INSIGHT LIVE

Thank you for your loyal support!  While we are taking a short break for the month of June, don’t miss a quick message directly from our host, Timothy.  We are grateful and rejuvenated after what just may be the best WEC yet!

 What does it take to plan a conference for the people who plan everything? In this episode of Insight Live, host Timothy Martinez pulls back the curtain on exactly that, sitting down with Lori Pugh, VP of MPI Academy, and Colleen Connor, Senior Director of Events at MPI International, bringing the most exciting event in our industry to life this June... in our backyard! The MPI World Education Co...

What if the generational divide at work isn’t actually a problem to fix, but a strength hiding in plain sight? In this episode of Insight Live, host Timothy sits down with speaker, author, and generational dynamics expert Luke Goetting — the mind behind the keynote The Workplace Rewrite — for a conversation that will shift the way you think about the people you work with. Luke brings a rare perspe...

Larry Long Jr. brings a rare mix of high-octane joy and real substance, the kind that makes you laugh, think, and immediately want to take action. Larry brings the thunder with a message that is equal parts uplifting and practical. He gets real about choosing your energy, leaning on the right people, and turning strong intentions into forward motion. You will leave with a full cup, a clearer minds...

 What does it look like to rebuild your life on purpose and then turn that courage into a roadmap for everyone else? In this episode, keynote speaker, musician, and mindset strategist Cameron Atlas shares the real stories behind The Edge of Possible from leaving the Australian Outback, to a defining tragedy that reshaped his mission, to the moment he sold everything he owned and stepped into the u...

 Change is here, and this episode doesn’t tiptoe around it. In 2026: Disruption and Development , we sit down with Michele Gonzalez, 2026 President of MPI Texas Hill Country, for a bold conversation about what meeting professionals need next. Michele shares how stepping into leadership during disruption shaped her vision, why real education and access matter more than ever, and how MPI can be a tr...

If you’re curious how a legacy of human connection built a powerhouse in our industry, this episode delivers. This episode takes you inside The RK Group, a powerhouse in meeting and event services, and into the legacy that shaped its rise. Jamie Kowalski shares remarkable stories of Rosemary Kowalski and the way her commitment to people, intention and genuine connection became the engine behind th...

If you’re ready to hear what real progress sounds like, this episode is for you.  Hear from the President & CEO of ALHI and one of our industry’s leading-edge thought leaders, Mr. Michael Dominguez.  Michael brings forward-thinking clarity to where our industry is headed and what real progress looks like today in an ever-changing landscape. His perspective is sharp, refreshing, and shaped by y...

Do not walk, run to your favorite podcast app and listen now! In this episode of INSIGHT LIVE , keynote speaker Angela Gargano shares her journey of finding strength in the toughest times and turning obstacles into opportunities. You’ll walk away feeling energized, empowered, and ready to tackle anything life throws your way. Planners, this is the kind of keynote energy your audience will thank yo...

Step behind the scenes with Cory Ferguson and Lauren MacQueen for your all-access look at the Texas Education Conference (TEC 2025) . From game-changing sessions to powerful networking, TEC is where Texas meeting and event professionals level up. This episode gives you insider insight into what’s waiting for you—and why you don’t want to be the one hearing about it after it’s over. Tune in now, th...

In this episode, Sidney gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to be an Executive Producer for live events. From managing stress in high-stakes environments to calling flawless cues, Sidney shares the mindset, methods, and magic behind show-day success. You'll also learn how to tell when your event needs an Executive Producer, and what a difference the right one can make. S...

Tune in as we talk with Carol Lynn Huttel, CMP, CMM about the CMP Certification, and why it matters now more than ever.   Carol is a Managing Director with HelmsBriscoe and a champion of continuing education in the meetings industry. With decades of experience in hotel operations and sales—from Hilton to Omni—Carol has helped shape the professional journeys of countless event professionals. She ho...

With over 12 years at the Austin Convention Center, Amy Harris is a leader in driving business growth, forging strategic partnerships, and maximizing revenue opportunities. As Director of Sales, she leads a high-performing team dedicated to attracting top-tier conventions, corporate events, and short-term business, ensuring the Austin Convention Center remains a premier destination for event plann...

In a powerful and entertaining crossover episode with The Marketing Starter Podcast , we welcome global keynote speaker and business coach Tim Hines to MPI Live . Tim is on a mission to help meetings professionals grow by becoming more collaborative, innovative, and influential. This special extended episode doesn’t just talk about the power of AI, Gen Z superpowers, and entrepreneurial thinking—i...

Join us as we talk with Donna Harbers, your 2025 MPI Texas Hill Country President. Donna is also Artist and Chief Joy Officer for JoyShine, the company she founded to help people embrace creativity to live happier, more confident lives. As the 2025 MPITHCC President, she is excited to work with an incredible board of directors and provide tools and information that empower planners and suppliers t...

After almost 25 years in the hotel industry, Angele du Passage took a bold leap—leaving behind an established role in the corporate world to co-found Cypress Planning Group, a site selection, meeting and event management company with two trusted colleagues, Kathan Dearman and Ashley McCoy. Having worked together for over 15+ years on a hotel sales team, the trio leveraged their deep-rooted industr...

James is a speaker, emcee, voice-over talent, and presentation coach for youth and adults; I guess you could say he's a man who wears many hats (literally has more than 30 "B" caps!)  James is known for his commanding voice and interactive approach.  As former All-American track star and award-winning National Sales Executive, James' unique expertise as a leader and teammate (o...

Tune in as we talk with Resa Meagher, a Certified Integrative Health and Wellness Coach, Active MPI Leader, and an event production professional. Resa will share her expert tips and strategies for maintaining your health and well-being during even the busiest times, all while setting the stage to thrive in 2025! Whether you're looking to boost your energy or create sustainable habits, this ep...