Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals

Event planners continue to seek out innovative ways to ensure their meetings are sustainably run. That’s particularly important for a destination like Monterey, Calif. With beloved sites including Big Sur, Carmel by the Sea and Pebble Beach, protecting natural surroundings is a vital part of any gathering held here. To understand these efforts, we spoke with Teresa Savage, senior vice president of business operations for See Monterey, the destination’s marketing organization. She discusses how sustainability has been a priority for the organization for decades, but so has evolving with new developments and demands from event planners — ensuring the destination is working with groups to put the most effective eco-friendly efforts into practice. We discuss what’s next for sustainable events and, as Savage puts it, planners can “ensure that all travel paths contribute to a better quality of place and leaving the destination better than it was before.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like almost every business sector, the events industry has been abuzz about AI for months. And the more widely these tools are adopted, the more rapidly they seem to evolve to better meet the needs of meeting planners.   At this exciting but uncertain moment in event tech, we spoke with Huong Nguyen, CEO and president of Shiloh Events who will be moderating a panel at this year’s IMEX on “Leading in the AI Era: Insights and Best Practices.” Here she shares a preview of what will be discussed during the session and shares her own perspective on where AI technology best serves event planners — and where it still may be falling short. To this last point, Nguyen breaks some news about her own efforts to develop an AI program to better meet planners’ needs when it comes to on-site event execution. She also discusses how being based in California’s Bay Area, a hotbed of innovation, has helped fuel these efforts and inspired her and her entrepreneurial efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kyle Jordan, chair of LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, discusses inclusivity goals and best practices for business events Join Northstar's Loren Edelstein in a conversation with Kyle Jordan, chair of the LGBT Meeting Professionals Association, for an update on the nonprofit's efforts and the current state of inclusivity in the business events industry. Planners can do more to create safe spaces and accommodations for underrepresented groups, says Jordan, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. There's a lot of discussion in June for Pride Month, but this issue requires collective action year-round, he adds. Topics covered: New leadership and brand identity for LGBT Meeting Professionals Association (1:00) The need for more inclusive event planning to welcome LGBTQ+ attendees (4:00) Considering discriminatory laws and practices as an important factor in destination selection (6:00) What planners can do to create more inclusive events (7:00) How the travel industry at large needs to be more accommodating (12:00) LGBT MPA's long-term goals (13:45) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to developing creative, out-of-the-box meeting experiences, independent hotels provide a number of appealing options for event planners. In this episode of Eventful, created in partnership with the Caribe Royale Orlando, we delve into the advantages of working with independent properties, by looking in depth at Caribe Royale’s approach to events. We speak with the property’s managing director, Amaury Piedra about how he and his team works with meeting planners to create exceptional events—and how input from meeting planners has shaped new, major upgrades to the property. For a bigger-picture perspective on the value of independent hotels, we also spoke with Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, which serves as a global sales arm for independent hotels for meetings, incentives and conventions. He shared what he thinks sets independents apart and how planners can leverage their offerings. Listen to the in-depth conversation in our latest episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, and remember to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.This episode was created in partnership with Caribe Royale Orlando.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Attorney Joshua Grimes provides a legal perspective on duty of care, cancellation clauses and more when planning events in states with controversial legislation. Many meeting professionals believe controversial issues like abortion rights are political concerns that have no bearing on their jobs. But that isn't true, says industry attorney Joshua Grimes, Esq., president of Grimes Law Offices, LLC. In this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, Grimes talks with Northstar's Loren Edelstein about the potential risks legislation could pose to meeting organizers and attendees. This timely and important discussion covers: • Why controversial legislation shouldn't be dismissed as "politics" (0.15) • How laws regarding bathroom use, prenatal health care, undocumented immigrants and other concerns can directly affect meetings and attendees (1.00) • Possible workarounds for meeting successfully where such laws exist (3:30) • The effectiveness of nondiscrimination clauses in meeting contracts (5:00) • Duty of care, liability and other legal concerns (9:15) • Weighing the decision to cancel an event (12:00) • Why planners, suppliers and industry associations should be having candid conversations about legislative issues (14:15)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the future hold for our business and personal lives? Risk-management expert Bruce McIndoe, president of McIndoe Risk Advisory, LLC,  tackles that topic in this enlightening discussion with Northstar’s Loren Edelstein. From weather disasters to robotic companions, here’s what to expect in the years ahead. 1:20 Why meeting planners should anticipate more frequent and intense weather events5:00 How hybrid events provide a number of benefits, among them a good resiliency strategy7:00 Why human resources should be collaborating with meeting and event planners9:20 The growing need for internal meetings as more organizations have remote workforces11:20 Strategies for recognizing and supporting employees with mental health issues15:20 Where and when robots will replace humans in the hospitality industry18:05 How automation will solve the problem of staff shortages21:20 When to expect flying taxis and personal drones to be in wide use22:20 How education will be geared toward gig workers vs. career professionals23:50 The role of companion robots that will support humanoid unitsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating an emergency response plan is one of the many responsibilities that fall on an event planner's plate. While they hope to never need to execute it, sometimes disaster strikes mid-meeting. On this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, Senior Associate Editor Elise Schoening spoke with LaToya Williams, manager of global accounts for HelmsBrice, who was on Turks and Caicos with an incentive group when Hurricane Fiona tore through the Caribbean. The storm cut short the incentive program and forced the group to shelter in place while the worst of the hurricane passed through. The podcast was recorded while Williams was still on the island. In it, she shares her experience of real-time crisis management and offers advice for other meeting planners who find themselves in the midst of an emergency. Since recording, Williams and all 83 attendees have made it home safely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salaries have recovered, but the pay gap between women and men has widened. In conjunction with the publications of the 2022 Northstar Meetings Group/Meetingjobs-Cadre Salary Survey, we discuss the findings with Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs.com, in this episode of Eventful, the Podcast for Meeting Professionals. Salaries for planners have recovered from the pandemic, but the pay gap between men and women widened over the past two years. Contemplating this and other statistics from the survey, Penfold adds thoughts on what’s currently happening in the job market and which industry segments are looking for planners.In this episode, we discuss: • The rise in base pay for meeting planners• The pay gap between women and men• How certification affects planner salaries• Planners’ stress levels• How the pandemic affected planners’ jobs• What would make planners happier in their jobs• How hiring continues to shift in the meetings industrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Mitchell, an integrated marketing and event strategist with a background in the television industry, believes virtual-event tech platforms are scrambling for business now because the entire business model of the past two years was based on false assumptions. Most planners did not want to be digital marketers, he says, which created a bifurcated market for in-person and digital. In this discussion with Northstar Meetings Group executive editor Michael Shapiro, Mitchell explains what he sees as the central disconnect between the tech platforms and meeting planners, the misguided ways in which the technology was targeted over the past two years, and how recent data should make it clear where virtual events can and should still play a significant role. In this wide-ranging discussion in which both Mitchell and Shapiro steadfastly avoid using the 'h' word, Mitchell addresses the need to blend in-person and digital content and reach a target audience despite the challenges. Among his key points: • Virtual event platforms should not have been designed to mimic a planner's in-person event workflow (1:40) • Digital marketers are the real customers of virtual-event technology (4:18) • The events industry's reliance on the hospitality industry creates conflicts of interest with tech (7:04) • We have a bifurcated marketplace, as in-person and virtual events have different value propositions (12:17) • Mitchell predicts which large tech companies will become event-tech game-changers (16:37) • Organizations have to think like media companies in the way they deliver content (21:48) • Different business models will emerge to facilitate in-person and digital audience blending (25:29) Listen to the in-depth conversation in our latest episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, and remember to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts and anywhere else you listen to podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President and CEO Paul Van DeVenter discusses how the events industry organization had to find ways to remain viable during the pandemic — lessons that resulted in a new structure and focus. Staying relevant to members was not a problem for MPI over the past two years, according to president and CEO Paul Van DeVenter. More difficult was finding a way to stay financially viable. In this podcast discussion with Northstar’s Sarah J.F. Braley, Van DeVenter describes how the association's structure was redesigned, how pandemic lessons learned are being applied to MPI's in-person events and how to achieve the goals that have been set in the group's five-year plan (among them, bringing the community size to 250,000 people by 2027; having a 40,000-person customer base; bringing in 20 percent of the association's revenue from outside North America; and having more than 20 affiliate partners). The association is now focused on creating a stronger meeting professional community that isn’t solely based on membership. Among Van DeVenters insights are: How Covid underscored the importance of organizations like MPI (1:20) How MPI restructured in order to stay financially viable over the past two years (3:38) Challenges Van DeVenter faced at MPI and as volunteer chair for the Events Industry Council (9:15) How lessons learned during the pandemic are being applied to MPI's in-person events (11:09) How attendee desires have changed (13:24) What associations took away from the pandemic (15:40) Reaching MPI’s 2027 goals (16:35) Bold predictions going forward (19:33)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deception is rampant in the business world today, says body-language expert Traci Brown. After suffering significant losses, meeting planners and suppliers are more apt to bend the truth or omit important information to seal a deal. In this discussion with Northstar’s Loren Edelstein, Brown reveals the verbal and physical clues that subconsciously coincide with lying. Key topics addressed: Why lying is so prevalent today (1:45) How deception can take many forms, including lies of omission (3:15) The danger of “alternative facts,” bold-faced denials and “deep-fake video” (3:45) Why there’s less transparency in hotel negotiations today (5:00) Clues that suggest someone is lying or holding back information (6:48) Why performance guarantees aren’t effective (8:30) How communication is critical for avoiding and resolving problems (10:00) Identifying signs of deception in a phone call  (10:50) Why you should trust your gut; believe it the first time and take action (12:20) How paying close attention is the most important way to spot deception (13:00) What to do or say when you suspect a problem (13:50) How to present yourself as authoritative and trustworthy in negotiations (14:35) A simple hand trick that will give you confidence (15:00) How confidence is reflected in your choice of words (16:55) Where to go for more information on reading body language (18:40) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few years, hundreds of meeting and event planners have made commitments to achieve carbon-neutral operations by 2030, 2040 or 2050. To date, however, relatively few have taken significant steps to accomplish those critical initiatives, says Fiona Pelham, CEO of Positive Impact Events. Among those who have acted is Amy Kramer, market and product innovation leader for Maritz Global Events. In this episode of Eventful, Northstar's Loren Edelstein talks with Pelham and Kramer about the process of implementing sustainable business practices and supporting the sustainability efforts of clients and suppliers. Among topics discussed are: • What is the Race to Zero Accelerator Program and how do you join? (1:40)• The process of launching a sustainability program (2:48)• Resources and tools to use for measuring progress (5:59)• The process of reporting on sustainability initiatives and achievements (8:08) • How the internal commitment begins with a mindset shift (11:47)• How to address cost concerns (13:24)• Why today's voluntary measures could become mandates in the near future (17:38)• How to start with an assessment and set small goals (22:51)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 2020, David Peckinpaugh was running Maritz Global Meetings, the third-party planning division of Maritz Holdings. By this past January, Peckinpaugh had been promoted to president and CEO of the overall company, but he had to make a lot of tough decisions along the way. In this episode of the Eventful Podcast, Peckinpaugh discusses the hurdles that remain as business rebounds: Filling open positions, monitoring hotel service levels and managing ever-changing contract terms. Although building back isn’t easy, Peckinpaugh says he has never felt more optimistic about the future of the events industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that meeting and event professionals are once again focused on in-person gatherings, it's the perfect time to rethink the design of the program in order to make sure attendees are getting the most out of the event. In this episode of the Eventful Podcast Anthony Vade, event experience strategy director for Encore and director USA for the Event Design Collective speaks with managing editor Sarah Braley about how planners can balance the content being delivered at a meeting with the networking opportunities being offered, as well as how to collaborate internally to create a well-designed event. Listeners will learn: • How meeting and event professionals can effect change in their organizations (1:50) • How planners can bring these practices back to the in-person environment (3:40) • The art of measuring the intangible, emotional impacts of events (6:10) • How to use keynote presentations as setup for more interactive learning (8:35) • How to collaborate internally to design a better meeting (11:20)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Be prepared for high-profile disasters — as well as the many incidents that are more likely to arise. Event-safety training might cover a weather event or active shooter scenario, but will you know what to do if an attendee has a heart attack on-site? While it’s important to prepare for major but less common disasters, we can’t forget the incidents that are much more likely to happen, says Alan Kleinfeld, an event-safety specialist and a meeting planner. In this episode of Eventful, he shares best practices for minimizing risks and handling problems with maximum efficiency. Among topics addressed: Why we tend to be more prepared for events that are less likely to happen (3:15) How preparation helps us push past the natural reaction of fear (7:51) Basic safety elements to look for when doing a site inspection (8:21) The expectation that our next “pandemic” will be a widespread mental health crisis (11:49) The importance of communicating safety protocols to attendees (15:21) How to delegate so that safety and crisis preparation doesn’t all fall on the shoulders of the meeting planner (17:46)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to surprise, delight and engage meeting and event attendees Traditional presentations generally too long, too dull and fail to hold an audience’s attention. It takes a little creativity — and lot less time — to effectively capture and hold people’s attention, according to Scott Steinberg, a global consultant, speaker and futurist. Listen in to his conversation with Northstar’s Loren Edelstein to learn how to surprise, delight and educate and educate meeting attendees in 15 minute-increments. Listeners will learn: Why our attention spans are shorter than ever (2:30) How to design presentations that are shorter, highly engaging and memorable (3:20) How to shrink content and add elements of surprise to engage virtual attendees (8:00) The importance of storytelling — even if you’re making it up (9:25) How to coach speakers to break out of traditional presentation styles (10:30) Ways to break down a longer presentation into short segments (13:00) Questions to ask when hiring a speaker (14:20) Other ways to use speakers and thought leaders during your program (17:00) Using the “Pop Future” method to make complex concepts simple, fun and attainable (18:25) How to think like a futurist (23:20) Why the future of meetings looks bright — and hybrid (25:20)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tonya Hempstead of American Express GBT discusses how the organization is building a more mature diversity and inclusion strategy, and how others can do the same. Diversity within the meetings and travel industries has long been lacking. Although a wave of industry organizations have made public pledges to do better, turning these promises into progress is easier said than done. On this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, Northstar Meetings Group's senior associate editor, Elise Schoening, sat down with Tonya Hempstead, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at American Express Global Business Travel, to discuss how the organization is building an inclusion ecosystem to ensure a long-term commitment to DEI. Hempstead explained the many partners involved with bringing the strategy to life, and why a regional-based approach is key. Other topics of discussion include: How to address staffing shortages and attract diverse talent (10:40) The role suppliers can play in driving change (12:10) The value of DEI certifications and whether they will become must-haves in the industry (14:10).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The events industry must take action to shape the sustainability policies that will govern our business. In Scotland this past November at COP26, the United Nation’s climate-change conference, governments and industries made a pledge to reduce carbon emissions. At that time, Northstar’s Loren Edelstein spoke with Fiona Pelham, CEO of Positive Impact Events, about why and how the events industry must commit to reducing its carbon footprint. (For details, listen to the Nov. 3 episode of Eventful.) Nearly five months later, very little action has been taken on that pledge, says Pelham. In this episode of Eventful, she stresses our need as an industry to have a role in framing policies that will govern our business, as well as free resources for reducing the carbon footprint of business meetings and events. Among topics addressed: What the growing focus on carbon means to the events sector today (1:25) Why government policy will soon impact the way we work (4:00) How the industry needs to shift its focus from profitability to creating a sustainable business model (5:10) Why the events sector needs to take initiative to frame the policies that will impact us (9:20) The imperative to move from pledging to action in the Race to Zero (10:00) How to make a net-zero commitment (11:00) What a commitment means and how to take action (14:10) The reality that most in our sector who have made the pledge haven’t done anything further (18:10) An open invitation to share your sustainability journey with Northstar (18:55)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Iwamoto of Bizly talks about what event planners should be doing differently right now. As pandemic concerns ease and gathering restrictions are lifted, how has the business of in-person meetings and events changed? What should we be doing differently now? What’s the outlook for the near future? In this episode of Eventful: The Podcast for Meeting Professionals, Northstar’s vice president and content director, Loren Edelstein, talks with Kevin Iwamoto, chief customer officer for Bizly, about new realities and how planners can avoid troublesome surprises. Among topics addressed: How to justify the value of large in-person events as a necessity for business growth and opportunities (3:14) Why in-person audiences will be smaller, and why we’ll still need to offer virtual options to participants (4:15) Emerging meeting formats, such as holding smaller events in geographic regions rather than one national meeting, or holding one conference with digitized content for remote audiences (6:10) How compression and labor shortages are affecting negotiations and service levels. (6:10) The important questions planners should be asking in their RFPs and RFI’s about staffing and on-site services (7:00) What happens if an attendee gets sick during the event? Can they stay in the hotel, or do they need to leave? (9:07) Who covers the cost of travelers who fall ill and need to quarantine in a hotel — the host organization, the person’s employer, or the attendees themselves? (10:15) Why we should be patient and empathize with hotels doing their best to run a property that isn’t fully staffed (14:20) How meeting professionals learned to cope with the pandemic and are well positioned to move forward with confidence (16:50)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2022, incentive planners and program owners continue to grapple with the pandemic and other challenges. Following the Incentive Research Foundation’s first board meeting of the year, president Stephanie Harris shared these concerns with Lisa Grimaldi, NMG’s editor of incentives and destinations, and discussed the findings from the 2022 Trends Report, among other recent studies from the IRF. In our conversation, we cover:• How the disaggregated workforce is creating new challenges (2:15)• Findings show travel is still a huge priority and a top noncash reward (5:10)• Program budgets are increasing (7:00)• Hybrid incentive travel programs are difficult to do well (9:50)• How cash incentives are being used to pay bills and standard expenses (12:30)• Gifts and points rewards that bring pleasure are popular now (13:30)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.