Metrics are essential for understanding the success of your events, but there are certain things that data just can’t capture, like the magic moments of connection, delight, and surprise. In this episode, hosts Felicia Asiedu , Rachel Andrews , and Alyssa Peltier discuss how events can have a lasting impact on your attendees and your brand. They share creative ideas and strategies for building emotional connections with your guests. Listen and learn how to create experiences that go beyond expec...
Aug 06, 2025•22 min
Planning content for your event is a given. But are you also planning how you’ll use it after the event ends? At Cvent CONNECT 2025, guest host Matt Heinz spoke with Megan Martin , VP of Marketing and Innovation at EMC Meetings & Events, to discuss how events can become content engines that support marketing, sales, and ongoing audience engagement. Megan explains how pre-event planning helps teams capture the right moments for the right audiences with a clear plan to repurpose it all. In thi...
Jul 23, 2025•21 min
Data always speaks—never underestimate its power to prove the impact of your events. At Cvent CONNECT 2025, guest host John Hunter sat down with Cvent’s Rachel Andrews and Robin Clark to discuss the definition and measurement of event success. They also share hard-won lessons about aligning with sales, attribution, and using data for smarter decision-making. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why defining success is crucial: Understand the importance of setting clear, data-driven goals for every eve...
Jul 09, 2025•18 min
Inconsistent data, limited executive buy-in, and cross-team misalignment are common challenges in the events industry. But at the latest Cvent CONNECT, these common struggles became the foundation for productive dialogue and real solutions. In this solo mini-sode, Alyssa Peltier shares key insights from an open forum with senior event leaders from some of the world’s largest brands. She discusses the five most pressing issues facing enterprise event programs today and the steps leaders are takin...
Jun 25, 2025•16 min
Marketers spend months planning an unforgettable experience. And yet, it often feels like all that effort leads to just one day. But with the right approach, a single event can fuel months of content and conversation. In this episode, Rachel Andrews speaks with Chris Carver , Co-Founder and CEO of Sessionboard , a platform designed to streamline event content management. Chris shares how his deep understanding of planners' pain points has shaped the platform's approach to improving event workflo...
Jun 04, 2025•31 min
Are your events truly built for everyone? In this episode, Felicia Asiedu is joined by Julia Santiago , Managing Director at the CSUN Center on Disabilities , and Stephen Cutchins , Senior Manager of Accessibility at Cvent . Together, they discuss what it takes to make accessibility a baseline, not a bonus. You’ll hear what inclusive event design looks like, how new laws are raising the bar, and why creating events for everyone is good for both your brand and your business. In this episode, you’...
May 28, 2025•39 min
The world is in a constant state of change, and it’s making event professionals rethink everything. How is this uncertainty influencing the future of events? In this episode, Alyssa Peltier is joined by Cvent’s Julie Haddix and Jaimi Welch to discuss the current state of the events industry. Together, they break down key findings from the latest Pulse survey, exploring how political, economic, and social shifts affect planner sentiment, attendance expectations, and sourcing volumes. While confid...
May 14, 2025•32 min
Small, medium, and large events each have their own purpose and strategy. They all bring something different to the table. In part two of our event-led growth (ELG) series, Camille Arnold , Director of Experiential Marketing at Splash, joins Alyssa Peltier , Rachel Andrews , and Felicia Asiedu to discuss how each type of event requires a unique approach. While smaller events may seem simpler and more scalable, they come with their own set of challenges that require careful planning and execution...
Apr 30, 2025•19 min
Just because you’re hosting events doesn’t mean you’re practicing event-led growth. In part one of our event-led growth (ELG) series, Camille Arnold , Director of Experiential Marketing at Splash, joins Alyssa Peltier , Rachel Andrews , and Felicia Asiedu to unpack what it means to lead with an event-first strategy. They explore how ELG goes beyond event execution. It involves business alignment, attribution, tech stack readiness, and building meaningful, long-term customer relationships. Whethe...
Apr 16, 2025•32 min
No matter how advanced technology gets, face-to-face events hold a unique space in building trust, community, and connection. In this episode, Felicia Asiedu and Rachel Andrews chat with Stacey Fontenot , the SVP of Marketing at Cvent . They discuss the lasting value of in-person experiences, the kind of leadership that brings out the best in teams, and how authenticity plays a key role in both. Stacey looks back at the career moments that shaped her leadership style, sharing advice for rising p...
Apr 02, 2025•34 min
Event tech is more powerful than ever, but keeping up with constant changes is a job in itself. Enter the event technologist—the expert who ensures teams choose and use the right tools effectively. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier and Rachel Andrews sit down with Taylor Bohn , Event Technology Manager at Cvent , to explore the rise of event technologists as a critical function within meetings and events teams. Taylor shares how her role has grown from a one-person operation to a full team, the im...
Mar 19, 2025•34 min
Women play a powerful role in the exhibitions industry, yet leadership positions have long been dominated by men. So the real question is, how can more women step into decision-making roles, and what support systems help make that happen? In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Danica Tormohlen , VP of Group Content at Informa Connect and President of the North America chapter of Women in Exhibitions , alongside Oana Cipca , the organization’s Founder and Senior Manager at MECC in the Net...
Mar 05, 2025•34 min
Every event registration gives associations fresh, accurate member data—but are they using it to its full potential? Beyond tracking attendance, this information can shape personalized experiences, strengthen engagement, and lead to sponsorship opportunities. In this episode, guest host Elizabeth Wu (Powell) , Marketing Manager of Industry Solutions at Cvent, sits down with Ben Muscolino , Founder and CEO of Breezio , AMS Geek , and Data Sangria . Ben explains the benefits of seamlessly integrat...
Feb 19, 2025•31 min
The best events are those that feel curated, relevant, and valuable. People are eager to spend their time wisely, and that means delivering experiences that align with their needs and interests. In this episode, host Felicia Asiedu is joined by Cvent ’s resident Content Marketing Manager, Victoria Akinsowon , to discuss event personalization. They share practical ways to customize events without overcomplicating the process, how to use feedback to craft meaningful experiences, and why small effo...
Feb 05, 2025•23 min
Ready to wrap up the top trends reshaping the world of marketing and events in 2025? In part 2 of our series, hosts Alyssa Peltier , Rachel Andrews , and Felicia Asiedu tackle the final four trends. From data privacy innovations in venues to redefining metrics like "Return on Relationships," this episode discusses strategies for creating more impactful, inclusive, and sustainable events. You’ll learn how accessibility laws reshape event planning, why relationship-building is more critical than e...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min
2025 is on the horizon, bringing trends that will transform your event strategy. And you can unlock these trends shaping events and marketing in 2025 with hosts Alyssa Peltier , Rachel Andrews , and Felicia Asiedu . From AI-driven personalization to the growing demand for unique venues and memorable experiences, this episode covers the strategies every marketing and event professional should know. You’ll learn how AI can boost productivity and simplify planning, why field marketing is emerging a...
Jan 08, 2025•36 min
The event industry is vast, dynamic, and often misunderstood—but it’s time to change that narrative. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier and Rachel Andrews sit down with Carrie Davenport , Lead Event Manager at Altria , and Candace Fitch , Howard Feiertag Professor of Practice in Hospitality Leadership at Virginia Tech , to discuss how education and real-world experience are shaping the next generation of event professionals. From student-led events that raise thousands for local causes to building ...
Dec 23, 2024•33 min
Planning events that leave a lasting impression is not only about logistics; it’s about creating experiences that connect, inspire, and celebrate a destination's story. In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Michelle Moon , Vice President of Partners, Experience, and Events at Visit San Antonio , to uncover how destination marketing organizations (DMOs) bring a city’s unique culture to life for meetings and events. Michelle shares her journey from managing museums to citywide events, exp...
Dec 11, 2024•33 min
Corporate gifting is no longer just about giving—it’s about creating moments that matter. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier welcomes back Tom Romine , Founder and President of Cultivate, to uncover how personalized and sustainable gifts can redefine the event experience for attendees, employees, and clients alike. Tom shares insights into the growing demand for choice in gifting, revealing why one-size-fits-all gifts often fall flat and how customization adds a personal touch that resonates. Tom a...
Dec 04, 2024•16 min
Corporate gifting has evolved from simple tokens of appreciation to a powerful way of building lasting relationships and enhancing the attendee experience. In this replay episode, Alyssa Peltier sits down with Tom Romine , Founder and President of Cultivate, to explore how thoughtful and personalized gifts can leave a lasting impression at your events. They dive into the power of offering choice in gifts, the growing trend of personalization, and how small touches can create big moments of conne...
Nov 20, 2024•24 min
Ready to elevate your event marketing game? Alyssa Peltier ’s got you. In this week’s episode, Alyssa takes the mic and answers listeners' burning questions. Drawing from her experience at Cvent, she discusses strategies for cutting through digital noise, aligning event and digital marketing efforts, and capturing the attention of busy decision-makers. From crafting VIP experiences that resonate with C-suite executives to using data-driven insights, Alyssa breaks down the metrics that matter and...
Nov 13, 2024•18 min
The future of event marketing just took a giant leap forward. With Cvent’s acquisition of Splash, the possibilities for event-led growth and data-driven impact are more exciting than ever. Join hosts Rachel Andrews and Alyssa Peltier as they welcome Splash CMO Kate Hammitt , a former “Cventer” herself, for a full-circle conversation about the new acquisition. Kate shares her insights on how Cvent and Splash can simplify event operations, amplify brand impact, and put real ROI behind every event....
Nov 06, 2024•26 min
What’s the secret to creating memorable user conferences? Alyssa Peltier sits down with Bethany Murphy , Senior Director of Events at 6sense, to reveal insider strategies for planning and executing user conferences that leave a lasting impact. Bethany explains the essential steps for gaining executive buy-in, managing budgets, coordinating cross-functional teams, and crafting memorable attendee experiences that drive long-term impact. Now it’s your turn to create a user conference experience tha...
Oct 30, 2024•38 min
Like many of us, at the beginning of Rachel Andrews’s career, she lived by the mantra “fake it till you make it.” She learned on the job and often felt unprepared. But embracing the challenges, trusting her instincts, and staying adaptable brought all her hard work to fruition when her first event took place. That’s why we’re flipping the script and interviewing her today—she has so many great lessons to share about growing your career in events, including the first ‘aha’ moment that changed the...
Oct 23, 2024•26 min
Imposter syndrome + career growth = a challenging combo. Ever felt it? You're not alone. In our latest podcast episode of Great Events, we dive deep into the twists and turns of career journeys—especially the moments when fear meets opportunity. We flip the script as Michelle Jones , a Career Confidence and Performance Coach, takes the mic to interview host Felicia Asiedu . Felicia shares her inspiring journey, from overcoming public speaking fears to thriving in the world of events and marketin...
Oct 16, 2024•23 min
The countdown to understanding Gen Z in the workplace has officially begun. And in terms of engaging this dynamic generation, the future is full of potential. This episode discusses the intersection of marketing, meetings, and Gen Z values. Join host Rachel Andrews as she sits down with our insightful guest, Taylor Smith , a Gen Z expert at Meetings Today. Taylor emphasizes the value of mentorship for career mapping and navigating the uncertainties after college. She discusses the need for senio...
Oct 09, 2024•38 min
Curious to hear how an event marketing pro built her career from the ground up? This week on #GreatEvents, the tables turn as host Alyssa Peltier takes the guest seat as she is interviewed by Industry Marketing Manager of Cvent, Carisa Bartelt. Alyssa shares her unique career path, from starting as a graphic designer to becoming involved in event marketing at Cvent. She opens up about transitioning industries, her approach to fostering happy customers, and how staying curious has fueled her succ...
Oct 02, 2024•29 min
Wondering how data is reshaping event strategy and where this industry is headed? This week on #GreatEvents, hosts Alyssa Peltier , Rachel Andrews , and Felicia Asiedu discuss maximizing business impact through effective event management. They explain how to adapt messaging to resonate better with your target audience, streamline support for specific industries, and harness the power of data to drive results. From pulling off senior leadership retreats to the latest buzz on hybrid events and Cve...
Sep 25, 2024•18 min
Corporate gifting has evolved from simple tokens of appreciation to a powerful way of building lasting relationships and enhancing the attendee experience. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier sits down with Tom Romine , Founder and President of Cultivate, to explore how thoughtful and personalized gifts can leave a lasting impression at your events. They dive into the power of offering choice in gifts, the growing trend of personalization, and how small touches can create big moments of connection. ...
Sep 18, 2024•24 min
The power of video content in event success is undeniable, yet crafting the perfect visual experience requires more than just creativity. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier sits down with Steve Cotroneo and Mark Maguire from SAC Designs to explore how thoughtful video production, innovative design, and strategic use of AI can elevate your events. They discuss the importance of short-form videos that captivate attention, the art of typography and animation, and the role of AI as a creative tool—not ...
Sep 11, 2024•25 min
