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Virtual Summit Secrets Podcast
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Virtual Summit Secrets Podcast

Author: Jenny Suneson + Lindsey Aleson

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The Virtual Summit Secrets Podcast is your guide for #allthethings when it comes to hosting a killer virtual summit. If you want to grow your income, impact, and influence, through virtual summits, grab your headphones! You will find episodes on everything from planning your first virtual summit to speaker outreach + coordination to promotion and everything in between!

Your hosts, Jenny Suneson + Lindsey Aleson, are extremely passionate about virtual summits and owner the summit support agency Summit Success Squad. Between the two of then, they've hosted over 6 virtual summits and helped countless others do the same.
19 Episodes
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You've probably heard it before: "Nobody reads long summit registration pages." And if you're hosting a virtual summit, that advice might have made you second-guess every word on your page. In this episode of Virtual Summit Secrets, we're busting that myth wide open. The truth? People don't avoid long summit pages — they avoid confusing ones. We're breaking down what actually drives summit signups, why clarity always beats clever copy, and how to design a registration page that helps the right people confidently say yes without overwhelm. If you've ever worried that your page is "too long," "too wordy," or not converting the way you hoped, this episode will completely shift how you think about your summit copy. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "nobody reads long pages" is one of the biggest myths in the summit space The real questions your audience is subconsciously asking when they land on your registration page Before-and-after examples that show how clarity instantly improves conversions The 5 essential elements every high-converting summit registration page needs What not to focus on when writing your summit page (and what actually matters instead) Whether your registration page is short or long, the goal is the same: help the right person quickly understand what the event is, who it's for, and why it's worth their time. And that's exactly what we're unpacking in this episode. 🎧 Tune in and stop stressing about page length and start focusing on what really moves people to sign up.  
If you think virtual summits have already peaked… think again. The next evolution of online events is here and it's more personalized, engaging, and sustainable than ever. In this episode of Virtual Summit Secrets, we're pulling back the curtain on what's actually changing in the summit world and what hosts need to start paying attention to now if they want to stay ahead in 2026 and beyond. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter summits, overwhelming speaker lineups, and one-and-done events that disappear as soon as the doors close. Instead, we're seeing a powerful shift toward smarter strategy, better tech, and deeper attendee experiences without more work for the host. In this episode, we cover: Why personalization is becoming the new standard (and how it boosts engagement and conversions) The rise of smaller, high-impact events like micro summits, audio-only series, and curated intensives What "hybrid events" really mean now (hint: it's not boring livestreams) Why community integration is no longer optional if you want real results The tools shaping the future of summits from AI support to automation and analytics How gamification is going mainstream (and why attendees love it) Why collaborations and co-hosting are a strategic advantage, not just a trend How evergreen summits are getting a long-overdue glow-up If you've been craving summits that feel easier to run, more fun to attend, and actually impactful — this episode will show you why the future is very much on your side. 🎧 Plus, we wrap up with a sneak peek at next week's episode, where we're busting the myth that "nobody reads long summit sales pages" (spoiler: that's not true).
Have you been putting off your summit because you're waiting for everything to feel perfect — the tech, the slides, the emails, the confidence? You're not alone… and this episode is your permission slip to stop waiting and start launching. In this episode of the Virtual Summit Secrets Podcast, we're busting one of the biggest myths in the summit world: that a successful event needs to be flawless. Spoiler alert — it doesn't. In fact, some of the most impactful summits we've ever hosted were messy, imperfect, and incredibly effective. We're diving into: Why perfectionism leads to analysis paralysis, lost momentum, and missed opportunities Real behind-the-scenes stories from summits that weren't perfect but still worked What actually matters more than polished slides and fancy tech How to shift into an "experiment-first" mindset that builds confidence and momentum Simple ways to take imperfect action without burning yourself out If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or hesitant to move forward with your summit, this episode will help you reframe what success really looks like and remind you that progress will always beat perfection. 🎧 Tune in, take a deep breath, and get ready to launch anyway. And don't miss next week's episode, where we look ahead at The Future of Virtual Summits: Trends, Tools, and Predictions for 2026 and what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Everyone online seems to have very loud opinions about the "best" type of event to host — summits, bundles, challenges… and honestly? They're not wrong. But they're also not telling the full story. In this episode of Virtual Summit Secrets, we're breaking down the real differences between virtual summits, bundles, and challenges so you can stop guessing and start choosing the event strategy that actually fits your goals, capacity, and current season of business. We've personally hosted all three types of events, and we're walking you through the strengths, weaknesses, and must-know considerations for each one like visibility, list growth, engagement, conversions, energy required, and long-term impact. Think of this episode as your permission slip to stop doing what you think you "should" be doing and start building events that work for you. In this episode, we cover: Why virtual summits are the ultimate visibility and relationship-building powerhouse When bundles are the smartest low-lift way to grow your list fast How challenges drive engagement and sales (and when they don't) Which event type works best for burnout seasons vs. sales seasons A simple cheat sheet to help you confidently choose the right event Real-world examples for deciding what to host based on your goals No single event is "better" than the others — they're just different tools. And when you choose the right tool for the right season, everything clicks. 🎧 Tune in and get clarity on your next big move without the overwhelm.  
If you've ever hosted (or dreamed of hosting) a virtual summit and judged its success solely by how much money came in during launch week… this episode is your permission slip to think bigger. In this episode of Virtual Summit Secrets, we're breaking down one of the biggest misconceptions in the summit world: that your summit's ROI starts and ends with sales. Spoiler alert—it doesn't. In fact, focusing only on revenue means you're missing most of the value your summit actually creates. We're walking you through the full picture of summit ROI and uncovering the eight powerful ways a well-run summit continues to pay off long after the event ends from visibility and list growth to partnerships, content assets, confidence, and long-tail revenue. In this episode, you'll learn: Why summit sales are only a small piece of the ROI puzzle How summits create visibility and momentum that lasts for months The difference between "list growth" and high-quality subscriber growth How summits lead to partnerships, collaborations, and future opportunities Why your summit is actually a content goldmine (and how to think about repurposing responsibly) How evergreen summits can fuel your funnel long after the live event What summits reveal about your audience, messaging, and offers—fast Why hosting a summit can completely change how you show up as a leader If you've ever felt disappointed by your summit results or wondered if all that effort was "worth it," this episode will help you reframe success and see the true, long-term impact of hosting a virtual summit. 🎧 Tune in and expand your definition of ROI because summits aren't just launches, they're catalysts.  
If hosting a virtual summit currently feels like a one-way ticket to burnout—endless DMs, last-minute chaos, and zero sleep—this episode is your permission slip to do things differently. In today's episode of Virtual Summit Secrets, we're pulling back the curtain on how to run a profitable, high-impact virtual summit without sacrificing your sanity. We're breaking down the biggest burnout triggers we see summit hosts fall into and more importantly, the systems, boundaries, and workflows that actually make summits feel strategic, spacious, and sustainable. You'll learn how to plan your summit with ease, protect your energy, and show up like the CEO of your business (not the unpaid intern holding everything together). In this episode, we cover: Why trying to do everything in the final month is a fast track to burnout How planning 90+ days out instantly reduces stress and overwhelm The templates every summit host should have on repeat How to set boundaries with speakers without hurting relationships Why everything doesn't need to be live (and what should be) How batching and automation let your summit run on autopilot A powerful mindset reframe to help you stop micromanaging your event If you're building your business for freedom and flexibility, your summit should support that—not drain it. This episode will help you create a summit that feels aligned, professional, and actually enjoyable to host. 🎧 Plus, we share how our Summit Planning Toolkit can help you implement everything we talk about without figuring it out on your own. 👉 Tune in and learn how to run your summit with strategy, systems, and zero burnout.  
Most entrepreneurs treat a virtual summit like a high-pressure product launch… and that's exactly why their summits fall flat. In today's episode, we're breaking down the mindset shift that changes everything about how you plan, host, and profit from your summit: Stop treating your summit like a launch. Start treating it like a relationship-building experience. When you lead with community over countdown timers and connection over conversion tactics, your summit becomes something much bigger than a revenue event—it becomes a movement. And movements grow your list, deepen your authority, nurture super fans, and spark collaborations that continue long after the final session ends. In this episode, we're diving into: Why summits are not launches (and what they actually are) How shifting from transactions to transformation changes your results The compound-interest power of a well-run summit What actually creates trust, buy-in, and sales—without pressure The touchpoints that turn your summit into an unforgettable experience If you want your next summit to feel easier, more aligned, and more profitable in the long term, this is your episode.  
Think you need a big audience to land big-name summit speakers? Think again. In this episode, we're breaking down exactly how to pitch speakers in a way that feels confident, organized, aligned and totally doable for first-time summit hosts. We're sharing what speakers actually care about (hint: it's not your list size), the most common mistakes new hosts make when pitching, and the simple outreach flow that turns you into instant "speaker-magnet energy." You'll walk away with practical tips, pitch components, personalization ideas, and the tiny pro-level touches that make your event stand out from the moment you slide into someone's inbox. Whether this is your first summit or your fiftieth, this episode will help you pitch with clarity, confidence, and collaboration and start landing the experts who make your summit shine.     In This Episode, You'll Learn: What actually makes speakers say yes The biggest rookie mistakes to avoid when pitching How to personalize your pitch without spending hours The exact elements of a confident, compelling outreach email Why warming up your speakers is essential (and how to do it) Follow-up tips that boost your yes rate Small professional touches that create big credibility  
Worried your summit idea is too niche? You're definitely not alone — and today we're flipping that fear right on its head. In this episode, Jenny + Lindsey break down one of the most common mindset blocks new summit hosts face: the belief that a super-specific summit topic will limit signups, speakers, or momentum. Spoiler alert… it's actually the opposite. Going narrow is one of the most powerful ways to boost clarity, attract the right attendees, and increase conversions. We're digging into: ✨ Why hyper-specific summit themes convert better ✨ Real niche summit examples that crushed it ✨ How to instantly test if your summit idea is "niche smart" or "niche confusing" ✨ The tiny clarity tweaks that create massive engagement ✨ A simple mindset shift that makes choosing your niche feel exciting instead of scary You'll walk away seeing your niche as a spotlight — one that draws in exactly the people you're meant to serve. If you've ever wondered whether your summit idea is "too much," "too small," or "too specific," this episode will give you the confidence boost you need to run with it. And next week? We're diving into landing dream speakers… even if your email list is teeny tiny. You won't want to miss it!  
If you've ever hosted a summit and wondered "Is anyone actually watching…?" — this episode is about to be your new best friend. In our early events, engagement was flat, session views were low, and attendees had to dig through emails just to find the right links. Not exactly the vibe. So we decided to shake things up… and stumbled into the magic of gamification. And when we say magic, we mean it — we boosted engagement by about 300%. In today's episode, we're breaking down exactly how we transformed our summits from passive "watch and leave" events into binge-worthy, can't-wait-to-log-in experiences.  You'll hear how we used MemberVault to add simple but powerful features like: ✨ A daily scavenger hunt with hidden discount codes ✨ Engagement bonuses + point-based unlockable rewards ✨ Daily prize drawings that kept people excited to return We're also spilling the behind-the-scenes wins, mistakes, and "oh wow, didn't expect that" moments — from skyrocketing session watch rates to clever workarounds when the platform didn't behave exactly how we wanted. If you want your summit to feel alive, energized, and actually attended, this one's a must-listen.
Ever wished you could grab Jenny + Lindsey for a quick "SOS, what do I do?!" summit strategy session? Today's episode is basically that… but in podcast form. We're diving into the most common questions hosts ask us — the ones that pop up whether you're planning your very first summit or gearing up for your next big one. We're talking timelines (hint: you don't need six months!), tech essentials, speaker outreach secrets, making your summit profitable, what to do when things inevitably go sideways, and the fear every host secretly has: "What if no one shows up?" By the end, you'll feel more grounded, way more confident, and totally ready to take the next step in bringing your summit to life. In this episode, we cover: The real timeline you need for a successful summit Why a tiny email list is not a dealbreaker How to get speakers to say yes (even if you're new!) The simple set of tools you actually need What to do when things go wrong (because something always will) How summits make money beyond just selling replays Why starting small is still a massive win If you've been stuck, second-guessing, or spinning in circles, this episode is your roadmap forward. Let's get your summit moving without the overwhelm. Tune in now! 🎧
Think you need months to plan your virtual summit? Spoiler alert: you don't. In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on our quick-start summit mapping process — the one that helps you go from "I should do a summit someday…" to a fully mapped event in just a couple of hours. No perfection pressure. No tech spirals. No overthinking.  We're walking you through the exact five-step framework we use (and teach!) so you can lock in your audience, theme, format, dates, monetization plan, and even your speaker wish list — all in one inspired sitting. Inside, you'll learn: ✨ The single sentence that becomes your summit's "North Star" ✨ How to choose your format + timeline without getting lost in details ✨ Why picking a date early skyrockets your momentum ✨ How to map monetization upfront — even if you're not selling yet ✨ The smart way to create your speaker wish list (and who to include!) By the end, you'll have the clarity and direction you've been craving and your summit will finally feel real instead of "someday." Grab a drink, block two hours on your calendar, and get ready to bring that big summit dream to life. Let's do this!  
Ever hosted a summit and thought, "Wow, I wish I could go back and do that differently"? You're not alone. In this candid episode of the Virtual Summit Secrets Podcast, Jenny and Lindsay spill the tea on their most cringe-worthy summit mistakes—from confusing VIP offers to tech meltdowns and share the lessons that turned their early flops into smooth, profitable, and high-impact events. You'll learn: 🎤 Why a "half-free, half-paid" summit model is a conversion killer 📅 How to time your promotion window so attendees actually show up 💌 The simple communication systems that keep speakers happy and organized 💻 What to do when tech goes sideways (because it will!) ✨ How to stay adaptable and make every summit better than the last If you've ever stressed over broken links, ghosting speakers, or glitchy Zoom panels, this episode will help you laugh, learn, and walk away with smarter systems for your next virtual summit. 🎧 Tune in and find out how to turn your past mistakes into your best summit yet.
You don't need six months of chaos to host a successful virtual summit — promise. In this episode, Jenny and Lindsay break down their proven approach to planning a profitable, high-impact summit in just three to four months (or even as little as eight weeks once you've done it before!). You'll learn how to reverse-engineer your summit timeline from launch day, break tasks into simple weekly wins, and finally ditch the stress that keeps so many hosts stuck in planning mode. They're sharing: ✅ The ideal timeline for first-time vs. experienced summit hosts ✅ A simple week-by-week breakdown to stay organized and on track ✅ What tasks to prioritize, delegate, or ignore completely ✅ How to avoid burnout while creating a summit that converts If you've been holding off on hosting your summit because it feels too overwhelming or time-consuming, this episode will show you how to simplify your planning process and make it happen with ease.  
 Think you need a big audience before hosting a virtual summit? Spoiler alert: you don't. In this episode of the Virtual Summit Secrets podcast, we're busting one of the biggest myths out there — that you need a huge email list or massive following to pull off a profitable, high-impact event. We're walking you through how to make your summit work for you — even if you're starting from scratch — using collaboration, partnerships, and smart planning to build momentum fast. From co-hosting to leveraging speaker audiences to tapping into sponsors and affiliates, we're showing you how to turn your "no list" into a growing community of raving fans and subscribers. You'll learn: ✨ Why summits are actually one of the best list-building tools 🤝 How to use collaboration to boost visibility (without burnout) 🎤 What to include in your speaker outreach plan 📅 The four steps to get started this week — even with no audience So if you've been sitting on a brilliant summit idea but holding back because you're "not ready yet," this one's your permission slip to start now. 🎧 Tune in and discover how to host a powerful summit — no big list required.  
Are summits still worth hosting in 2025 or has the magic faded? We hear it all the time: "Summits are overdone. People don't sign up anymore. They don't lead to sales." But we're here to bust those myths wide open. In this episode, we're diving into why summits are still one of the most powerful visibility strategies when done right.  We'll unpack: ✨ How summits have evolved (think: micro, audio-only, and gamified events) 📈 Why they still grow highly engaged email lists 💸 How to design your summit to actually lead to sales 🤝 Why collaboration + connection are the secret sauce for summit success in 2025 Whether you've hosted before or you're just summit-curious, this episode will reignite your excitement and show you exactly how to make your next event stand out. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to make your summit fun, impactful, and wildly profitable in today's online world.  
Planning a virtual summit can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to. In this episode of the Virtual Summit Secrets Podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on our proven 5P Summit Planning Framework™: Planning – setting your foundation with clarity on focus, audience, and goals Production – building your summit assets, tech stack, and speaker experience Promotion – creating buzz and filling your virtual seats Party – delivering an engaging, high-energy event that feels like a celebration Post – turning your summit into long-term momentum and growth This is the exact process we use to host and support countless summits that are profitable, impactful, and actually fun to run. Whether you're planning your very first summit or looking to improve the next one, this framework will help you ditch the overwhelm and create an unforgettable experience for your attendees, speakers, and business.  Tune in and learn how to take your summit from "big idea" to "standout success."  
 Want your summit to do more than just keep you busy? In this episode, Jenny + Lindsey break down the five essential elements that turn a virtual summit into a profitable, high-impact event. You'll learn: How to get crystal clear on your niche and audience so your summit lands with the right people Why giving yourself enough planning time is the secret to avoiding overwhelm (and burnout) What makes a speaker lineup magnetic and aligned with your goals How to craft irresistible free + paid offers that attendees can't pass up The often-overlooked power of follow-up and nurturing relationships post-event If you're ready to design a summit that grows your audience, boosts your revenue, and actually feels fun to host, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can start using right away. 🎧 Tune in and learn how to build your next profitable summit with intention (and way less stress!).
In this very first episode of the Virtual Summit Secrets podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on our journey—from running our own separate businesses to teaming up, hosting our very first (and very experimental) summit, and eventually building Summit Success Squad. We're sharing: The story of how one freebie bundle turned into a business-changing collaboration Our "never again" mistakes from that first summit (yes, we cringe looking back!) The surprising wins that made us realize summits were our thing Why we hit pause on this podcast before, and why we're bringing it back now If you've ever wondered what it really looks like behind the scenes of building a business around virtual summits, this is the episode to start with. You'll get the real story—the scrappy beginnings, the messy middle, and where we're headed next. 🎧 Hit play to hear how it all began and why we're so excited to bring you along for the ride!  
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