Beats Working: Winning the Game of Events

Lisa Schulteis — founder of ElectraLime Marketing and executive director of the Northwest Event Show — joins BEATS WORKING hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren for an insightful look behind the curtain of strategic event planning. Drawing from her background in neuropsychology, Lisa shares science-backed strategies to boost attendee engagement, memory retention, and belonging, whether events are...

Mary Davidson and Logan Clements, co-hosts of the Better Events Podcast, join Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren on this episode of BEATS WORKING. With over 15 years of combined event expertise, Mary and Logan spill their secrets on creating memorable events, share their favorite “meet cute” story, discuss backup plans for when events go sideways, and dive into the power of community and collaborati...

Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren are joined at The Fun Table by Kristin Graham, Amy Liz Harrison and Dele Downs Kooley for a hilarious and heartfelt look at reunions. From over-the-top family gatherings (including themed Olympics and Civil War reenactments!) to awkward high school reunions and surprise run-ins at the airport, the group unpacks the chaos, nostalgia, and sometimes cringe-worthy mome...

This episode of BEATS WORKING features multi-talented DJ, EDM producer, and employee benefits executive Justin Murta. Hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren dive into Justin’s unique journey balancing a global music career and corporate leadership, his experiences performing in 34 countries, and practical insights into work-life balance, family, and creativity. Justin even spits a freestyle rap fo...

Hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren chat with Brad Brotherton, fourth-generation owner of Brotherton Cadillac and Brotherton Buick GMC, about his journey fusing business and philanthropy. Brad shares the story behind the creation of Celebrity Steak-Out — a grassroots fundraiser that’s helped raise millions for Fred Hutch Cancer Center and boasts celeb guests like Joel McHale — and gives listene...

BEATS WORKING hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren are joined at The Fun Table by Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley, and Amy Liz Harrison for a deep dive into "Supercommunicators" by Charles Duhigg. Together, they discuss the core concepts of effective communication, how different conversation styles affect event planning, and actionable strategies to foster deeper connections both per...

Balloon artist extraordinaire Sean Edwards (aka The Balloon Guy) joins hosts Libby Sundgren and Alysse Bryson for a fun, revealing look behind the curtain of the luxury balloon world. From celebrity parties (think: the Kardashians and Miley Cyrus) to epic installation mishaps, Sean shares how he turned a childhood hobby into an event powerhouse. Learn the secrets behind top-notch balloon design, h...

Jump into the lively world of auctions and fundraising with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net. Hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren explore innovative fundraising ideas, practical strategies for organizing successful events, and industry insights that help both seasoned and first-time organizers "win the game of events." From chicken bingo to dessert dashes, Roger serves up...

Alysse and Libby sit down with Dan T. Rogers — entrepreneur, culture builder, and pattern disruptor — to explore how work can be more than performance; it can be a place to practice becoming better humans. Dan reveals the origins of The Sidekick Way philosophy + ecosystem, how focusing on contribution over competition led to business transformation, and why practices like daily gratitudes and clea...

Sit down with DJ Baby Van Beezly to explore her journey from CPA to club and wedding DJ, the artistry behind turntable performances, and the realities of parenting while working nights. Baby shares hilarious tales from the dance floor, her approach to creating unforgettable event atmospheres, and how she balances both creativity and client requests. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like be...

It’s all wigs, wine, and Wonder Woman costumes as Alysse Bryson, Libby Sundgren, and the Fun Table crew dive into the highs and hilarities of theme parties! The gang tackles the eternal question: are theme events a fabulous treat or a stressful trick? With stories of Tony Danza extravaganzas, Seattle’s unique dress codes, and tips for making everyone feel included (costume closet or not), this epi...

Keith Alper is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and powerhouse in experiential marketing and event production. In this episode of BEATS WORKING, he shares stories from 40 years of leading global events for iconic brands, the secret sauce for connecting head and heart at events, leadership lessons from accidental entrepreneurship, and why crafting unforgettable moments hinges on the smallest de...

Bridal and celebrity makeup artist Michelle Wight shares her journey from side hustle to leading a thriving seven-figure beauty business, reveals behind-the-scenes stories from weddings and celebrity shoots (including the Seattle season of "Love Is Blind"), and dishes real talk on growth, hiring, and staying inspired in a fast-paced industry. From wild client moments to advice on hiring...

Sit down with David Roman (a.k.a. “Roman”), owner and lead guide of the Henry Mural Tour Company in Seattle. David shares the story behind Seattle’s iconic 'Henryverse,' his deep friendship and partnership with prolific street artist Henry, and the unexpected adventures that come with leading creative tours — including fire-breathing at Burning Man. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at...

Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren sit down with Seattle fashion icon Terri Morgan, owner and director of TCM Models and Talent, on this episode of BEATS WORKING. With over 35 years in the industry, Terri shares how the world of fashion events has adapted post-pandemic, the realities behind inclusivity on the runway, the essential blend of grit and creativity in her business, and plenty of behind-th...

In this heart-forward episode, hosts Libby Sundgren and Alysse Bryson gather with Kristin Graham, Amy Liz Harrison, Dele Downs Kooley, and Sarah Caples Noble to dive deep into the art (and heart) of nonprofit and fundraising events. From unforgettable gala moments to innovative carnival-style fundraisers, the group shares stories, strategies, and plenty of laughs about what makes giving events mea...

Dynamic duos! Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren sit down with Richard Miller and Maria Gausepohl, the brains behind Point to Point Transportation’s most complex event logistics. With decades of experience in domestic trucking and international air freight, Richard and Maria pull back the curtain on what it really takes to deliver show-stopping events on time and intact — whether facing internationa...

In this episode of BEATS WORKING - Winning the Game of Events, hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren are joined by Virginia Frischkorn, founder and CEO of Party Trick, the all-in-one event planning platform revolutionizing both intimate gatherings and large-scale experiences. Virginia shares how her journey from luxury event planning to tech entrepreneur led her to create a tool that streamlines...

In this episode of BEATS WORKING — Winning the Game of Events, hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren welcome Kelli Bielema — a powerhouse event producer with 25+ years of creative expertise across mega festivals, brand activations, and employee experiences at Meta. Kelli shares her secrets for creative ideation, resiliency in the face of chaos, and building unforgettable events both big and small...

Dive into the world of corporate event logistics with CJ Gonzalez. Discover her travel must-haves, learn about pulling off huge events without losing your cool, and get her take on why saying "no" can sometimes be the best answer. This fun and insight-filled episode is packed with CJ's stories from the road, insights on teamwork and adaptability, and her unique 137% dedication.   Tim...

Get ready for some runway drama as hosts Libby Sundgren and Alysse Bryson chat with Alexandra Nyman from the Break Free Foundation. From backstage shoe-throwing to promoting diversity on the catwalk, Alexandra dishes on how she turns chaos into meaningful Fashion Week events. Discover what it takes to blend fashion with purpose, highlighting mental health and addiction recovery, all while keeping...

Join us at The Fun Table in this lively episode of BEATS WORKING - Winning the Game of Events! Hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren sit down with Kristin Graham, Dele Downs Kooley, and Amy Liz Harrison for some good laughs and event-planning wisdom. They dive into Priya Parker’s "The Art of Gathering," sharing insights on throwing successful parties and making meaningful connections. W...

Drew Dambreville is the COO of the Seattle Seawolves Rugby Club and co-founder of the Seattle Polo Party and Seattle All-Star Classic. Drew shares his expertise in crowd engagement, revenue growth in spectator sports, and how to create unforgettable event experiences. From the planning process of the Seattle Polo Party's 10th year to his tactics for enhancing fan experiences at rugby games, Dr...

Carrie Nicole May—a nurse practitioner and founder of Chicago AF—shares her journey of organizing alcohol-free events and retreats, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and shared experiences without the need for alcohol. From her iconic "No Booze Cruise" to her exciting plans for 2025 events, Carrie provides insights into creating spaces where everyone feels included and en...

Bethany Calhoun, owner and lead planner of Pink Bubbly Events, shares insights into the most surprising wedding requests, her strategies for managing event day chaos, and her thoughts on where couples should invest their wedding budgets.  Timestamps:   [02:49] - Bethany’s start in the event industry  [09:47] - The pivotal internship summer in Seattle  [13:00] - Memorable and challenging wedding mo...