EVENTive Entrepreneurs - Event & Sponsorship Podcast

In this episode, I share 10 fees to ensure you are aware of when planning and hosting your event.

Thanks for listening!

Sarah Brush

In this episode, I share the benefits of hosting your own event and benefits of being an exhibitor or sponsor at someone else's event.

Thanks for listening!

Sarah Brush

In this episode, we talk about the benefits and ways to set-up partnerships with multi-year event sponsors.

Thanks for listening!

Sarah Brush

In this episode, I share a high-level view of the importance of digging deeper into your event audience demographics based on values.

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Sarah Brush

In this episode, I share 16 items that are important in a purpose-driven partnership.

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In this episode, I share a few of my favorite booth activations for a recent event. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I share 8 tips on incentive trips/destination events.

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In this episode, we have Nathan Cassar share the importance and incredible value of having an MC at your event. We also talk about tips and advice to make the most of your Master of Ceremonies experience!

Dive into the electrifying world of Nathan Cassar, Australia's most dynamic award-winning Master of Ceremonies, where he turns every event into an unforgettable spectacle. With over a decade of unmatched energy and prowess, Nathan has earned prestigious accolades like Corporate Vision’s 2023 Best Professional Event MC and is celebrated among Eventex’s Top 100 Most Influential People in the Event Industry. His versatile talents mesmerize audiences at grand events, from the Australian Event Awards to the Sydney Marathon. A favourite at NSW's premier venues and sought after by leading organizations like the REA Group and the Cancer Council, Nathan Cassar is the epitome of charisma and professionalism, ensuring each event he hosts is nothing short of a spectacular celebration.

Happy New Year! In this episode, I share some event trends for 2024 including AI, sustainability, creativity with content/networking, wellness and more!

If you want to kick-off the New Year with a strategy for events, I offer 30-minute and 60-minute+ strategy sessions to help you get started and create an event plan and finalize your next steps!

I am so excited for you to hear from our guest today, Danielle Throckmorton!

She has experience as an event planner, hosting her own events and helping entrepreneurs host events in their business.

Danielle Throckmorton is an 9x award-winning independent multi-passionate  business owner, business strategist & coach for female entrepreneurs, and founder of Reach Retreat. Her mission is to help female entrepreneurs scale their business to the next level by implementing intentional strategies that call in more time, money, and energy. 

She does this through hosting intimate luxury retreats and offering in-depth one-on-one coaching for women who truly desire to make an impact in the world, whether through their services or their life.

Connect with Danielle!

In this episode, Clarita Escalante shares about growing her business and community with events! She is provided the inside scoop on an upcoming retreat in Sedona in February 2024.

Clarita is the Founder of Aligned Rituals. She is a passionate speaker, podcast host and entrepreneur dedicated to helping others live life to the fullest.

Her focus is on health, wellness, and nutrition, encompassing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. She has personally overcome cancer, and her journey has shaped her perspective. She offer retreats, meet-ups, and a range of products like The Wellness Journal, Ritual Boxes, and Digital Recipes to support your best life.

Connect with Clarita!

In this episode, I share 15 items to take into consideration when coming up with your event pricing and registration plan.

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In this episode, I share tips to promote your event on social media!

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Sarah Brush

In this episode, I share 8 important items to include in your sponsor prospectus and common mistakes.

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Sarah Brush

In this episode, we talk about ideas to include to drive revenue with your VIP ticket and create a great experience for your VIP attendees!

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In this episode, I share 15 questions to ask yourself in regards to your budget to keep you on track and stay clear of busting your budget! :)

Do you need help with your event budget or other areas of your event? Book a 30-minute Q & A call for $100 to set yourself up for success!

I am SO excited to have Rich as our guest today! Rich Vallaster, CEM, DES, is the Director of Marketing, Live Events & the Trade Show Wonk at A2Z Events–Personify.

In this episode, we talk about the following:

• Event trends for 2024
• Focusing on the right customer for your exhibitor/sponsor strategy.
• Leveraging LinkedIn to get new exhibitors and sponsors.
• How to use market research to grow your event.
• Attracting attendees to your event with fresh ideas.
• Event marketing tips.
• Advice on determining if a show is a good fit for your business.
• How to be a better exhibitor.
• Importance of sales staff training
• Industry trends and strategies.
• Cool booth activations, how to stand out and also be meaningful.

Connect with Rich!

In this episode, I share the questions to ask sponsors to create the best partnership possible.

Are you hosting an event or looking for event sponsors. I am here to help with 30-minute Q & A sessions to strategy session bundles to help set you up for success. Gain clarity and an action plan to implement for your upcoming event to grow & scale with ease. Discuss and set goals for your event strategy and sponsors. Learn best practices and innovative ideas along with tools to help you create the impact you want!

In this episode, I share some sponsorship insights. Here are two resources discussed on the podcast:

Sponsorship industry research

In this episode, I chat with Krystel Stacey about events, branding, retreats, speaking at events, her wedding community and more! Fun fact! She just planned the wedding of Hannah Godwin and Dylan Barbour from the Bachelor, how cool!

Over the last decade Krystel has worked with Hollywood elite, mega entrepreneurs, music royalty, professional athletes, and owners of sports teams as well as iconic brands such as Rolls Royce, Kate Spade, Kendra Scott, and Comic Con.

As a multi-million-dollar entrepreneur she has built 7 different businesses and currently sits as CEO of 2 high growth luxury brands. With years of small business success and a recognized leader in her field, Krystel was featured in FORBES for her expertise and now sits on the Forbes Business Council. 

In this episode, I talk with Exclamation’s principal, Thomas Serrano, about trends in luxury events, importance of vendor relationships, mapping the emotional journey of events, focusing on meaningful and memorable experiences and more!

Connect with Thomas!

Join me in this episode to talk about my favorite experiences from the Powerhouse Women event!

• PW community
• Hype squad
• Speakers and Powerhouse Moment speakers from the community
• Photo and video experiences
• Volunteering
• Pop-up Shop
• Call to action for Six Figure School

Connect with PW!

In this episode, I talk with Howie Zales of Viridity Entertainment about virtual and hybrid events plus his experience as a camera operator for some incredible celebrities, brands and TV stations!

Howie is an Emmy Awarded camera operator who started his career at the NFL Network and NBC Sports. His passion for broadcasting led him to found Viridity Entertainment Services, a streaming and professionally-recorded in-house productions service offering TV-quality livestream to corporations. Their clients include T Mobile, Capital One, The Food Network, and hip hopgroup Salt-N-Pepa.

Connect with Howie!

I just read an article I loved that I wanted to share with you. I think it is really powerful in the way event hosts should look at top tier sponsorships. The article is by GPJ, which is an experiential events agency.

I love this episode! Jordan shares behind the scenes perspective of planning her first large hybrid event. She has hosted many retreats and virtual events and has been very successful in achieving profitable events. We talk about sponsorship, vendors, collabs, speakers, systems and more!

In this episode, we talk all about event marketing with expert, Ashley Cline.

Ashley Cline is a Digital Marketing Consultant and Freelancing Expert. With more than 15 years of experience in the digital marketing space, she specializes in building strategic marketing plans, mapping strategy execution, and collaborating to optimize tactics that drive increased performance for clients, primarily in the Events & Entertainment space but has extensive experience working with Medical Device/Healthcare and Finance Technology sectors as well. She is also the EVP of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Vice President and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social.

1. Strategies and tactics to be aware of.
2. Why is word-of-mouth for events is vital in a digital world.
3. Brand partnerships/sponsorships for events.
4. Tips for confidence on stage.
5. Importance of being a proactive client with event vendors and partners.
6. Value of focusing on your customer’s success.
7. Increasing event attendance
8. TicketSocket platform for ticketing, registration, and event management platform.
9. Ice Cream Social, social sharing tool.

Connect with Ashley!

How do you need to prepare to attract sponsors and sponsor demonstrate value?

1. The standard items: defined goals, purpose, brand and target audience with detailed demographics so sponsors ensure your audiences and goals align.
2. Start early building relationships.
3. Have a comprehensive marketing and promotion plan
4. Ask previous sponsors to be references.
5. Have a plan in place to provide detailed data after the event
6. What is the unique opportunity you are offering.
7. Does your event supports a charitable cause or social impact initiative
8. Match the attendee needs with the sponsors value.
9. Ask lots of questions.
10. Over communicate

In this episode, I share my interview on the Neeley Neal podcast! We talk about events, business, mom life and more.

Neeley Neal, founder of Go Fit Win and former NFL cheerleader turned wife, mom of 4 (including triplets!) and tech industry career woman digs in to keep you fired up, and living life full out. Each episode is designed to give you the tools, ideas & inspiration you need to cultivate energy where there is none, and plug back into your bigger purpose to make an impact on a daily basis.  Stay fired up with a squad sisterhood that supports you and lifts you up. Now's the time. Ready? Let's go! It's time to stop going through the motions and start living life full out! Put your positive mindset to work for you, reclaim your natural superpowers, and reconnect to your source of joy.

Connect with Neeley!

When it comes to networking at a business event, creativity can help foster meaningful connections and make the experience more enjoyable.

Here are some creative ways to encourage attendees to network:

1. Speed Networking
2. Icebreaker Activities
3. Networking Games
4. Roundtable Discussions
5. Thought-Provoking Questions
6. Collaborative Workshops
7. Mentoring Sessions
8. Digital Networking Platforms
9. Host Networking Lounges
10. Installations

Sarah Brush xo

In this episode, we talk about the benefits of co-hosting an event.

1. Expanded reach
2. Shared resources
3. Double expertise
4. Increased credibility
5. Cost sharing
6. Expanded networking
7. Exchange of ideas
8. Cross promotion
9. Shared success
10. Learning and Growth

In this episode, I share the mindset that will set you up for success when planning and hosting an event.

1. Visionary
2. Proactive
3. Resourceful
4. Detail-oriented
5. Attendee focused
6. Agile
7. Positive and engaging
8. Growth-oriented

In this episode, David Adler, joins us as a special guest!

Connect with David and check out his book!

In this episode, we talk about way to create the best partnership with your event vendors.

1. Pay on time.
2. Respect their pricing.
3. "Your lack of planning is not my emergency."
4. Be responsive and prepared.
5. Encourage collaboration.
6. Go the extra mile and recognize your vendors before the event.
7. Provide feedback and ask for feedback.
8. Unrealistic goals leads to unnecessary pressure.
9. Discuss long term partnership after the event.

Let’s talk about the best ways to find speakers for your event.

1. Ensure you are clear on the theme and story you want your event to tell so you can identify speakers that align with your event's purpose and target audience.
2. Start researching through social media, other events, and who is within your community. Ask for recommendations from event planners, event hosts or event vendors who have been involved in similar events.  
3. Review speaker profiles: Once you have identified potential speakers, review their past footage of speaking to make sure their style is a good fit, the topics they would like to talk about, would your audience love to hear from this person?
4. Consider Speaker bureaus to help match you with speakers. Note these will be speakers you need to pay.
5. Many of the best speaker options will already be in your community or one connection away.
6. Share event details with potential speakers to confirm availability and fit.
7. Negotiate terms.
8. Prepare and support speakers.

Sarah Brush xo

In this episode, I share 6 tips to keep your attendees engaged between events.

1. Add past event attendees "Alumi" as one of the groups you create a special marketing campaign for.
2. Ask really good questions during online registration and act on the responses by creating those connection and learning opportunities.
3. Personalize your event commuication to each audience. One size does not fit all.
4. Plan events between the event.
5. Provide incentive for those engaged in the yearlong community.
6. Gamify the community.

In this episode, I share some advice and favorite things from a recent corporate event.

1. If you close registration, ensure you have all free passes accounted for.
2. Market that the event has a potential to sell out.
3. Overflow seating in other areas.     
4. Activations, experiences and signage to connect spaces.            
5. Grab and go food.
6. Co-brand an evening event.
7. Switch up seating everyday.
8. Pick swag
9. Feature customer products.
10. Collect all needs at registration.
11. Social media videos
12. Take into account process for giveaway winners.

In this episode, I share 10 little ways to go above and beyond for your sponsor.

1. Pre-event briefing or office hours.
2. Host monthly calls with experts to provide sponsorship advice.
3. Personal thank you note or gift at their booth.
4. Early access to meals.
5. Data to measure ROI.
6. Sponsor networking session.
7. Exclusive sponsor concierge.
8. Public recognition.
9. Post-event wrap-up materials.
10. Sponsor guide at their booth when they arrive.

In this episode, I share what to watch out for when considering sponsoring an event and what you can do as an event host to avoid this.

1. Event host can't clearly provide demographics of their audience or community.
2. Communication and response time isn't good.
3. Projected attendance numbers are not shared or huge numbers are shared for a first time event.
4. There is not a sponsor contract.
5. The sponsorship is a high cost without the ability to engage or connect with attendees.
6. You are promised the attendee list.
7. No flexibility or customization for sponsor benefits at the higher levels.
8. Crickets once you sign-up.
9. No dedicated exhibit time.
10. Reach out to other businesses that sponsor events or have sponsored the event you are considering for feedback. As an event host, ensure you leave your sponsors with a good experience so they recommend your event!

Do you want more tips on sponsorship? DM on on Instagram and I will answer your questions!

In this episode, I want to bring you into a conversation I had with Brian Trujillo who is the owner of Top Notch Productions AV. They are a creative audio visual team that bring your event to life. I have known him for a few years and he has worked on events that I have been involved with. They are amazing!

We were talking about what would you want an event host to know when they work with you or other Production/AV vendor to ensure everyone has the best experience.

1. Plan ahead
2. Know your budget and work with your AV vendor to understand budget vs expectations.
3. Plan for enough time to setup your event.
4. A day of rehearsals is a good way to polish your event and make your speakers feel comfortable.
5. Happy attendees and a happy crew are important. Bathroom breaks and a good meal ensure engagements on both sides of the curtain. These Logistical items can be forgotten when you are in the midst of an event.
6. When recording, know what’s more important for aesthetics. The live audience or the recorded product. Make sure your production team know so they can recommend the best solution.
7. Mic runners always help facilitate Q & A, it’s important to line them up ahead of time from your staff and the AV team. there time to shine.
8. If possible, allow an off day or short day so the attendees and team can enjoy the local life. Creating memories are important to any event.
9. Get to know your AV team by name especially if they are returning faces.
10. Have fun! The AV team is there to support and offer and advice when needed. The end goal is to have a great event and have fun doing it.

Connect with Top Notch

I would SO appreciate if can help me get to over 100 podcast reviews! Your review means so much to me and keep this podcast growing. Thanks for your support!

In this episode, we talk about how to inspire others to share your event.

1. Create a promotional kit to make it easy for them.
2. Do giveaways or prizes for those that share your event to make it fun.
3. Partner with another business in your industry and do a share swap or add value to their business in trade for sharing.
4. Create a contest with attendees to post videos or share content on a certain topic with the prize of a valuable experience at the event exclusively for them.
5. Affiliate program.
6. Teach in groups, go on a podcast tour, be speaking about your event everyplace you can to expand your reach and get more people sharing because you are now in their world.
7. Collaborate with your speakers to create content that they can share with their audience. This can include interviews, blog posts, or videos that highlight their involvement in your event.
8. Share events assets with your vendors like event planner, videographer, photographer. Their work is being showcased so they will likely be inspired to share.
9. Check with your local CVB, will post your event on their upcoming events section, Experience Scottsdale does this in Arizona.
10.  In general, share others people content on a regular basis so they want to return the favor.

In this episode, I share about the importance of event video and photos:

1. Strategize with your videographer and photographer so they understand your style, vision and goals.
2. Ask questions and for their advice, they are the experts!
3. Provide a detailed shot list.
4. Agree on a delivery timeline.
5. Sponsor highlight video
6. Speaker perks
7. Be organized with the details you share to ensure a smooth event day. Provide an on-site agenda so they know where to go when and who to shoot.
8. Share photos with attendees, they love this!
9. Share on social media and all marketing channels post-event to keep the excitement going.

In this episode, I share 5 tips to price your event tickets.

• Determine your event costs
• Research other events your community attends
• Evaluate profit margins on tickets/event
• Have multiple price points based on when they register.
• Start with a higher standard cost.

Hi! In this episode, I share 20+ ideas of benefits to include in your sponsor packages.

Here is a sneak peek of a few!

In this episode, I share what NOT to do if you are hosting an event.

1. Negotiate to the point it hurts the vendor relationship
2. Launch an event with out the backend of your business in order to manage the marketing, registration, customer service, team to help with events tasks.
3. Launch an event if you have less than 3 months to promote it.
4. Host an event you are not okay with breaking even.
5. Sell sponsorships or booths if you not plan to make sponsors a priority with time on the agenda for booths and ways to make them visible at the event.
6. Spend a lot of money on the “wow” factors if you do not have enough money to cover the important elements that impact attendees like the type of speakers and content, food and beverage, experiences.
7. Promote one price and not have a deadline for that price to end. Does not provide a sense of urgency.
8. Book an event at a resort if you do not plan to book hotel rooms or have a larger F & B minimum. (this does depend on many factors. However, hotels do make their money on the room block and usually require higher F & B minimums)
9. Go back to people that registered asking them questions that you could’ve collected all at one time during registration.
10. Show up to the event without an on-site schedule with someone assigned to every task and someone to oversee the event overall and be the main contact.

In this episode, I share a few items to consider when deciding on vendors to hire for your event.

1. Recommendations
2. Experience and samples of past work
3. Availability (don't forget set-up and tear-down time
4. Price
5. Communication
6. Personality
7. Gut feeling on who aligns with you and your event.