Better Events

In this episode, we're coming to you from the 2023 MPI Cascadia Educational Conference in Blaine Washington. The MPI Cascadia Educational Conference (CEC) is a joint regional conference for the Oregon and Washington State Chapters of Meeting Professionals International. Cascadia features educational breakouts, motivating keynotes, and opportunities for meeting planners and suppliers to network and...

This week’s episode features YOU, our Better Events community! We answer your questions from updates on our run of show to how we pick which events to volunteer/network and suggestions for nonprofit fundraisers.  SHOW NOTES: Submit Your Questions for the Mailbag & 100th Episode Submission Form: https://forms.gle/WycG4uzoTgd75jwZ8 SCORE (Free small business resources): https://www.score.org/ Wa...

In this week's episode of the Better Events podcast, we talk with Will Curran about this year's event trends and trends of the future. He shares a refreshing perspective on some trends you might have heard of before and new ones that weren't even on our radar. Learn who sets these trends, why event trends are important, and how you can apply them to your event. —— SHOW NOTES: Submit Your Answers f...

In this episode, we're talking about the tough, stressful but honestly expected moments that happen throughout the event planning and production process. We share our stories, how we approach conflict and challenges in events, and offer some tips as you work through your style. SHOW NOTES: Submit Your Questions for the Mailbag & 100th Episode Submission Form: https://forms.gle/WycG4uzoTgd75jwZ...

In this episode, we're going over event verbiage/event terms - from ROS and BEOs to - there is so much jargon with every industry so let's dive into some of the common terms, acronyms, and phrases we come across in the event world. —— SHOW NOTES: Submit Your Questions for the Mailbag & 100th Episode Submission Form: https://forms.gle/WycG4uzoTgd75jwZ8 Terms/Verbiage We Discuss: A/V, Attrition...

In this week's episode of the Better Events podcast, we have a chat with Casey Catherwood, professional host, entertainer, and artist, about what makes a great MC/event host. From sharing his favorite events to tips for how emcees can engage with the audience, there's something for event pros and planners alike. —— SHOW NOTES: Submit Your Questions for the Mailbag & 100th Episode Submission Fo...

One of the keys to success as a freelancer or business owner is building consistent business. We talk through how we plan out our year business and event-wise, the importance of repeat clients, combating burnout and more. —— SHOW NOTES: JANUARY 2023 SURVEY LINK: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/m528Ajbj Thank you for taking 5-10 minutes to fill out the survey, we love hearing from you and your...

January is the perfect time to reflect on past goals and set new ones for the new year. As a follow-up to Episode 86 where we looked back at 2022, we are now looking at our goals, old and new. First, we look back at how we did on our 2022 goals and set new ones for 2023. This episode is a great exercise for you to reflect on your year and think about what you want to have experienced in the next c...

In this week's episode of the Better Events podcast, we sit down with Meg Strahle, a Sustainability Manager at the Bulb. Meg shares with us her take on the state of the event industry and accessibility, why it's important, and tips for how you can keep accessibility top of mind in your planning process. —— SHOW NOTES: JANUARY 2023 SURVEY LINK: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/m528Ajbj Meryl Eva...

Welcome to Season 3 of the Better Events podcast! We are kicking off the new year and new season of the podcast with a reflection back on last year and sharing all of our lessons learned. We talk about all things business, running an event planning company, and growing as event professionals. —— SHOW NOTES: JANUARY 2023 SURVEY LINK: https://b5074ntfg57.typeform.com/to/m528Ajbj Thank you for taking...

In our final episode of Season 2 of the Better Events podcast, we went back and asked all of our guests from this year to answer one of two questions: What's something you had to learn the hard way? What is a moment of joy you experienced at events this year? Learn what our guests had to say as well as our answers! —— SHOW NOTES: Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod Leave...

This week, Logan & Mary dive into imposter syndrome and how it's played a part in their event careers and businesses. From sharing examples of imposter syndrome to talking about when it can be good (even if it fells bad), and tools and tips for how to leverage it in your career. But most importantly, you're not alone and imposter syndrome is something that we all deal with on a daily/weekly/mo...

This week, Logan & Mary share a case study of hosting a virtual conference on the new Zoom Event platform. You'll learn more about what Zoom Events is, some of the pros and cons of the platform, and when it's the right fit for your next virtual or hybrid event. —— SHOW NOTES: Zoom Events: https://explore.zoom.us/en/products/event-platform/ Zoom Events Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/g...

This week, Logan & Mary discuss the different ways to express gratitude after an event, for your event team, your clients, and other event pros/vendors. You'll walk away with ideas for your next event and end-of-the-year client/team gifts. —— SHOW NOTES: Logan's Chex Mix Recipe: https://www.chex.com/recipes/original-chex-mix Postable: https://www.postable.com/ Cheryl's Cookies: https://www.che...

This week, we're talking all about learning as an event professional. With guest co-host Jaclyn Sobel of PlanMeAway, Logan breaks down the different ways we can learn, both formally and informally. We'll share our experiences learning in events, why you should always be learning, and even touch on some bad ways to learn. —— SHOW NOTES: Episode #3 - COVID Compliance at Hybrid Events with Jaclyn Sob...

In this week's episode, we interview Vanessa Narvios, founder and lead planner of Finerr Weddings and Events, a wedding and events company based out of southern California. Vanessa made the switch from working international corporate events to producing weddings in the last three years. You'll learn more about the differences and the similarities between corporate and social events, how to break i...

We talk offline about the pros and cons of freelancing all the time so we figured we'd turn it into an episode with lots of lessons learned! From what freelancing in events even is to the pros and cons of freelancing and our tips for listeners who are thinking about getting into it. —— SHOW NOTES: Related Episodes: Episode #74 - How to Start an Event Planning Business https://cms.megaphone.fm/chan...

In this week's episode, we interview Maria Oliva, the CEO & Founder of SMS Media, an Instagram coaching business for event professionals in the DC area. Maria wants to change the way event pros approach Instagram and have fun while they're at it. We tackle her go-to tips, including how to optimize your profile, the impact of the Instagram algorithm, the power of Reels, and more. You'll walk aw...

In this week's episode, we interview Keneisha Williams, event professional and founder of the Black in Events Network. We talk about how we can create more inclusive spaces for the black community, diversify your vendor list, challenging unconscious bias and more. —— SHOW NOTES: Connect with Keneisha Williams: Website: www.keneisha.co Instagram: @getkaywill LinkedIn: hhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/k...

In this episode, event producers Mary and Logan break down 10 event trends and whether they're hot and you should think about them for your next event or not and maybe skip them this time around. We cover everything from plated dinners to events on Zoom and high end photography. It's a fun episode sharing our takes on some of the hottest trends in 2022. —— SHOW NOTES: Event Tech Podcast Hot or Hyp...

If you've ever wanted to work at the Olympics, X Games, or a major sporting event, this episode is for you! We sit down with Kelly Brown, TV producer turned live event producer to talk all about her international live sports experience, getting her start in TV, and advice for other event freelancers. —— SHOW NOTES: Connect with Kelly Brown: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-brown-63a0043...

In this episode, Mary and Logan talk all about how to start an event business - for event planners, event producers, and beyond. From our own business origin stories to things we wish we knew when we started and our favorite business resources, the episode is filled with small business advice. If you’re thinking about starting a business, side hustle, or want to learn more about how we both got st...

We're talking about one of our favorite podcast topics, community over competition, and the benefits you can experience by working with, not against your competition. Our guest this week is Natalie Franke, author of Built to Belong and founder of the Rising Tide Society. We talk about how we're stronger together, examples of event pros benefit from working with their community, and how to talk to...

This week, we breakdown the key skills and strengths that event planners and event producers need. From the softer skills to more technical ones, we share our personal experiences and what makes great planners. Learn more about how you can grow your event skills and evolve in the event industry. —— SHOW NOTES: Episode 8 - How to Manage Stress - https://hospitality.fm/show/episode/8-how-to-manage-s...

Too often the event industry spends all of their time and energy on the planning process and then forgets to do the post-event work. In this week's episode, we chat through our favorite do's and a couple of don'ts when it comes to properly wrapping up your event: from thank yous to post-event feedback reports, we've got you covered. After listening to this episode, you'll be ready to wrap-up your...