Not The Same As Last Year

Most event organisers aren’t trying to exclude people. But when it comes to neurodivergent attendees, that’s exactly what’s happening – unless you're planning with inclusion in mind from the very beginning. In this episode, Clare chats with Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain, about what a neuro-inclusive event actually looks like (and what it doesn’t). They talk about why making your event...

Why do so many B2B panels fall flat? Why do keynote sessions sometimes miss the mark—despite having great speakers? And why is no one quite sure who’s in charge on stage? In this episode, Clare Forestier is joined by Richard John—COO of Realize and co-author of the new white paper Behind the Mic: A Definitive Guide to On-Stage Roles at Events . Together, they tackle one of the biggest problems in...

Swag isn’t the enemy — badly thought-out swag is. In this short but punchy episode, Clare Forestier asks event organisers to rethink their approach to giveaways. Instead of cluttering up attendees’ lives (and landfills) with throwaway items, what if we used swag to enhance the attendee experience and leave a meaningful impression? Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to make your event giveaways...

In this episode of Not the Same as Last Year , Clare is joined by seasoned event sales and sponsorship expert Richard Morris , who’s been transforming how sponsors show up at events for over 25 years. From tired sponsorship packages to cringeworthy on-stage moments, Clare and Richard explore the very real tension between what sponsors want and what audiences need. They share ways to shift the stor...

Gamification at events, it’s everywhere. But does it actually work? Or is it just another buzzword slapped onto an event with no real impact? In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year , I break down what gamification should actually do and how to make it meaningful rather than just sticking points and badges on things. The truth about gamification - why most attempts fail How to use gamificatio...

After an unplanned (and chaotic) two-month break, I’m back with episode 32 of Not the Same as Last Year ! This one’s all about Next Generation Event Goers and the shifts they’re driving in the B2B events world. These changes aren’t just for them – they make events better for everyone . In this episode, I explore: ✅ Why younger audiences are reshaping events ✅ The importance of interactivity and...

In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year , Clare Forestier discusses one of the biggest challenges in event planning today: short lead times. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, economic uncertainty, or the trend of late bookings, planners and suppliers are increasingly having to adapt to events that are confirmed last minute. Clare shares insights from her recent planner forum with the Me...

In Episode 29 of Not The Same As Last Year , Clare is on a mission to shake up predictable event formats. Sick of the rinse-and-repeat style that keeps sessions safe but stale? Clare introduces a range of alternative formats that foster real interaction and keep energy levels high. Here’s what’s covered: Blending Tradition with Freshness: Easy tweaks to familiar formats without alienating cautious...

In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year , we’re talking about the magic of storytelling and its crucial role in event design. Clare discusses how to use storytelling to create a cohesive, engaging, and memorable attendee experience. Whether it’s weaving the theme into every session, introducing your speakers through compelling narratives, or getting your audience involved by asking them to sh...

Let's talk about FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out — and how it can quickly become dangerous at events if not handled with care. While FOMO can be a powerful marketing tool, if you lean too heavily on it, your attendees could leave feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and dissatisfied. We explore the fine line between using FOMO effectively and letting it spiral out of control, ensuring your events engage,...

In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I'm looking at the world of trade shows and exhibitions to explore why they so often miss the mark when it comes to genuine attendee engagement. Joining me is Lee Ali, from Expo Stars Interactive, who shares his insight on how exhibitors can stop chasing the same outdated tactics and start creating real human connections that lead to genuine business o...

This episode of Not The Same As Last Year explains why repurposing event content is essential for making the most of your efforts. We’ll cover why the old excuses for not capturing and reusing content don’t hold up anymore, how repurposing can boost attendee satisfaction and make your job easier, and the steps you can take to turn every session into months of valuable material. With insights from...

In this episode Clare investigates why certain experiences, like a rock concert, keep people coming back despite the challenges — and it’s all about emotion, community, and connection. Clare breaks down how to capture that same emotional engagement and sense of community in business events. It’s not about the flashy lights or celebrity speakers but about creating moments that resonate deeply with...

In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year , emcee Clare Forestier takes a closer look at who might be missing from your events — and why it matters. Clare reveals the often overlooked audiences who choose not to attend traditional B2B events, such as introverts, neurodiverse individuals, or those with sensory sensitivities. Clare shares practical strategies to make events more inclusive and wel...

In this episode, we chat with David T Stevens, a seasoned event professional and six-time Fittest Male #EventProf, who has dedicated his career to integrating wellness into events. David shares his journey from traditional event planning to a wellness-first approach that puts the attendee experience at the heart of every decision. Discover how wellness is more than just a trend; it's an essential...

In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the impact of different generations on event planning and attendee experiences. She explores the breakdown of the five generations in the workplace and highlights the importance of considering the needs and preferences of each generation. Clare provides insights into how to cater to different generations at events, including networking styles, technology...

In this episode of Not the Same As Last Year , we look into the pivotal role an emcee plays in transforming your event from just another gathering to a truly Attendee-First experience. Clare, an experienced emcee herself, shares why an emcee is much more than a stage host—they’re the event's guiding light, ensuring every attendee feels seen, heard, and valued. From setting the tone at the very beg...

In this episode of Not the Same As Last Year , Clare looks into one of the biggest challenges event planners face: getting attendees to engage, especially when they seem reluctant. Drawing from her own experiences, Clare shares the reasons why attendees might hold back, from past experiences at poor events to the fear of vulnerability in front of competitors. But it’s not all doom and gloom! Clare...

In this candid episode of Not the Same as Last Year , Clare Forestier dives into the chaos that sometimes comes with running events and how to turn those moments into wins for your attendees. Drawing from her own experience as an emcee, Clare shares practical tips on managing the unexpected with grace and resilience. She explores strategies to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and ensure th...

The conversation with host Clare Forestier and guest, Event Psychologist, Victoria Matey explores how to change the status quo in event planning by incorporating brain-friendly strategies. It discusses the mistakes organisers make - including not optimising content delivery and not providing guidance to speakers on how to engage the audience. Building connections between speakers and facilitating...

Panels are a classic event format, but are they still fit for purpose? In the latest episode of Not The Same As Last Year, Clare Forestier discusses the effectiveness of event panels and suggests ways to make them more attendee-centric. She highlights the common structure of panels, where panelists give intros, answer questions, and have limited audience engagement. Clare argues that panels should...

Today's conversation explores the use of AI in event planning and management. I'm joined by AI Event Prof, Anca Platan Trifan to discuss the benefits of using AI tools like ChatGPT to save time, improve productivity, and enhance the attendee experience. Anca emphasizes the importance of learning and embracing AI to stay competitive. We also touch on the fear of stepping out of one's comfort zone a...

Content matters at events, but not at the expense of collaboration and contribution. In this episode we talk about adjusting the balance so that your attendees aren't just learning but also contributing to your event. Summary In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the three Cs of events: content, collaboration, and contribution. She argues that traditional event models prioritize content over...

Feedback is crucial to attendee satisfaction and improving your events. In this episode, we explore how to ask for attendee advice (not feedback!), the right questions to ask, and how to implement the insights you gain to create attendee-centric events. Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HERE Connect with Clare: W...

In this episode, Clare discusses the importance of giving attendees time and space at events. She highlights the problem of jam-packed agendas and the need for attendees to have time to think and absorb information. Clare emphasizes the importance of self-care and creating inclusive spaces for all attendees. She shares examples of events that have successfully incorporated time and space into thei...