Step inside the largest event show in the Pacific Northwest with Stuart Butler, president of Butler Seattle and executive producer of the Northwest Event Show (NES). Hosts Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren go behind the scenes to explore the evolution of the NES from its Portland roots to an international platform, Stuart’s journey through industry disruptions, and how genuine human connection and community collaboration are driving the PNW event scene forward. Stuart shares lessons learned, his philosophy on hospitality, and an exciting preview of what's coming next. 

Takeaways  

• Human connection is essential: Bringing people together is the heart of event success. 

• Collaboration over competition: Community and networking drive the industry forward. 

• Resilience matters: Facing disruptions leads to growth and new opportunities. 

• Hospitality is a differentiator: Going above and beyond for guests sets events apart. 

• Personal connections fuel impact: Relationships and introductions spark real results. 

Key Timestamps  

[02:18 ] - The origins and legacy of the Northwest Event Show 

[05:21 ] - Evolving through challenges—dot-com bust, recession, and COVID 

[07:04 ] - Balancing local roots with a growing global audience 

[09:12 ] - Community over competition: the critical role of collaboration 

[13:16 ] - Comeback stories: pulling off magic when things get messy 

[16:46 ] - The tricky art of event messaging & lessons learned 

[17:16 ] - How to activate a community and scale momentum 

[20:21 ] - Elevating hospitality and meaningful connection in the industry 

[26:23 ] - Storytelling, connections, and Stuart’s “superpower” 

[28:53 ] - Why tighter spaces create more human energy 

[29:27 ] - Expanding resources: guides, new experiences, and industry impact 

[34:34 ] - Sneak peek: What to expect from the next Northwest Event Show 

Resources & Links: 

-Stuart Butler: LinkedIn 

-Northwest Event Show: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

-Get on the list for the lowest ticket price for NES 2026! 

-Alysse & Libby: Bios & LinkedIn 

Connect with Us: 

-Website: www.beatsworkingpodcast.com 

-LinkedIn: @BEATS WORKING Show 

-Instagram: @beatsworkingshow 

-Facebook: @Beats Working Show 

-YouTube: @BEATSWORKINGPODCAST 

Follow & Subscribe: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. 

Send Feedback: 

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@beatsworking.show.  

BEATS WORKING is a platform on a mission to redeem work—the word, the place, and the way. We believe that work is the most honorable act in the universe, and through inspiring stories and practical insights, we want to transform the way people think about work and help them discover greater fulfillment in their lives. We invite you to join us as we build community through sharing and actively demonstrating what we learn.