Event Industry News Podcast

James Dickson talks with Jess Gould from Weezevent about closed‑loop cashless payment systems, NFC wristbands and unified ticketing and access control that work offline to reduce theft, speed up entry and simplify vendor operations. They also cover live reporting, data ownership and emerging AI integrations that give organisers real‑time insights and long‑term audience intelligence for festivals a...

In this episode, James Dickson interviews Chris Carter‑Chapman, event director of World Travel Market London, on his first year in the role. They discuss WTM’s scale and heritage, new WTM Travel Tech and innovation zones, attendee journey and planning tools, logistics across London and Excel, the show’s economic impact, and strategies to grow buyer attendance despite venue capacity limits. This ep...

Mark Hutchinson, Managing Director of creative agency INCEPTION, joins the Event Industry News Podcast to discuss how his team designs trade show stands, retail activations and product launches with commercial outcomes front of mind. They cover using data and technology—dwell time, heat mapping and interaction tracking—to measure event ROI, the importance of authentic creative over theatrical gimm...

In this episode James Dickson interviews Muhammad Younas, founder and CEO of vFairs, about how he built the platform from his experience running online events, scaled rapidly during the 2020 pandemic, and prioritised stability and hands-on support for customers. They discuss vFairs’ evolution into hybrid and in-person events, global expansion of support teams, integrations with marketing and CRM s...

In this episode James Dickson is joined by Rainfocus CMO Ashleigh Cook to discuss how event data and AI are transforming attendee experiences and providing measurable ROI. She explains data-driven personalisation, real-time analytics, and AI-powered sentiment and recommendation tools that speed decision-making and improve conversions. The episode covers practical topics like data migration, integr...

Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn discusses the company’s ground‑breaking project to install mains power at London’s Finsbury Park — the first installation of its kind in the UK. The move, a collaboration with Haringey Council and National Grid, aims to reduce reliance on temporary generators and use renewable energy for major concerts. Broke ground in March with the first mains-powered concerts sc...

The event industry news podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production trusted by organisations where reliability really matters — from corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams. They design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time. In this episode James Dixon interviews Ross Wheel...

Maria O'Dea from The Event School London explains the school's new ATHE level 4–7 regulated event management diplomas, created to tackle UK industry recruitment shortages by offering a structured, vocational route into events. The episode covers the school's hands-on, industry-led teaching, flexible course options from short masterclasses to degree alternatives, and how it prepares students and ca...

James Dickson sits down with Area General Manager Nicola Betley to celebrate Hilton Birmingham Metropole’s 50th anniversary, exploring the hotel’s role at the heart of the UK events industry, long-serving team members, and evolving guest and event experiences. They discuss partnerships, new ideas like glamping and leisure facilities, upcoming anniversary events, and how the venue plans long-term t...

James Dickson sits down at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with Rita Chandarana from Eventologists to explore how creative production turns standard hotel spaces into immersive, memorable events. They discuss collaboration with technical partners like Protec, designing multi‑zone experiences (wellbeing, charging and photo areas), catering to changing audience tastes, and the importance of meticulo...

James Dickson records at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole to mark its 50th anniversary, interviewing Simon Jelley from Protec about the venue's vast event spaces, technical capabilities, and the on-site partnership that powers seamless productions. They discuss the Monarch, King and Palace suites, arena-style load-ins, evolving AV technology and LED walls, hybrid event integration, staffing strateg...

James Dickson sits down with Johnny Lance, co‑director of The Showman's Show, to explore the event’s 40+ year history, its role in the outdoor events industry, and how it evolved from a printed directory into a must‑attend trade show. They discuss practical event infrastructure, sustainability wins, new technology, the family business ethos, and what makes the October gathering a social and trade...

Host James Dickson chats with Kieran Garlic, MD of Present Communications, about how modern AV, live streaming and hybrid production can extend the life and reach of events. They discuss leveraging event content, building resilient systems, the blurred lines between live and digital formats, and practical tips for making events more accessible and engaging. This episode of the Event Industry News...

James Dickson interviews Alex Pearn, CEO of ClinkClink, about their new report 'Do You Sleep Well at Night? Sleep, Stress and Wellbeing in UK Event Management', which examines how in-house event managers experience stress, poor sleep and post-event crashes, and why last-minute changes and under-resourcing are top concerns. The episode highlights the difference between motivating 'good' stress and...

At Confex 2026 James Dickson speaks with Katie Whitby, Head of Sales at The Venues Collection , about modern delegate welfare. They discuss practical, easy-to-implement measures venues can offer — from quiet spaces and residential options to allergen kits, accessible tech and inclusive catering — and why venues should act as trusted advisors to event organisers. The episode highlights real example...

At Confex 2026, James Dickson sits down with Ash Austin of Evolution Dome to explore 15 years in the inflatable structure industry. They discuss the benefits of inflatable venues—rapid setup, acoustics, temperature control, and wind ratings—plus the launch of the educational "Pink Book" and a new private Nexus Pod product. This episode highlights safety, sustainability, and best practices for even...

Recorded live at Confex 2026 inside an Evolution Dome, James Dickson sits down with Lefteris Angelidis, CEO and creative director of Visual Architects. They discuss the company’s journey from club and festival theming to a full-service creative production house with manufacturing, 3D, robotics and interior design capabilities. The conversation covers how 3D renders and AI speed creative briefs, th...

Recorded live at International Confex 2026 from an Evolution Dome pod, James Dickson interviews Fran Starkie and Joe Chilvers about The Training Department’s new nine-module corporate production management programme. They discuss how the hands-on, modular courses bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world event production, while supporting students and career switchers. The episode co...

James Dixon talks with Jenny McNeil, founder of Feast & Fable, about creating immersive, narrative-driven dining experiences that use food as the central storytelling device for brands and events. They cover Jenny’s career path, examples of multi-room and sensory activations, and how sound, scent, performance and context make meals memorable for press, influencers and consumers. Visit https://...

James Dickson speaks with Jens Nisson, Director & Executive Head Chef at Bubble Food, about translating restaurant techniques to events, crafting narrative-driven menus, and prioritising provenance and sustainability. The episode also explores logistics, front-of-house staffing, street-food influences, staying creatively current, and how Bubble Food delivers standout experiences across venues....

James Dickson is joined by A Greener Future’s Claire O’Neill to talk about GEI18, AGF’s Green Events & Innovations Conference taking place next week on 24th February at Royal Lancaster London. GEI18 is set to be a day of succinct, practical sessions on sustainability in live events covering certifications, power, waste, community impact as much more. Speakers include industry leaders and music...

James Dickson welcomes event business success coach Nick Oxborrow to kick off 2026 with a candid conversation about his journey from hospitality into events, starting a business in Singapore, and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis. Nick explains why event professionals often struggle to monetise their skills, the importance of financial planning and relationship-building, how tech and AI shou...

James Dixon records live from Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with guest Goc O'Callaghan — co-founder of ArcTanGent Festival and founder of UBQex. They discuss measuring the "return on experience", real-time metrics, personalisation, imagination poverty, accessibility, and the need to design events around people. The episode offers practical ideas — using apps and algorithms for personalisation, psyc...

James Dixon sits down at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham with event lead Johanna Byrane to explore the venue's recent refurbishments, new on-site hotel and upgraded conference technology. The episode highlights flexible event spaces, pitch-side experiences including an alfresco auditorium, the World Rugby Museum, and practical advice for planners on collaborating with venues to create memorable even...

James Dixon speaks with Penny Banks, Creative Director at GES, about the launch of Show Ready - The Edit, a curated range of four modular exhibition designs (Khan, Luter, Vico, Rho) aimed at the 30–50 sqm exhibition stand sweet spot. The episode covers the product’s circular design principles, recycled materials and integrated LED flooring, plus faster builds, configurable layouts and operational...