Denver NACE Podcast

A band can be incredible and still be a bad booking if the details are messy. We’re joined by Denver entertainment agent Terri Fisher of Five Star Talent and Entertainment, who has spent 26 years helping event planners land the right talent and helping performers show up like true pros. Terri breaks down what “full service entertainment” actually means, from musicians and DJs to comedians, dueling...

What if your brand felt less like a flash and more like a steady glow? We sit down with filmmaker and CEO Devin Scheer to trace his path from borrowing his dad’s cameras to running hundreds of shoots a year—and why he’s rebranding All Digital Photo and Video to Emberlight Media. Devin opens up about the lessons only live events can teach: cohesive crews that move as one, communication that prevent...

Rethinking Event Audio with Jason Gorley of CiferNoise Productions What if you could run multiple sessions in one room without competing sound systems or confused guests? In this episode, Jason Gorley, founder of CiferNoise Productions, shares how silent disco technology goes far beyond dance parties. From multilingual conferences to interactive workshops, he explains how wireless headphones creat...

Elizabeth Marberry gets it—and she’s flipped the script. By leaning into authentic Instagram marketing, she grew her wedding dance coaching biz by 84% — without spending a dime on ads . In this episode, she shares how wedding and event pros can stop hiding behind perfection, connect with the right audience, and show up with confidence. Her secret? It’s not algorithms—it’s you . 💡 With simple stra...

Scotty discusses his diverse experiences and shares insights into the importance of DMCs in creating exceptional event experiences and why he's started his own DMC. - Introduction to Scotty O'Brien and his background in the events industry - Definition and purpose of a Destination Management Company (DMC) - The role of DMCs in corporate event planning - Insights into launching a DMC: Par...

Luis Martinez took a bold step away from a stable career at the U.S. Mint to pursue his passion for the event industry. Alongside his wife Shannon, he founded Lucia Event Design Services and the Strike Crew, a company that provides crucial labor support for event setups. Their journey reveals a gap in nighttime logistics, an area where they've carved out a niche by offering luxury solutions....

What happens when you mix a disco ball, a 70s dress code, and a room full of creative event professionals? A night to remember at the Naughty or NACE event in Denver, that's what! We take you behind the scenes of this lively party, held at the Curtis Hotel, where the end-of-year celebrations for event aficionados came alive with sparkling champagne service, eye-catching attire, and innovative...

Ever wondered what it takes to orchestrate one of Denver's largest bridal shows? We welcome Jewels Gray, the driving force behind the Rocky Mountain Bridal Show, to share her behind-the-scenes stories and invaluable insights from years in the event industry. Her commitment to uplifting small businesses shines through as she shares strategies for empowering exhibitors with the tools they need...

With elections looming just ahead, Jared and Prez Dez discuss how the board functions, the positions being elected tonight, and open opportunities for members and committees in The NACE Denver chapter. 

What if you could turn a humble beginning as a high school DJ into a flourishing event services empire? Kevin Dennis of Fantasy Sound Event Services did just that, and he's here to tell us how. From crafting custom chandeliers to mastering AV gigs with tech giants like Bill Gates, Kevin’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hands-on learning, and strategic networking. This ep...

How will the integration of cannabis reshape the events industry? This episode promises to uncover the transformative topics and surprising insights awaiting attendees at the upcoming NACE Experience Conference in Denver this July. We're thrilled to have Bonnie Vidal from Biscuits and Berries returning, alongside first-time guest Aimee Palifroni. Together, we delve into the significance of ho...

What drives a person to shift careers and find their true calling in the dynamic world of event planning? Meet Erin Young, the spirited sales coordinator at Footers Catering, as she takes us through her remarkable journey from property management and commercial real estate to a fulfilling role in the events industry. Over an enticing charcuterie board and a selection of seasonal cocktails from Soc...

Join us for an illuminating conversation with Jeff Libby, owner of MiHi Entertainment, and Sarah Sheveland, the company's dynamic sales manager. Discover how this innovative company is transforming corporate events with cutting-edge photo and video activations, AI-driven personality quizzes, and creative AV services. Jeff reveals the secrets behind their engaging trade show strategies and the...

Ever wondered how a career shift could lead to a life of creative passion and strategic success? Meet Brittany Branson, a live wedding painter who's transformed her life to align with her pilot husband's unconventional schedule. Brittany opens up about her journey from arts legislation and management to becoming a sought-after destination artist, sharing her ambitious goal of painting in...

Ever wondered how a wedding planner can seemingly spin straw into gold, juggling colorful blooms and handling last-minute hitches with a smile? Meet Amelia Moritz, the heart and soul behind Allegra Weddings and Events, whose leap from a joyful bride to a trend-setting event maestro in Denver is nothing short of a fairy tale. Seamlessly blending tales of her own nuptials with the artistry of her bu...

Ever wondered how a trivia host transforms into a powerhouse wedding event specialist? Meet Rob Maher of Elite Entertainment, who joins us on this enlightening episode to share his incredible journey. His company isn't just about DJs spinning tracks—it's an all-encompassing event extravaganza with photo booths, high-tech lighting, and LED dance floors, all delivered with a genuine kindne...

When Joe Keum from Studio JK Photography picked up his father's Nikon F3, little did he know it would lead to a lifelong career capturing the tapestry of human emotion. Join us as Joe shares his personal and professional trajectory in the world of photography, alongside his wife Joyce. They've turned fleeting moments into everlasting memories, particularly in their specialty of wedding p...

Unlock the mysteries of turning potential clients into actual sales with Alan Berg’s masterclass in event sales strategy. As an industry virtuoso, Alan joins us to lay bare the transformative power of understanding your brand's core. We'll navigate through the nuances of selling the dream, not just the service, and furnish you with the tools to ensure your creative talents are not just s...

Unlock the secrets of forging powerful business alliances in the events industry with our special guest Desiree Kelly, as we share the strategies behind successful B2B collaborations. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to enhance their event planning or management business. We take you behind the scenes of our recent enlightening chat revolving around the impact of str...

Discover the superpowers that drive the world of event planning and leadership in our latest podcast episode, where empowerment takes center stage. Join us as we sit down with Denver's trailblazing women—Danielle Phippen, Heidi Brown, Shannon Martinez, and Jenny Maxwell—who are not just leading the charge in their community but also raising the bar on a national level. Their stories span the...

Imagine stepping behind the scenes of Denver's most electrifying events with Kyrstin Schomberg, the producer of the Denver Nays podcast and a maestro of memorable experiences. She joins us to unpack the tapestry of her career, from the hospitality classrooms to the vibrant corridors of the Rally Hotel. Kyrstin, with a knack for conjuring up unforgettable events, offers a treasure trove of car...

Embark on a flavorful expedition with Sarah Chianese, the gastronomic virtuoso behind Mangia and Enjoy, as we traverse her journey from the vibrant streets of New York to the scenic charm of Colorado Springs. Sarah's devotion to creating dishes that are more than just sustenance but rather, embodiments of affection, takes center stage in our latest podcast episode. With a focus on sustainabil...

Embark on a transformative exploration of intentional living with our esteemed guest Dawn Abbott, as we dissect the very fabric of aligning life's ambitions with your deepest values. Dawn, coach, author, and events industry luminary, imparts the wisdom from her book "Your Life is Not a To-Do List" and her engrossing talk at the recent NACE event. Discover the tools for self-awarenes...

Unlock the secrets to a year-round booming business with Desiree Kelly, our chapter president at NACE, as she slices into the world of innovative income strategies for event professionals. Together, we whip up a conversation that's as rich as the frosting on her signature cakes, sharing the recipe for her birthday cake subscription service that has transformed the way we think about generatin...