This week's episode is our live podcast recording from the end of the 2024 Better Events Conference. We asked our attendees to submit their questions about growth and what they're looking forward to in 2025. We compiled a few common themes and questions for one big episode all about growth. We'll explore personal growth, financial growth, growth in events and our businesses and end with a few goals for 2025. Let's end the conference with a bang and ready to rock our 2025 events! SHOW NOTES: Buy ...
Jan 29, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 190
This week, we listen back to our goals from January 2024, reflect on how we did, and set new goals for 2025. Listen to hear how we did, learn from our experiences, and set your own intentions/goals for the new year. We hope this helps us all create, host, and attend better events in 2025. SHOW NOTES: Buy the replays to the 2024 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference Learn more about Event Pro Suite (and let them know we sent you): https://eventprosuite.com/ Join the pai...
Jan 22, 2025•44 min•Season 5Ep. 189
This week, we reflect back on our 2024 Better Events Conference, sharing our favorite moments, your reviews, lessons we learned last year to apply to the conference and more! Hear about what's next for the conference and how you can continue to learn more about creating better events. SHOW NOTES: Buy the replays to the 2024 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/ Buy Us a Coffee Link: https:...
Jan 15, 2025•30 min•Season 5Ep. 188
This week, we're doing one of our favorite annual episodes where Logan & Mary share their lessons learned in events and in business. From financial lessons to business strategy, asking key questions and documenting your event process, they share their top lessons. SHOW NOTES: Buy the replays to the 2024 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/ Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffe...
Jan 08, 2025•35 min•Season 5Ep. 187
As we wrap up 2024 and Season 4 of the Better Events podcast, join us for a special compilation episode where we revisit our guests from this year's journey. We've connected with each of our Season 4 guests to reflect on their personal and professional growth and to hear their dreams for 2025. From manifesting dream clients to acquiring new skills, their stories are sure to inspire. Tune in for a burst of motivation and don’t forget to revisit past episodes for a refresher on all the wisdom shar...
Dec 18, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 186
This week, Logan and Mary dive into a mix of listener questions in this episode of Better Events , tackling everything from building your initial clientele to creating engaging and mission-focused events. We discuss how to connect with similar businesses, draw more attendees, combat ageism, and manage events remotely. As the holidays approach, we also explore thoughtful ways to thank donors and sponsors, drawing inspiration from Giftology . Plus, hear our take on Patti Labelle's viral Christmas ...
Dec 11, 2024•43 min•Season 4Ep. 185
This week, we're reflecting on the 2024 event season: from Olympic games to national nonprofit fundraisers, pro softball, galas and more. Logan and Mary discuss the highs and lows, revealing the most rewarding aspects and the standout moments that really defined the year for them. Hear how collaborations and fresh industry perspectives have reshaped their approach, and discover the strategies they plan to carry forward. Plus, get a sneak peek into how they recharge and reset in preparation for t...
Dec 04, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 184
Step behind the curtain with Logan and Mary as they dive into the nuts and bolts of planning the Better Events Conference. Discover why they decided to bring the conference back, the tweaks and improvements they're excited about, and the unexpected challenges they've faced along the way. From lessons learned in ticketing and registration to the tech and tools that are making it all happen, they share their favorite planning moments and some surprising turns. Tune in for an insider’s look at what...
Nov 27, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 183
Got event planning headaches? In this week's episode, Logan and Mary break down some of the headaches in events that they've faced this recent event season and beyond. They tackle everything from common event challenges to debating which are solvable and which are just part of the job. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned pro, you'll find practical tips and maybe even a mantra or two to help smooth out those event-related road bumps and headaches. SHOW NOTES: Buy tickets for the 2024 Be...
Nov 20, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 182
Ever wonder how the top event pros handle tough conversations with their key stakeholders like clients, vendors, and attendees? In this week's episode, Mary and Logan sit down with Gabby Robbucio, founder of ProEventTips, who spills the secrets on forging lasting partnerships in the event industry. Gabby tackles common pitfalls, conflict management techniques, and the role of technology in keeping your event relationships smooth and strong. Tune in for her powerhouse tips on leadership and commu...
Nov 13, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 181
Ever wonder what happens to an event after the guests go home? In this week's episode, Logan and Mary peel back the curtain on the essential post-event processes that ensure every event's long-term success. They walk you through what happens immediately after an event, the day after, and how follow-ups continue over weeks and even months later. From understanding what attendees and clients expect post-event to wrapping up with your own post-event tasks, this episode is packed with actionable ins...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 180
This week, Logan & Mary dive into the crucial role of having a day-of event coordinator at your event. They cover the responsibilities of a day-of coordinator, the variety of roles available, and the benefits of adding these services to your event planning toolkit. Tune in for insider tips on getting hired for day-of positions and how these roles can expand your expertise and business opportunities. SHOW NOTES: Buy tickets for the 2024 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/co...
Oct 30, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 179
This week, Logan & Mary share chilling tales from the event planning world, including 'ideas' that shouldn't have made it out of the graveyard, 'monster-sized mistakes,' and last-minute 'phantom guests' disappearances. They recount tech failures and unruly guests that could haunt any planner's nightmares, offering crucial survival tips and lessons learned to keep your events from turning into horror stories. Perfect for event planners and vendors, this episode is packed with spooky scenarios...
Oct 23, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 178
This week, we're chatting all about event programming, from your keynote to your breakouts and interactive sessions. We discuss why crafting a successful event program is truly an art, from balancing the day to avoiding over-programming and undervaluing your content. We also talk about room capacities and layouts to set your attendees up for a positive experience and let your message shine. You'll walk away with a few new event strategy ideas to maximize your event program. SHOW NOTES: Buy ticke...
Oct 16, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 177
This week, we're sharing our tips on how to be an outstanding conference attendee, whether you're planning, hosting, or just attending. Discover what preparations are crucial before the event, from researching the schedule to getting to know the speakers. We also dive into information overload and share strategies for maximizing your post-conference glow. Tune in to elevate your conference game and make the most of your next event as an attendee. SHOW NOTES: Buy tickets for the 2024 Better Event...
Oct 09, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 176
This week, we sit down with expert Liz Lathan to explore the evolving landscape of event engagement heading into 2025. Liz, a seasoned professional in designing experiences that foster connection, discusses how engagement has transformed since 2020. She delves into the top trends shaping the future of events, including making stage content as dynamic as a TV show, incorporating more white space in agendas, and the art of community building with her unique '5S' approach. Tune in to learn how thes...
Oct 02, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 175
Buy Your Tickets: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2024-better-events-conference/registration We're thrilled to host the second annual Better Events Conference this December 18th & 19th, 2024. Get ready to explore the different aspects of GROWTH in the event industry over two days this December: Day 1 - Wednesday, December 18th - In-Person Workshop - Tacoma, WA We’re gathering in person for the first time ever, just a short 20-minute drive from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in...
Oct 01, 2024•5 min
Explore the world of event certifications with Kayla Worthy in this episode with Logan & Mary. Kayla shares her journey in the event industry and dives deep into what the CMP designation entails, including its benefits and how it compares to other certifications. Discover how the CMP has impacted her career, the exam process, and the renewal requirements. Whether you're considering a CMP or just curious about its value, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to making an informed decisi...
Sep 25, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 174
Ready to smash your next fundraising goal this fall and into the new year? This week's episode features a recording of a webinar Mary hosted for Auctria, featuring a discussion with Deci Evans and Jackie Baker. They dive into the secrets of successful fundraising, from setting clear goals and focusing on relationships to creating impactful Mission Moments. Discover strategies to maximize donations, leverage technology effectively, and ensure post-event stewardship to keep donors engaged. SHOW NO...
Sep 18, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 173
Dive into the thrilling world of what it's like to work at the Olympic Games. Logan shares her unique experiences from the heart of the action, comparing her roles in Paris 2024 with Tokyo 2020, and describing a typical day on the job. She also shares more about what the Athlete Moment is and her role in it. Whether you're curious about the behind-the-scenes hustle or aiming to work at future games, this episode is your all-access pass to the inner workings of the world’s biggest sporting event!...
Sep 11, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 172
Continue to master the art of timing at your next event with our Part 2, building on last week's episode. This week, Logan and Mary continue the conversation on crucial timing elements like food service, on-stage transitions, after-parties, and more. They share their experiences and best practices for managing fundraising elements, ensuring smooth transitions, and efficiently handling breakdown and load out. Tune in for more insider tips to perfect your event's timing from start to finish and di...
Sep 04, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 171
Timing is everything in events, and in this week's episode, Logan and Mary dive into the crossover between timing and event planning. They discuss how to effectively track the timing of everything from load-in to onsite staff schedules using tools like timelines and run of shows. Plus, they break down the timing elements you need to master—like total event run time and registration flow—sharing their top tips and lessons learned along the way. The discussion was too much to have in one episode s...
Aug 28, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 170
On this week's episode, we sat down with mindset coach Lorina Christine to explore how visualization and mindfulness can revolutionize your routine as an event planner. She shares tips on techniques event pros can use to combat self-doubt, visualize their ideal clients, and stay on top of busy schedules. Dive into the growing trend of mindfulness in the industry, its lasting benefits, and how to get started. SHOW NOTES: Connect with Lorina Christine: Website: https://www.lorinachristine.com/ Ins...
Aug 21, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 169
"In this week's episode, Logan & Mary explore the ins and outs of LinkedIn as a crucial tool for networking in the event industry. They dive into what sets LinkedIn apart, how to craft a standout profile, and strategies for connecting with industry peers you haven’t met yet. Tune in for expert tips on leveraging LinkedIn to its fullest potential, whether you’re seeking new opportunities or looking to expand your network. SHOW NOTES Tourism Richmond is a non-profit destination marking organiz...
Aug 14, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 168
This week on the podcast, Logan and Mary dive into why rehearsals are non-negotiable for successful events. They explain the essentials of tech checks and rehearsals, highlight the crucial elements to review, and share tales that show why even rehearsal skeptics can be converted. Tune in to learn about the common issues caught during rehearsals, how they can save your event, and how even well-rehearsed events can face surprises. SHOW NOTES Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereve...
Aug 07, 2024•31 min•Season 4Ep. 167
This week, we sat down with Tony Gavilanes of Tech Event Pro to discuss all things event audio-visual (A/V) and how you can make the most of your event budget. Tony shares the biggest mistakes that he sees event planners make when it comes to A/V, cost-effective tips for small to mid-sized events, and strategies for negotiating with vendors for the best A/V rates, without sacrificing quality. SHOW NOTES: Connect with Tony Gavilanes: Website: https://techeventpro.com/ Instagram: @techeventpro Fac...
Jul 31, 2024•32 min•Season 4Ep. 166
This week on the podcast, Logan & Mary dive into the future once again for their annual predictions for the event industry. They discuss what they're excited about the future, what challenges are up ahead and then time travel to listen back to their 2023 predictions. They'll see how they did and make new, bold predictions for 2025. Tune in for a glimpse of what's coming and how it could shape your event-planning strategies! SHOW NOTES Tourism Richmond is a non-profit destination marking orga...
Jul 24, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 165
In this week's episode, Logan and Mary dive into how mentorship has been a game-changer in their careers, not just as event planners but as business owners as well. They share personal stories and demonstrate peer-to-peer mentoring on their goals and challenges. Tune in to hear all about the power of mentorship and pick up some valuable tips to boost your own event journey! SHOW NOTES Tourism Richmond is a non-profit destination marking organization for Richmond, British Columbia. Learn more abo...
Jul 17, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 164
In this week's episode, Logan and Mary are joined by Nancy Small, CEO of Tourism Richmond, to explore the crucial role of Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) in event planning. Nancy demystifies what DMOs do and outlines the unique opportunities they offer event hosts and event planners. She also shares some of the hidden talents of DMOs, from event savings to insider tips and activities, as well as impactful success stories from Tourism Richmond. Tune in to gain valuable insights that co...
Jul 10, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 163
In this week's episode, Logan and Mary have some summer fun with the debut of their new podcast song of the summer! They also each share a bonus tip for you to use at your next event in this special summer episode. SHOW NOTES: Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/ Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review! Leave us a rating o...
Jul 03, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 162
