Not The Same As Last Year

In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the importance of effective and enjoyable networking at events. She emphasizes the need to create an environment where attendees feel comfortable and empowered to make genuine connections. Clare suggests understanding the preferences and networking goals of the audience to tailor networking activities accordingly. She provides practical tips such as using...

Have you ever left an event feeling like you didn't quite belong? In this episode of Not the Same As Last Year I chat with Kelly McCormack, an event psychologist, about the fundamental human need to be seen and heard. Kelly reveals how a focus on attendee psychology can transform events from forgettable gatherings to powerful experiences. We discuss practical strategies for incorporating attendee...

Struggling to get your team and stakeholders excited about attendee-centric events? You're not alone! In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I tackle the challenge of building a compelling case for prioritizing the attendee experience. We'll explore the benefits of attendee-centric events , from increased ROI and happier attendees to a positive brand perception and share practical strategie...

In this episode, we discuss how to help event speakers become more engaging and interactive. I emphasise the importance of pre-event meetings with speakers to align goals and expectations, as well as to understand their expertise and presentation preferences. I highlight the need for event organisers to clearly communicate their vision and goals to speakers and provide resources and training to su...

This episode discusses the benefits of hybrid events and how they prioritise the attendee experience. Clare explains that hybrid events combine the best of both worlds, in-person and virtual, to create a truly inclusive and engaging experience. she emphasizes the importance of offering options to attendees, as they have more choices than ever before. Hybrid events allow for a wider audience by rem...

In this episode I look at ways to transform attendees from passive spectators to active contributors. Discover how letting attendees shape the agenda through session submissions, voting, and 'unconference' sessions can create a more dynamic and engaging event experience. I suggest various ways to empower attendees, such as gathering feedback, co-creating content, offering flexible schedules, using...

A big part of making an event successful is building a community. You can do this before, during, or after an event. Giving attendees the opportunity to be part of one can make them feel connected and valued.  My guest today has a background in creating engaging events. Liz Lathan is the co-founder of The Community Factory, a group that helps people build and run communities. Apart from being...

In episode 4 we talk about the human experience at events and the need for better event design. We also touch on the topic of EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) in events and how it is often treated as a tick-box exercise and emphasise the importance of creating inclusive events that prioritise the human element. TAKEAWAYS * Events should prioritise the needs and preferences of attendees * C...

In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the importance of having a clear objective for successful events. She highlights how unclear objectives can lead to events falling flat and the needs of attendees not being prioritised. Clare emphasises the need for a clear objective to guide every decision made during event planning. She suggests that a clear objective benefits event planners, suppliers,...

Welcome to episode one of Not The Same As Last Year!  I’m Clare Forestier, a professional business host, media trainer, and presentation coach. I’ve been an event host for years now, covering webinars, trade shows, conferences, engagement dinner parties, in-person association meetings, and much more. I’m here to share some of the valuable lessons I’ve learned along the way.  This first e...

In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the importance of securing wider event team buy-in for the attendee-first concept. She emphasises the need to involve suppliers, speakers, and the emcee early in the event planning process to create a truly attendee-first event. Clare shares a story about a client who had to make expensive decision, highlighting the importance of tapping into the knowledg...

Hi, I'm Clare Forestier, your guide to shaking up business events.  Welcome to Not the Same as Last Year, where we ditch the predictable to focus on attendee-first experiences.  Every week, we challenge the norm, offering tips to create events your attendees will love, alongside insights from event rebels.  Ready to make your corporate events unforgettable?  Join the movement....