April 16, 2019
A couple of weeks ago, #EventIcons was all about Meetings Mean Business, the coalition behind Global Meetings Industry Day. As one of the most important days of the year for the event business, GMID joins professionals from across six continents and over forty countries in events all over the world. In fact, the purpose of the Global Meetings Industry Day is for everyone involved to celebrate the tremendous worth and economic impact of the industry.
Ahead of this remarkable date, Lindsay Martin-Bilbrey sits down with two very special guests for this week’s #EventIcons. First, we welcome Tracey Smith, a longtime meeting planner who now leads the world’s largest association of senior-level meeting & event planners, SPIN. Joining them is Cathy Breden, an executive VP and COO of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) In addition to this, she currently serves as the CEO for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) whose primary purpose is to promote the growth, awareness, and value of exhibitions and other face-to-face marketing events by producing and delivering research-based knowledge tools.
Sit tight and get listening, as the three discuss Global Meetings Industry Day, its genesis, its future, its meaning, and how the event industry will change moving forward. What are the businesses’ biggest challenges from here on, and how can GMID help? Press play and find out!
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Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
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April 9, 2019
Transparency in the event industry isn’t talked about nearly as much as it should. The issue of transparency is paramount in any business. How else are we expected to generate and cultivate meaningful relationships with clients and vendors alike? This is only possible once we build these relationships based on trust, honesty, and – you guess it – transparency. In a long-term perspective, transparency in the event industry ensures we thrive.
On today’s awesome episode of #EventIcons, we are joined by Event Tech Podcast and Endless Events’ Agent Provocateur and Event Tech Podcast co-host, Brandt Krueger. Together with Will Curran and Brandt, we welcome Jaclyn Bernstein, an acknowledged leader in NYC’s hospitality industry, sitting on the Board of NYC & Company / Convention and Visitors Bureau. Among many other honors, Jaclyn won the Spotlight ‘Event Planner of The Year’ and ‘Samaritan Service’ Awards.
The three discuss what transparency in the event industry means. Join Will, Brandt, and Jaclyn as they delve into the best means to reach this transparency, who is creating it, and who it should be directed towards.
Are you looking to create a more engaging event? Click here to download our free event planning checklist.
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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- Brandt Krueger of Endless Events (@)
- Jaclyn Bernstein of Empire Force Events (@JaclynBernstein)
- Will Curran of Endless Events (
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What do you think about the issue of transparency in the event industry? Let us know in the comment section below!
April 1, 2019
Commoditization in the event industry is real. Despite what we might think, it’s very real for creative industries. With the overall business paradigm changing, entire job positions being eradicated by advances in AI and automation, and the wave of commoditization ready to be ridden, what are the options for those working in the event planning industry?
Join us today for another amazing episode of #EventIcons, starring Kevin White. Kevin is a recurring guest, with decades of experience telling organizations’ stories through the design and production of live events. He provides an entrepreneurial approach to innovative systems and thinking, moving the needle with audiences on what they think, feel, know and do.
Kevin and Will walk us through the issue of commoditization in the event industry, how it all started, what are the consequences, and how professionals can adequately prepare themselves to tackle it.
Are you looking to create a more engaging event? Click here to download our free event planning checklist.
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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- Kevin White of XPL (@2XPL)
- Will Curran of Endless Events (
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What are your thoughts on the commoditization of the event industry? Let us know on the comments below!
March 29, 2019
Today is all about Meetings Mean Business. How do you prove the real worth of your multi-million industry to your local newspaper? How can you make a small community understand that your ventures in the event business aren’t a colossal waste of money, but rather a contribution to the economy? In today’s episode, we explore the campaign Events Mean Business and how professionals can work together to show the world – and every single stakeholder! – the full positive impact of the industry.
Meetings Mean Business unites over 60 professionals from across the business in the United States, with global partnerships that include Canada and, soon to be, India. The alliance seeks to engage with outside parties in an effort to bring the Event industry the recognition it truly deserves as a value creator.
Our very special guests today bring decades of experience and some incredible insights into the right path to recognition. Michael Owen is a true veteran of corporate entertainment and event management services. Michael is a frequent presenter at industry conferences and learning institutions, speaking on what’s now and what’s next in meetings and events. Heidi Welker joins us with over 35 years of experience in the meetings and events industry and an extensive background in operations, sales, business development, and industry partnerships.
Both will guide us through the genesis of Meetings Mean Business in the United States and Canada and tap into the problematics and solutions of harnessing recognition for the industry.
Are you looking to create a more engaging event? Click here to download our free
!
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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What’s your take on Meetings Mean Business and how they tackle the issue of recognition? Let us know below!
March 29, 2019
Today we are diving into MPI’s World Education Congress. The World Education Congress (WEC) is a gathering where both MPI members and non-members alike come to gain education, network and more. The event has grown to about 2500 attendees and each year MPI is working to raise the bar. They strive to change the way we meet and it’s working!
In 2018 MPI’s World Education Congress had a complete overhaul. The World Education Congress went through the event design canvas process, where all stakeholders needs were considered and the event was completely redesigned to be in line with what their needs were. There was a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that went into the planning and redesigning and it really paid off. The hard work resulted in an even better World Education Congress. No detail was too small, MPI really kept in mind the needs and desires of attendees during overhauling the event. Changes were made to allow attendees more flexibility, open floor concept that allows attendees to choose and customize their experiences, keynotes were called Pep Rallies, and they even had welcoming airport lounges (yes, you read that right!). It’s safe to say the World Education Congress breaks the traditional conference mold and will push the rest of the industry forward.
Joining us today are the iconic Crystal Shipps MPI’s talented Program Manager, and Lori Pugh Marcum MPI’s Manager of Global Education & Event Production. This dynamic team will take you through the stories behind this change. Crystal and Lori will also talk about the changes they made, the feedback they received after making major changes, what they learned during the overhaul process, and well as what the future holds for MPI’s World of Education Congress 2019 in Toronto. Let’s jump in!
Are you looking to create a more engaging event? Click here to download our free
!
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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Did you attend MPI’s 2018 World Education Congress in Indiana? Comment below to let us know your favorite part!
March 20, 2019
For the second time ever, the International Live Event Association (ILEA) held the Global Events Forum in August 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The forum brought together 30 of the brightest and biggest influencers in the events industry to delve deep into issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the event industry today. The influencers who were a mixture of partners, producers and planners took a hard look at issues such as commodity pricing, education within the industry, data security and much more.
Joining us today are our iconic guests Kevin White of XPL, Keri Miller of e=mc² events, Sara Grauf of Giants Enterprises, and Christian Seidenstuecker of JOKE Event AG. They will be discussing their findings from the Global Events Forum and even give you a sneak peek at the topics we might see at the 2019 Global Events Forum. Listen below to hear what these brilliant minds have to say about the opportunities, as well as challenges facing our industry and their unique perspectives on the Global Events Forum!
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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March 12, 2019
Today we are joined with a dynamic duo Samantha Vogel and Judy Payne of GameStop. Together their event department raises millions of dollars in sponsorships and create an event that crosses generational boundaries, uses creative ideas to engage their audience, all while meeting stakeholder objectives.
For those not familiar, GameStop is a worldwide retailer and the largest selling retailer in the video game industry. They also own ThinkGeek. On top of these impressive facts, they hold an annual trade show and conference with approximately 5000 store owners, 100-200 international partners, 150 different vendor companies and 2000 vendor staff. There are over a quarter million square feet of exhibit space, yes, you read that right. If that wasn’t impressive enough, occasionally they open the tradeshow portion of the conference up to the public which adds roughly an additional 5000 attendees.
In this episode, our iconic guests Samantha Vogel and Judy Payne will answer your burning questions about this truly inspiring event. They will discuss a wide variety of topics including the best out of the box ideas for their events in the past, how they work with their sponsors as partners, ways GameStop creates unique immersive experiences and so much more. This is a truly inspiring episode you do not want to miss.
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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February 26, 2019
Designing meaningful educational settings and formats can truly set your organization apart, improve retention and application of knowledge attendees learn and ultimately deliver on personal and professional needs of participant and organization.
On this episode, our iconic guests Avinash Chandarana of MCI Group, and Dru Cutler of Drury Design Group are here to discuss learning and performance design and how it can enhance your event and improve your attendee’s experiences. If you want your information and sessions to stick you need to watch this episode!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons.
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February 19, 2019
Women are everywhere in the event industry, crossing all sectors of the industry and from entry-level positions to the most senior roles. It’s clear women are making an impact and have made great strides. But women still face unique challenges at every level, there are still many glass ceilings to shatter.
Joining us today are three incredible women in the industry Kiki Fox the co-founder of the Association for Women in Events, motivational speaker and social impact champion, Courtney Stanley, and Sarah Soliman of Soliman Productions. They are smart, strong, powerful women and paving the way for others. This episode is a must watch for men and women. If we want to make big changes and see women move up into more powerful roles it takes a village.
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons. This is all for you!
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Follow our iconic guests on Twitter:
- Kiki Fox
- Courtney Stanley
- Sarah Soliman
- Alex Plaxen
- Brandt Krueger
Check out the epic resources mentioned in this episode:
What have you seen change for women in the industry, do you think women have made much progress? Still a lot of glass ceilings to shatter? Comment below and let us know.
February 12, 2019
Are you thinking beyond the surface of event sponsorship? Sure almost every event requires sponsorship but long gone are the days that it is enough to just plaster up a few banners from your sponsors and call it good. Now more than ever before event sponsors need to enhance your event and your attendee’s experience, and planners need to be able to highlight the benefits that your event can bring to potential event sponsors. You should have a mutually beneficial partnership with your sponsors.
In this episode, Peter Poehle returns to offer his annual update on the status of event sponsorship. He will answer questions about what sponsors truly need, mistakes planners make in proposals, inbound sponsorship and so much more. Always useful, always interesting, this is a don’t miss episode!
We want to help keep you up-to-date with the latest and greatest!
Below, in our Epic Resources section, we link the awesome insider favorites that were mentioned in this episode! You WANT to check these out! What has been your favorite episode so far? Comment below and let us know!
You’re watching this recording of our event industry podcast episode here on our blog, but wouldn’t you rather watch live, ask your own questions, and participate in person? Subscribe now to watch live! (We’ll remind you of upcoming episodes.) We would love for you to join us LIVE and bring your questions for our icons. This is all for you!
How To Subscribe:
Follow our iconic guests on Twitter:
Check out the epic resources mentioned in this episode:
What are your favorite event sponsorship experiences you have seen at events? Comment below and let us know.
