tend to have very narrow views of what the issues are. We might not fully understand, for example, that inclusion should always consider the food and beverage choices that we make for our guests.  On this episode we hear from a bright industry professional who has a unique perspective, based on all of his lived experiences. This is a more personalized look at DEI that can help us all look at it through a different lens. He also wants a diverse pool of clients. He wants you to see him for all the things he is, which includes being an incredible experience-maker. We discuss the importance of leaning into our fears – we really do need to have the important conversations. AND, above all else, we should start with kindness. “Because what that kindness does, it opens you up to be exposed, empathetic to other people's situation.” Our Guest Tony Scurry, CMP, MBA – Chief Event Officer with 7 Pointe Planning William A. Scurry, II, MBA, CMP is a highly-motivated individual with over twenty (20) years of strategic event and meeting planning experience. He has managed an impressive list of events with multimillion-dollar budgets, ranging from less than 20 attendees to more than 10,000 attendees. Given his career focus on increasing the visibility of mission-driven organizations; his experience, skills, personality, and aspirations, fit the position of entrepreneur. He has spent years developing expertise in mission-critical logistics.  Tony is responsible for overseeing the creative and strategic direction of 7 Pointe Planning and providing a strategic framework for the conceptualization and execution of their clients' event operations.  He is currently developing a boutique brand, Anthony Event Designs, that will specialize in creating stories and multisensory event experiences.  He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC.  He successfully made a transition from Mechanical Engineering to Event and Meeting Planning with the support of a Master of Business Administration degree, with a concentration in Events Management, from The George Washington University in Washington, DC.   ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a guest or you have a topic to suggest that we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.  Check out episode 4! And please take a minute to follow, rate, & review us on your podcast platform of choice & get each ep. when it drops!

Did you know there are 19 different facets to diversity, equity, and inclusion? 19! It IS about ethnicity and race, but it really is about so much more. Our guests on episode three wanted to have a conversation around where things are now within the meetings & events industry (and beyond). They didn't want to revisit the same conversations, but to look at what's most important NOW around DEI, and to set the stage for the change that is still to come. Melissa Majors and Greg DeShields are the perfect combo to show us the progress, the insights, and the humanity around DEI. Oh, and there is a business case to be made around it. You do have to budget for it, but you can also create new revenue streams by doing it right. It's likely you'll listen to this one more than once, and we highly recommend you share it!  EPIC insights. Our Guests Melissa Majors “The Inclusive Leadership Expert”As CEO of Melissa Majors Consulting, she's an innovator and optimizer of education, inclusion, & leadership strategies. She has dedicated her career to maximizing the business impact associated with these areas of focus. The team at Melissa Majors Consulting has extensive experience and a proven reputation for driving better business outcomes through innovative and inclusive strategic planning. They bring deep expertise in improving profitability and innovation, boosting organizational performance, and optimizing inclusion strategies. Melissa formally studied strategy and innovation at Harvard University. Melissa Majors is a crowd-pleasing speaker who masters brain-friendly talks that engage her audiences and spark not just inspiration, but action as well. Greg DeShields Executive Director of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau  Greg is a Qualified Tourism Professional and Academic Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE) proficient in developing and implementing plans, strategies, and initiatives to raise destinations' image for diverse travel. Greg is also an Experienced Certified Diversity Executive (CDE), with demonstrated cultural competence, prepared to strategically position an organization to remove systemic barriers to inclusion, lead culture change, and transform brands. ~*~*~ The "Trade Show Talk" podcast is publishing two episodes per month, focusing on a different theme each month. If you'd like to be a guest or you have a topic to suggest that we cover, please let us know by emailing podcast@tsnn.com.  Check out episode 3! And please take a minute to follow, rate, & review us on your podcast platform of choice & get each ep. when it drops!