Great Events

The countdown to 2024 has officially begun. And in terms of trends in the events industry, the future is looking bright. Things like staffing levels, diversity, sustainability, accessibility, and AI will be covered in this week’s #GreatEvents episode. All FOUR hosts, Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/), Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/), Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/), AND our new 2024 host, Felicia Asiedu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu/), tap into 12 key trends to look forward to in 2024. But remember, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. They’ll also talk about inflation, how it’s affecting the meetings and events industry today, and how it will affect it in the future. But… is there a secret on how to get over these hurdles? Find out in this episode. You won’t want to miss it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The significant impact of AI on the meetings and events industry The evolution and centralization of event operations within companies The continuing importance of prioritization and ROI in event planning

“No matter who you love, what the color of your skin is, what your religion is, or where you are from in the world, you're welcome here in San Antonio.” San Antonio is a welcoming city… A city that has something for everyone. In this episode of Great Events, Marc Anderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-anderson-a6b4634/), President and CEO of Visit San Antonio (https://www.visitsanantonio.com/meeting-professionals/), shares the ins and outs of San Antonio, the rich culture and history, the delicious food and culinary experiences, and how the city is redefining the events industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: How San Antonio is a welcoming and inclusive destination The growth and evolution of San Antonio The behind the scenes of hosting a citywide event

HOT TAKE: An event without community is worthless. Why? Because community creates connection, and connection creates relationship. In this episode, Katie Ray (https://www.linkedin.com/in/community-katie/), Director of Community at Metadata (https://metadata.io/), and Tiffany Sanford (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-j-sanford/), Demand Gen at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), discuss the contrast between audiences and communities and how, using that understanding, you can enhance events and conferences. They also discuss strategic approaches to strengthen community bonds during events and integrate personal branding as a powerful tool in this process. You won’t want to miss it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of personal branding Ways to improve the community at events Community building strategies

Let’s face it… the meetings and events industry is changing daily and can get busy. And through the busyness, hurdles arise. In this episode, hosts Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/), Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/), and Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/) sit down to chat about the challenges they've faced in the world of events during the peak seasons at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/). They also share insights on the difficulties of team resourcing, the shift from factory-focused to trial-and-error events post-COVID, and the struggles in justifying the need for more bandwidth and resources. And through it all, they share advice and best practices to navigate these industry challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn: The challenges faced in the events industry post-COVID and the need for flexibility in event planning and execution The struggle with team resourcing and the difficulty of hiring new members The importance of effectively communicating the true volume of time and expectations involved in event planning

Engagement. A word that’s thrown around and talked about on the daily. But what does it really mean, and how do you accurately measure it? Well, you’re in for some good news. In this episode, Clark Campbell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bclarkcampbell/), CEO and Co-founder at RVRB (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rvrbagency/), and Heather Pocorobba (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherrenaep/), Lead of Social Media Strategy and Corporate Communications at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), share all the answers. They dive into the world of social media strategies for events while discussing valuable insights for marketing and meetings and events professionals that will empower you to level up your social media game. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to harness the power of emotional connection How to elevate your social media strategy How to shift from the FOMO to D Money approach

ABM has become a buzzy word in the marketing world. But what exactly does it mean? In this episode, EJ Oelling (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ej-oelling/), VP of ABX at 6sense (https://6sense.com/), breaks it down. She explains the difference between ABM and ABX while emphasizing the importance of bringing the experiential factor to ABM in events. But what about the data? Data is a crucial component of any successful ABM strategy, and EJ shares the five steps that drive their approach at 6sense. It's not just about throwing a party anymore – it's about knowing your audience and getting the right return on your event investment. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The difference between ABM and ABX - The role of technology in ABM events - The importance of data in ABM and events

Ever think we’d do a live wine tasting on the podcast? Neither did we. Grab your choice of wine, and let’s get the party started. In this episode, Anthony Giglio (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-giglio-88381a4/), Speaker, Writer, Author, and Wine Expert, joins the show to discuss all things wine. From the importance of that first sip to challenging traditional pairing rules, Anthony brings a fresh and entertaining perspective to the art of wine tasting. We'll explore the joy of unexpected pairings like champagne and popcorn and discover how Anthony's blue-collar roots have shaped his approach to wine tastings. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his experiences hosting events and seminars that will leave you wanting to uncork a bottle and join the fun. So grab a glass, pour yourself a drink, and get ready for this week’s episode. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the first sip never counts Why you cannot have wine without food Why you MUST chill your red wine

With over 11,000 Martech solutions available in 2023, filtering through the noise and implementing the right technologies becomes crucial. In this episode of Great Events, @Alyssa Peltier and Stephanie Sweetland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesweetland/), Director of Marketing Technology and Automation at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), dive into the challenges faced by marketers and event planners in managing various technology systems. They discuss the pain points of siloed data, lack of integrations, and manual tasks that often hinder efficiency and productivity. The episode further explores how marketing professionals can stay updated with Martech trends and validate technology sources through reputable reports, peer-reviewed sites, and marketing operations resources. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Martech can improve operational efficiency and save costs in your marketing and events practices How to navigate the overwhelming landscape of Martech vendors and identify the right technologies to solve pain points in your organization How to gain insights on validating and onboarding new technologies through reputable sources and industry research

Understanding and demonstrating ROI holds greater significance than ever in light of the industry's resource constraints and staffing concerns. One key step towards effectively navigating the dynamic events landscape is mastering the art of calculating and quantifying the value of event benefits within ROI. In this week's episode, we're honored to be joined by Brad Gillespie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbradg/), VP and General Manager of Cvent Consulting (https://www.cvent.com/), who will provide insights into the world of ROI. Tune in as he shares his perspectives on the importance of quantifying ROI, the challenges confronting event professionals, and the essential skill of crafting impactful ROI narratives to justify investments. In this episode, you’ll learn: The significance of understanding and quantifying the impact that events have on stakeholders The ROI equation The challenge of measuring benefits for internal programs

A great keynote can be a strong tool to ensure attendees leave your event with a memorable experience. You want your speaker to be someone your audience can resonate with while providing an engaging and thought-provoking panel. But sometimes, finding the right speaker and sourcing them in time for your event can be difficult. So, how should you get started? In this episode, Kayla Sommers (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-sommers-cmp/), Events Lead at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), joins the show to give her insights on successfully navigating the keynote sourcing process. Kayla shares some of her favorite experiences working on Cvent Connect while also breaking down some challenges when landing that perfect keynote. Listen as she details the importance of planning ahead. She explains that having an extra month to work on sourcing will help you avoid last-minute pitfalls. You’ll also learn how you can pitch your keynote ideas to your team in a way that gets everyone on the same page. In this episode, you’ll learn: How you can get creative in your formal offer to maximize keynote marketing potential What makes a good keynote How you can navigate a bad keynote experience

After adapting to virtual events during the pandemic, many planning teams are searching for ways to improve their AV components. But to make improvements, it’s essential to understand what’s going on in the audio/video world. So, how can you learn where to start? In this episode, Brandt Krueger (https://www.linkedin.com/in/brkrueger/), Senior Production Manager for EideCom (https://eidecom.com/), joins the show to delve into AV trends in events. Having been in the industry for over 25 years, Brandt has a wealth of knowledge to pull from and offers insights on how to level up your AV game. He shares his thoughts on how AV trends in 2024 will continue to evolve, moving in the general direction of more professional equipment. Dissecting the stigmas surrounding “hybrid events,” he explains the difference between attending an event virtually and watching a live stream. You’ll also learn Brandt’s strategies for getting ahead of the curve regarding the upward trend in AV pricing. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why you should prioritize audio components in events How the pandemic has evolved the usage of video in events How you can avoid AV contract pricing pitfalls

Planning an event is a tall task in itself, and making sure everything is packed and ready to go only adds to the stress. So how can you make the packing process more efficient without worrying about forgetting the essentials? In this episode, hosts Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/) and Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712) sit down to unpack the key to a successful packing experience. You’ll hear their insights on how to utilize spreadsheets and checklists to ensure nothing is left behind. You’ll also learn the significance of planning before the packing phase, ensuring your entire team is accounted for. And hear Rachel and Paulina’s personal packing lists they wouldn’t dream of leaving behind. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to create a successful packing plan How to utilize checklists How a general contractor can help save on shipping costs

When striving towards a more inclusive workplace, there’s a lot of focus put on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But one part of the conversation that’s oftentimes overlooked is ageism. It’s important that we work to bridge the gap between generations, and there’s no better way to close that gap than by starting a dialogue. In this episode, Karen Carter (https://www.linkedin.com/in/karencartermktg/?originalSubdomain=uk), Director in Enterprise Marketing at Cvent (http://cvent.com/), joins hosts Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier) and Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712) to break down the barriers that ageism can cause in the workplace. hey sort through the Harvard Business Review, comparing the data to their own personal experiences, And discuss the importance behind bringing ageism to the forefront of conversations. When we see other perspectives, we start to understand and eliminate many of the challenges caused by ageism. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to bridge the gap between generations in the workplace Why you should start the conversation regarding ageism Why you should look at ageism from a different perspective

Your audience is the most important part of your event. At the end of the day, you can spend all the time in the world planning the perfect event, but without an audience, it may all go to waste. One way to make your attendees both feel great about your brand and enticed to come to your event, is to offer them some sort of swag. Who doesn’t love free stuff? In this episode, Alex Olley (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexolley/), Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Reachdesk (https://reachdesk.com/), joins the show to provide an inside perspective on how you can utilize swag and gifting within your event space. Alex shares that, when done right, swag can be a powerful tool not only for customer marketing, but for boosting internal morale as well. By providing useful products, your attendees will begin to feel a sense of fondness for your brand when they put their swag to use. Alex also explains the importance of sustainability, and how it’s more important to gift useful items over something more likely to end up in a landfill. Lastly, you’ll learn about how Reachdesk can be used as a tool to ensure you’re getting the most out of your gifting efforts. In this episode, you’ll learn: The impact of the pandemic on corporate gifting Why you should be thoughtful when determining your swag How Reachdesk is making an impact on an international level

As time continues, we’re seeing the number of powerful women in leadership roles continue to rise. It’s important to take the time to reflect on how far we’ve come, while also continuing the conversations centered around empowering each other inside the workplace. In this episode, host Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews) leads a panel on Women in Leadership during Cvent CONNECT. Join Tracy Judge (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracyjudge/), Reina Herschdorfer (https://www.linkedin.com/in/reina-herschdorfer-1098b998/), Stacey Fontenot (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-fontenot-138aa8/), and Leslie Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslierandrews/) as they share the journeys that lead them to finding success in their careers. You’ll discover some of the challenges they’ve faced along the way, while gleaning their insights on how you can push past those obstacles. Learn the importance of getting your foot in the door, and the power behind sharing your capital to help empower those around you. And hear their outlook on how women’s roles in leadership will continue to evolve in the near future. In this episode, you’ll learn: How you can look at failure as a stepping stone to success How you can be a great leader as an introvert What you can do to lift up the women around you

While events can be used as a great marketing tool, they can also be used to do a lot of good as well. Every year, there are a large number of charity and nonprofit events all over the world that are working to help change lives for the better. In this episode, Tyler Armstrong (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-armstrong-198b5981/), Managing Director of Special Events at UNICEF (https://www.unicef.org/), joins the show to share his insights into the world of nonprofit events. At UNICEF, Tyler’s been making a change through events for several years, working to improve the lives of children everywhere. Hear his stories about some of their previous events and the impact that they’ve been able to make. You’ll also learn how UNICEF is looking to expand their event strategy in the future by hosting cultivation events, and how you can partner with UNICEF to run your own nonprofit events. Along the way, Tyler shares his advice for anyone looking to jump into the world of nonprofit event planning. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance behind nonprofit events How UNICEF is changing lives through events How to generate engagement around a nonprofit event

Cvent CONNECT is our annual industry conference that brings event professionals together for the opportunity to network, learn from, and inspire each other. With attendees from widely different areas of the industry, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the magic of the meetings and events community. In this episode, hosts Rachel Andrews, Felicia Asiedu, Paulina Giusti, and Alyssa Peltier sit down and reflect on their experiences at this year’s CONNECT. You’ll hear some of their key takeaways from the event, while also learning how events can be used to create long-lasting working relationships. You’ll also hear the power behind confidence when speaking publicly at an event, and how staying composed when things go awry can go a long way in maintaining your event flow.

As event planners, we’re always striving to make our next event better than the last. This growth mindset constantly causes the landscape of the industry to evolve, and as it does, new trends begin to rise to the surface. But how can you begin to capitalize on these trends? In this episode, Mike Dietrich (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedietrich1/), Vice President of Product Marketing at Cvent (http://cvent.com/), joins the show to delve into the results from Cvent’s latest industry trends survey. Mike details the effects of the pandemic on events, with results showing that more attendees expect digital elements to be involved in some way. By using this information, learn how you can begin to successfully incorporate technology into your event. You’ll also discover how you can leverage event data to make adjustments during your next planning phase. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the data shows that a team effort makes for a great event The impact of the digital boom on events How the pandemic has affected industry trends

With each generation, a wave of new perspectives and ideas are ushered into the meetings and events industry. In order to keep our events fresh, it’s important to lean on that generation, and provide them with a platform to make their ideas a reality. In this episode, Samantha Efthimiades (https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaef/), Planner, Meetings & Events at Cvent, joins the show to share her insights on the industry from a Gen-Z perspective. Sam believes in the vocal power of Gen-Z and encourages the fresh faces to have the courage to share their ideas with the rest of their team.Hear her thoughts on how those ideas, such as rethinking booth giveaway items, can begin to increase engagement and bring in a broader audience. She also delves into the world of internships, sharing her experience as the head of Cvent’s Meetings and Events Internship program. Having gone through the program herself, she shares the importance of making sure that Gen-Z individuals feel like their voices are being heard. By building a connection with your interns, not only will they become more likely to speak up and share their ideas, but they’ll also begin to feel like they’re truly part of the team. In this episode, you’ll learn: The power of a great internship program How to utilize social media in events How to entice Gen-Z at events

Betsy Pake (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpake/), former Cventer and Subconscious Change Expert, is back! A big fan of the New Year, new beginnings, and Monday mornings, she’s a marketer and event professional who loves to reflect on successes and learn from failures. In this part two episode, she joins us for a discussion around uncovering the power of reflection and goal setting. Listen in as she shares insights on transforming failures into successes, celebrating successes, and creating an achievable plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use reflection to create a positive mindset and set goals for the new year Best practices for reflecting on successes, failures, and mediocrities How to craft our own narratives and create our own realities when setting goals