The role of contractors in event success is often overlooked, yet their impact is immense. In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Matt Kalb , VP of Client Experience at T3 Expo, to discuss how a strong partnership with your vendors, clear communication, and thoughtful activations can take your events to the next level. They discuss creating impactful, shareable moments that engage attendees and boost your event’s ROI. Matt also shares insights on aligning activations with your brand’s va...
Sep 04, 2024•37 min
The importance of safety, diversity, and inclusion in events is undeniable. And in this episode, we’re discussing what creates safe and inclusive environments for all attendees. In this episode, Felicia Asiedu sits down with Raf de Kimpe , CEO of Fintech Week London, and Venus Piñeyro , CEO of the Inclusion Plus Institute, to see how data can do more than just measure outcomes—it can shape them. Raf and Venus share their firsthand experiences and provide tips on how to create and enforce a clear...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min
We’ve all been there: planning an event down to the smallest detail, confident that everything is on track, only to realize we’re missing a clear picture of the data driving our success. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier sits down with Jared Ruppert , Director of Digital Analytics and Optimization at Cvent, to uncover how data can do more than just measure outcomes—it can shape them. Jared shares his journey from creative design to becoming a data expert, offering insights on how event planners ca...
Aug 21, 2024•17 min
We’ve all been there: planning the perfect event, ensuring every detail aligns seamlessly, yet somehow overlooking the simple yet impactful aspect of inclusivity in our beverage selection. This detail shouldn’t be an afterthought, rather an integral part of your event design. In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Marcos Salazar , CEO of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA), to discuss the importance of providing non-alcoholic options at events. Marcos shares his journey a...
Aug 14, 2024•24 min
Web design = user experience. And who doesn’t want a seamless user experience? Joining us this week are Andres Perez , Senior UX Web Designer at Cvent, and Dara Burg , Assistant team Lead of Events Marketing at Cvent. Both Andres and Dara are here to tackle a questions many are juggling: How can we make our websites more accessible and effective for all users? The episode explores elements like inclusive language, attendee-focused research, and the importance of iteration in UX design. Dara and ...
Aug 07, 2024•32 min
Data matters more than ever, and understanding the true potential of KPIs is crucial. This week, we welcome back Carisa Bartelt , Industry Marketing Manager at Cvent, as she shares valuable insights on the importance of KPIs, particularly in today’s economic climate. She discusses how to justify your event spend and scale your programs, starting from understanding basic metrics to creating a comprehensive KPI framework. Carisa also explains practical strategies to align your goals, track meaning...
Jul 31, 2024•16 min
How would your events improve if you could multiply your time and talent? Join us this week with Brooke Gracey , Marketing Director of Demand Generation at Cvent, and Hayley Contegiacomo , Chief Innovation Officer at Huddle Agency, as we discuss how cutting-edge AI technology is changing the game in the events industry. From using AI to quickly analyze massive amounts of event data to the challenges of data privacy and regulatory compliance, we cover the spectrum of what's possible—and what's ne...
Jul 24, 2024•40 min
Ever wondered how to turn a two-day event into eight months of engaging, evergreen content? With the events season in full swing, it's a perfect time to rethink how to get the most out of your events. In this episode, Alyssa Peltier is joined by Mark Huber , VP of Marketing at UserEvidence, to discuss the art of content repurposing. You'll learn: How to frame interview asks that make it effortless for your guests to say "Yes" The power of one-on-one video interviews and podcast recordings at eve...
Jul 17, 2024•17 min
Content doesn't have to go to waste. Rather, its shelf life and value can increase over time. In this episode replay 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 med...
Jul 10, 2024•29 min
We all know that great events don’t just happen overnight. They require collaboration, creativity, and, most importantly, strong partnerships. In this episode, host Felicia Asiedu is joined by Andrew Perrott , Founder of Chorus Creative Group, and Anita Howard , Strategy Director at ICE (International Corporate Events), to discuss the future of inclusion in events. They share the fundamentals of collaboration, trust-building, and achieving mutual goals—whether you're managing brand partnerships,...
Jun 26, 2024•24 min
Planning an event, particularly on the scale of a citywide conference like Cvent CONNECT, involves many complex and often overlapping tasks. Some of the primary challenges include coordinating volunteers, ensuring ample and engaging signage, and effectively managing unforeseen pop-up costs. And on this week’s #GreatEvents episode, we’re sharing all the behind-the-scenes magic on how to navigate it all. Alyssa Peltier and Rachel Andrews explore the unique challenges and triumphs of organizing a c...
Jun 19, 2024•14 min
Have you ever wondered how to cut costs without compromising the wow factor in events? That’s where leveraging local resources can be a game-changer. Our guest, Virgil Napier , Area Director for Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, explains how to utilize local resources for everything from coffee to fresh fish—all while making your events a total wow. Plus, Kelly McDonald , Senior Event Sourcing Consultant for Meetings and Events at Wells Fargo, shares her clever tactics for keeping those high-level...
Jun 12, 2024•29 min
Are you getting the most out of trade shows? We talk a lot about the events that we, as planners, host ourselves. But with the right preparation and tools in place, the trade shows we attend can also be massively valuable. On this episode of Great Events, Host Alyssa Peltier sits down with Sohil Adyanthaya , Product Marketing Strategist at Cvent , to discuss ideal strategies for squeezing every drop out of your trade show experience. Our conversation zeros in on the critical role trade shows pla...
Jun 05, 2024•17 min
Is it true that the louder, brighter, and flashier the event, the greater it will be? In this episode of Great Events, host Alyssa Peltier is joined by Megan Henshall , Google's Global Events Strategic Solutions Lead. They discuss the powerful intersection of technology and inclusion in the events industry and how to prioritize radical inclusion, ensuring everyone feels valued and safe at your events. Megan introduces the Neu project, which is focused on creating spaces for neurodivergent indivi...
May 29, 2024•39 min
Ever wondered how your most memorable student events were made? Well, in this episode of Great Events, host Rachel Andrews and Stacey Sheppard are joined by Sam Bethel , University of San Francisco’s Digital Communications Manager, and they cover just that. They discuss how the University of San Francisco centralizes its approach to event planning and execution to ensure a seamless, branded experience from student orientation to alumni reunions. Sam shares strategies for leveraging event technol...
May 22, 2024•17 min
Are your events and content truly accessible for all who’d like to participate? In honor of tomorrow’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we’re dedicating this episode of Great Events to just that - improving event accessibility. And we have just the expert to help us. Stephen Cutchins , Senior Manager of Accessibility at Cvent, has been working in accessibility for over twenty years. In this episode, he sits down with Host Felicia Asiedu to share his latest insights. They discuss how creating ...
May 15, 2024•29 min
You may think university events are just a small, normal piece of a university's student life and marketing plan. But what if we told you that it's actually vital to create a long-lasting relationship with that student, who then continues into their journey as a professional adult and alumnus? This is why we’re dedicating a special two-part episode of Great Events to investigating the impact of events on education. Join us as Host Alyssa Peltier sits down to discuss this unique topic with Stacey...
May 08, 2024•18 min
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 ...
May 01, 2024•34 min
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 ...
Apr 24, 2024•28 min
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. The...
Apr 17, 2024•29 min
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 ki...
Apr 10, 2024•34 min
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, mea...
Apr 03, 2024•26 min
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 th...
Mar 27, 2024•34 min
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 ...
Mar 20, 2024•28 min
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 p...
Mar 13, 2024•34 min
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 ...
Mar 06, 2024•35 min
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 ...
Feb 28, 2024•31 min
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 matte...
Feb 21, 2024•28 min
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 Asied...
Dec 13, 2023•40 min
“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 de...
Dec 06, 2023•21 min
