EVENT ABOUT IT: Event Marketing, Strategy & Business Growth

Most B2B companies are running events like one-night stands.They show up. They spend the budget. They tear down the booth. And then… they start from scratch all over again.In this episode of Event About It, Megan Martin sits down with Martin Fretwell, founder of Event Driven Growth, to unpack the single biggest event strategy mistake B2B teams keep repeating: treating events as isolated moments instead of compounding growth assets.This conversation challenges the way most organizations think about:Trade showsConferencesField marketingEvent ROI“Successful” event metricsMartin explains why the best events don’t just perform once — they stack, making every future event easier, stronger, and more valuable.If you’ve ever said:“That show went well, but…”“We’ll fix it next year”“Leadership doesn’t see the ROI”“Why does every event feel like starting over?”This episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:The core event strategy mistake killing long-term ROIWhy most B2B events never compound (and how to change that)The difference between one-hit wonder events and greatest hits strategiesHow to turn events into repeatable growth enginesWhat event-led growth actually looks like in practiceWhy “doing more events” isn’t the answerThis is a must-listen for:Event marketersField marketersDemand gen leadersCMOsRevenue teamsAnyone tired of defending event budgets every year🎙️ Host: Megan Martin🎙️ Guest: Martin Fretwell, Founder of Event Driven Growth🔗 Learn more about Martin: https://www.eventdrivengrowth.com🔗 Explore the show: https://www.eventaboutitpodcast.com🔗 Follow Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/MeganMartinCMP📌 Subscribe, rate, and review if this episode made you rethink your event strategy.

Do you have rungs or do you have range? This week on the Dynamic Dialogue After Show, host Megan Martin and the legendary Kati Quigley keep the mics hot after the meeting ends to discuss the "quiet power" required to lead in a very loud industry.This is the podcast for event led growth & strategy for sales, marketing, and event professionals.Kati pulls back the curtain on the "Introvert’s Advantage" in the events industry. While everyone else is fighting for the loudest voice in the room, Kati breaks down how quiet leadership, active listening, and "reading the room" became her secret weapons for event strategy. They discuss the vulnerability of moving into roles where you aren't the subject matter expert, the importance of treating partners with the same respect as executives, and the "Closed Door Truth" about what it really takes to lead a world-class team.Key Takeaways:The Introvert’s Secret Weapon: How to use quiet observation and listening to dominate event marketing strategy sessions.The "Closed Door Truth": Kati shares what she hopes people say about her leadership when she’s not in the room.Leading Without Being the Expert: Navigating the discomfort of managing teams whose technical skills (like Social or Content) exceed your own.Respect as a Strategy: Why the way you treat your hotel partners and A/V crews is the ultimate reflection of your professional brand.The Power of Relationship Building: Why authentic connections—not just networking—are the foundation of event led growth.About the Guest: Kati Quigley is the Vice President of Portfolio and Brand Marketing at BMC Software. A veteran marketing leader and executive coach at heart, she has led global teams for Microsoft and Smartsheet and has spent her career proving that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be the most influential.Have a Vent of the Week? Head to⁠ www.eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media ⁠@eventaboutit⁠ Work with Megan Martin ⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiquigley/

Some people climb ladders and some people build rooms. Ultimately, real growth isn't about rungs—it's about range. This week on Event About It, host Megan Martin sits down with the powerhouse who didn't just climb the corporate ladder, she expanded the building: Kati Quigley.This is the podcast for event led growth & strategy for sales, marketing, and event professionals.Kati takes us through her legendary career evolution, from leading the charge at PCMA to building the first-ever Event Center of Excellence at Microsoft. We’re breaking down the high-stakes shift from association life to the corporate tech world, where events aren't just logistics—they are the ultimate leverage for marketing. Kati spills the tea on why your career shouldn't be a "ladder" but a "floor plan," and how she successfully transitioned from being "the event girl" to leading global event marketing for some of the biggest names in tech.Key Takeaways:The Floor Plan Career: Why building "range" and lateral skills is more powerful than just climbing rungs.The Center of Excellence: A masterclass in how Kati built a centralized event strategy at Microsoft to drive global consistency and event led growth.Events as Leverage: Shifting the mindset from "executing a meeting" to "leveraging an event" as a strategic marketing tool.The Corporate Transition: How to translate association experience into the language of corporate ROI and demand generation.About the Guest: Kati Quigley is the Vice President of Portfolio and Brand Marketing at BMC Software. A veteran marketing leader and executive coach at heart, she has led global teams for Microsoft and Smartsheet and has spent her career proving that you don't have to be the loudest person in the room to be the most influential.Have a Vent of the Week? Head to⁠ www.eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media ⁠@eventaboutit⁠ Work with Megan Martin ⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiquigley/

Have you built an identity around work you genuinely love — and still find yourself questioning "what’s next?" This week on the Dynamic Dialogue After Show, host Megan Martin and the ultimate “Trade Show Girly,” Carly Heideger, keep the mics hot after the show floor goes dark to spill the tea on the side of the industry the brochures don’t cover.This is the podcast for event led growth & strategy for sales, marketing, and event professionals.Carly breaks down the “Land Deck” lifestyle—the realization that being an event pro is essentially being a “yachtie” on Below Deck, just replace the ocean with a concrete convention center. We’re diving into the reality of event marketing at the senior level, including Carly’s secret weapon for professional development: a Goodreads goal of 30 books a year. They discuss navigating Imposter Syndrome, career transitions, leading revenue teams, and knowing when to prioritize "logos over ego" to fund the mission.Key Takeaways:The "Land Deck" Life: Why the event industry is basically Below Deck on land and how to survive the "charter season" of major trade shows.The 30-Book Blueprint: How reading business memoirs and hospitality manifestos fuels a more creative event strategy.The Imposter Syndrome Trap: Real talk on the "Post-it" mantras and mindset shifts required to lead multi-million dollar revenue teams when you feel like a "fraud."Logos vs. Ego: A candid look at event led growth and why sometimes you have to discount the sponsorship to pay for the "big ideas."The Career "What's Next": How to navigate the senior-level plateau when you aren't unhappy, but you're ready for the next iteration of your professional journey.About the Guest: Carly Heideger is a veteran senior revenue leader and the self-proclaimed "Trade Show Girly" who has spent her career managing the high-pressure intersection of multi-million dollar sponsorship sales and complex event operations.Have a Vent of the Week? Head to⁠ www.eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media ⁠@eventaboutit⁠ ⁠Work with Megan Martin ⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyheideger/

Is your event contingency plan a real strategy or just a dusty file? This week on Event About It, host Megan Martin sits down with the ultimate "Trade Show Girly," Carly Heideger, to spill the tea on what happens when the hypothetical becomes a nightmare.This is the podcast for event led growth & strategy for sales, marketing and event professionals.Carly takes us inside a high-stakes aviation event in Geneva where active protestors didn't just stand outside—they forced a total event shutdown. We’re breaking down why every event organizer must read the security plan before the "Super Bowl" of their industry begins. From $80 million private jets to registration managers jumping over tables with bolt cutters during a flash flood, this episode is a masterclass in crisis management and operational input.We’re also getting real about the "Gen Alpha" paradox. Everyone in the events industry is asking what the next generation wants, but nobody is actually inviting them to the room to experience the current iteration. Are we overthinking innovation while gatekeeping the very people we’re trying to attract?Key Takeaways:The Geneva Shutdown: A play-by-play of the aviation event takeover and why your contingency plan needs to be more than just "if it rains."The Gen Alpha Gap: Why we need to stop the future of events panels and start letting the next generation actually attend.Operational Reality: Why the registration manager and the A/V team are your best friends when a crisis hits.Boardroom vs. Show Floor: Balancing event revenue goals with the reality of sponsorship fatigue.About the Guest: Carly Heideger is a veteran senior revenue leader and the self-proclaimed "Trade Show Girly" who has spent her career managing the high-pressure intersection of multi-million dollar sponsorship sales and complex event operations.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to⁠ www.eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media ⁠@eventaboutit⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit⁠Work with Megan Martin⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/⁠Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/carlyheideger/

AI in every session title. Wellness lounges next to espresso bars. Puppies that are cute … but don’t close deals.If you’re an event professional or event marketer trying to separate what’s trendy from what actually works, this live episode of Event About It is for you.Recorded in front of a studio audience at the Club Ichi Telethon, this episode is loud, unfiltered, and packed with real opinions from people who’ve seen events go very right — and very wrong.Together, we debate today’s biggest event trends, share real behind-the-scenes failures, and break down how smarter event strategy leads to stronger business growth.This is Event Growth Unfiltered — live.🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:Which event trends deserve a hard mute — and which ones still deliver ROIHow misaligned content, wellness messaging, and logistics hurt attendee trustWhat real event pros do when production fails, power goes out, or plans unravel live🎤 Live panel guests:Seth Weiner — Your Rocktioneer® | The Fundraising Producer Benefit Auctioneer | Emcee | Game Show Host | CAI, BASDavid T. Stevens — Co-Founder, Olympian MeetingAntwone Stigall — Owner & Chief Event Officer, Planner ApprovedIf you plan, market, or produce events — and want fewer gimmicks and better results — you’re in the right place.🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes focused on event marketing, event strategy, and business growth 👉 Your backstage pass to event success.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to⁠ www.eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media ⁠@eventaboutit⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit⁠Work with Megan Martin⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/

When you go from coordinating guest speakers with the secret service to a sabbatical on a farm, there's a LOT to unpack. This Dynamic Dialogue After Show feels like stepping out of the ballroom and into a deep exhale. Host Megan Martin and Morgan Prewitt, CMP go full truth-teller about bringing new ideas to events and how they've both learned that experience does not equal years.In the After Show:• Morgan’s post-DNC sabbatical • Farming, goats, and finding joy that isn’t tied to deadlines• How to create main-character confidence in events• Why women in events need strong mentors and the courage to say "no"• How to ditching stale event formats• And yes… the Secret Service moment that proves political events are their own Bravo franchiseGuest Bio:Morgan Prewitt, CMP is a seasoned event strategist with deep experience across tech, venue management, associations, and large-scale political programming.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to www.eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-prewitt-cmp/ 

When your speakers go rogue and the weather tries to destroy your show, you need proof that even the best planners survive pure chaos with style. Host Megan Martin sits down with Morgan Prewitt, CMP, the calm-in-the-storm strategist behind major corporate, tech, and political programs. She’s here to break down the moments that would make any event pro clutch their headset.What you’ll learn in this episode: • You’ll hear some truly unhinged speaker “ideas”• Vent of the Week: events practicing faux sustainability • Why being transparent is the key to surviving any event disaster • How she rebuilt a full closing reception in under five hours (pizza included)• What sixteen hour days taught her about loving this industryPlus: An Event About It moment where Morgan proves no gig is ever as “handled” as your client thinks it is.Guest Bio:Morgan Prewitt, CMP is an accomplished event strategist known for leading large scale corporate, tech, and political programs with precision and heart.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to www.eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-prewitt-cmp/

Ever feel like your event is perfectly planned but something still isn’t landing with your attendees? This Dynamic Dialogue After Show goes deeper into the psychology behind the why. Megan Martin and guest Dr. Kristin Malek unpack the brain science, behavior patterns, and real transformation strategies event planners desperately need.What You’ll Learn• Planning for the next generation who want events that matter• Practical ways to create safe learning environments• The real secret to building agendas that stack learning• Why rest is an amplifier for creativity and not a luxury• The one habit Dr. K would break in the events industry• The surprising place she says event design should begin: email campaignsDr. Kristin explains why “the brain doesn’t care if you’re miserable, it cares if you’re familiar” and she reveals how curiosity and fear battle for the same real estate in your mind. Plus how knowing all this can be a game changer for your events.Guest Bio: Dr. Kristin Malek is an internationally known behavior change expert whose frameworks help leaders, planners, and creators rewire identity, spark momentum, and create transformation that lasts.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to www.eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drkevents/ 

Have you ever poured your soul into an event and still wondered… did anyone actually learn anything? If that question feels too real, this episode is a must listen. Megan Martin sits down with Dr. Kristin Malek, the architect of curiosity who mixes neuroscience with name badges to design events that shift hearts, minds, and behavior.From her Las Vegas executive director days to the moment she realized event agendas were “RSVPing no” to her brain, Dr. K comes in blazing with alliteration, improv energy, and lines like, “You cannot spreadsheet serotonin.”They play a round of Science or Schedule, where Megan tosses out industry dilemmas and Dr. Kristin fires back with gems including, “A ninety minute keynote is our parents lifetime,” and “Sending the PowerPoint is like sending a grocery list and calling it dinner.”What You’ll Learn:• Why adult attention spans tap out at twelve minutes • Why overstuffed agendas kill transformation • “You cannot hashtag oxytocin” and other truths about your event• A Lego story that changed a community• How good design thinking shapes experiences far beyond eventsAnd her Vent of the Week story about eight board members having emotional breakthroughs with Legos. Iconic.Guest Bio: Dr. Kristin Malek is an internationally recognized designer and educator specializing in mindset and behavior change, known for blending neuroscience, psychology, and experience design to create measurable transformation.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to www.eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the Week” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show.Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drkevents/⁠

If you’ve ever wondered how your early event jobs shaped the way you plan today, this one’s for you. In this “Dynamic Dialogue After Show”, host Megan Martin and guest Jessie Smith rewind to where it all began. Starting on the venue side, learning the ropes from restaurant sales offices to full-scale corporate programs, and how those “learn-it-on-the-fly” lessons built a 20-year career in events for Jessie.Jessie opens up about what earning two degrees in event management really taught her, and how living at a slower pace has reshaped her approach to work, leadership, and burnout. From hospitality roots to managing high-stakes global programs, this “After Show” is a refreshing reminder that success looks different for everyone. It’s okay to define it on your own terms.🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:How starting on the venue side shapes the way planners thinkWhy formal education in event management still mattersThe difference between big-city hustle and small-town balanceWhether earning your CMP is truly worth it — and what it actually changesHow Jessie defines “success” after two decades in eventsAbout the Guest:Jessie Smith is an Event Manager at Enterprise Events Group and a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Virtual Event Producer, and Event Strategist. She’s an industry enthusiast who brings heart, humor, and hands-on experience to every production she manages.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content!Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmith1031/

If you’ve ever had an event day spiral into chaos and somehow still pulled off magic, this one’s for you. Host Megan Martin sits down with Jessie Smith, Event Manager at Enterprise Events Group, who’s known for delivering high-stakes programs with poise, precision, and serious production chops.Together they laugh about the real life chaos of event planning like sprinklers going off in the middle of an event gala dinner and discuss why the post-COVID event timeline still gives planners nightmares.Plus, they play Run of Showdown. The rapid-fire game of planner instincts that’ll have you shouting your own answers out loud.What you'll learn in this episode:How Jessie accidentally launched her career running a hotel sales office in collegeWhy she went back to school for both undergrad and grad degrees in event managementThe event that went off the rails when a key team member ended up in jail (yes, really)Murphy’s Law in action: mud pits, busted sprinklers, and keeping guests calmThe “tight timeline trap” and how the industry still hasn’t recovered from itThe Run of Showdown game: VIP seating vs. GA, selfie stations vs. step-and-repeats, and moreAbout the Guest:Jessie Smith is an Event Manager at Enterprise Events Group, known for her ability to keep cool under pressure and execute global programs seamlessly. She’s a Certified Meeting Professional, Virtual Event Producer, Event Strategist, and lifelong events enthusiast.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content!Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmith1031/ 

If you’ve ever felt like running your business feels more like chasing cars than driving them, then you’ll relate to this episode.This week on the Event About It Dynamic Dialogue After Show, Megan Martin sits down with Marc Ghafoori, CEO and founder of AlphaTooth, for a real and raw conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and what it means to build something that lasts in the events world.They dive into the unglamorous side of starting up, the evolution of personal vs. business brands, and the power of advocacy in an industry that often operates behind the curtain.Marc shares what launching his company taught him about pivoting, self-discovery, and redefining success on his own terms.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This After Show Episode:What starting AlphaTooth really looks like behind the scenes—and what no book or mentor tells youHow to reevaluate your business every 90 days to stay aligned and inspiredWhy event entrepreneurs must separate their brand from their businessThe truth about advocacy work and how it’s shaping our futureHow to find inspiration and community through connection (and why Club Ichi might just be the blueprint for industry evolution)It’s honest, insightful, and a must-listen for every event professional reimagining what leadership and innovation look like today.About the Guest:Marc Ghafoori is the CEO and founder of AlphaTooth, a creative strategy and production consultancy helping event organizations design smarter, bolder, more impactful experiences. With 15+ years in the events industry and a background in architecture, Marc is known for fusing design-thinking with advocacy to move the industry forward.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the Week”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content!Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.alphatooth.com/marc-ghafoori

If you’ve ever felt like your event lineup is running on repeat, this episode is your wake-up call. Megan Martin sits down with Marc Ghafoori, a creative event strategist who’s built a career helping brands transform tired conference formats into experiences that actually inspire people to care. Together, they talk about the all-too-familiar chaos that happens when plans go sideways and how to bring the energy back when your keynote—or your client—loses the plot. From what makes a good event actually “good” to the creative burnout so many producers face, this episode gives the honest, funny, and sometimes painfully relatable truths about being the one everyone looks at when the lights flicker.They also play a round of Tooth or Dare, where Marc shares which event buzzwords make him cringe and the one industry peer he’d love to trade jobs with (spoiler: he might bend the rules on that one).🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to reset the room when a keynote (or an event) derailsWhy creativity doesn’t survive in constant chaosWhat makes event producers secretly love the adrenaline rushThe buzzword Marc thinks should be permanently bannedWhich event pro he’d swap roles with for a week—and whyAbout the Guest:⁠Marc Ghafoori ⁠is an award-winning event strategist and creative producer known for turning traditional conferences into high-impact, story-driven experiences that connect audiences and brands. His work blends design, direction, and innovation to help clients deliver events that resonate long after the lights go down.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to ⁠eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content!Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutit⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit⁠Work with Megan Martin⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/⁠Connect with the Guest⁠https://www.alphatooth.com/marc-ghafoori⁠

If you’ve ever felt like your event lineup is running on repeat, this episode is your wake-up call. Megan Martin sits down with Marc Ghafoori, a creative event strategist who’s built a career helping brands transform tired conference formats into experiences that actually inspire people to care. Together, they talk about the all-too-familiar chaos that happens when plans go sideways and how to bring the energy back when your keynote—or your client—loses the plot. From what makes a good event actually “good” to the creative burnout so many producers face, this episode gives the honest, funny, and sometimes painfully relatable truths about being the one everyone looks at when the lights flicker.They also play a round of Tooth or Dare, where Marc shares which event buzzwords make him cringe and the one industry peer he’d love to trade jobs with (spoiler: he might bend the rules on that one).🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to reset the room when a keynote (or an event) derailsWhy creativity doesn’t survive in constant chaosWhat makes event producers secretly love the adrenaline rushThe buzzword Marc thinks should be permanently bannedWhich event pro he’d swap roles with for a week—and whyAbout the Guest:Marc Ghafoori is an award-winning event strategist and creative producer known for turning traditional conferences into high-impact, story-driven experiences that connect audiences and brands. His work blends design, direction, and innovation to help clients deliver events that resonate long after the lights go down.Have a Vent of the Week?Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content!Connect with Us!Follow the show on social media @eventaboutithttps://www.instagram.com/eventaboutitWork with Megan Martinhttps://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with the Guesthttps://www.alphatooth.com/marc-ghafoori

Behind the disco-ball energy and champagne sparkle, Neen James is on a mission to prove that luxury is a mindset, not a price tag. In this After Show, Megan Martin and Neen James dig deeper into Exceptional Experiences. What does that mean? It means exploring how to create personalization at scale, giving attendees behind-the-scenes access, and how contagious confidence can elevate your event culture.They also swap stories about luxury hotel dogs, knife sommeliers, and why hot pink has become Neen’s ultimate power move in every boardroom. And of course, they get into guilty pleasures, leadership trends that need to die, and how event profs can protect their energy while showing up 100% for clients.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This After Show:How to spot and create daily champagne moments for your team and clientsWhy behind-the-scenes access is one of the most powerful luxury leversThe mindset shift every middle manager can use to sell leadership on luxury experiencesHow to care for employees as much as attendees—front of house and back of houseThe real story behind Neen’s pink power brand and how to own your presence in any roomAbout the Guest:Neen James is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of three books including Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, sharp wit, and a signature pink style, she’s been called the “Energizer Bunny” of the speaking world and works with Fortune 500 leaders, associations, and even the FBI to help them elevate experiences and influence.Have your own “Vent of Week?”Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com  and tell it to us so we can play it on an upcoming episode!Want to support the show?Share this episode with an event prof who would love to hear these tips. Follow on Instagram @EventAboutItConnect with Megan⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠Connect with Neen HERE

If your attendee check-in feels more like standing in line at the DMV than stepping onto a red carpet, you NEED this episode. Host Megan Martin sits down with Neen James, leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of her brand-new book Exceptional Experiences. Neen is known for teaching the world that attention pays and that pink goes with everything. She spills her luxury mindset secrets for creating champagne moments that make attendees feel seen, heard, and valued.From turning service fails into brand-building opportunities to rethinking swag bags, registration emails, and lunch breaks, Neen shows event profs how to elevate everyday touchpoints into unforgettable experiences.🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “luxury” is not about money but rather mindsetThe difference between a concierge vs. a bellhop approach to event planningHow to create personalized speaker gifts that don’t end up in the hotel trashEasy upgrades to check-in, confirmation emails, and attendee lunchesThe Experience Elevation Model—and how to apply it at any budgetAbout the Guest: Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and Exceptional Experiences. She consults with Fortune 500 executives, sits on the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, and is known for helping leaders deliver experiences that drive revenue, results, and lasting connections.Want to hear more from the guest?Listen to the Dynamic Dialogue After Show dropping next week. Have a wild event story you want to share?Tell it to us at eventaboutitpodcast.com so we can play it on an upcoming episode.Connect with Megan⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with Neen https://neenjames.com/

What happens when your boardroom politics collide with your convention center ballroom chaos? Host Megan Martin sits down with Johnnie White to unpack how event pros can level up from managing logistics to shaping strategy in the C-suite. From translating data into decisions to treating annual conferences like mini organizations, this episode is packed with real-world lessons every planner should hear.You will learn why forecasting trends matters more than recycling playbooks, how to turn audience behavior into strategic insight, and what ROI really looks like when your board is watching. And yes—Johnnie spills on the infamous “symposium by candlelight” story and why handing out 10,000 tablets may not have been the best long-term plan.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to translate event data into strategic decision-makingWhy annual conferences should function like mini organizationsThe role of trend forecasting and audience behavior in future-proofing eventsHow to balance ROI-driven decisions with boardroom politicsStories from real-life event chaos—including one symposium that went darkAbout the Guest:Johnnie White is the CEO of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, with more than 30 years in leadership and management roles across associations. He has served as PCMA Board Chair, is a board member of ASAE, and has taught at Georgetown University and Northern Virginia Community College.Claim your⁠ ⁠⁠Eventeny ⁠⁠⁠Discount$500 off Pro Annual PlanHERE:⁠ ⁠⁠https://product.eventeny.com/event-about-it ⁠What’s Your Vent of the Week?Head to www.eventaboutitpodcast.com to share it and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show. Share this episode with a fellow industry friend who needs to hear this!Connect with Megan HERE:https://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with Johnnie HERE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnniewhiteceo/

What do CEOs really want from event professionals—and how do you stay sane when you’re the one delivering it? In this After Show, host Megan and Johnnie White dig into the unfiltered truth: why planners need to show up with strategy (not just logistics), what data leaders actually care about, and how to balance vision with daily operations.You’ll hear what Johnnie learned as the only man on the Association for Women in Events board, how a “brilliant” idea to give away 10,000 tablets backfired, and why storytelling with data is the ultimate skill for event pros who want a seat at the table.What You’ll Learn in This After Show:The financial and strategic data CEOs actually need from plannersWhy event leaders must bring strategy—not just logistics—to the C-suiteHow long-term vision and daily operations can (and must) co-existWhat Johnnie learned from serving as the sole male board member in AWEWhy that 10,000-tablet giveaway turned into a cautionary taleAbout the Guest:Johnnie White is the CEO of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, with 30+ years of leadership across associations. He’s served as PCMA Board Chair, sits on the ASAE board, and is an award-winning association executive dedicated to elevating events and the professionals behind themWant More?Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show. Share this with a fellow industry friend who needs to hear this!Connect with Megan HERE:https://msquareddynamics.com/Connect with Johnnie HERE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnniewhiteceo/

Behind every slick campaign is a lot of caffeine, chaos, and last-minute curveballs. In this After Show, Megan and Joe Federbush swap real stories about the behind-the-scenes moments that never make the case study slides. From awkward client requests to the stress of proving value in real time, Joe reveals how he keeps perspective when everything’s on the line.They also dive into the lighter side of the job—why some of the “worst” ideas can actually spark the best conversations, and how humor sometimes saves the day when spreadsheets can’t.What You’ll Learn in This After Show:How to handle client requests that make zero sense (without losing your cool)Why not all “bad” ideas are actually bad—and how to use them strategicallyThe mental side of event marketing: staying sane when metrics rule everythingBehind-the-scenes stories that prove no two events are ever the sameHow humor and flexibility can turn near-disasters into winsAbout the Guest:Joe Federbush is the President & Chief Strategist of EVOLIO Marketing, where he helps brands prove and improve the value of their event marketing investments. Known for his sharp insights and candid approach, Joe isn’t afraid to share what really happens when theory meets reality on the show floor.Connect with Joehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joefederbushConnect with Meganhttps://msquareddynamics.com/ Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content and guest Q&As.