Summit Host Hangout®

When I need results in 30 days instead of 90 - Summit Conversations #24

Sometimes we need results in 30 days, not 90! And sometimes a big summit feels like too much...and that's okay! In this episode, I'm comparing the time it takes to host a summit vs. a challenge and sharing the exact numbers that came in through a challenge that took about 10 hours of my time. If you've been thinking "I know I need to do something, but a summit feels like too much right now" or you hosted a summit and feel the momentum fading, this conversation will give you a different perspecti...

300: My Team Gets to Ask the Questions as We Celebrate 300 Episodes!

It's episode 300 of the Summit Host Hangout® Podcast! To celebrate, I'm flipping the script and letting my team interview do the interviewing. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at who I am beyond the business, from my rapid-fire preferences to how I juggle homeschooling while running Summit in a Box®. We dive into the evolution of virtual summits over the past 7 years, my decision-making process for the endless stream of ideas I have, and the moment I knew this business was going to work. I ho...

How I decide between summits and challenges - Summit Conversations #23

"When should I host a summit and when should I run a challenge?" In this Summit Conversations episode, I'm giving you a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I make this decision. You'll hear my loose pattern for alternating between 1-2 summits and 2-3 challenges per year, plus the strategic reasoning behind that rhythm. Whether you're trying to significantly grow your audience or re-engage the people you already have, this episode will help you choose the right tool for where your business is t...

How I landed 4200 in sponsors in 24 hours by taking my own advice - Summit Conversations 22 otter ai

Last week, I went from "absolutely NOT doing sponsorships" for my upcoming summit to landing $4,250 in confirmed sponsors in less than 24 hours. And it all happened because I gave a client advice that I immediately realized I needed to take myself! In this episode, I'm sharing the mindset shift that changed how I approach sponsorships. You'll hear about the coaching call moment that opened my eyes to how I was overcomplicating things, the simple sponsorship packages I created in under an hour, a...

299: Build a Vibrant Summit Community that Attendees Actually Use with Sandra De Freitas

I've heard a lot of summit hosts say they're skipping communities entirely because "engagement is dead." But what if the solution isn't removing communities—it's knowing how to make them thrive? In this episode, I'm chatting with membership expert Sandra De Freitas about how she created one of the most vibrant summit communities I've ever experienced. She shares her "dinner party" approach to community building, simple games that drive engagement, and her three-part framework for posts that comm...

What I still do myself vs what my team handles for summits - Summit Conversations #21

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I'm sharing how my summit planning process has evolved from my first few events (where I did everything) to now hosting multiple summits per year while working just 20 hours per week. You'll hear what tasks I still handle, what my team takes care of, and how this evolution happened step by step over 14 summits. Plus, I'm sharing the piece of summit planning I'd recommend you outsource first if you're ready to start building your own support system. Listen to th...

298: How to Help Speakers Be More Successful + Your Summit Be More Profitable

Many of you have run into a massive disconnect that doesn't need to exist between summit hosts and speakers. The gap between what summit hosts expect speakers to know and what many experts actually understand about online summits and marketing. In this episode, I'm sharing why even speakers with huge social followings might struggle with basic summit participation, the four main areas where this gap appears, and practical strategies to bridge it. Whether you've been frustrated by speakers who do...

When someone else schedules their summit for the same dates as yours - Summit Conversations 20

"Ever had that sinking feeling when you discover another summit host has chosen the exact same dates as your event? In this episode, I'm sharing my honest approach to handling summit scheduling conflicts and why giving another person power over your timeline isn't the answer. You'll hear about the three different scenarios you might face, when it makes sense to move your dates (and when it absolutely doesn't), and how to move forward confidently no matter what. Listen to the quick episode and th...

Making Round 2 of a Summit Event Better with less work - Summit Conversations 19 otter ai

Planning a second summit doesn't mean starting from scratch! In this behind-the-scenes look at my upcoming Membership Momentum summit, I'm sharing exactly how I'm approaching round two after a successful first event. When you run a summit for the second time, you get to focus on optimization instead of creation - and it's actually kind of fun! I'm walking through my decision-making process about what stays the same, what needs tweaking, and what we're completely changing based on attendee feedba...

297: The Keys to Emails that Increase Summit Registrations with Allison Hardy

Email is, by far, the most effective way to promote a virtual summit. But how can you ensure the emails you're writing will do the job of increasing registrations? Today we have email marketing expert, Allison Hardy, to share the top two mistakes summit hosts make in their emails, how to appeal to multiple types of buyers, and the most important parts of an effective promo email. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/297...

296: How Jacob Leveraged Relationships & Marketing to Standout and Host a Multi 6-Figure Summit with Jacob Cass

It's not as easy to standout with a virtual summit as it was back in 2021, but today's guest is proof that it's still possible - even in the B2B space! In this episode you'll hear from Jacob Cass about how he brought his 2000 attendee goal to 23,000 attendees, how he managed that many people, the keys to his success, and more. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/296

No laptop no wifi no problem Im going on a cruise - Summit Conversations 18 otter ai

Have you ever taken a "workcation" where you just answered emails from a prettier location? In this episode, I'm sharing something that might sound terrifying to some entrepreneurs - how I'm taking a REAL break from my business while on a Disney cruise with my family. I'm talking about why I left my laptop at home, uninstalled Slack, and chose not to buy wifi. You'll hear how complete disconnection actually makes me more productive when I return and the transformation in my approach to time off....

295: Virtual Summits for Highly Sensitive Audiences

Last week we talked about hosting a virtual summit as a Highly Sensitive Person. This week we're flipping the script to talk about hosting summits for a sensitive audience! Whether you're targeting HSPs, neurodivergent individuals, people healing from trauma, or those experiencing grief, I'm sharing practical strategies to make your event supportive and accessible. Learn how to focus on people over profit, be a cheerleader rather than stirring up pain points, create safe community spaces, though...

The summit speaker requirements that make me CRINGE (and what to do instead) - Summit Conversations #16

Have you been asked to pay to speak at a summit? Or told that your email list isn't big enough to participate after someone pitched you? I'm getting on my soapbox today about the speaker requirements in the virtual summit industry that I will never get behind. I'm sharing the 3 types of common speaker requirements that make me cringe, how these tactics actually reveal flaws in a host's summit strategy, and what experienced hosts do instead to create win-win relationships with their speakers. I'm...

A 7-step plan for my next business slump - Summit Conversations #15

Ever feel like your business is hitting a wall? 😅 In this week's Summit Converstaions video, I shared what happened when I heard from a client who wasn't feeling great about her business - and how I completely resonated with those feelings. I broke down what I WISH I'd do when business feels like it's falling flat - from taking a real break (not just a weekend!) to making an actual offer and reconnecting with my audience. You'll hear the strategies that brought in $28k when I got creative with ...

294: Virtual Summits for Highly Sensitive Hosts

Are there any fellow HPSs (Highly Sensitive Person) in the house? If so, the thought of hosting a virtual summit might be a bit intimidating. In this episode, I'm sharing how being an HSP can actually be your secret superpower in the summit-hosting world! I'll break down what it means to be highly sensitive, how these traits have affected my own summit hosting journey, and practical strategies to protect your energy throughout the planning and hosting process. You'll learn how to honor your sens...

How My Offers Evolved Beyond My Imagination but with Perfect Timing- Summit Conversations 14 otter ai

Thank GOODNESS that our businesses aren’t limited by the best possible outcome we imagined when we started. Right?! In this Summit Conversations episode, I’m sharing the unexpected evolution of my own business from a simple $197 product to multiple high-level offerings that I couldn't have imagined when I began. You'll hear the specific stages of my growth, including the surprising jumps from a $12/month membership to programs generating more in a single launch than my previous annual income. I ...

My Project Planning Process: Balancing Business Goals with Life's Realities - Summit Conversations #13

Earlier this week I mapped out the next 4 months of projects for our company and I thought it would be fun to give you a behind-the-scenes look at my process! I shared about my flexible planning framework, how I prioritize business needs while honoring family commitments, and how I have a solid plan, but also leave room for inspiration to strike. 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 ...

293: Build an Income Based on Impact, Not Hours with Samantha Harris

Generally speaking, when we're looking to increase our income we look at what we can *add*. Where can we add an extra two hours to fit in this strategy that just has to be the answer? In this podcast episode you'll hear from membership mentor Samantha Harris as she breaks down the idea of exponential income, which is income dependent on impact, not hours. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/293

How my small summit still achieved big results - Summit Conversations #12

“It can still be an amazing and fulfilling event, even if it’s small” That was a sentence I scribbled down in my summit debrief doc on the 2nd day of my recent summit. It was a more impactful realization and experience than I expected! Of course big numbers are exciting, but a small summit definitely doesn’t mean that you failed. In this episode, I’m sharing how my recent "small" summit still delivered impressive results - including hitting my revenue goals! I'll walk you through how I shifted m...

How my small summit still achieved big results - Summit Conversations 12 otter ai

“It can still be an amazing and fulfilling event, even if it’s small” That was a sentence I scribbled down in my summit debrief doc on the 2nd day of my recent summit. It was a more impactful realization and experience than I expected! Of course big numbers are exciting, but a small summit definitely doesn’t mean that you failed. In this episode, I’m sharing how my recent "small" summit still delivered impressive results - including hitting my revenue goals! I'll walk you through how I shifted m...

How I turn summit results into insights for future events - Summit Conversations #11

Have you ever finished a summit feeling uncertain about what worked and what didn't? Or letting your numbers be the only thing that tells you whether your event was a “success” or “failure”? In this episode, I’m breaking down my debrief process after our most recent summit. You'll discover how I balance numbers with intuition, the surprising metrics I prioritize beyond registration counts, and how I use these insights to shape my next event strategy. I even share some honest numbers about our re...

292: What I Look For In My Summit Speakers

Can you guess the #1 thing most summit hosts look for in a potential speaker? ....list size! Can you guess the #1 thing I DON'T CARE ABOUT when I'm looking for potential speakers? ...also list size! In this episode, I'm breaking down the top 8 things I look for in my summit speakers, two things I don't care about (that others do), and I stepped on my soapbox to talk about having a list-size requirement. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/292 Podcast playlists: https://www.summ...

What my days look like during a summit (and how I keep it peaceful) - Summit Conversations #09

291: Maximize Your ROI by Being an Active & Involved Summit Speaker with Sara Alepin

It's tempting to agree to speak at a summit, send in your presentation, do a minimal amount of promotion, and consider your job done. But what what it look like if YOU were the amazing speaker who was active in the community, on live calls, and getting everyone else pumped up? Today, I've got Sara Alepin on the podcast to share how being that standout speaker leads to direct sales (and so much more!) in her business. For show notes, head to https://summithosthangout.com/291...

The 2nd week slump during summit promotion - Summit Conversations #08

The "2nd week slump" is traditionally the quietest period of summit promotion. While I love to share the benefits that summits bring and how fun most of the process is, I also want to be transparent about the less glamorous side. So I recorded a short video sharing a behind-the-scenes look at: The typical pattern of registrations you'll see throughout summit promotion. What my energy is like during the slump. A pattern my coach and I have noticed in my energy when I do any launch (not just a sum...

Hosting virtual summits (and other things) on part-time hours - Summit Conversations 07

Last year, I cut my work hours in half to homeschool my oldest daughter. While it hasn't been easy, I've managed to find a rhythm and accomplish a lot within just 20 hours per week. In this week's Summit Conversations episode, I'm sharing: - A few things you should know about my team and me before listening to anything I have to say. - 6 tips, routines, and habits I've developed that help me make the most of the limited time I have. - A couple of examples of how it's not all butterflies and rain...

290: Why Summits Work Better for B2C Business Owners

I've heard a lot of people say over the years that summits only work when you have an audience of business owners. But that couldn't be further from the truth. If you target a B2C (business-to-consumer) audience, I'm happy to tell you that B2C summits tend to work even *better* than summits for business owners. I'm breaking down the reasons for that in today's episode along with sharing a long list of some of the B2C audiences we've helped clients host summits for! For show notes, head to https:...

You're invited to Sell with a Summit: B2C Edition

If you run a B2C (business-to-consumer) business, this is for you! Take this as your personal invite to Sell with a Summit: B2C Edition. Learn more and register at https://www.summitinabox.co/b2c

What I'll watch once registration opens - Summit Conversations #06

I see a LOT of people totally obsess over numbers when they open summit registration and get stressed about the wrong things. In this week's short-and-sweet Summit Conversation ,I'm sharing our three-phase summit announcement process, what I look at in each stage, and why it's not worth getting bent out of shape about numbers right out of the gate. 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 yo...