Better Events

This week, we’re recapping the 2025 Better Events Conference — what worked, what surprised us, and the moments that stuck with us most. We reflect on attendee feedback, lessons learned, and how our goals for the conference showed up in real time.. We’re also joined by conference sponsor and friend of the pod Alycia Drube, who conducted a sustainability audit of our in-person day and shares thought...

As we kick off Season 6, we’re looking back at the lessons 2025 taught us — both as event professionals and as business owners. We go back and forth on what worked, what challenged us, and the things we had to learn the hard way. From collaboration and boundaries to decisions we’d approach differently next time, this episode is all about honest reflection as we get ready to start a new season of t...

As we wrap up Season 5, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this year really meant for us as event professionals and business owners. We talk honestly about the wins, the hard lessons, and how collaboration over competition shaped our work this year — plus where AI fit into our workflows. We also look ahead to 2026, share what we’re excited about next, and give a sneak peek at what’s coming i...

In this special mailbag episode, we're answering your questions — the ones event pros swap in DMs, backstage, and over conference coffees. We’re diving into everything from audience engagement and creative networking ideas to reading the room and navigating A/V pricing. We also share our favorite run-of-show hacks, how to keep events seamless with a tiny team, and the essential business tools...

Not every part of event planning is glamorous—but ignoring the “boring stuff” can cause big problems. In this episode, we’re shining a light on the unsexy yet essential logistics behind successful events: permits, power, parking, trash, and WiFi. From permit surprises to power mishaps and vendor parking puzzles, we share real examples and tips that can save you from day-of disasters. Whether you’r...

If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a sea of event pros—or when it’s the right time to add something new to your offerings—this episode is for you. We’re digging into what growth really looks like as an event business, why differentiation matters more than ever, and how to identify your unique value in a crowded market. Plus, we share real examples of services we’ve added (or walked away f...

We’re pulling back the curtain on the 2025 Better Events Conference and sharing more about the planning behind the in-person day—and what’s got us most excited about it. We also share tips for keeping attendees engaged, lessons learned so far, and a few things we’re still figuring out. Whether you're planning your own conference or just curious how we make it happen, this one’s packed with pra...

Curious about what it really takes to succeed in the world of corporate events? In this episode, we sit down with Gianna Gaudini, a master corporate planner and event strategist, to explore what sets corporate events apart, how to break into the space, and how to design with intention. We also unpack attendee journey frameworks, common gaps hotels overlook when serving planners, and career shifts...

Talking about money isn’t always easy—but it’s essential, no matter if you're running an event business or navigating your event career. In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and sometimes awkward) parts of the job: raising your rates. Whether you're a freelancer negotiating your next contract or an internal event pro prepping for a raise conversation, we share the signs...

What’s an event that still haunts you? In this special live episode from the 2025 Better Events Conference, we’re swapping real-life horror stories from events gone wrong—tech fails, miscommunications, last-minute surprises, and more. You’ll hear tales from Mary, Logan, and our audience that will make you laugh, cringe, and nod in solidarity. Plus, we reflect on the early warning signs of chaos an...

This week on the Better Events Podcast, we’re joined by Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren—the dynamic duo behind BEATS WORKING: Winning the Game of Events. From how they define “winning” as event professionals to the real talk on purpose, fulfillment, and community over competition, this episode is full of career gold. They also share their “Top 6 Planning Tool,” the go-to method that keeps their e...

Events are more than just great experiences—they’re powerful business tools. In this episode, we explore how adopting a CEO mindset can elevate your event strategy. From lean planning and clear ownership to budget-driven decisions and scalable processes, we share practical ways event professionals can run smarter, more strategic events. Whether you’re planning your first large-scale event or refin...

Slowing down might sound impossible in the fast-paced world of events, but what if it’s actually the key to doing your best work? In this week’s episode, we sit down with event producer and strategist Marisa Cali of Be Present LLC to talk about the power of intentional reflection for event professionals. Marisa shares real stories from her career, practical ways to pause even in peak season, and w...

Wow — what a day! Today’s virtual Better Events Conference was filled with connection, inspiration, and a whole lot of “aha” moments. From DJ Heat’s opening beats to our Executive Powerhouse Panel and lightning-fast workshops, you brought the energy and made this community truly shine. Now, we’re taking everything we started online and bringing it in person. Join us in Seattle on December 18th for...

Running a business in the events world isn’t all highlight reels and client wins—sometimes it’s just plain hard. In this week’s episode, Logan and Mary do a follow-up episode of the hardest parts of being a business owner, from mindset struggles and boundary-setting to financial uncertainty and nonstop decision-making. We revisit what we said a few years ago on this same topic, share how our answe...

What does a stage manager actually do at a live event or conference? In this episode, Mary interviews Logan to break down her full process—from the moment she’s hired to the final cue onsite. We delve into the differences between stage managers, producers, and showcallers, the essential gear that always makes it into the “go bag,” key details your stage manager needs in your run of show, and what...

Ever been hired just for the day of an event, or curious how you can add this service to your toolkit? Mary Davidson takes you behind the scenes of her own day-of event management process—from onboarding late in the game to running the show onsite. We walk through proposal language, setting expectations, working with a team, and the real challenges that come with managing an event you didn’t manag...

We’re joined by the incredible Necoya Tyson, Founder & CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions, to talk about something every event professional faces eventually: knowing when it’s time to walk away from a client. With her deep experience in conference and tradeshow management, Necoya shares the red flags she watches for, mindset shifts needed to protect your business, and her strategies for exiting c...

This week, we’re tackling a little bit of everything event professionals deal with—from whether money really buys happiness to how formal RFPs are changing, tips for asking for and giving referrals, and when you absolutely need a contract. We also answer a listener question about getting booked without a formal agreement and share our go-to strategies for managing workload as event pros. Whether y...

What’s it really like to run one of the country’s top convention centers? In this episode, we chat with Jennifer LeMaster, President and CEO of the Seattle Convention Center, about her journey into events and what it takes to lead a massive venue like Seattle’s. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes of her leadership journey, tips for planners working with large venues, and trends shaping the future o...

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s often whispered about behind the scenes— ethics in event planning . From budget transparency and client values to security shortcuts and questionable speaker bookings, we’re breaking down the real ethical dilemmas event pros face. We’ll share tips for handling these moments with professionalism, integrity, and confidence—whether you’re new t...

In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of planning the 2025 Better Events Conference, a conference created for event pros, by event pros. Back for our third year, we share what we're keeping and what we're changing with this year's conference, especially for the virtual day. You’ll hear our top tips for anyone planning a virtual or hybrid conference, plus how we keep attendees engaged...

This week, we’re joined by Leanne Velky—better known as the Queen of Registration —to talk all things event registration websites and forms. Leanne shares why a solid registration setup is critical to event success, the must-have elements every site should include, and common mistakes to avoid. We also dive into how to collect the right attendee data without overwhelming people, platform recommend...

In this week's episode, we’re sharing what’s saving our lives right now—personally and professionally. From time-saving tools to mindset shifts, books, and small joys, we’re each bringing a list of things that are making our event work (and life outside of events) a little better. Some are practical, some are playful, but all are worth a try. Whether you're in need of fresh inspiration or just lov...

In this episode of the Better Events Podcast, we’re sharing bonus tips, lessons, and moments of growth from fellow event pros in our community. From practical advice to unexpected insights, these short clips offer real-world takeaways you can carry into your next event—and your next season of work. Plus, we react to each submission with our own thoughts and experiences. It’s a fun, reflective wrap...