The Business of Meetings

We are thrilled to have Dr. Heather Denniston, a trained chiropractor, executive coach, international wellness and resilience speaker, and the Founder of WellFit and Fed, joining us today. In this episode, Heather explores the connection between personal well-being and business success, sharing valuable strategies for enhancing individual and organizational performance. Stay tuned for Heather’s illuminating insights on achieving lasting personal and professional excellence. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Dr. Heather Denniston WELLFit and Fed On LinkedIn Books Mentioned: Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia

Today, Eric shares invaluable insights on delegation and personal development, both crucial areas of concern for business owners within our industry aiming to grow their enterprises and refine their management skills. Join us as Eric dives into these two essential aspects, offering practical advice on delegating tasks efficiently and investing in your personal growth for sustained business success. The Benefits of Delegation Eric recounts how handling every project on his own in his early business days led to burnout and stagnation and hindered the scalability of his business. After hiring help, he saw how all his daily tasks could get done successfully without his constant involvement. That shift allowed him more time to focus on his strengths and strategic activities. Mindset Eric advises business owners to change their mindsets regarding delegation. He firmly believes that even if others only perform the necessary tasks at 80% of their capability, it will still meet all the customer requirements, allowing the owner more time to spend on higher-value tasks. Lifelong Learning Eric believes continuous learning is crucial for business owners to stay relevant in a dynamic business environment. He highlights the importance of continually learning by sharing a story from his academic days, where a professor explained that graduating was just the beginning of lifelong learning. Investing in Personal Development Eric has noticed how many individuals in the meetings and events industry neglect their personal development. He believes that may be partly due to the culture of receiving free services and opportunities within the industry. He points out that investing in their personal growth through ongoing learning and development will allow business owners to remain adaptable and innovative in an ever-evolving business market. Coaching, Mentoring, and Educational Programs Eric encourages business owners to proactively invest in personal growth through coaching, mentoring, and educational programs. By dedicating time and resources to their personal development, they can better adapt to future challenges and opportunities. Conclusion Eric encourages all business owners to embrace the principles of delegation and personal development, as they can significantly improve their business operations and personal lives. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website

We are delighted to have Shlomi Ashkenazi joining us today to dive into the risks and ethical considerations surrounding AI. Shlomi is the CEO of BookingMaster and is also involved with EventMagix and Emakin. In 2022, Congress Magazine awarded him The Most Influential Meeting Innovator of the Year, and in 2023, he received an Eventex award for being one of the 50 most influential event technology professionals. Shlomi is incredible when it comes to AI-generated content. If you watch this episode on YouTube, you will see some of the mindblowing things he can do. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Shlomi Ashkenazi On LinkedIn BookingMaster EventMagix Emakin Book Mentioned: Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday

We are thrilled to welcome Alisa Cohn as our guest today. Alisa is a rock star in her field! She is a top executive coach known for her work with senior leaders in major organizations. She wrote From Start-up to Grown-Up, a book packed with practical tips for business growth and leadership development, and she has also done a TEDx talk. Alisa exemplifies the caliber of top-tier executive coaches companies rely on to cultivate talent and effective leadership strategies. We truly appreciate having her here today to share her insights and experiences. Stay tuned to learn from Alisa’s expertise in fostering talent and driving organizational success. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Alisa Cohn On her website Download Alisa’s 5 Scripts for Delicate Conversations Podcast: From Startup To Grown Up Buy a copy of Alisa’s Book, From Start-Up to Grown-Up

The Business of Meetings – Episode 218 – Mastering HR: Recruiting and Leading Effectively with Vicky Brown We are delighted to have Vicky Brown joining us today. Vicky is the founder of Idomeneo Enterprises. She is an HR expert with many years of experience and was formerly an opera singer. She has enjoyed a fantastic career in the HR field, and she joins us today to dive into effective team building and explore tactical considerations for payroll management and legal compliance. She also shares key obstacles to anticipate and speaks about her experience as an opera singer. Stay tuned for Vicky's wealth of HR knowledge and expertise. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Vicky Brown On LinkedIn Idomeneo Enterprises Vicky’s Gift for Listeners: The Ultimate HR Workflow Guide

The Business of Meetings – Episode 217 - Inside the Mind of an FBI Negotiator: Chris Voss on Mastering Negotiations from Hostages to Boardrooms We are delighted and honored to welcome the legendary FBI negotiator, Chris Voss, as our guest today. Chris was the head of the hostage negotiations at the FBI, and he significantly changed their negotiation style. He has taught at various business schools and founded the Black Swan Group. He is also an author, having written Never Split the Difference, The Full Fee Agent, and more recently, Empathy and Understanding in Business. Join us to hear Chris’s fascinating story and to get his advice and actionable tips to implement in your life and business. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Chris Voss On LinkedIn The Black Swan Group website Books by Chris Voss: Never Split the Difference The Full Fee Agent Empathy and Understanding In Business

The Business of Meetings – Episode 216 - Behind the Scenes: The Art of Booking Bands for Corporate Events in the Entertainment Biz with Michael Owen We are delighted to have another industry icon joining us today! Michael Owen, the founder and managing partner of EventGenuity, has spent decades providing corporate entertainment, sharing event strategies, and offering education within the meetings and events industry. He is with us today to highlight the importance of investing in the industry, learning from our past experiences, and building meaningful relationships with clients and vendors. Michael has been entertaining people for as long as he can remember. Stay tuned for his captivating stories and illuminating insights. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Michael Owen EventGenuity Email: m.owen@eventgenuity.com Phone: (615)-367-4505 On LinkedIn

The Business of Meetings – Episode 215 - Crafting Success: How Culture and Values Framed a Global Leader in Picture Manufacturing with Tony Gareri Today, we are delighted to have the opportunity to speak with Tony Gareri, the CEO of Roma Moulding. Tony joins us to discuss the incredible culture he has implemented at Roma Moulding and share actionable strategies and practices for nurturing effective leadership and building an outstanding team. Today's discussion is invaluable for anyone seeking to enhance the performance of their organization or workplace environment. Stay tuned for Tony's expert advice! Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Tony Gareri On his website Roma Moulding Book mentioned: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh

The Business of Meetings – Episode 214 – Strength in Business: A Woman Entrepreneur's Journey through Bodybuilding, AI, and AV Event Mastery with Anca Platon Trifan We are delighted to welcome Anca Platon Trifan as our guest today. Anca is an entrepreneur and a bodybuilder and she joins us today to dive into AI and AV production events in our industry and discuss bodybuilding. She is a remarkable individual who is motivated, determined, and truly understands the principles of discipline and excellence. Stay tuned for her insights and experiences. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Anca Platon Trifan On LinkedIn Instagram Events Demystified Podcast

The Business of Meetings – Episode 213 - Balancing Acts: Navigating Marriage, Entrepreneurship, and Mental Well-Being with Chantel Cohen Today, we are delighted to welcome Chantel Cohen as our guest. Chantel is the Founder and CEO of CWC Coaching & Therapy, where she provides coaching services and therapy for entrepreneurs. She is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs of color, women, business owners, and funding duos, helping them build the lives they have always dreamed of. Several years ago, Chantel was named one of the top three marriage counselors in the metro Atlanta region. Join us to hear her inspiring story and learn from the insights she shares today. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Check out Eric’s Website Connect with Chantel Cohen Chantel Cohen-CWC Coaching and Therapy Chantel Cohen on LinkedIn Reach out to Chantel via her assistant, Lexi. (470)-296-3090

We are thrilled to have Jennifer Long, the CEO of Own Up®, joining us today. Jen is a certified master coach and the author of the #1 Amazon bestselling book, OwnUp! How to Hold People Accountable Without All the Drama. Jen is an expert in setting up accountability practices within organizations, which has been invaluable for companies seeking tangible improvements. In our conversation today, we dive into leadership, accountability, and guiding principles for psychological safety. Jen also shares many concrete and actionable tips you can apply directly to your business. Stay tuned for more! Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Jennifer Long On her website Email Jen: JenLong@own-up.com LinkedIn Jen’s book, OwnUp! How to Hold People Accountable Without All the Drama is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or most anyplace else books are sold.

The Business of Meetings – Episode 211 – Beyond the Booking: A Record Year in Hospitality with Insights from an Industry Titan with Antonio Ducceschi We are delighted to have Antonio Ducceschi, the Chief Commercial Officer of the Starhotels Group, joining us on the show today. With his extensive experience in the hospitality industry and visionary approach to leadership, Antonio sheds light on the current state of the hotel industry and on what is happening within the meetings and events industry. He also shares his career journey and provides valuable insights on how businesses in the industry can effectively prepare for the foreseeable future. Stay tuned for today’s captivating conversation with Antonio Ducceschi. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website Connect with Antonio Ducceschi On LinkedIn Starhotels

We are thrilled to have two exceptional entrepreneurs joining us on the show today! Alexa Berube and Heather Stupi are the brilliant minds who founded Reposite, a company that has been revolutionizing the meetings and events industry with AI. Get ready to explore their inspiring journeys and the remarkable strides they have made as we dive in and uncover the insights and innovations behind their success! Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Alexa Berube and Heather Stupi Reposite Alexa on LinkedIn Heather on LinkedIn

The Business of Meetings – Episode 209 – Navigating Solitude: Five Strategies for Entrepreneurs with Eric Rozenberg Have you ever had to make an important business decision and felt very alone? Owning and running a business is exciting. However, many entrepreneurs feel cut off and lonely- especially when facing challenging situations. Today, I share five actionable ideas you can apply immediately to reduce your isolation and gain all the support you need to grow and manage your business. Stay tuned for my ideas and recommendations for overcoming the solitude of entrepreneurship. Building Your Advisory Board One effective way to combat the solitude of entrepreneurship is to establish an advisory board. Drawing from my experience in leading organizations, I understand the value of surrounding yourself with trusted individuals who offer diverse perspectives and professional expertise. Your advisory board will be a valuable resource for guidance, allowing you to make informed decisions and feel supported while navigating all your business challenges. Engaging with Professional Organizations Actively involving yourself in professional organizations like MPI (Meeting Professionals International) will allow you learning and networking opportunities and help you grow as an individual. By volunteering for these communities, you can gain helpful insights, forge lasting connections, and contribute to the advancement of your industry. I have experienced the benefits of participating in professional organizations to combat my feelings of isolation and enhance my professional development. Prioritizing Mental Health and Serendipitous Connections I truly understand the importance of mental health. So, I encourage you, my fellow entrepreneurs, to liberate yourselves from the limitations of your workspaces and welcome any unexpected encounters. Participating in physical activities, connecting with others socially, and attending conferences create an environment conducive to creativity and personal development. Broadening your experiences and embracing new ideas will help you combat your feelings of solitude and become more creative in all your future endeavors. Leveraging Mastermind Groups Mastermind groups offer platforms for entrepreneurs to collaborate, share their experiences, and seek advice from their peers. When you join mastermind groups, participate in their discussions, and support your fellow members, you can tap into a wealth of collective knowledge and resources. I firmly believe in the importance of actively participating in mastermind groups to help one another grow and provide support when tackling the challenges we often face as entrepreneurs. Seeking Guidance from Coaches and Mentors I encourage all entrepreneurs to seek guidance from coaches, advisors, or mentors with relevant expertise and experience. By leveraging their insights and gaining accountability from these mentors, you can accelerate your development, personally and professionally. It is essential to learn from those who have succeeded and recognize the invaluable guidance mentors can offer for navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Conclusion My five strategies for combating the solitude of entrepreneurship- surrounding yourself with supportive networks, engaging with professional communities, prioritizing your mental well-being, participating in collaborative groups, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors, have helped me to overcome many business challenges, grow personally, and thrive in my entrepreneurial pursuits. I have no doubt they will also work wonders for you! Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website

The Business of Meetings – Episode 208 – Incentive Travel: Driving Business Growth with Stephanie Harris We are delighted to welcome Stephanie Harris, President of the Incentive Research Foundation, as our guest for today's show. Stephanie brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion today. Join us as we dive into the impact of incentives, focusing in particular on non-cash options like incentive travel. Stephanie’s Journey Stephanie's professional journey has been anything but linear. She began her career as a strategist for advertising and sales promotion agencies, mainly working within the client categories of shoes and shopping. After over a decade in the agency world, she transitioned to the client side, joining Merits to work on their internal marketing agency, despite knowing little about incentives and motivation then. However, her passion for the incentive world flourished during her tenure there, encompassing everything from program development to travel and gift card rewards. Her expertise caught the attention of American Express, leading to a strategic alliance role where she gained invaluable global experience, exploring diverse cultures and their attitudes toward incentives. Four years ago, she began leading the Incentive Research Foundation. The Economic Impact of Incentive Travel Stephanie discusses the challenges in measuring the economic impact of incentive travel, highlighting a study by the Events Industry Council, showing a 1.6 trillion dollar impact on the economy. She explains that although it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of incentives beyond travel, such as gift cards and merchandise spending, she has seen that organizations consistently employing incentives tend to outperform their peers, making incentives a competitive differentiator. Strategic Use of Incentives to Motivate Workforce Exploring the evolving reasons for using incentives to motivate the workforce, Stephanie has noticed that they are increasingly seen as essential for building organizational culture, particularly in light of how the pandemic influenced remote work. Stephanie shares insights from the Incentive Travel Index, highlighting how leadership perceives incentives as essential for increasing organizational success and retaining top talent. Personalized Experiences and Authenticity in Incentive Travel Looking at the importance of personalized experiences and authenticity in incentive travel, Stephanie emphasizes the need to tailor incentive destinations to the preferences and psychographics of the participants. She explains how unique and authentic experiences foster employee motivation and loyalty, with organizations increasingly seeking to surprise winners with exclusivity in their incentive destinations. Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness in Events: Stephanie shares personal anecdotes highlighting the importance of prioritizing mental health and wellness in the events industry. She discusses the impact of the pandemic on remote work and the need for face-to-face interactions to combat loneliness and improve mental health, looking at strategies like incorporating breaks, offering structured networking opportunities, and designing programs with wellness in mind. Role of AI in Event Planning Looking at the role of artificial intelligence in event planning, Stephanie highlights how AI can streamline tasks, generate content, and offer valuable insights for event organizers. She encourages industry professionals to embrace artificial intelligence as a helpful tool for enhancing efficiency and innovation in event management, emphasizing the need for hands-on exploration and experimentation with AI technologies. Bio: Stephanie Harris Stephanie Harris is President of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF). In her role, she directs the strategy and efforts of the IRF, which funds and promotes research and education to increase understanding, effective use, and benefits of non-cash incentives for...

I am thrilled to have David T. Stevens joining me today! David holds many different certifications and has ranked on the leaderboard of CrossFit for EventProf for many years. In our conversation today, he explains how to improve your health in meetings, when engaging in projects, or completing daily tasks. He also highlights the physical and mental demands of event management, exploring the importance of personal wellness routines and making a gradual shift toward a healthier lifestyle. Tune in to hear more! Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram On Website Connect with David T. Stevens On LinkedIn On Facebook On Instagram The Return on Wellness Podcast on YouTube

We are delighted to engage in a conversation with Joe Curcillo today. Joe is a man of multiple talents and phenomenal versatility. He has worn many hats, from being a lawyer, engineer, and prosecuting attorney, to a judge, private investigator, and mentalist. He has also just written a book called The Generalist’s Advantage. Joe joins us today to discuss what it means to be a generalist and explain how a multidisciplinary approach can enhance your skills and business. Stay tuned for Joe Curcillo's remarkable insights! Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Joe Curcillo On his website The Generalist’s Advantage The Multitudes Podcast Joe Curcillo on LinkedIn

We are thrilled to have Haggai Klorman joining us today! Haggai is a tech entrepreneur and EO. He has consulted with and built social media and word-of-mouth campaigns for major brands, including L'Oreal, Revlon, and Unilever, and has advised Bain Capital Private Equity. He also owns a digital business card company. In our conversation today, we discuss technology, the pros and cons of TikTok, and what Haggai is currently doing. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Haggai Klorman LinkedIn Kardz.Biz Hate Checker

The Business of Meetings – Episode 203 - The Journey of Belonging: An Immigrant's Path to Nine-Figure Success with Dan Berger We are thrilled to engage in a discussion with Dan Berger today! Dan is an industry legend and a true entrepreneur! After a successful exit a few years back, he is now writing a book called The Quest, where he focuses on the theme of belonging. In our conversation today, we dive into Dan's journey, discussing entrepreneurship, the post-sale depression that often happens after selling a business, and the need to belong. We also explore emotional intelligence and how to apply it. Stay tuned for some valuable insights from Dan's experiences. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Connect with Dan Berger Website LinkedIn Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford

The Business of Meetings – Episode 202 – Voice of the Innocents: Lori Cohen's Battle Against Child and Human Trafficking We are honored today to speak with a remarkable individual at the forefront of a child-protection organization. Lori Cohen is the CEO of PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking), the leading policy organization in the nation on child sex trafficking. She has been instrumental in driving change and safeguarding the most vulnerable within our society. PACT shines as a beacon of hope for combating one of the gravest challenges we face today. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of the essential work that PACT is doing. Lori’s Journey Lori’s journey into combating human trafficking began unexpectedly during her legal career. Initially focused on public interest work and supporting domestic violence victims, she found herself immersed in an entirely different arena when she began working with immigrant women facing abuse. Their harrowing stories of coercion and exploitation led her to discover that her clients were victims of human trafficking, a reality they often did not even recognize for themselves. That led Lori to delve into the complexities of trafficking and question the failure of the system to identify those cases. Fueled by a deep sense of responsibility, she transitioned from legal advocacy to comprehensive support, creating programs that addressed the needs of trafficking victims beyond legal assistance. Her passion for this cause was ignited by the tangible suffering of individuals seeking help in her office, compelling her to advocate tirelessly for those who could not escape their traumatic pasts. Joining ECPAT USA and the Evolution to PACT While representing her clients, Lori turned to ECPAT USA for information about trafficking. ECPAT USA has high-quality materials that helped her understand the complexities of trafficking. Years later, when the founder of ECPAT USA retired, Lori felt indebted to the organization and saw an opportunity to contribute her first-hand knowledge to their cause. The name change from ECPAT USA to PACT (Protect All Children from Trafficking) reflects their evolving mission and dedication to preventing exploitation. Raising Awareness in the US Lori explains that trafficking is not just an overseas issue, as it is also prevalent in the United States. She acknowledges that it can be uncomfortable to discuss the topic but stresses the importance of businesses embracing education and training to create safer environments. Taking Action and Free Online Training Lori encourages listeners to take advantage of free online training offered by PACT, developed in collaboration with the American Hotel and Lodging Association and Marriott. The training, which aims to educate hotel staff on identifying and preventing trafficking, emphasizes that recognizing red flags and reporting suspicious activities can make a significant impact in protecting vulnerable individuals. Challenges of Intervention Untrained civilians should avoid intervening in trafficking situations as they could face the risk of armed traffickers and the unknown presence of others. Lori explains that victims must choose the right time to escape, so she cautions untrained individuals to avoid jeopardizing their safety. Training and Data Tracking The training program incorporates anti-cheat measures and pre/post-training surveys to ensure effectiveness. Data tracking on the website includes information on user logins and completion rates. Practical Signs of Trafficking Lori highlights the importance of dispelling myths surrounding trafficking. Instead, the focus should be on practical signs, like cash payments, lack of luggage, or inappropriate clothing, to identify potential trafficking situations. She also suggests using hotel video cameras to monitor suspicious activity discreetly. Testimonials and Awareness It is often challenging to obtain testimonials from organizations that have...