Eventist365

Event planners often focus on the competition from neighboring booths when designing their trade show booths, overlooking the crucial aspect of attracting attendees and achieving engagement targets for a memorable experience. By implementing thoughtful, evidence-based strategies aligned with business goals, positive results can be achieved.

In this recent episode of Eventist 365, guest Ben Moorsom offers a psychological perspective, emphasizing his team's training in understanding how the brain processes information and responds to stimuli at events. Ben stresses the significance of considering attendees' cognitive states, as their engagement levels greatly depend on it.

Tune in until the end to hear Ben's insights on integrating behavioral insights and measurement techniques to enhance event design.

Highlights: 

00:02  Attracting vs competing for attendee engagement in trade show booth design

04:16 Behavioral factors that significantly impact attendee engagement - the emergence of cognitive resonance 

07:40  The positive and negative effects of sound n trade show booth design

14:26 The importance of visual design in creating engaging experiences, particularly in open format designs 

20:47 What is experience audit and how does it help to optimize event design? 

25:49 The use of facial analysis for event engagement insights

30:57 Ben thinks it's not about seeking a tool  but about the way planners think in establishing business objectives

CONNECT WITH BEN MOORSOM

Yanique had an astounding episode offer at Eventist365 having David Stevens as her guest. David and his team at the Olympian Meeting, all experts in event planning all over the world, infuses innovative approach to booth design by integrating wellness and sustainability making their events an unforgettable experience.   

During the episode, David proudly shared an impactful event that significantly boosted their business while leaving zero environmental footprint. Surprisingly, their standout booth, a replica of the Apollo 11 Lunar Lander, was crafted from just one pallet of flat cardboard sheets. The remarkable achievement showcases their commitment to both creativity and sustainability.

Tune in until the very end of the episode to gain valuable insights into sustainable booth design.

Highlights:

03:53 The 3 Ps that are crucial to sustainability in booth design 

05:33 Explanation of the Cradle to Cradle principle on sustainability

09:06 Evolution of sustainability and booth design practices in the industry

15:28 David highlights the success of their booth drawing a lot of attention to their cardboard booth.

18:18 Common challenges faced by event planners and marketers when designing sustainable booths.

20:43 Sustainable strategies for event booth designs and partnerships that can double post-event open rates.

28:29 The Return to Wellness Podcast and why its primary focus is on the first P of sustainability - People?

32:47 The shift towards comfortable shoes at trade shows

35:13 David's recommended resource for valuable information towards sustainable booth design.

RESOURCES: 

In this exciting episode of Eventist365, Yanique DaCosta sits down with event design expert Devon Pasha where they delve into the intricacies of creating events that induce genuine shifts in behavior, drawing upon Devon's proficiency in employing inventive approaches to elevate events beyond conventional gatherings.

Devon draws parallels to a canvas in the realm of design, advocating for transformative behavioral change. She unravels the power of impactful design thinking and empathy mapping, shedding light on how these methods can connect with attendees on a subconscious level.

Tune in to witness a conversation brimming with insights that could redefine your approach to event design and plans.  

Highlights:

04:20 What is Empathy Mapping in the Event Canvas Methodology?

09:17 What does success look like? 

12:25 Maximizing your internal resources to streamline decisions

16:10 What exactly is an event?

19:31 Insights from Devon Pasha on creating and testing multiple prototypes

24:46 Why color matters?

29:03 How does even canvas methodology deliver measurable ROI and ROE in terms of attendee engagement?

32:22 Devon's recommended resource or tool that will be useful for listeners interested in event designs. 

CONNECT WITH DEVON PASHA:

Consolidating event technology into a single platform, like an all-encompassing event management system, can streamline data flow and improve the attendee experience.

Technology is an important tool, but for Jonathan Kazarian, the guest for today's episode of Eventist365, what matters is actual engagement with people you had a meaningful conversation with, as the true metric of a successful event. In fact that is his favorite metric. 

Also in this episode, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of intentional event planning that goes beyond lead generation. Many events focus primarily on technological aspects such as impressive LCD screens, captivating activations, or the quantity of leads generated, often neglecting the importance of qualified leads.

Join us on this episode and learn how to collect qualified leads with intentionality.

Highlights:

02:33 Latest trends and technical innovation that Jonathan has observed at trade shows  

03:32 Less technology vs intentionality in running trade shows (Generating unqualified leads) 

06:29 What are some effective strategies for boosting attendee engagement at trade shows?

07:38 Workforce challenges that event organizers have to deal with in-person and virtual events from 2019 to the present.

09:00 Over-reliance on technology can sometimes lead to creating new problems. (Focusing on technology but foregoing attendee impact and experience)

11:15 Elements that make tradeshow booth experience memorable in terms or marketing and brand presence

13:39 What does Jonathan recommend to facilitate data-driven decisions, integrating technology and measuring an event's success?

16:14 Jonathan's favorite metric to measure the success of an event

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN  KAZARIAN:

The recent shifts in trade show booth design reflect a significant influence from the post-COVID era, embracing a blend of comfort and informality, characterized by the emerging 'resimercial' aesthetic. This trend places a heightened emphasis on seamlessly merging residential and commercial elements within booth constructions.

A compelling discussion on this transformation was the subject of this episode of Eventist365, featuring Yanique's conversation with Charles Pappas, Senior Writer at EXHIBITOR Magazine. The conversation revolved around sustainability, the phenomenon of greenwashing, and the adoption of inclusive language in booth designs. Notably, these innovations hold particular appeal for the upcoming generation of marketers, including Gen Z individuals destined for future roles as Vice Presidents or C-level executives. This shift favorably positions companies for a future where inclusivity and environmental consciousness play pivotal roles in shaping successful marketing strategies.

Highlights:

00:26 Sneak peek of exciting trends that Charles predict

02:13 The casual thing in tradeshow and its relative budget

05:08 Sustainability vs Pretty of green walls

07:59 Biophilia exhibiting technique for sustainability and promoting green efforts

13:23 Gen Z to lead sustainable changes in events marketing over next decade.

15:39 Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the events industry with focus on social responsibility

21:27 The psychology of trade show booth design trends 

23:06 The next big thing in trade show booth designs for Charles Pappas

CONNECT WITH CHARLES PAPPAS: 

Typically, at the conclusion of events, participants often engage in toasting with champagne or other alcoholic beverages like wine, right? In a refreshing departure from the norm, Sepideh Eivazi, the founder of Dawn of the Earth, introduced a unique twist by suggesting a toast with carefully curated and blended tea, providing attendees with a beautiful and distinct experience. Picture this: attendees who may be grappling with jet lag, fatigue, or symptoms of stomach problems are treated to a rejuvenating break from the stress and high pressure that both event planners and attendees commonly face.

In her role as an EFT and Somatic Breathwork practitioner, Sepi emphasizes the profound significance of breathwork for overall well-being. She firmly believes that within each of us lies a potent remedy—our breath. Breathwork serves as a potent tool for connecting with the nervous system, enabling the body to pinpoint and address areas harboring trapped emotions.

This episode is a must-listen, offering valuable takeaways with immediate, tangible results.

Highlights:

03:16  Introduction to Somatic Breathwork

04:55 What does a somatic breathwork session look like?

08:12 Overwhelm in a high-stress, high-pressure environment like in events, hospitality space, and marketers 

09:48 How can event marketers or planners incorporate somatic breathwork into their events, not only for event planners but attendees, as well? 

15:15 What's the story behind Dawn of the Earth and the unique tea blends that complement breathwork?

19:39 Where to connect with Sepideh Eivazi?

20:39 Sepi's recommendation for people to start incorporating wellness into their routine 

CONNECT WITH SEPIDEH EIVAZI:

In the Events Industry, it does not matter if your materials are top of the line or on a budget because what matters is if you can make that conversion. Current and future trends in materials and textures underscore the potential of integrating elements such as texture, font color, and more to create a booth that is both memorable and impactful.

In this episode of Eventist365, Yanique engages in a conversation with industry expert Cindy Lo, the CEO of Red Velvet, delving into the materials and textures anticipated to dominate in 2024. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of collaborating with seasoned professionals who bring invaluable insights into impact, budget management, trade show booth strategies, and emerging technologies.

Tune in to gain valuable insights from these two seasoned event-planning professionals.

Highlights:

02:38 Brief overview of materials & textures' pivotal role in trade show design

04:44 The non-default groundbreaking materials that will dominate the trade show scene

10:50  Cost-effective budget tricks & tips in building booths

15:39 Sustainability in a Wasteful Industry

19:15 Cindy Lo shared a story of her team where the material used makes a learning experience 

22:38 What Challenges do event planners face with the space or location given and what can be done about it?

29:00 What emerging material do you predict will gain popularity next year?

31:44 Go to material resources for event planners to explore how to be innovative with their materials.

CONNECT WITH CINDY LO:

As Season 3 kicks off for Eventist365 with its inaugural episode, Yanique da Costa, the show's host, will provide a preview of the upcoming episode topics for the season.

Throughout the season, there will be fresh perspectives into trade show and booth design, with a focus on advancing sustainability and integrating technology into trade show booth design.

Highlights:

[02:15] How does your booth stand in the sea of competition? 

[02:40] What is a well-designed booth?

[03:31] Sustainability and environment-friendly booth design

[04:00] Making the most out of your trade show booth's budget 

CONNECT WITH YANIQUE DACOSTA:

Podcast Social Media Accounts

In this episode of The Eventist 365 Show, event planner Christina Zococoli, at the director level, shares valuable insights into the meticulous event process, her organizational skills and how she is able to boost the morale of her team. She emphasized the importance of effective communication by way of morning and closing meetings, as well as the challenges of managing multiple events at the same time. The dynamic nature of event planning, including frequent floor plan changes and meeting sponsor needs was also discussed.

Christina also highlights the role of technology, such as interactive floor plans and mobile apps, in enhancing attendee experiences and providing valuable event statistics. 

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into event planning.

Highlights:

00:33 How does Christina utilize technology to streamline operations in event management? (What are Christina's favorite tech tools or platforms?)

01:48 Why are Interactive Floor Plans important in facilitating event planning?

04:42 What is Christina's approach to ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion are infused into the entire event planning?

07:11 Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Graphic Artist Guild headed by Yanique. 

10:19 Best practices and tips to ensure the financial process like profit and loss and budgeting is maximized.

12:42 Christina's thought process and strategies for handling logistics challenges. 

15:09 Christina shared a challenging situation from one of her events and how she used her problem-solving skills to turn it around.  

18:52 How does Christina ensure that customizations align with the brand and the objectives of the event?  

21:54 Celebrating small wins and keeping the team positive to boost team morale.

26:45 Some tips on forging long lasting professional relationships with clients, stakeholders and the inter-departmental team.

30:52 What's one event you think every event professional should attend at least once in their life?

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA ZOCCOLI:

Hybrid events seamlessly blend the advantages of both physical and virtual gatherings. This innovative approach facilitates meaningful interactions between present exhibitors and attendees, while also accommodating those who can only participate remotely. Frequently, event coordinators simply incorporate a virtual component into their conventional layout. However, emerging technological solutions now enable event planners to integrate both in-person and virtual elements within a single floor plan.

Interactive floor plans have proven effective at numerous hybrid events, as evidenced in this episode's conversation between Yanique and Kristina Bellanova, ExpoFP's VP of Business Development. 

Take pleasure in the insights shared during this interview! 

Highlights:

00:39 The most effective strategies and tactics for event professionals.

01:59 Specific technologies that Kristina thinks are needed in events

04:52 Best practices for incorporating DEI principles into corporate events

07:35 How can interactive floor plans make it easier or have the best experience for attendees at events?

10:52 What strategies or techniques are there to increase attendee engagement?

12:10 An event scenario that was challenging and how were they able to overcome it?

15:16 What's one event that Kristina thinks every event professional should attend?

17:34 After saying goodbyes, there is one more question Yanique forgot to ask - What are the price points to incorporate interactive floor plan technology into events?

CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BELLANOVA:

In this episode, Yanique interviews Natasha Wright, a psychology degree holder, who shares her insightful perspective on the integration of psychology into event planning. Natasha strongly believes that events revolve around people, and since psychology is centered on understanding human behavior, it serves as a valuable tool for creating impactful and memorable event experiences. 

By leveraging her expertise in human behavior, Natasha effectively enhances brand awareness and ensures that attendees have a clear understanding of what to expect from the event. This attention to detail and commitment to fulfilling the event promise are crucial for thriving in the industry. 

Don't miss out on this episode, as it offers valuable insights and tips for successful event planning.

Highlights:

00:03  Natasha's approach to create events through diversity, equity and inclusion.

06:53  Infusing  your value to create your event promise.

10:04  How does Natasha leverage her role as Chief Experience Curator to move brand awareness and create lasting impressions?

13:52  Being in the event industry which is still marketing, What part of marketing does Natasha move away from?

15:57  Natasha's biggest challenge so far in handling events and how did she overcome the challenge?

21:37  How does Natasha incorporate fun and other emotional temperaments in making a successful event?

25:44  What's one event, you think that every event professional should attend to sharpen their skills?

29:18  Why is it important to let people know what to expect from events or what is your event promise?

26:51  How has COVID changed both Natasha and Yanique being both of them are introverts?

CONNECT WITH NATASHA WRIGHT:

Denise Hibbard took a non-traditional path in her career because instead of pursuing an education in hospitality or event planning, she studied aviation. Despite this gap, her passion for connecting with people and observing the smiles on their faces became her inspiration to work full-time in the event industry. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Events Marketing at Zapier, leading a team responsible for implementing the company's events marketing strategies.

In her interview for Episode 26 of Eventist 365, Denise will share her interest in an unconventional conference format known as the 'unconference format.' This format prioritizes the audience or attendees, allowing them to take the lead in determining the topics of discussion and the type of experience they desire from the event.

Highlights:

02:38  Denise's not-so-traditional story about her journey to be an event industry professional.

05:19  How does Denise manage stress and have a work-life balance while executing high-pressure events? 

08:21  Is it possible to take emotions out of decisions when you are planning your own event, like your wedding?

09:29  What is a superpower that Denise would wish she had to help her in planning events?

12:47  Why does Denise think that the 'unconference' format in planning for events is an innovative and cool way to offer to the audience?

15:45  What made the conference successful utilizing the 'unconference' format and what was the key takeaway from it?  

17:37  Denise's perspective on the role of AI in events in the future.

20:26  What are some of the most important data points that event marketers should be tracking? 

23:49  With all the data that is collected from attendees themselves, how can it be used to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?

26:34  How does Denise work around conversations when everybody in the room is coming from the same background, same age range, and same cultural demographic? 

27:57  What’s the craziest event idea Denise had but was not able to execute?

33:05  What’s the one event every event professional should attend at least once?

35:08  Closing

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Yanique’s guest in this episode is Laura Hartmann, a seasoned event professional who has worked in various positions within the hotel industry across brands such as Marriott, Starwood, Hilton and Waldorf Astoria. Despite her extensive experience in event management, she found herself furloughed during the peak of the pandemic.

In this episode, you'll be inspired by Laura's remarkable journey. Rather than accepting her circumstances passively, she took proactive steps by co-founding H&F Redefined with her best friend. This network provides support to colleagues and peers navigating their furlough experiences and embarking on new business ventures. 

Now, when the doors opened up again for the hospitality and hotel industry, Laura chose to come back in the door and is now the Director of Group Events at Caribe Royale, Orlando. She chose to be back in the industry but on her own terms, and that is the difference.

Highlights:

03:34  Laura's Journey into the event industry

09:29  What are the three qualities that a corporate event planner or a marketer should possess in order to be sustainable and succeed? 

14:07  With the ever-changing technology, what kind of new and innovative technologies can help elevate attendee experience in events?

18:34  How can planning for an event provide a welcoming, inclusive environment that promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion?

23:41  What is H&F Redefined and what was the experience Laura had gone through to be inspired to co-found it with her best friend?

23:16  In doing this kind of initiative with H&F, what is the most exciting story or one that Laura finds very close to her heart?

31:14  How does Laura find the balance in her personal life while maintaining a career? (...What does setting boundaries for her and her team look like?)

39:48  What is one event that Laura thinks all event professionals should attend, at least once in their career?

43:39  Closing

CONNECT WITH LAURA HARTMANN:

In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, preserving genuine human interaction and infusing events with authentic emotions have become increasingly vital. Despite the pervasive influence of technology in our lives, there is a growing recognition of the irreplaceable value of human connection and the need to transcend the limitations of digital interfaces. In events, efforts should be made to cultivate meaningful interactions that transcend the digital realm. 

In this episode of Eventist365, Yanique and Adler Marchand's conversation offers multiple perspectives in ensuring diverse voices are heard, understanding of human experiences and minimizing harmful biases when creating stereotypes.

Highlights:

00:41  Integrating diversity, equity and inclusion in the event planning process. (...How to create stereotypes without being biased?)

07:46  What are some experiences of biases and inequality in being a black person trying to do events in South Florida? (...What steps can be taken to address inequality issues in the South Florida hospitality industry?)

17:12  How to build a strong relationship with vendors?

21:21  Being at the forefront of event planning, what tech tools are indispensable for Adler in the work that he does at the Broward Center of Innovation? 

23:59  How do we preserve human interaction  and imbue events with emotions despite advancements in technology?

26:09  What are some practices Adler does to strike a balance between his passion for the event industry and avoid burnout?

29:16  How has his experience in student affairs and education influenced the way Adler handles corporate events?

32:06  What’s one event every event planner should attend?

CONNECT WITH YANIQUE DACOSTA:

Website:

In this episode, you will learn how Lindsay Orem was able to bring to the table her rich experience, and her arsenal of vendors and speakers as the Foundational Events Manager in charge of full event strategies for Qualio. 

Yanique had a down-to-earth conversation with Lindsay about planning an event on a tight budget, and how it is to be at the forefront of day-to-day marketing communications activities in the life science industry, creating impactful events from conferences, to conventions and summits. 

And yes, you will also learn about Lindsay's life mantra and much more. 

Highlights:

03:00 Lindsay’s journey from working in the events and marketing industry to becoming the Foundational Events Manager in charge of full event strategies at Qualio. 

03:39  What are some of the biggest challenges Lindsay faced in terms of managing events, and planning it from the ground up?

11:41  In terms of budget, what were the conversations and what are two ways that will convince the Finance department?

14:09  What are the first foundational steps Lindsay takes when it comes to building an event program?

16:03  Creating relationships with an arsenal of vendors and speakers is very vital in successful event programs.

18:20  What were some key elements you consider to ensure like its success and make a lasting impression on the attendees even with budget constraints?

23:42  How do you balance staying true to your brand and company culture while also experimenting with new ideas and concepts? 

25:36  What does Lindsay do to ensure that events are inclusive and accessible for all the people who you want to attend? (...What does Lindsay think of feedback?)

30:53  Lindsay's favorite meant-to-be moments in her event planning career.

36:23  What is one event that Lindsay thinks all event professionals should attend, at least once in their career?

37:53  Closing

CONNECT WITH LINDSAY OREM:

To thrive as a successful professional in the event industry, mastery of business skills is essential. It's more than just mastering the ins and outs of the industry, including networking, relationship-building, and becoming a subject matter expert. Sometimes, the focus isn't solely on immediate monetary gains, but on cultivating lasting connections. Landing significant deals isn't an overnight endeavor. It's just unrealistic! If you are unwilling to have conversations, then your business won’t grow.

Erica Maurer, the featured guest on today's episode of Eventist 365, embodies these core principles. Her extensive experience in the events, marketing, and hospitality sectors speaks volumes. 

This episode is a must-listen, especially for event marketers and professionals aspiring to stand out in the industry.

Highlights:

00:49 How did Erica build her business from the ground up in the event industry?

03:05 Insights on maintaining long-term relationships

05:19 Being of service instead of looking at the bottom line.

08:05 Enhancing DEI in event planning

10:42 Strategies for partnering with other businesses and stakeholders.

16:05 The Event Planner Expo and why Erica and her partner decided to create it?

22:06 The art of follow-up and its relevance to business

28:51 Erica shared one event that didn't go as planned and how she managed to turn it around.

33:02 Top three advice for event marketers and professionals in order to stand out in the industry.

36:20 How to attend the Event Planner Expo on October 10 to 13,  this year?

38:47 Closing

CONNECT WITH ERICA MAURER:

In this episode, Yanique gets to talk to Andrea Babin, a seasoned event professional, who manages an entire marketing team at Corestack. This is a really fun episode with all the tips, insights, and really valuable information.

Being in the heart of digital innovation and working for a tech company, Andrea still thinks that for now, especially when talking about AI and Chat GPT for that matter, it is a tool that can be used to people's advantage. We can embrace it, but we still need to put the human imprint into it. By the word itself, it is Artificial, meaning there is no personal touch and the world needs a personal touch to connect and interact with each other.  

Highlights:

03:03  Andrea shares her journey into the event industry.

07:50 Some misconceptions about the job of an event planner vs the reality of it

13:12  One event oversight that stood out for Andrea and how she was able to put into action Plan ABCD to resolve the slip-up. 

16:07  How does Andrea strike a balance between creativity and practicality when talking about large event budgets?

19:20  What are some strategies that would really do well in increasing event attendance? (...What is a Client Champion?)

23:26  Why it is important to incorporate and embrace new technology in corporate events. (...What does Andrea think about AI replacing people in event planning?) 

23:37  Yanique's view on AI technology replacing graphic designers, especially the older ones.

24:08  Andrea and Yaniques thoughts on Chat GPT

30:20  Andrea's view and what she does in ensuring that their events are inclusive and welcoming to diverse backgrounds and identities.

34:47  What is one event that Andrea thinks all event professionals should attend, at least once in their career?

39:46  Closing

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

In this episode of Eventist365,  Hank Powell, an AV events lead with extensive experience in the events industry, shares insights on making corporate events successful and leveraging technology to enhance the attendee experience.

He emphasizes three essential elements for a successful event: engaging attendees from the moment they enter the venue, ensuring high-quality content and production, and delivering presentations that cater to the audience's needs.

They talked about Hank's role as an AV events lead, where he collaborates with various departments to execute their vision through technology. Effective communication plays a vital role in coordinating with event planners, vendors, and facility managers.

Hank shares how he ensures continuity and uniformity of the event experience across different global locations, utilizing tools like green screens and digital signage to disseminate content effectively.

Furthermore, Hank discusses his nonprofit organization, Global Culture, which focuses on using art, technology, and sustainable agriculture to bring people from diverse cultures together and foster meaningful connections.

Highlights:

00:20: The three essential elements for a successful event: engagement, quality content and production, and tailored presentations.

03:08: Platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom for engaging remote attendees during hybrid events

05:24: Recommended tools like Google, Epiphan, and Vimeo to enhance attendee experiences and customize content delivery

07:46: How to incorporate sensory elements like smell to create immersive event experiences

12:34: How to ensure continuity and uniformity of event experiences across global office locations using green screens and digital signage

13:34: Communication strategies and coordination between stakeholders are discussed, emphasizing the role of effective communication in the success of events.

18:16: Hank suggests the use of NDI (Network Device Interface) and cloud-based streaming tools for remote event control and enhanced broadcast quality

20:46: Acronyms and technical terms related to video formats and streaming protocols are mentioned, highlighting the importance of understanding the terminology

26:46: What is Global Culture and how it focuses on education, sustainable agriculture, and meaningful conversations through art and technology.

31:32: NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), InfoComm, and Integrated Systems Europe conferences for event professionals to stay updated with industry trends and explore new technologies

CONNECT WITH HANK POWELL:

Emma is an event and marketing coordinator with experience in planning nonprofit events. She works for the DAC Network, an organization that supports entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses.

Get ready for an awesome podcast episode with Emma! She's going to spill the beans on planning super cool events for nonprofits. Emma knows how to tackle challenges and make events super fun! She even uses cool stuff like TikTok to get people excited and coming to the events. Plus, she's a pro at planning events on a tight budget and getting help from others. Emma believes that everyone should feel welcome at events, no matter who they are. She also knows how to get people pumped up to help and uses stories to make events really interesting. You don't want to miss this episode full of amazing tips for planning nonprofit events!

Highlights:

0:00 Introduction and discussion of unique challenges in nonprofit event planning

01:00 Overcoming challenges of low attendance and engagement

02:04 Using TikTok and humor to engage and connect with the audience

03:31 Balancing personal preferences with the need for visibility

04:58 Exploring the use of comedy to drive audience engagement

06:30 Approaching event planning for nonprofits with limited budgets

08:14 Collaborating with sponsors and partners to enhance event impact

09:34 Addressing conflicts when values clash with potential sponsors

11:24 Ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in nonprofit events

15:07 Recruiting and managing volunteers effectively for nonprofit events

21:16 Utilizing storytelling and testimonials to inspire action

28:48 Recommendation to attend Dallas Startup Week as a valuable event

CONNECT WITH EMMA BARNHOUSE:

Attending an event as a visible minority can often be an uncomfortable experience, as the feeling of not belonging can permeate the atmosphere. The stark contrast between oneself and the majority can create an undeniable sense of awkwardness and unease. Such situations leave one questioning their place within the event, ultimately leading to discomfort and a sense of being unwelcome. This sentiment is further amplified when attending an event as a person with a disability, only to find that the event's management has overlooked essential accommodations such as ramps or wheelchair accessibility. 

Recognizing the significance of inclusivity, diversity, and equality in event planning is of utmost importance. In this captivating episode of Eventist365, Yanique engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Mary Wang, delving into the crucial topics of diversity, equality, and inclusion within the realm of events planning.

Highlights:

00:25  Mary's favorite tech tools and what features does she like most when using them?

04:51  How does Mary ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are incorporated in the event's designing process?

07:49  Why does Mary even think of the small nuances in planning events?  (Does it come from being a minority herself?)

10:01  The practice of inclusivity and creating a space for minorities where they are welcomed.

12:24  Breaking the barriers to gender equality especially in hardware technology.

14:28  Mary talks about a mentor who has impacted her career in meaningful ways.

16:23  How can Event Managers show empathy with their team?

20:11  What are the tangible metrics that every event manager need to share to their team so that they can do their job well? (...The balance of quantity versus quality.)

24:00  How can there be a balance between in-person events and virtual events? (...Is a mix of both a good thing?)

26:32  What are the benefits when you balance your personal passions with your professional responsibilities?  

29:16  What is that one event that every Event Planner should attend to improve on their skills?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

As the Co-Executive Director of Design Core Detroit, Kiana Wenzell co-leads several initiatives within the organization to bring about design that can create conditions for better quality of life and economic opportunity for Detroit. As stewards of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation, Design Core serves as the backbone organization for the Detroit City of Design initiatives.

In this conversation of Yanique to Kiana, you will learn of her role in event planning and design-driven insights that help drive businesses and their role in strengthening Detroit's economy. 

Highlights:

01:34  A standout corporate event Kiana Wenzell has worked on and what made it unique.

04:19   The difference between Kiana and Yanique's experience in their travel to Kaunas, Lithuania? 

10:00  Kiana's insight on sound and the use of the senses when working with venue partners for events. 

12:26  What are some of the things Kiana puts in to achieve the visual appeal at the events when working with venue partners? (...What happens in the monthly Drinks by Design events?)

18:59  Does Kian incorporate some innovative tech tools or platforms into the event planning process to enhance the overall attendees' experience?

21:11  How were Kiana's team able to have autonomy in their website to get their events updated as they migrated off from Eventbrite? 

25:11  What are some strategies Kiana has implemented to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusivity are reflected in their events? 

29:25  Kiana's advice to people wanting to enter the corporate event planning and marketing field.

32:09  Kiana shares a story of how she overcame a difficult situation during an event - not having the liquor license.

36:06  What's one event you feel like every event professional, or every event planning and marketing professional should attend at least once in their life? 

38:20  Closing 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Success in marketing is a two-way street. It's more than just attracting the right audience, it's also about getting the right people in your team to bring your vision to life. Whether you're looking to build brand awareness or fill seats at your next event, it all comes down to creating impact through people. And for event marketers, the stakes are even higher. 

Creating meaningful and engaging brand experiences takes a great, widely diverse and incredibly talented team. At Rockway Exhibits and Events where Matt Kleinrock is the CEO, his team are able to craft exceptional experiences that empower companies to achieve their goals, but also promote diversity and inclusivity to event and trade show attendees.

In this episode, Yanique and Matt engage in a fantastic discussion that serves as a source of inspiration for those seeking to broaden their perspective on how to promote inclusivity and diversity in event activations, exhibits, and trade shows. 

Highlights: 

00:29  A standout corporate event Kiana Wenzell has worked on and what made it unique.

03:22  Matt's favorite brand activation projects and creative process behind it.

07:24  What kind of technology has impacted trade shows in the actual executions?  (...What is the future in using hologram technology?)

11:13  The event that Matt remembered having a unique experience.

14:38  What in Matt's conversation with TaChellle Lawson on diversity and inclusion got Matt to think differently about hiring? 

19:45  How can you help your team members push past their comfort zone to achieve something extraordinary? 

22:39  As a leader in the event industry, how do you utilize your power to shape and influence the profession in a way that promotes a broader perspective among both the workforce and attendees?

27:11  How do you ensure better access to shows and events activation from a compliance standpoint e.g. wheelchairs and Braille signage?

30:44  What is that one event every event marketing professional or planner should attend at least once in their life? 

31:55  Closing

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The event industry has suffered a significant blow due to the pandemic, however, technology enabled the transition from in-person to virtual events. While virtual events allowed people to continue functioning, the pandemic has taught us that we really cannot replace the value of face-to-face interactions that humans crave.

Human connection is the key element in the success of any marketing event and that is what Sami Focarino, the Senior Events Events Manager at Consensus,  is most passionate about when leading an event, whether it is virtual or in-person.  At Consensus, she is doing a great job with the first ever and biggest pre-sales focused thought leadership conference worldwide, called DEMOFEST.  Hear more about the amazing events she does at Consensus in this episode of Eventist365. 

Highlights:

00:18  What led Sami into events that kick started her career and eventually made her way to Consensus?  

02:32  In what aspects of event marketing is Sami most passionate about?

04:59  What is DEMOFEST and what goes into this kind of large event? 

07:29  Why are pre-sales events important and where does the event take the attendees through? (...Why is it wildly under-represented?) 

11:31  How does Sami’s team put together the marketing materials, the graphics and who are the key persons who does this incredible work?

14:17  What are some key considerations when developing a live event marketing strategy that is aligned with the marketing goals and objectives?

17:46  Identify some major hurdles that arise when transitioning virtual events into physical events on a larger scale.

20:09  In what way are virtual and in-person events different?

20:58  Why is there a need for more promotions and value-add for virtual events?

24:14  What is the rationale behind not paying anyone and nobody pays the company to be a part of the event. (...Why is it $0 to attend all of the pre-sales events by Consensus?

26:39  How is the success of an event measured?

29:51  How has a mentor played a role in Sami's career development and how have they helped her grow?

35:04  What is that one event every event planner or marketer should attend at least once?

36:24  Closing  

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

If you're still navigating which career path to take and looking for inspiration, Yanique's conversation with Jessica McDonald is a great resource. Jess began her career in the hospitality industry as a cocktail waitress at a luxury hotel and eventually transitioned to bartending, where she made valuable connections that helped her develop her marketing skills and became like a learning introduction to the events industry.

Today, Jessica is the Senior Event Marketing Manager for Qualia, where she spearheads the planning and execution of their own conferences and brings people together with her "get-it-done" attitude. Make sure to check out this episode for valuable insights and inspiration.

Highlights:

00:29  How does Jess find a balance in personal life and having a demanding career? 

03:13  What is a scheduled timeout?

05:00  How was Jess able to land a job at a luxury hotel and what’s the story behind the bad experience about bartending at the pool?

09:20  Was working with her friend kind of kick-start Jess' journey into event marketing expertise?

14:38  What are the challenges and rewards in rolling out new developments in Qualia's event programs? 

18:29  How do you strike a balance between staying creative and adhering to the constraints of a corporate environment when planning events?

20:15  What are the conversations like with someone in the C-Suite when the brand guidelines are not aligned with the goals?

22:02  For newbies, what does the acronym OKR stand for? (...The difference between OKRs and KPIs)

27:31  How can event marketers foster a culture of diversity and inclusion within the professional staffing side of it?

33:52  What is the one event you think that all event professionals should attend at least once?

35:23  Closing

Megan Henshall, the Global Events Strategic Solutions Lead at Google, projects an entirely different overview of how a large organization like Google can also be focused on exploring and reimagining and creating a human-centered multi-modal approach to event experiences and not just on the company’s bottom line. 

Yanique's conversation with Megan, in this episode, explores how events can drive businesses and communities to have a positive impact on the world.  Her involvement with Google Xi (short for Experience Institute), a community initiative to help redesign audience experiences at Google, in the events industry, helps in the creation of an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere in corporate events.

Highlights:

00:30  What metrics does a large corporation like Google use to evaluate the success and impact of an event?

05:28  How does Megan incorporate the narrative elements into event design and execution? (...What role does storytelling play in event planning?)

08:47  What are the key elements necessary to create inclusivity and a welcoming environment in corporate events?

14:48  To enhance the human centric event experience, what are some of the technologies incorporated in the execution of events?

21:46  With regards to visual icons that communicate to people about the event experience and options, are there alternate options where people can get similar information?

24:56  In a Metaverse situation, how is the need for creativity, innovation, time and money balanced?

29:49  What does innovation really  look like, is it something new all the time?

34:42  Google’s approach to diversity and inclusion in the event industry.

40:15  What is that one event that every event professional should attend at least once? 

42:27  Closing 

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Welcome to Eventist365! In this exciting episode, your host Yanique DaCosta takes you on a journey into the world of IMEX Secrets Revealed: Mastering the Art of International Trade. Join Yanique as she uncovers the hidden gems of this renowned event and explores the power of design in corporate events. She sits down with industry professionals at IMEX Frankfurt to answer three thought-provoking questions. Why do attendees flock to IMEX? How does graphic design impact the overall quality of an event experience? And finally, what do people desire most in the world, irrespective of events, budgets, or logic? Prepare to be enlightened as Yanique dives deep into the minds of event organizers, designers, and thought leaders, unveiling their unique insights and perspectives. Don't miss this captivating podcast episode that promises to expand your knowledge of the industry and inspire your event-planning endeavors.

The events industry which includes trade shows creates millions of jobs and generates millions of dollars in spending and whether in thriving times or in vastly challenging times like the pandemic, it is still the leading avenue for marketing services. Being in the industry for the past twenty years, Laura Palker, the  Founder and CEO of Trade Show Solutions Center, LLC, was able to evolve and help reimagine, redefine and rebuild a profitable business for small players. 

She has also dedicated herself to the betterment of the industry she serves by founding the National Trade Show Alliance which will be renamed soon as Exhibitions and Events Workforce Development Federation to address  workforce development issues common to the diverse people working in various segments of the industry. 

Highlights:

00:36  Laura’s nomination for 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry.

01:54  How did Laura get started in the business of visual communications?

04:33  In the past 20 years, how has the events industry evolved and what are the three biggest changes that stood out?

10:21  In what ways have Laura's companies or even at NCSA taken steps to promote diversity and inclusion? 

11:53  Laura's first hand experience with her photographer who is in a motorized wheelchair and the hotel's incapacity to provide transport from the airport to the hotel.

20:30  What is Thrive 2023 and what can attendees expect from the conference?

25:03  Some tips on how an event professional can reimagine, redefine and rebuild a profitable business.

31:12  Where can people connect and get to know more about Laura Palker?

32:45  Why is Laura making a big transition to have a bigger presence on Instagram?

34:19  Closing

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

In today's episode, Yanique engaged in a unique conversation with Samantha Wong, a Marketing Management student at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where from a student perspective, Samantha talks about the dynamic landscape of marketing.

It is crucial to give space to young voices in the industry and allow them to express their thoughts and emotions as they navigate through the dynamic field of marketing.

Highlights:

00:33  Samantha shares how her background in technology and graphic design has helped her. 

02:53  What are some significant trends, technology or otherwise happening in the events industry? 

05:32  How is the use of technology being facilitated for best experience, for example in virtual classes? (...How is the training for facilitators and teachers being addressed?)

06:55  How do you think your formal education has helped shape your approach to corporate event planning?

09:11  A specific scenario where Samantha faced a challenging situation while working on an event?

11:41  How should event planners and marketers ensure effective efforts of inclusivity?

13:34  Samantha shared some fun collaborative activities for team buildings that fosters strong  relationships with teammates.

18:41  If Samantha has the funds, permission from teachers and availability, what event would she attend?

20:19  The importance of taking the opportunities as they are presented to you.

21:55  Closing 

CONNECT WITH YANIQUE DACOSTA:

Website:

Jerald David Winston believes that time is a critical factor in organizing a successful and unforgettable event. If a client provides enough time to plan and prepare for the event, it increases the chances of success.

During Yanique's discussion with Jerald, he shared his valuable perspective on the significance of keeping up with the latest tools and technologies, the importance of mentorship, networking, and crowdsourcing in the event industry. Jerald is the owner of PangeaAV, a company that specializes in video productions, event photography, and all aspects related to live events.

Highlights:

00:21  The story behind creating PangeaAV and what inspired Jerald to start his journey in the world of event production?

04:45  As a production specialist, what does Jerald consider the most important element that contributes to creating a successful and memorable event?

06:28  What is an ideal client for Jerald?

14:11  How does Jerald stay ahead of the curve and ensure that the latest tools and technologies are utilized? (...The importance of mentorship and networking.)

19:32  What do you think the future holds for virtual and hybrid event formats?

22:25  The importance of having insurance and how to go around being your own insurance company.

26:59  What are some of the creative ways to incorporate sustainable practices into event production?

31:34  Crowdsourcing at work in events just like outsourcing being used at restaurants. 

33:46  The importance of the AI in the event industry and how PangeaAV promote AI interactions.

40:26  What's one event that event professional should attend at least once? 

44:02  Closing

CONNECT WITH JERALD DAVID WINSTON: 

Forbes places a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this focus is reflected in the leadership team. Jessica Charles, as the VP for Programming and ForbesLive and a woman of color, fit quite nicely into her role and the company's mission, where it is important to build diverse teams and create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

At Forbes, Jessica calls her team small but a mighty team and it is important to give each team member autonomy, support and ensure that as a leader she is contributing to their individual success. With multiple stakeholders and their respective missions, her team is responsible for integrating these different goals to create a cohesive end product.

Highlights:

00:33  What led Jessica to get started in the event planning industry and be part of Forbes?

06:49  How to support your team and ensure their individual success?

08:30  By overall mission, does it mean the mission of the Forbes brand? (...How does Jessica's team bring the magazine to life?)

11:00  How does her team manage the brand of the clients in the events that's produced for them? 

13:21  When putting together speakers and panels, how is it done to ensure that there is diversity of voices being heard?

18:58  How is the level of inclusivity for people of color played in the event planning for attendees?

26:25  What are some of the most memorable events that Jessica has planned or attended? 

31:34  What kind of advice would you give someone just starting out in the event planning industry? (...What skills do you believe are the most important to be successful in the field?)

37:51  For Jessica, what is that event she recommends every event planner should attend?

41:10  Closing 

CONNECT WITH JESSICA CHARLES:

Dera Lee Productions' website states that,  “"We believe in events." and this is reflected in all their projects and events. Their success as an award-winning event production and design agency lies in their ability to bring brand campaigns to life effectively to convey the brand's message. 

The backbone of their business is their commitment to delivering on their promises to clients with no loose ends. With the quality of their work, Dera Lee Productions has recently earned recognition in The BizBash Top 1000 People in the U.S. Event Industry. This achievement is a result of their hard work and dedication to fulfilling their promises.

Highlights:

00:26  What does Dera Lee do?

03:55  How did Dera get into the use of storytelling to help brands in their visibility? (...What is her background?)

09:38  What was the award of being included in "The BizBash Top 1000 People in the U.S. Event Industry" about?

14:33  What is the process for an event to become award-winning and reach that level of visibility and recognition? 

19:45  The importance of small wins and how they empower your team.

22:09  What does it take to put up a heavily branded dinner like the Culture Catalyst Dinner?

27:39  Who are the people who help Dera execute projects and events?

32:53 In the Neutrogena Discover Your Skin Care Event, who were the key people in Dera's team who executed the event?

40:52  How was Dera Lee able to have a show-stopping list of clients?

49:49  What is one event that every corporate event marketer, planner, professional, should attend every single year?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Every event marketer dreams their event is top of mind for their audience, but with so many options available, it's easy to get lost in the crowd. Choosing the right platform or type of content can make or break your brand's success. And it's not enough to simply have a presence on social media. So how do you craft a winning social media strategy that speaks directly to your audience's needs and desires?

Meet Erika Wilson, a highly accomplished marketing and advertising executive with 20 years of experience. With a proven track record of driving growth, Erika is known for her visionary leadership and strategic business development efforts. Her expertise includes developing tailored marketing campaigns that build brand recognition, generate leads, and increase revenue. A bilingual graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Erika is a proactive executive who utilizes a servant leadership approach to propel marketing advancement efforts across the organization.

Join us for an action-packed episode as we uncover the top tools and strategies for successful corporate event marketing. In this episode, we'll explore the different uses of landing pages and websites and how to effectively use each one to achieve your specific goals. Plus, uncover the best tactics for optimizing your online presence that guarantee a sold-out event. Lastly, steer clear of social media practices that are detrimental to your leads and conversions by identifying them first as we talk about them. 

Buckle up, because Erika is going all in and holding nothing back!

Highlights: 

00:11   Top three most essential tools for corporate event marketing

01:16   What makes WordPress the best landing page platform?

03:34   Different uses of a landing page versus a website

06:26   How Erika maximizes ROI with her corporate events to ensure sold-out events

08:09   Cost-effective way to get high returns with a lower annual budget

10:14   Is email marketing still effective in promoting corporate events?

14:16   Search-based versus Engagement-based content

16:07   Tiktok or Google: What heavily-searched base can benefit event marketers more?

17:47   Cringe-worthy social media practices done by event marketers

20:16   Got too many leads? Here’s what you can do…

23:36   Erika’s resource recommendation for event marketers

CONNECT WITH ERIKA WILSON:

When you're a mastermind in event planning, bursting with innovative ideas, and loaded with industry experience, what happens when your visionary ideas clash with the cultural norms of a foreign land? Can you set aside your familiar ways to create an immersive experience that resonates with the local community?

We have all tried to steer a turn in our lives at some point. But did you know that this skill translates seamlessly to event planning? In an industry where things can change in an instant, being able to pivot and make informed decisions can mean the difference between a mediocre event and a wildly successful one.

Meet Brandon Paski, a digital event producer who started as an artist handing out flyers on the streets to promote his shows. Brandon's work has taken him from managing street teams to executing nationwide guerrilla marketing programs for firms and brands. He went on to produce music festivals of up to 25,000 people for an Alternative Radio Station in the San Francisco Bay Area. Today, Brandon is a certified Digital Event Strategist (DES) & Project Management Professional (PMP) working in enterprise software. 

In this episode, we chat with Brandon about skills every event professional should cultivate and the importance of Certifications versus real-world experiences. In addition, we explore how technology has transformed the event industry and what that means for event planners. Finally, we touch on the challenge of accommodating diversity while connecting with a global audience. 

If you’re already curious, tune in to get the exclusive inside scoop!

Highlights: 

00:52   Brandon’s journey from Music Artist to Digital Event Producer

07:29   Top 3 event industry skills for success

09:59   How did Brandon's certifications impact his event planning approach?

13:12   Certifications vs Real-Life Experience & Mentorship: Which Matters More?

18:55   The most memorable event Brandon has ever worked with

21:21   What’s the next big thing in events tech?

25:58   How does Brandon ensure inclusive events for diverse audiences?

28:47   On the ability to connect and communicate with a global audience

30:38   Recommended resources and networks for global trend updates

32:58  What is one event every event professional should attend?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

The game has changed and the technical side of event projects just got trickier in the post-pandemic era. In this fast-paced industry with all the exciting hybrid and virtual set-ups, are you ready to create exceptional events in a post-pandemic world? 

Events serve as effective instruments for companies and organizations seeking to initiate significant discussions on renewable energy, waste management, climate change, and sustainability. Jade Scott, who appears as a guest in this episode of Yanique's podcast, finds her job worthwhile because she is able to contribute to the advancement and promotion of these crucial initiatives within our communities through the events that she plans and executes on a continuous phase working at Masterclassing, Inc., as the Director of Events and Operations, North America. 

Highlights:

00:37  What was Jade's inspiration for Clean CIties NYC?

02:50  Jade's experience as an immigrant in New York city. 

05:34  How did she end up working for Masterclassing and what was her journey with the company?

09:33  Should companies take diversity, equity, and inclusion into account when considering  sustainability?

13:50  What is the overall definition of event sponsorship?

15:25  What do event sponsors are looking to gain from sponsoring a big event, something to the 5 to 6-digit financial contribution?

17:23  First and foremost what is the first step in prospecting for event sponsors?

19:14  From start to finish, what is the entire process in landing a major corporate sponsor?

24:25  What is the Masterclassing company all about?  (...What were the founders thinking when they founded the company?)

28:45  Jade's work on climate change and  sustainability solutions in events and her actual work as Director of Events and Operations for North America.

33:29  What happened to the Sustainability Series that Jade worked on just about the same time Covid came out?

39:19  Jade's recommendation of a book that event planners and event marketers should read.

40:30  Closing

Books mentioned in the conversation:

The pandemic came in like a whirlwind, shaking up the world as we knew it. Suddenly, we were all forced to adapt and be flexible; the events industry was no exception to this. As a corporate event professional, are you ready to keep up with the changing demands of the digital age? 

In this episode, we sit down with Nhychelle Lowe, a seasoned professional with nearly a decade of experience in event management, consulting, and producing successful events. Nhychelle has helped numerous brands & businesses turn their visions into tangible experiences.

As a marketer or an influencer or even as an event planner, one needs to push for innovation and go with the trends that will put you and your business out there.  Events and marketing professionals need to focus on what the future of events is going to be like, for example, moving into building communities and including all of the technologies around it.

Make sure to listen to this episode and hear some controversial issues being talked about by Yanique and her special guest, WIll Curran, the top

event industry influencer and Founder of  Endless Events. 

Highlights:

01:08  Will shares some of the embarrassing mistakes he made while working on an event.

05:35  How did both Yanique and Will start their own brand in design?

08:42  For Will, how does he think what sets events apart from the rest?

14:01  What are some of the most exciting event trends emerging in 2023? (...What’s the future of events?)

15:48  How do we use events as a marketing tool to lead growth? (...Why should people start to use community marketing now?) 

22:09  What’s going to happen in social media in the next 10 years?

24:04  For Will, what are some of the weirdest trends he sees emerging recently? (...The rise of cannabis in events.)

27:13  Yanique's funny story with her old boss at a conference in Colorado. 

34:59  Will's advice for event professionals looking to establish themselves and grow their careers. (... Will's tip #1 - Be controversial and open to pushing boundaries)

37:46  Will's tip #2 - Start building your personal brand separate from your company earlier rather than later.

39:56  Will's tip #3 to make an impact in the industry - Be innovative and explore how things get implemented. (...Utilize technology to improve user experience e.g. ChatGPT.)

42:19  Why Yanique still joins associations e.g International Council of Design and be involved in the conversations? 

45:22  What is Will's point about associations and its future? (...Why does he think they need to transition to being online?)

49:35  What is one industry event you think every corporate event marketer or planner should attend every year?

51:34  Closing

Book mentioned in the conversation:

The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan

Are you an event planner or marketer who struggles with creating graphics for events? 

Do you find it stressful, especially when dealing with tight deadlines, limited in-house talent, and resources? If so, then you're in luck! Yanique DaCosta, the host of Eventis365, has a solution that can take you from stressing about event graphics to having a ready-to-use, custom brand-compliant graphic design in just 12 hours.

Yanique introduces her design firm, YKMD Visual Communication, as the partner organization for the podcast and a solution that specializes in working with corporate event professionals just like you. She understands the challenges you face when it comes to creating stunning graphics that capture the essence of your event, and her team of expert designers can take your vision and turn it into a reality. The best part? They can deliver those designs in just 12 hours, taking the stress out of creating graphics so that event planners can focus on creating amazing events.

Yanique shares a personal story about facing major challenges in her life, including losing her father in a hospital bed and her little brother to gun violence within less than two months. She expresses her desire to inspire and motivate other event professionals to push through tough times and create something amazing.

Throughout the season, Yanique promises to talk to experts in their field and share innovative strategies for making events inclusive, welcoming, and safe for everyone. Some of the guests for the season include Will Curran, May Lee, and Jade Scott among others. And don't worry, they'll also be covering fun aspects of the corporate event industry, from amazing decor to delicious food.

Welcome to this special episode of Eventist 365, with your host Yanique DeCosta.

In this final episode of season one, I have learned so much throughout the year that I hope you also have! In this episode, I'll share what I've learned from talking with various professionals in the event industry. And to kick it off, I'll be sharing my plans for season two — focusing on tech events, because those are likely to have a significant impact on corporate event planning.

Tune in now and subscribe to keep you updated!

Highlights:

(00:52) What I learned from Chatting with My Guest

(02:12)  Season One Recap

(02:33) What should you anticipate in Season Two

(03:06)  Guest Appreciation

(04:27) What to do to be updated for Season Two

Links:

Being a strategist and designer means being able to think critically and creatively about how spaces and experiences can be designed to create positive emotions for audiences. It is important to have diverse skills when designing experiences, as the process is always evolving. The experience profiles created during the design process help event creators understand their audience's preferences and needs to create an enjoyable experience. But how can you create the latter?

Tune in to this episode as we talk about experience design and event management with Naomi Clare Crellin.

Highlights:

(00:02) Experienced strategist and designer: Naomi Clare Crellin’s Career Background

(04:57) Pondering on the state of Design Education

(07:07) The Joys of Experience Design

(10:34) Connection between Marketing and Experiential Design

(12:53) The impact in the practice of design with skill and academic background

(16:40) Balancing between personal practice and people’s opinions in the artmaking process

(24:48) What are Experience Profiles?

(27:10) Talking about the Design Process

(29:17) Insights about the Return on Emotion

(31:50) Book Recommendation on Curation and Event Management

Links:

The pandemic devastated the events management industry around the world. But as problems like this arise, an opportunity is waiting to unfold.

Today, we are joined by AnTwan Jones, the Owner of PAK Entertainment and Production Manager of Events & AV, which specializes in providing event production and audio-visual technology for corporations and organizations.

With over 15 years of technical experience and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of South Florida, AnTwan has expertly managed multiple events, from concerts to conferences.

Listen to this episode and learn more about how to make hybrid events successful!

Highlights:

(00:30) AnTwan's business experience with his company Pack Entertainment LLC

(2:48) The Joys of Event Production

(5:24) How does Pack Entertainment LLC work?

(12:12) Antwan’s Favorite Event Produced

(15:35) Challenges and Learnings in an Online Hybrid Live Event at a park

(19:51) Budgetary Requirements of an Online Hybrid Live Event

(22:48) Tips to an Event Planner

(24:58) Ideal Event and  Events AV Contact Information

Links:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important values in society. They contribute to an inclusive culture that makes everyone feel supported. But what does this mean for businesses?

Nia Rubie-King, the founder of Immersive Strategies, a black woman-owned engagement firm for the digital era, joins us in this episode to talk about why companies must do their part in creating a more inclusive society.

Tune in now and learn why Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is so important to the success of any organization!

Highlights:

(00:27)  Who was Mia before she became “The Badass Experiential Marketing Guru”

(03:25) How HBCU Teaches Us What It Means to Be Educated

(11:06) Results of becoming a DEI Expert

(14:41) What is New York State MWBE Forum and how do they help educate people?

(17:03) Benefits of Being a Certified Black Woman-Owned Business

(19:46) Brands That Are Doing DEI Activations

(24:44) Why Big Brands Are Problematic?

(27:38) Ways to Get New Clients

(32:46) Why do People really need to be looking at reports?

Links:

We have Don Colliver with us today. Don teaches popular public speaking courses internally at Google and around the world and speaks professionally for Fortune 500 companies including Adobe, Cisco, and Medtronic. He has performed with the Blue Man Group, toured internationally as a theatrical Google clown for contemporary circus Spiegel World, and is listed in the Cirque du Soleil performer database.

In this episode, Don discusses how graphic design can be taken into account when creating engaging corporate events. He shares four ways that graphic designers can engage their audiences: by acknowledging something the audience is doing; breaking the fourth wall; providing helpful information; and reaching milestones on platforms such as Apple podcasts or Spotify.

Tune in to this episode and learn about the art and impact of public speaking!

Highlights:

(01:28)  What it’s like performing with the Blue Man Group

(03:35) ​​ What public speaking courses are Googlers taking?

(04:50) How has Don’s clown experience impacted his approach to public speaking more specifically?

(07:04) What things is Don looking for before choosing to do a course?

(08:45) Why is transformational public speaking impactful?

(16:38) How do people get into public speaking classes?

(19:45) How can trade show marketers or internal corporate marketing departments find superstar tradeshow speakers?

(21:43) What are some ways that people within the same booth space can encourage audience engagement?

Today we are joined by Angela Tupper, the Branded Content Editor for Skift Meetings (formerly EventMB), an online publication that reports on the meeting and event industry.

Join us as we talk about the importance of brand recognition and how it is key to the success of technology events like CES. conversation as they discuss the importance of brand recognition and how it is key to the success of technology events like CES (Consumer Electronics Show).

Don't miss this episode; tune in and learn the latest trends in the events industry!

Highlights:

(02:55 ) How is it like being an Editor for Skift Meetings?

( 05:32) How has CES - The Most Influential Tech Event in the World influenced the industry to shift more towards inperson events?

(12:45) Why do people join in the CES Event?

(20:42) What are some health trends being implemented in events?

(24:38) What is causing the workforce for live events to stagnate?

(31:31) Marketing Techniques to Boost Event Attendance

(45:12) Events that every business event professional should attend

Links:

“Humanizing human experience is, how do you make it feel much more real? Not from a virtual reality perspective, but from a human behavior perspective. How do you replicate human behaviors and create this environment space that just makes it more human?” -Hoyin Cheung

In this episode, we have Lauren Grady. Lauren is a business event strategist who has spent the last decade designing event programming and human-centric experiences. Today, she leads the Event Center of Excellence at Bizzabo where she brings the most relevant and critical learnings to Event Experience Leaders around the world. 

Lauren will discuss the importance of human connection in event design and how this has changed since the pandemic. She also talks about a recent project where they hosted dinners for 20+ top event leaders in New York City.

What are you waiting for? Tune in and learn more about the best practices to create influential events!

Highlights:

(00:34) How to develop Human-Centric Experiences

(02:23) In-person, Online, & Hybrid Event Planning on Corporate Structure

(06:48) Strengthening human connections through events

Facebook has billions of users from all different backgrounds, which poses an intriguing problem. There are many marketing alternatives available, but it can be difficult to stand out from the crowd and attract an audience. One great solution is to start a business-related Facebook community.

Today, we'll look at how to use facebook groups to establish a tribe and generate income from it.

In this episode, we are joined by Kim Dang, Founder, and CEO - of Group Convert. She helps Facebook group owners automate and monetize their groups without needing a large following or paying huge amounts in ads.

Listen now and don’t miss this opportunity to generate money!

Highlights:

It is difficult to attract the right clients in the events industry, but it is not impossible to repel the wrong ones!

Today, we are joined by Danielle Hughes. Danielle is the woman behind More Than Words, a copywriting consultancy that crafts strategy and content for design firms, mission-driven organizations, solopreneurs, and small businesses.

Bring your events to greater heights and learn how you can attract and keep the right clients for you by tuning in to this episode!

Highlights:

(00:05) Danielle’s cadence for her newsletters

(09:13) How do you attract people to your session

(11:01) How to go about forming a name for a masterclass

(13:36) How to make an impactful name for conferences

(15:50) The importance of valuing and empowering your employees

(18:02) How can empowerment and brand building significantly impact the creativity of a corporate event planner or marketer?

(24:57) What is BS Bingo?

(26:569 The possibilities of artificial intelligence in the events industry

Guest’s Links: