Great Events

What does a successful event really boil down to? Effective planning and preparation. Join Paulina Giusti and Robin Clark, Senior Manager of Trade Shows and Event Marketing at Cvent, as they delve into sales enablement and engagement, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between marketing and sales. Robin gives an insider look at how detailed tracking of the attendee experience at Cvent CONNECT — encompassing session engagement, survey feedback, and appointments — equips sales reps with the narratives they need for follow-up that resonates. We discuss setting clear, actionable goals for different business lines and ensuring team members are aware and fully understand their targets in a post-pandemic landscape with steady growth. Tune in to understand how important it is for sales and client service teams to be armed with the right information pre-registration and throughout the promotion to capably field questions and nudge early registrations. Here are a few takeaways: Collecting detailed attendee journey data will empower marketers to craft personalized follow-up narratives for sales reps, fostering deeper connections and potential sales.The partnership between sales and marketing teams is crucial for event success. Advocating for open communication, goal alignment, and early planning to create a cohesive strategy will help you avoid task overload and maximize team talents.Ensure your sales and client services teams are prepared to promote events and engage with potential attendees. Strategic timeline management helps ensure a successful event by fostering early interest and confidence.

Have you made a habit of prioritizing sustainability? In the events industry, it’s much-discussed, but action is key. As Great Events host Alyssa Peltier says, “When it comes to sustainability, a zero excuses policy is the best policy.” In this episode, Alyssa joins fellow hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu to discuss insights shared by Cassidy Knowles, Group Managing Director of Chorus Creative Group. From Chorus's spectacular sustainability efforts to the small steps each individual can take, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. Here are a few takeaways: Ask: How can we reduce first? It’s about the best money-saving strategy for the organization's people and the planet. Start small: With large organizations, one policy change that can be rolled out across that sea of events is significant. Begin to institutionalize things, and that institutionalization becomes a cultural shift. There’s always more to learn, and—to that end—Cassidy suggests visiting the B Corp website and filling out an initial survey.

Content doesn't have to go to waste. Rather, its shelf life and value can increase over time. In this episode of Great Events, join host Felicia Asiedu and content strategist Victoria Akinsowon as they dive deep into the art of repurposing event content. They discuss practical tips for identifying the most resonant event themes/messages and how to repurpose them into various formats––from turning event sessions into engaging blog posts to creating captivating video snippets for social media. They also tap into the significance of audience feedback and use real-time insights from events to guide your content strategy. They leverage tools like AI for efficient content repurposing and share insights into measuring the success of your repurposed content across different platforms. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to utilize your event content to the fullest potential by using real-time audience insights and feedback to create meaningful contentHow to leverage a variety of content formats and channels to extend the lifespan and reach of your event contentHow to stay agile in measuring and adapting your content's impact across different channels

Why does Group Travel matter so much?  In a world full of Zoom and digital dial-ins, what makes in-person connection so essential? Well, in this episode of Great Events, hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu discuss those very questions—and usher in Global Meetings Industry Day— with Ishma Haider, VP of Group Travel at the US Travel Association. From defining the whats and whys of the Association to the broader roles of advocacy and in-person global events, it’s the perfect conversation to kick off GMID 2024. Here are some key takeaways: There are a wide variety of resources available to members of the US Travel Association. Take a closer look at all the areas this organization impacts and how it can help you in your corner of the industry.To breathe innovation into events, it’s important to keep a pulse on what the industry wants. Events like IPW are a great way to do just that. When the travel industry thrives, America thrives. In 2023, travelers in the US spent 1.3 trillion, producing an economic footprint of 2.8 trillion and supporting more than 15 million American jobs. And in the meetings and events space, 2023 travel contributed 119 billion in spending to the US economy. Additional Resources: GMID Toolkit to help you engage in the day: Global Meetings Industry Day Toolkit | U.S. Travel Association (ustravel.org). Reach out to your local policymakers (and neighbors) to share about our industry - what it brings, what it means to you, and why meetings matter.

What are you doing to improve the effectiveness of your SKO event planning? In this episode of Great Events, join host Alyssa Peltier as she dives into a discussion with Caroline DeCamp and Becca Martinson from Morningstar. They share their insights and experiences in planning and executing Sales Kickoffs (SKOs) and other large-scale events. The conversation covers various aspects of SKO planning, including challenges related to attendance, scaling content regionally, engaging stakeholders, measuring event success, and planning for the future. Whether you aim to make your events more inclusive, leverage AI for content creation, or effectively measure their impact, this conversation offers the guidance you need. Here are a few takeaways: Implement strategies to accommodate demand to manage scope creep in event attendance effectively. It is essential to maintain exclusivity and relevance throughout the process.To enhance inclusivity in event experiences, implement closed captions and quiet areas for attendeesTo streamline event planning processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, implement AI

It's not just about logistics—it’s about crafting event narratives that truly resonate with your audience. This is a philosophy that @Traci DePuy, CMO of PCMA, encourages us to follow. In this episode of Great Events, @Rachel Andrews and Traci explore crafting impactful experiences and professional growth within the events industry. Traci reveals the multifaceted nature of event success, weaving together strategic alignment, technological innovation, and personal development. She discusses the critical elements that contribute to the success of impactful events. Using examples like EdgeIcon in Detroit and the SEMA summit in Seattle, she illustrates how aligning objectives, branding, and location can reshape expectations and drive success. You won’t want to miss it. Here are a few takeaways: By embracing AI tools like Spark, you can make your event planning easier and more impactfulBoost attendee engagement and create memorable experiences by aligning your event objectives, branding, and locationTo build a strong support network within the events industry for mentorship, identify key stakeholders, and research existing networks

A rising tide lifts all boats. That’s the perspective Cat Kevern, Director of Electric Cat Productions and Chair of NOWIE (The Network of Women in Events), brings to promoting women in the events industry. Rather than shaming or alienating others, Cat invites everyone to elevate women and strongly believes in the power of allyship. In this episode, Cat discusses how NOWIE is fostering a supportive community for women and setting industry standards. Cat also shares her journey from starting out as a freelancer to establishing her own business, offering valuable insights into navigating the events industry as a newcomer. Press play to learn how to build a successful career in events and champion the advancement of women in the industry, no matter who you are. Here are a few takeaways: To build a successful career in events, leverage your transferable skills, take initiative to learn what you need to know, and gain experience in a variety of settingsReduce the barrier to entry to create an inclusive and empowering environmentLean into allyship to promote equity and representation

Building personal connections in the workplace is the best way to boost collaboration and productivity. Especially for those in mid-management looking to shine within their projects. And in this episode, Paulina Giusti takes center stage, sharing her wisdom and insights for those looking to climb the corporate ladder. She discusses the importance of ensuring that hard work gets the recognition it deserves, taking ownership of projects, and actively seeking feedback that leads to director-level promotions. You’ll hear success stories from organizing massive virtual events and exploring tech trends across generations, where inclusivity and adaptability emerged as the keys to success. Here are a few takeaways: Learn to build strong personal relationships in the workplace and offer actionable strategies for collaboration and communication that lead to career advancementTake ownership of projects, transparently communicate with managers, and strike a delicate balance in showing what you’ve achieved to advance your career forwardEmbrace challenges with optimism and creativity

Ever feel like an imposter? You’re not alone. Imposter syndrome can affect anyone anytime, especially women in leadership roles. In this episode, we dive right into it with host Rachel Andrews, who is joined by Courtney Stanley, a renowned global keynote speaker, leadership coach, and podcast host to Dare to Interrupt. Courtney shares personal insights and actionable strategies, emphasizing the importance of diverse mentorship and collaborative efforts. This episode isn’t just about mastering imposter syndrome; it’s about empowering women in leadership, driving career growth, and making impactful contributions within the meetings and events industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to cultivate confidence, overcome imposter syndrome, and use self-belief as a driving force for career growth How the impact of engaging in diverse mentorship can cause a ripple effect of empowermentHow to better serve your teams and foster a culture of visibility and opportunity for women

Celebrating Black culture in events goes beyond remembering historical struggles–It’s about shining light on successes, uplifting talents, and embracing the powerful impact of education and representation. Join Paulina Giusti & Felicia Asiedu as they share how events like Black Techfest and the UK Black Business Show are celebrations that bring communities together, showcase rich cultures, and highlight the achievements of Black professionals. You’ll hear insights into the value of cultural representation and supportive micro-communities within the tech industry and learn why it is essential to have the right speaker on the right stage and how to avoid the pitfalls of diversity quotas.  Tune in to feel inspired, informed, and ready to bring a new depth of authenticity to your event planning and marketing strategies In this episode, you’ll Learn: Actionable strategies to diversify your programs and connect with a wider audienceHow to go beyond diversity quotas - confidently choose speakers who add value, inspire, and reflect our diverse worldTips on engaging local figures to add authenticity and depth to your events

Engagement is about connection. And building connections is key to creating positive and memorable experiences for your audience. In this episode, your hosts, Rachel Andrews, Alyssa Peltier, and Felicia Asiedu, explore the world of engagement within events and marketing and how we can brace ourselves for changes in 2024. Join us as we share insights that empower you to make your events more engaging, build real connections, and break away from the usual to create experiences that really matter. Whether you are a seasoned event professional or marketing enthusiast, these insights will help you take your engagement to the next level. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to connect personally, create micro-communities, and use personalized engagement strategies to make events meaningfulHow to make events more engaging by embracing smart techHow to mix education & entertainment, involve attendees in content creation, and ensure memorable experiences

The countdown to 2024 has officially begun. And in terms of trends in the events industry, the future is looking bright. Things like staffing levels, diversity, sustainability, accessibility, and AI will be covered in this week’s #GreatEvents episode. All FOUR hosts, Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/), Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/), Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/), AND our new 2024 host, Felicia Asiedu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feliciaasiedu/), tap into 12 key trends to look forward to in 2024. But remember, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. They’ll also talk about inflation, how it’s affecting the meetings and events industry today, and how it will affect it in the future. But… is there a secret on how to get over these hurdles? Find out in this episode. You won’t want to miss it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The significant impact of AI on the meetings and events industry The evolution and centralization of event operations within companies The continuing importance of prioritization and ROI in event planning

“No matter who you love, what the color of your skin is, what your religion is, or where you are from in the world, you're welcome here in San Antonio.” San Antonio is a welcoming city… A city that has something for everyone. In this episode of Great Events, Marc Anderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-anderson-a6b4634/), President and CEO of Visit San Antonio (https://www.visitsanantonio.com/meeting-professionals/), shares the ins and outs of San Antonio, the rich culture and history, the delicious food and culinary experiences, and how the city is redefining the events industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: How San Antonio is a welcoming and inclusive destination The growth and evolution of San Antonio The behind the scenes of hosting a citywide event

HOT TAKE: An event without community is worthless. Why? Because community creates connection, and connection creates relationship. In this episode, Katie Ray (https://www.linkedin.com/in/community-katie/), Director of Community at Metadata (https://metadata.io/), and Tiffany Sanford (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-j-sanford/), Demand Gen at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), discuss the contrast between audiences and communities and how, using that understanding, you can enhance events and conferences. They also discuss strategic approaches to strengthen community bonds during events and integrate personal branding as a powerful tool in this process. You won’t want to miss it. In this episode, you’ll learn: The importance of personal branding Ways to improve the community at events Community building strategies

Let’s face it… the meetings and events industry is changing daily and can get busy. And through the busyness, hurdles arise. In this episode, hosts Paulina Giusti (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulina-giusti-96644712/), Alyssa Peltier (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapeltier/), and Rachel Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-k-andrews/) sit down to chat about the challenges they've faced in the world of events during the peak seasons at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/). They also share insights on the difficulties of team resourcing, the shift from factory-focused to trial-and-error events post-COVID, and the struggles in justifying the need for more bandwidth and resources. And through it all, they share advice and best practices to navigate these industry challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn: The challenges faced in the events industry post-COVID and the need for flexibility in event planning and execution The struggle with team resourcing and the difficulty of hiring new members The importance of effectively communicating the true volume of time and expectations involved in event planning

Engagement. A word that’s thrown around and talked about on the daily. But what does it really mean, and how do you accurately measure it? Well, you’re in for some good news. In this episode, Clark Campbell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bclarkcampbell/), CEO and Co-founder at RVRB (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rvrbagency/), and Heather Pocorobba (https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherrenaep/), Lead of Social Media Strategy and Corporate Communications at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), share all the answers. They dive into the world of social media strategies for events while discussing valuable insights for marketing and meetings and events professionals that will empower you to level up your social media game. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to harness the power of emotional connection How to elevate your social media strategy How to shift from the FOMO to D Money approach

ABM has become a buzzy word in the marketing world. But what exactly does it mean? In this episode, EJ Oelling (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ej-oelling/), VP of ABX at 6sense (https://6sense.com/), breaks it down. She explains the difference between ABM and ABX while emphasizing the importance of bringing the experiential factor to ABM in events. But what about the data? Data is a crucial component of any successful ABM strategy, and EJ shares the five steps that drive their approach at 6sense. It's not just about throwing a party anymore – it's about knowing your audience and getting the right return on your event investment. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The difference between ABM and ABX - The role of technology in ABM events - The importance of data in ABM and events

Ever think we’d do a live wine tasting on the podcast? Neither did we. Grab your choice of wine, and let’s get the party started. In this episode, Anthony Giglio (https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-giglio-88381a4/), Speaker, Writer, Author, and Wine Expert, joins the show to discuss all things wine. From the importance of that first sip to challenging traditional pairing rules, Anthony brings a fresh and entertaining perspective to the art of wine tasting. We'll explore the joy of unexpected pairings like champagne and popcorn and discover how Anthony's blue-collar roots have shaped his approach to wine tastings. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories from his experiences hosting events and seminars that will leave you wanting to uncork a bottle and join the fun. So grab a glass, pour yourself a drink, and get ready for this week’s episode. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the first sip never counts Why you cannot have wine without food Why you MUST chill your red wine

With over 11,000 Martech solutions available in 2023, filtering through the noise and implementing the right technologies becomes crucial. In this episode of Great Events, @Alyssa Peltier and Stephanie Sweetland (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniesweetland/), Director of Marketing Technology and Automation at Cvent (https://www.cvent.com/), dive into the challenges faced by marketers and event planners in managing various technology systems. They discuss the pain points of siloed data, lack of integrations, and manual tasks that often hinder efficiency and productivity. The episode further explores how marketing professionals can stay updated with Martech trends and validate technology sources through reputable reports, peer-reviewed sites, and marketing operations resources. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Martech can improve operational efficiency and save costs in your marketing and events practices How to navigate the overwhelming landscape of Martech vendors and identify the right technologies to solve pain points in your organization How to gain insights on validating and onboarding new technologies through reputable sources and industry research

Understanding and demonstrating ROI holds greater significance than ever in light of the industry's resource constraints and staffing concerns. One key step towards effectively navigating the dynamic events landscape is mastering the art of calculating and quantifying the value of event benefits within ROI. In this week's episode, we're honored to be joined by Brad Gillespie (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbradg/), VP and General Manager of Cvent Consulting (https://www.cvent.com/), who will provide insights into the world of ROI. Tune in as he shares his perspectives on the importance of quantifying ROI, the challenges confronting event professionals, and the essential skill of crafting impactful ROI narratives to justify investments. In this episode, you’ll learn: The significance of understanding and quantifying the impact that events have on stakeholders The ROI equation The challenge of measuring benefits for internal programs