![2020 Business Trends and How They Impact Events]()
December 3, 2019
We talk a lot about trends this time of year. And in today’s episode of #EventIcons we’re covering 2020 business trends and how they impact our industry. 2020 is the start of a new year, new decade AND an election year. It’s safe to say 2020 is going to be a big year with new trends and we are covering all that and more today on #EventIcons.
Helping Linsday and Alex forecast the biggest 2020 business trends is the iconic Mike Dominguez, the President & CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). ALHI is a Global Sales Organization with a team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe, ALHI’s serves a membership group of hotels that are Independent Hotels & Independent Brands that are an exclusive luxury collection. Prior to joining ALHI, Michael served in sales leadership positions with MGM Resorts, Loews Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Starwood Hotels and many more. Michael is also actively involved in leadership roles in the Meetings and Events Industry. Could we have a better guest to help predict trends? We don’t think so! Press play, it’s time for another episode of #EventIcons!
For more info and resources, head to the blog.
![Auctions At Events: What Planners Can Learn From The Experience]()
November 26, 2019
And here goes one, here goes two, here goes…auctions at events! Yes, that’s right. In this week’s episode of #EventIcons we’re covering this exciting topic. Because event planners can actually learn a lot from expert auctioneers. And especially when it comes to charity events and fundraisers, auctions are experiences the whole industry can extract plenty of ideas from. So sit tight, we’re breaking down everything you should know about auctions at events.
And to help us get the most out of the conversation, we have two amazing guests. Joining our fantastic hosts Will Curran and Alex Plaxen are Kelly Russel and Tony Rissley. Kelly is an expert auction strategist and certified benefit auctioneer. She has helped organizations raise over $100 Million in support of their great work. Additionally, Kelly leads her team of fundraising professionals to produce auctions that consistently exceed client goals. And Tony has been in the silent auction business for over a decade. He has created a system to help event organizers run successful silent auctions that boost their fundraising efforts. So, are you ready? Press play, it’s time to get iconic!
![How AR And VR For Events Can Revolutionize The Industry]()
November 19, 2019
It's time for the coolest conversation ever about AR and VR for events! This topic isn't new for us here at Endless. And the reason we enjoy it so much is because it's slowly but steadily revolutionizing the industry. As event planners, we need to make sure we're always paying attention to the hottest trends out there. And especially those that have the power to improve the attendee experience. So on this week's episode of #EventIcons, we're breaking down all things AR and VR for events.
In order to give you the scoop, we've invited Donny Neufuss to join our lovely host Lindsay Martin. And Donny was previously on Event Tech Podcast with us. He is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at Brightline Interactive, a company that specializes in providing the latest digital tools and immersively technology experiences for brands, sports, entertainment, and the events industry. So, are you ready to join the technology bandwagon? Press play, we're getting iconic!
![#EventIcons Episode 190 -The Power Of Body Language In Events For Networking & Interviewing]()
November 12, 2019
On a bit of a different note, today we're exploring body language in events! Because at its core, the events industry is all about people, and relationships between people. Attendees, suppliers, planners - everybody has a part to play. And everybody is, at the end of the day, human. Which is why we're very excited to have a conversation about the power of body language in events, and how it can be used for networking and interviewing.
So, as usual, we brought out the big guns. Joining our amazing hosts Lindsay Martin and Alex Plaxen are Leon Cardenas and Stan Walters. Leo helps sales teams improve their sales using body language techniques. And Stan works with and trains risk management professionals, law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and elite military units on how to accurately spot deception and ask the right questions that will uncover the truth, clear criminal cases and even save lives. So, are you ready to get iconic? Then press play and join the talk, it's time for #EventIcons!
![How To Celebrate In Style: The Hottest Holiday Party Trends of 2019!]()
November 5, 2019
It's time to learn the ho-ho-ho-hottest holiday party trends of the year! So, Halloween has come and gone. Which means that the holiday season is fast approaching. And as event professionals, we're already thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. But we're sure we're not alone in this, and you're also wondering how you can take the holidays to the next level. It's a time for celebration, love, and happiness. So on this week's #EventIcons, we're super excited to let you know all about the absolute best holiday party trends!
Joining our lovely host Alex Plaxen are David Everett and Sydney Wolf of Metro Connections. David is a leader in the conception and execution of innovative event design and production. He has over fifteen years of creative, technical and management experience in the event industry. And Sydney has an eye for design and the ability to adapt to a client’s style guide, brand, and culture. She consistently designs innovative activations and large-scale events that work to accomplish client objectives and showcase corporate brands in a positive and impactful way. So, are you ready to get iconic? Press play, it's time for another episode of #EventIcons!
October 29, 2019
On today's episode of #Eventicons, we're tackling the topic of alcohol in events. As we all know, this is a very hot conversation in the events industry. And since we want nothing but to keep you up to date, we decided to get things going! Many people will agree that this is a serious issue within the industry. But with all the new trends popping up around the world, there are more than enough ways to ensure things change for the better.
So why not talk about it, and propel the conversation forward? Joining our lovely hosts Lindsay Martin and Alex Plaxen is Michael Stavros. Michael has been a guest on the show before, but this time around he's lending his expertise to the topic of alcohol in events. He was a Board Member of the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, and he's currently a partner and the Director of Business Development at M Culinary Concepts. So, are you ready to get iconic? Press play, it's #Eventicons o'clock!
October 22, 2019
Put your entrepreneur hats on, it's time to discuss best business practices! As event professionals, it's important to understand business. And it's important to understand this intricate world at its most fundamental level. Because at the end of the day, whether you're a planner or owner of a third-party company, these things apply to you. It can get boring easily - after all, we want to create great experiences, not look at the return of investment and bottom lines! However, it matters. And because we're all about helping you with all the ins and outs of the events industry, we have a brand new #Eventicons! This time around, we're going deep into best business practices for event professionals. Joining our amazing hosts Brandt Krueger and Lindsay Martin is Shelagh Cummins. Shelagh runs a coaching and training company that supports women entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale their business. Press play, it's time to get iconic!
For resources, head to the blog!
![Ageism In Events: Why the 50+ Generation Still Matters For The Industry]()
October 15, 2019
On this week's edition of #Eventicons, we're tackling ageism in events. There was not a single point in time that different generations didn't butt heads. And today more than ever, ageism is a constant in our society. Whether it's Generation Z against Millenials or Milllenials versus Baby Boomers, everyone thinks they know best. But how exactly does ageism in events manifest itself? And more importantly, how can we ensure we're fighting this problem and give everyone a voice? Particularly the age 50+ crowd, that still has a lot to offer to the event industry.
That's exactly what our iconic guest of the day is here to teach us. Joining our fantastic host Brandt Krueger is Donna Kastner. Donna is the founder of Retirepreneur, and she's championing a movement to reinvent work in retirement by helping age 50+ executives make a smooth segue from a full-time job to part-time consulting. And a more satisfying encore chapter that's designed and lived on their terms. Let's dive right into the topic of ageism in events!
October 8, 2019
You might want to put your best suit on because today we're talking about hotel contract negotiations! There are many things that can make or break an event. And being a planner is stressful enough as it is, so when you add choosing a venue for your event to the equation, there's a high probability your heart rate goes up. It might sound like a pretty easy endeavor. But anyone who's ever had to go through it knows there's more to the story than just signing a contract.
Resources: Check out the epic resources from this episode here.
October 2, 2019
We always make a point to propel forward the conversation about inclusion in the event industry. And that's why this week we have a very interesting edition of #Eventicons. The Americans With Disabilities Act has been around for around 30 years. But recently, it was changed so that bodily functions are accounted for. So this includes food allergies and other specifics that people in the event industry need to be aware of. As event professionals, this is something that we need to take into account, in order to both foster inclusion in the industry, and prevent major disasters. For resources, click here.
