Meetings Matter Chatter

In this episode, Danielle MacFarlane, VP of Operations and Account Management for BCD’s Life Science Center of Excellence, joins us to talk about one of her favorite topics: hospitality. Known across BCD for her passion and energy, Danielle shares her blueprint for bringing hospitality into your work and creating memorable experiences that truly stand out. From small intentional actions to a minds...

How do you know if a meeting was truly successful? Clients and planners are under growing pressure to measure impact, prove value, and show whether key messages really landed. In this episode, Leilani Heaven, Senior Strategist at BCD Meetings & Events, shares the findings from the latest Client Insights report on Engagement and Measurement. She’ll cover what organizations can measure today, wh...

In this podcast episode, guest Christina Filan, Director of Event Management at BCD M&E, discusses the critical role of safety and security protocols in meeting planning onsite, helping internal staff understand how preparation supports a safe, well-managed event experience. The conversation explores why every team member should be familiar with emergency procedures, communication plans, and e...

Professional development is the ongoing journey of enhancing your knowledge, skills, and abilities to grow in your career and increase your effectiveness in your role. In this episode, Kathryn Bowling, Director of Client Engagement at BCD M&E helps us delve into the essential skill of influencing without authority. You’ll discover practical strategies to gain buy-in, navigate cross-functional...

In this episode, Leilani Heaven, Senior Strategist at BCD Meetings & Events, unpacks key findings from our latest Client Insights report, featuring feedback from more than 200 clients. This quarter, we explore the evolving world of small and simple meetings — a space that may seem straightforward but is often more complex than it appears. Tune in to hear where clients see the market heading, w...

In this episode, John Pistotti, Business Development Director, Production & Content for BCD M&E, shares his wealth of knowledge on event production and content creation. He sheds some light on challenges that can arise and how to navigate them effectively.  He also shares his top five production nightmares and easy ways to avoid big blunders. Tune in to gain insights that can help elevate...

In this spine-tingling episode of Meetings Matter Chatter, we're thrilled to welcome Nate Childress, Director of Sales at BCD M&E who will delve into the intriguing world of haunted hotels across the United States. Just in time for Halloween, Nate will share chilling tales and some of the most famous haunted locations where guests have reported ghostly encounters. Beyond the eerie experie...

In this engaging episode, we chat with Michelle Makin, a seasoned purchasing manager at BCD M&E, who sheds light on the intricate world of hotel sourcing. Michelle shares her firsthand experiences that illustrate the challenges and triumphs of the process. Listeners will be captivated as she recounts some chilling stories of potential disasters that could have occurred in her sourcing journey,...

In this episode recorded at our annual APAC Partner Summit in Bangkok, we bring together influential leaders from the Asia-Pacific markets we serve. We explore dynamic trends, emerging hot topics, and future outlooks shaping their sectors, while highlighting innovative business strategies, social change, and sustainability efforts that reflect the diverse perspectives and collaborative spirit of t...

Join us as we chat with Ben Warner, Group Sales Director at the Westin DC Downtown, who will take us behind the scenes of the bustling world of hotel sales. Ben will share his experiences navigating the intricacies of the sales process in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re planning an event or simply curious about what goes into finding the perfect venue, Ben will provide valuable tips and e...

Join us for a conversation with Thomas Whelan, the Director of Events at Access, a destination management company. Thomas is dedicated to reducing food waste and will share valuable insights about the legal protections that facilitate food donations. He’ll discuss how meeting organizers can easily donate leftover food to support those in need. We’ll explore practical tips and highlight the positiv...

Sandra Collins, Director of Strategic Communications and Dan Umney, Director, Creative Services from The Collective in the UK will help us explore the power of elevated content in transforming client events. Discover how effective storytelling can enhance the attendee experience and leave a lasting impression. Dan and Sandra will share innovative ways to incorporate storytelling into your events t...

Join us for an engaging episode featuring Eda Özden, Managing Director at Meptur in Türkiye who will introduce the innovative concept of regenerative tourism. This approach emphasizes the importance of leaving the destinations we visit in an improved state, ensuring that our travels contribute positively to the environment and local communities. Tune in to discover how we can all make a meaningful...

Join us for an insightful podcast episode as we explore the generational divide in meetings and events. BCD M&E specialists Michelle Eaton (Gen-X) and Gionna Jackson-Hasty (Millennial) will examine the distinct needs and preferences that influence their meeting experiences. Uncover effective strategies to engage participants from all generations, along with valuable insights on fostering an in...

In this episode we introduce Thiago Araujo, our global sustainability expert. He'll give us a better understanding of what sustainability truly means and how we can make the biggest impacts. We'll discuss how quickly our clients need to take action and the small yet powerful steps each of us can take to contribute to this vital mission. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just...

In this episode, Global Business Analyst Edward Gleaner will help us explore the intriguing realm of business analysis including the insights that can be uncovered through data. He'll provide some effective techniques for visualizing data in presentations and address the opportunities associated with data management in the meetings industry. Prepare for an engaging experience rich with valuab...

On this episode we discuss a recent client event BCD Meetings & Events hosted, titled 'The Invitation,' in the stunning city of Victoria, British Columbia. The event brought together three areas: Program Strategy, Event Design and Production & Content. We're joined by the architects of the event: NeKeta Argrow, Strategic Solution Advisor, Mindy Hanzlik, Senior Director of Ex...

On this episode, we focus on the purpose and value of a destination management company. Melissa Zorko, VP, National Account Executive from Hello! Destination Management talks about her view on customer service and the changes she has seen over the years. She also talks about the hottest trends in the marketplace and how a DMC can provide customers with an unparalleled experience by being the exper...

An exciting conversation with BCD M&E’s Senior Vice President of Global Technology and Product, Ted Stone, and Senior Manager of Business Process Automation, Chris Clark, discussing Generative AI. In recent years, Generative AI has captured significant interest, bringing forth a wave of benefits including enhanced efficiency, the cultivation of innovation, and even boosts in overall happiness....

Listen in to hear Shweta Sharma an  Experience Designer from The Collective share her perspective on what we can all be doing to be more inclusive when it comes to picking menus, hosting events and frankly elevating menus even when going out to local restaurants with friends. Inclusivity starts with awareness, so thank you for listening to this episode and share with your friends, colleagues and f...

Creativity is defined as the ability to think about a task or problem in a new or different way, or the ability to use the imagination to generate new ideas. But how does that differ from being innovative? We dive into this topic with Aaron Price, Vice President of Creative at Access DMC. Listen in to learn more about this fascinating topic. 

Discover how NeKeta Argrow, Strategic Solutions Advisor on BCD M&E's Performance Optimization team, is bringing the 'S' back into SMM, and revitalizing strategic planning's crucial role in meetings and events for maximum impact.   

A chat with Anson Mulville, Senior Content Producer with BCD's Production & Content Team, talking about Films. A new offering powered by BCD M&E’s filmmaking house within the NORAM Production & Content team, Films utilizes decades of storytelling experience, along with award-winning directors, editors, and cinematographers, to help tell bold, beautiful, and anthemic customer stori...

A chat about all things M&E and Peru with Diana Bauer, owner and operator of Be Peru and Luis Chang, Chief Tourism & Investment Specialist at PromPeru (Peru Tourism Board) in Houston. They discuss why Peru is such a hot destination for MICE attendees and if you've been to Peru before, what you can expect from some new venues and sites. 

It's hard to believe we're already in 2024, but 2023 was another successful, whirlwind of a year. Hear some of the highlights of the year as I chat with two of BCD's finest from the Venue Search and Meeting Solutions team, Regan Furtado and Erin Daoust to hear their insights into 2023.