Summit Host Hangout®

SEO isn't dead, but it is quickly evolving. And if you're hosting a virtual summit, you need to understand how AI-powered search is changing the game. This week, Maria Elena Duron breaks down why summit hosts are uniquely positioned to win with AI search, the speaker page strategy that builds your authority, and how to get found faster without sacrificing your human touch. You'll learn tactical steps like leveraging Google Search Console, keeping speaker pages live, and why FAQ content is gold for AI platforms. Whether you're planning your first summit or your fifth, this episode will change how you think about getting discovered online. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/316

If you're exhausted from the cycle of constantly creating new courses to hit your revenue goals, this episode will give you hope. I'm breaking down why the new-course-every-quarter model is unsustainable and sharing how hosting a virtual summit can bring thousands of fresh leads to your existing offers - leading to record-breaking launches without the exhaustion. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/315

Most summit hosts worry they're not enough of an expert to host an event in their niche. But what if I told you that you could build an entire business around summits in topics where you have zero personal experience? Dr. Destini Copp is doing exactly that with Hobby Scool. She's hosting monthly summits on knitting, painting, quilting, and holiday crafts (hobbies she's never actually done) and building it into a business she plans to sell for over $1 million by the end of 2027. In this episode, you'll hear how she went from a vacation domain purchase to a systematized summit business, why being the "connector" matters more than being the expert, and what to consider from day one if you want to build something you can eventually sell. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/314

I'm bending my own rule today and sharing summit results on the podcast. I think this angle will genuinely help so many of you who have felt held back from hosting a summit because of the size of your email list. If you've been telling yourself you need a bigger email list before hosting a summit, or if you've been doubting whether summits can work for smaller audiences, this episode will change that for you. I'm sharing exactly how we made this happen, the three keys to our success, and what it means for your summit potential - regardless of your current list size. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/313

Are you stressed about summit speakers missing their presentation deadlines? After 12+ summits, I've learned that late submissions are normal, but they don't have to derail your event. In this episode, I'm sharing exactly how we went from 50% on-time submissions to nearly 100%, plus my complete playbook for handling late speakers without the drama. Plus, I'll walk you through the graceful way to remove someone from your lineup if needed (and why you probably won't have to). Whether you're planning your first summit or your fifth, these strategies will help you manage speaker deadlines with confidence and keep your summit on track. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/312

After months of planning and executing your virtual summit, you might be feeling a strange mix of excitement and exhaustion - or even the "post-summit blues." In this episode, I'm sharing why intentional rest after your summit isn't just nice to have, it's essential for your long-term business success. You'll learn why your brain and body need a reset after being in "go mode" for months, how taking breaks actually proves your business can run without you, and exactly how I build recovery time into my business rhythm (including my quarterly week-off schedule). For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/311

The key to growing your business isn't attracting more people, but attracting the right people. And the traditional "customer avatar" exercises aren't doing the trick anymore. Paul and Melissa Pruitt, the husband-and-wife team behind multiple seven-figure businesses, are flipping the script on traditional audience building. Instead of chasing vanity metrics and celebrating every email subscriber, they're showing entrepreneurs how to go deeper with fewer people who are actually willing to invest in solutions. Plus, we get into how to attract actual buyers to your summit and how to sell to them without feeling slimy. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/310

After analyzing hundreds of client summits, I had a HUGE aha moment about revenue patterns. I realized that there are two distinct business categories that crush it with summits - but they make their money in completely different ways. In this video, I'm breaking down these two categories so you can see where YOUR summit revenue is most likely to come from - whether that's your all-access pass, your backend offer, or a mix of both. This short training is designed to help you understand what will actually work for YOUR specific business model so you can plan strategically. DM me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summitinabox/

Being invited to speak at a virtual summit feels validating, but not all opportunities are worth your time. In this episode, I'm sharing the three-part framework I use to evaluate every summit speaking invitation that comes my way. You'll learn how to assess whether an opportunity aligns with your business goals, spot the red flags that signal you should run the other way, and develop the confidence to say no when something isn't the right fit. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/309

I'm in the early stages of planning my next virtual summit, and in this week's video, I'm pulling back the curtain on the 5 main things I've done so far, during the very initial planning, as we move toward making this summit happen. If you have other projects wrapping up before you can start your summit, this behind-the-scenes look will give you some great things to think about in the meantime! 🔗Listen to the podcast episode "A 4 Step Process for Positioning Your Summit for Success": https://www.summitinabox.co/blog/positioning-your-summit ✨ Work with me to bring your profitable virtual summit to life: https://www.summitinabox.co/apply

If you haven't started planning your summit yet, it's probably a mindset issue...and that's totally okay! I'm sharing the exact moments where fear tends to sneak in (including my literal nightmare about pitching speakers!), why these feelings are completely normal, and most importantly, how to push through them. Join the Start Your Summit That Sells Challenge to bust through these challenges in community with me + other hosts: https://www.summitinabox.co/challenge

Think you need to be an extrovert to host a successful virtual summit? Think again! This week, I'm chatting with business strategist Tara Reid, who has hosted over 15 virtual summits while staying true to her introverted nature. Tara shares her approach to energy management when planning summits, including how she decides between live and evergreen formats based on her current energy levels. You'll discover her must-have systems and automations that make summit hosting feel less overwhelming, plus learn how she promotes her events without being on social media at all. Whether you're an introvert who's been hesitant to host a summit or you're just looking for ways to make your next event less draining, this episode is packed with practical strategies. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/308

There's something powerful about starting your year with a summit that brings in multiple 5-figures, floods your list with targeted leads, and sets you up with momentum that carries through the entire year. In this episode, I'm sharing why hosting Sell with a Summit in February was one of the best strategic decisions I made, how it impacted everything we did afterward, and why I'm already planning another Q1 summit for next year. I'll walk you through the timeline considerations, the benefits of hosting when people are motivated to take action, and how this timing can actually save a slow year (it did for us). If you're thinking about 2026 summit plans (I know, I know - but summits need planning time!), this might be the nudge you need to consider a Q1 event. ✨ Work with me to bring your profitable virtual summit to life: https://www.summitinabox.co/apply

The online space feels uncertain right now, with quieter funnels and smaller launches making many question whether B2B summits still work. And I'm excited to share that in today's episode that they absolutely do. You'll hear the key differences between what worked before and what's essential now, including why clear positioning matters more than ever, the power of human connection, and how a solid backend offer can multiply your results. If you've been wondering whether to pivot to B2C or abandon summits altogether, this episode will give you the encouragement and strategy you need to succeed. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/307

Ever wonder why some summit speaker pitches get ignored while others get an instant "yes"? I receive a LOT of summit speaker pitches, and most of them make it way too easy for me to say no. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what makes a speaker pitch fall flat - and more importantly, what makes one stand out in a GOOD way. You'll hear about the 5 biggest mistakes I see in speaker pitches and what experienced hosts do instead to get enthusiastic yeses from their dream speakers. Listen to the quick episode and then, join the conversation in the Summit Host Hangout Facebook group to share your thoughts and ask any questions you have. Join the community here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/summithosthangout/

Have you noticed that your audience needs a higher level of trust before buying? You're not alone. In today's "trust economy," consumers are more cautious than ever about who they follow and buy from. This week, I'm chatting with the "Million-Dollar Copywriter", Anthony Obey, about how virtual summits can be your secret weapon for building instant trust and authority - even in this skeptical market. Anthony breaks down what it really means to operate in a trust economy and shares specific strategies for using summits to create genuine connections with your audience. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/306

If you've been struggling with email frequency, worried about "annoying" your subscribers, or just not seeing the results you want from your current email marketing approach, this episode is going to be a game-changer. Fola brings this refreshingly honest perspective that treats email as its own unique medium - not just another social channel or sales pitch. His philosophy centers around building genuine relationships with your email list, which naturally leads to better engagement and higher conversions without the sleazy tactics we've all grown tired of. You're going to hear some approaches that might push your comfort zone (like daily emails!), but Fola breaks down exactly why this works and how to implement it gradually. Plus, he shares specific email structures and strategies you can start using immediately to see better results from every email you send. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/305

Have you ever had that moment when something you teach suddenly makes even MORE sense because you experienced it yourself in a new way? In this week's video, I'm sharing how I went from feeling bummed about $7,600 in all-access pass sales to celebrating over $59,000 in total summit revenue all because of the monetization stacking strategy I teach but had never fully experienced myself. You'll hear the specific numbers behind what happened, why this "smaller" summit actually became such a powerful teaching moment, and how it reinforced why I'm so passionate about helping hosts move beyond single-strategy monetization. 🔗Want to learn the strategy for yourself? Get your workshop ticket here: https://www.summitinabox.co/stacked-for-profit

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is step away from the endless task list and actually think. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my recent solo planning retreat - two nights in a beautiful Airbnb with just me, my laptop, and zero distractions. You'll hear the simple questions I used to refocus my business direction and how I prioritized 19 projects for the rest of the year. Whether you're feeling scattered with too many ideas or stuck in constant "doing" mode without clear direction, this behind-the-scenes look at my planning process might give you some ideas for creating your own space to reset and refocus. Listen to the quick episode and then, join the conversation in the Summit Host Hangout Facebook group to share your thoughts and ask any questions you have. Join the community here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/summithosthangout/

Have you ever had a summit host ask you to PAY for the privilege of speaking at their summit? If you've received an invitation like this, I'm here to tell you exactly why this practice is wrong and what you should look for instead. I'll break down why this approach is predatory, what it tells you about the host, and share the specific benefits quality summit opportunities should provide speakers. Whether you're evaluating speaking opportunities or hosting your own summit, this episode will help you spot red flags and create win-win situations for everyone involved. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/304