The Neon Lounge

Welcome back to The Neon Lounge. This week we're joined by Muhammad Younas, Founder and CEO of vFairs, the end-to-end event management platform behind in-person, virtual, and hybrid events for thousands of companies across fifty countries. Since founding vFairs in 2016, Younas has built a business where more than half of all new revenue comes from customer referrals. And in 2026, he's tear...

Welcome back to The Neon Lounge. This week we're joined by Ellie Cashmore, Freelance Marketing and Sustainability Manager at BlackBerry Events. BlackBerry Events has spent 15 years delivering purposeful events, from the National Teaching Awards on BBC One to the national Get Into Teaching Roadshow, and is now taking that expertise into the corporate sector. Ellie's role sits right in the m...

Welcome to the new season The Neon Lounge, where we're handing the mic to the marketers. We're kicking things off with Rebecca Lott (known to everyone as Beccs) Marketing Director at Co-op Live.  It's the UK's biggest indoor arena at 23,500 capacity, and Beccs’ remit stretches way past what most people picture when they hear "venue marketing": ticketing, partnerships, fan...

Get ready to take notes - this episode is packed with golden takeaways! We’re joined by the brilliant Chloe, Head of Content at ELX, for a fast-paced and insight-rich chat about all things communication, content, and creating unforgettable events. From the power of language to the science behind what makes experiences stick, Chloe shares practical advice that you can put into action right away - w...

We’re joined by Rob, Director at Ethical Staffing, who shares the incredible story behind My Cause UK, a game-changing initiative that allows people to gain events experience, meet new people, and donate to charity all at the same time. But that’s just the start. Rob also dives into the realities of event staffing and why fair wages, inclusivity, and ethical treatment should be the foundation of e...

We’ve got a refreshing episode for you this week on The Neon Lounge! We’re joined by Katie Kenward from White Claw at Mark Anthony Brands, who gives us an insider’s look at how experiential marketing is driving the success of one of the biggest names in the drinks industry. Katie shares how innovation in the UK’s drinks and nightlife scene is shaping consumer habits, and why supporting mental heal...

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an inspiring episode about what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up, and take it global without losing that small-business magic. This week, we’re joined by a guest who knows exactly how to scale a business internationally while staying true to its core values. Kashif Din, CEO at One World Rental dives deep into the mindset of a successful entre...

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an episode packed with insider knowledge on what it really takes to grow a successful business in the events industry. This week, we’re joined by Louisa O’Connor, Managing Director at Seen Presents, who shares her journey of building a business from the ground up and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Together, we explore: The highs and lows of the pitching...

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an episode that goes deep into the realities of running a family-owned business in the events industry. This week, we’re joined by Nathan, Co-founder and Managing Director at Wildfire Agency, who shares his candid experiences of navigating family dynamics in business, making tough decisions, and adapting in times of crisis. Together, we explore:- The challenges o...

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with another thought-provoking episode that shines a light on a crucial but often overlooked topic - childcare in the events industry. This week, we’re joined by Janthea Bridgen - CEO and Founder of Nipperbout - who is on a mission to make events more family-friendly and inclusive. Together, we dive into: Why childcare at events matters, and how it can improve accessi...

The Neon Lounge is back and open for business with another insightful episode for event professionals! This week, we sat down with Craig Mathie, the founder of Project 30 Event Management, a personal mission that he started at 30 to create a better, more fulfilled life. Together, we have an open and meaningful conversation about: The journey of coming out, embracing identity, and finding confidenc...

The Neon Lounge is back with another episode full of insights for event professionals. This week, we’re joined by Olly Galvin, Director at Acumen Safety, who shares his expertise on personal branding, health & safety training, and balancing parenthood with life on-site. Together, we dive into: The power of personal branding on LinkedIn, and why it matters and how to keep your content relevant,...

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with another episode packed with insight for event professionals! This week, we’re joined by the brilliant Emma Castle, a powerhouse in the events industry who knows exactly what it takes to stand out in this fast-paced world. Together, we dive into: Why personality and attitude are just as important as experience in events Top tips to make your CV shine and land your...

Welcome to Season 2 of The Neon Lounge - the podcast that shines the spotlight on unfiltered stories, valuable insight and expert knowledge to empower you to succeed in the events industry. In episode 2, we’re thrilled to be joined by the incredible Paz Brennan, Founder at Spartan Crew. He’s an events industry powerhouse who brings candid insight into the realities of touring and building a busine...

We’re back! Welcome to Season 2 of The Neon Lounge - the podcast that shines the spotlight on unfiltered stories, valuable insight and expert knowledge to empower you to succeed in the events industry. And for episode 1, we have our first ever in-person recording, coming from Event Tech Live 2024. We got to pin down the amazing Will Curran, who ended up being one of our most enthusiastic guests ev...

As Season 1 of The Neon Lounge draws to an end, we’re joined by the charismatic Felicia Asiedu for a very special recording, live and direct from IMEX Frankfurt! We share all of our favourite takeaways from the show, discussing our personal highlights, favourite sessions and so much more. From the Google Experience Institute (Xi) CoLaboratory space, to panels with industry legends such as Fay Shar...

In this episode, we're delving into the remarkable journey of Carlos, a true trailblazer in the events industry. From his humble beginnings in the Brazilian countryside to his current global prominence, Carlos shares how his background in theatre and dance ignited his passion for events. We'll explore what drew him to start afresh in Ireland and the challenges he faced with language and cu...

Lizzy joins us in the lounge as we uncover the path that led her to founding Oddity Events and Marketing, which recently celebrated turning 5. Despite setting it up amidst covid, the agency has flourished under Lizzy's leadership, carving a niche in delivering events that drive social change. We spill the beans on all things motherhood, balancing a busy work schedule and becoming a mum, Lizzy’...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains sensitive discussions surrounding mental health and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional or contact a helpline. We have added a link to a great organisation called Music Support in the show notes. Your well-being is important to us. Join us as we dive into the capt...

In this episode we chat to social media and personal branding expert Nyomi Rose. From navigating the challenges of completing her degree during the COVID era to boldly founding her own company, @WhatNyomiDoes, Nyomi shares the highs, lows, and pivotal moments that have shaped her path. In our conversation, we delve deep into the importance of volunteering to kickstart your career, adapting to indu...

This week we are joined by the industry’s go-to expert in event safeguarding, Tom Stead. With over 13 years of experience in the field, Tom has worked at some of the UK’s biggest sporting events, venues and local authorities, consulting to event organisers and dedicated to the safety of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.  We have an honest and raw conversation with Tom about the import...

In this episode, Cat and Eloise are joined by the wonderful David Beswick, a seasoned event prof with over two decades of experience in the field. From his early days as an apprentice to his current role as Director at X3 Solutions, Dave shares his remarkable journey filled with insights, challenges, and unforgettable moments, dishing out advice on everything from creative charging to balancing wo...

Tune in to the remarkable Josh Heyburn, Managing Director of the Occasional Group (formerly Festivall Services). With nearly half his life devoted to the events industry and boasting not one but two Event Management degrees, Josh brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. Outside of work, Josh's passion for live music and entertainment is evident, as he often finds himself immersed in...

Embark on an exhilarating voyage with our guest, Rob, a Chartered Accountant turned festival aficionado, whose vibrant career has traversed esteemed organisations spanning Tesco to Lovebox Festival, and a remarkable 13-year tenure as Festival Director at MAMA Festivals. From steering the financial helm at Boardmasters to orchestrating the grandeur of the UEFA Champions League Final, Rob's traj...

Dive deep into the dynamic realm of event marketing with our captivating guest, Tamar Beck, the visionary CEO and Co-Founder of Gleanin! Embark on a journey as we uncover the innovative prowess of Gleanin's community marketing platform. Discover how it revolutionises event promotion, effortlessly transforming attendees into enthusiastic advocates! Drawing from her extensive 15-year tenure as a...