Ignite Your Events: The Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Emilia Kim, founder of EM Collective Events, to talk about what it really takes to strike out on your own. Emilia shares how she thoughtfully prepared for the transition, and how defining her worst-case scenario gave her the confidence to take the leap. Along the way, we explore the realities of freelance event work—from setting rates and managing scope creep to n...

From “accidental planner” to independent event pro, Jodi Rodriquez, CMP, founder and owner, Eleven Events’ career is a masterclass in taking risks, embracing change and building resilience in the business events industry. In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Jodi to trace her journey from a government role to hospitality and, ultimately, launching her own thriving business. Alon...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, hosts Laura Bickle and Debbie van der Beek welcome Natalie Lowe, founder of The Sustainable Events Forum and a 25-year industry veteran.  Natalie shares why the traditional “do everything, do it perfectly” mindset has stalled progress—and how a more practical, step-by-step approach can help planners actually get started. This powerful shift in thinking: from...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, hosts Laura Bickle and Debbie van der Beek welcome Sean Hoff, founder of Moniker Partners, for a lively and insightful conversation about creativity, leadership and the evolving world of incentive travel. The discussion kicks off with Moniker’s recent SITE Crystal Award win and the standout program behind it—one led by a rising member of Hoff’s team that high...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: attracting the next generation of talent. From ongoing labour shortages to outdated perceptions of what event careers look like, the gap between opportunity and awareness has never been wider. Joined by four industry leaders who’ve banded together around this issue, the conversation explores why busine...

Welcome to our annual Ignite team podcast, where we gather in the recording booth to take a look back at the big trends we predicted for 2025—and an honest conversation about whether they actually happened. And, of course, we’ll take a look forward at what’s shaping business events in 2026. We’ll also talk about a big project we are working on in 2026—the Ignite  Salary Survey—and how you can get...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Minto Schnieder. She is the Chair of Meetings Mean Business Canada, a coalition that brings together leaders from across the meetings and events industry to speak with one voice about the value and economic impact of business events in this country. We’re talking about advocacy, federal funding and what the latest budget means for Canada’s bu...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Jennifer Beatty, a respected industry leader whose career spans roles with TIAC, Tourism Calgary, Resiada and Travel Alberta, along with extensive volunteer work for MPI, where she serves as chair of the Global Board of Trustees for the MPI Foundation. Jennifer shares how the relationships she’s built throughout her career became a vital sour...

In this thought-provoking episode, Laura and Debbie sit down with longtime friend of Ignite and industry thought leader Tahira Endean—head of programming for IMEX and former head of events at SITE Global. Endean’s new book, Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust, is making waves across the event world—earning quotes at summits and sparking lively online conversa...

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Krista Benoit, founder of iSPARK Consulting, to talk about the power of working with people who actually inspire you. From her unapologetic "No Assholes Allowed" philosophy to building a business rooted in integrity, kindness and collaboration, Krista shares how saying “no” to toxic energy can unlock joy, creativity and real results. We dig i...

In March, when Julie Danaylov, co-founder of Cirque Revolution Events Inc., took to the stage to accept the Supplier of the Year award at the MPI Toronto Awards Gala, she delivered a rousing speech beseeching event pros to stand up for their value and fight back against the myth that events are “bad optics” in trying economic times. We invited Julie into the studio to dive further into this issue....

In the spring issue of Ignite, Monica Gomez, founder of The Concierge Club, wrote about the inefficiencies of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and proposed some innovative solutions. Gomez joins us in the Ignite podcast booth today to dive even deeper in the issue and tell us why she thinks an industry coalition around the issue may be the answer. And she’ll also recount her fascinating care...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s long overdue for discussion—how we value professional speakers and why they deserve to be paid for their work. Yes, even at industry events! Joining us is Tami Adams, founder and curator of speaking talent at TA Speakers Management. Adams is a longtime supported of the Ignite Worth it initiative, which was founded on the idea that the industry can only grow...

In this episode, we’re getting real about money with Keri Miller, Chief Creative Strategist at e=mc² events. She’s one of our go-tos when we take Ignite's Worth It: Stand up for Business Events initiative on the road. In fact, she joined us on stage at IMEX in Las Vegas last fall.   And it's Miller’s views on compensation that prompted us to invite her on the podcast today. Miller is a strong advo...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the Ignite team into the podcast booth! Together, we’re diving into the trends shaping the industry in 2025, from networking and sustainability strategies to culinary innovations and diversity-focused event design and more. Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros! A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Quebec C...

In this bonus episode, Ignite team members share our hopes and dreams for our beloved business events community for 2025. Do you have some wishes for 2025? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca . Ignite Team Members in this Episode: Laura Bickle, Angela Kryhul, Jennifer Newby, Rose Filice, Melaya Horsten, Debbie van der Beek Be sure to subscribe...

This episode, we’re ready to stir the pot and tackle industry practices that need a makeover—all in the name of elevating the business event industry and driving discussion. On the docket: unprofessional behaviour on FAM trips, transparency in budgets and fees, discounting practices and idea theft.  A special thank you to our episode sponsor, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Connect with their...

In this episode we talk to Dwayne Rutherford, founder and managing director, Debonair Corporate Events, on the importance of keeping up the momentum with DE&I efforts at events. As some corporations seem to be retreating from DE&I initiatives, it is important for the events industry to forge ahead and set an example for creating experiences and spaces that are welcoming to everyone. You do...

In this episode of the Ignite Your Events Podcast, Laura and Debbie explore the challenges faced by event pros in aligning personal values with career growth. Whether you’re an independent planner, corporate event coordinator or supplier, this conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries, managing workloads and confidently articulating your worth. Listen in for valuable insights o...

Julia O’Grady is the “chief futurist and head of schmoozing” at ITM Events based in Ottawa and has been in the industry for more than 15 years. O’Grady is a fierce advocate for elevating the business proposition of the industry while promoting an approach that respects all stakeholders. You’ll be captivated by her story of her losing $14,000 on a program and how that experience changed her entire...

Lisa Zivontsis started her career with various event and incentive firms before founding The Event Partner in 2016. Lisa is known for her advocacy in the event industry, speaking out about the need for fair, people-focused business practices. In this episode, she shares how a devastating loss sent her on a journey toward balancing her family life and her mental health with her love of the work. Gu...

In this episode, we dive deep into the corporate event planning industry with Anita Carlyle, managing partner at Moore Carlyle Consulting and MCC Destination Management in Toronto. She’ll take us through how her company handles the challenges of the RFP process, protecting ideas, the impact of the economy on events and fostering mutually beneficial client relationships. Guest: Anita Carlyle, Manag...

This inaugural episode delves into the origins and impact of the "Worth It: Stand Up for Business Events Initiative," born from a profound session at the 2022 PCMA Canadian Innovation Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada. Debbie and Laura share compelling stories of industry challenges and triumphs to elevate the business events sector. A big thank you to Quebec City for sponsoring this episode. Le...