#EventIcons - Meet The Icons Of The Events Industry (Audio)

E-Gaming Events Revolution – Episode 113

There are a lot of questions surrounding e-gaming events. Is it an event trend? What is e-gaming? How does it tie into events? Is there a difference between e-gaming and video games? E-gaming events are an emerging segment of events that you are going to want to know about, and you are in the right place to learn! In this episode of #EventIcons our guests Kim Meltzer of KidKesty Productions, Inc, Donny Neufuss of PRG,  and Joe English of Event Futurist weigh in on e-gaming events. They will...

Influencer Marketing – Episode 112

Influencer marketing can be a powerful way to attract more attention to your events. Many brands and events use influencer marketing that are looking to become more well known or position themselves with a certain audience. Using influencers is a really unique way to do this. Influencers have a strong understanding of their audience. They can help brands and events alike launch their businesses to new heights. In today’s episode of #EventIcons our iconic panel Nick Borelli of Borelli Strate...

Inbox Zero: How To Manage Your Inbox as An Event Prof – Episode 111

Inbox zero seems like a dream right? It doesn’t have to be. With the right processes in place, you can have an organized and manageable inbox! Today we will discuss how to manage your inbox as an event prof. In this weeks episode, our host Audrey Gallien of Catalyst Inc. and iconic guest, Chris Ronzio of Trainual will teach you just how you can get to inbox zero! Chris will teach you ways to manage your inbox as an event prof. How to process everything coming at you. Tools you can use to he...

How to Improve Audience Engagement At Event – Episode 110

It’s hard to keep your audience engaged. Audiences are often bored when speakers talk forever without giving the audience a chance to engage and ask questions. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Audience engagement is so important to the success of your event! How to improve audience engagement seems overwhelming but you are in the right place! We will show you what you need to know! In this episode, our iconic guests Sam Smith of Interactive Meeting Technology, LLC and, Juraj Holub of Sli...

How To Get Work Done On The Road – Episode 109

Getting work done on the road is hard. Most event profs have experience trying to balance travel with their everyday work and sometimes the two can be difficult to mix. How do you stay in communication with clients? What do you do to keep the work from piling up? While it seems daunting there are some things you can do to help make traveling with work simpler! Traveling doesn’t have to be a major impact on your work, there is a lot you can do to get work done on the road. In today’s episode...

SXSW – Everything You Need To Know – Episode 108

SXSW is one of the most iconic events around. It’s a celebration of creativity and provides a platform for creatives to achieve their goals. The iconic event is so successful because there are a boatload of experiences that create lasting memories for attendees, such as HBO’s Westworld experiential event. Today the iconic Hugh Forrest of SXSW joins us to discuss everything an event planner would want to know about the event. We will discuss how the South by Southwest Interactive Festival tu...

How To Create Family-Friendly Events – Episode 107

Family-friendly events can be a challenge for event planners. Often times planning events with kids feels out of our realm or at least out of our comfort zone. Family-friendly events are unknown territory that sometimes we just don’t know how to navigate. That changes today! In today’s episode, we will teach you all about how to create family-friendly events! Today our iconic guests Chad Collins of Open World Inc., and  Shelley Matheny of KidsAlong Events are here to teach you how to create...

Digital Innovation At Events – Episode 106

In the in events industry data is the new gold. Wouldn’t you love to get inside your attendees minds to better your event? With digital innovation at events now you can. Find out how to get important data about your attendees such as what parts of your event they spent the most time in, who they are networking with and beyond. Having access to this type of data allows for you to create the best experience possible for your events in the future. In this episode of #EventIcons we are joined b...

VR At Events- Everything You Need to Know – Episode 105

VR at events is a hot industry trend right now. The goal of virtual reality at events is total immersion. You want your attendees to feel like they are in a completely different world. But you also want to make sure your event still involves a human experience, so how do you marry the two? How do you use VR as a group experience and not have it be isolating? What are the challenges of virtual reality at events in the events industry? We will discuss all of this and more in today’s episode. ...

Best Social Media Groups For #EventProfs – Episode 104

Social media can be a challenge. With all the options available it can be overwhelming finding the right places to be or learning the tools. However, social media can be a great place to find community via social media groups. But how do you decide where to spend your valuable time and effort? What can you do to keep your group engaged? In this episode of #EventIcons our iconic panel,  David Adler of BizBash, Brittany Bucceroni of BizBash, Lotfi SENHAJI of Event Pros will be weighing in how...

Everything You Need To Know About Creative Event Team – Episode 103

Ever feel like event professional associations are all the same? Just pay your fee and boom you are in without any vetting. How do you know if the other members are actually good enough to refer clients to and work with? Are you looking for an organization that is truly full of professionals and high-quality partners? Look no further than Creative Event Team. Currently consisting of only 12 (by choice) of the top leaders in the events industry this is a group you want to strive to be a part ...

The Evolution of Event Tech – Episode 102

The evolution of event tech and the evolution of event planners go hand in hand. Technology has completely changed the role of an event planner. In today’s world, you need to be a great event planner. But that is the tip of it, you also need to a marketer, a web developer, and tech guru.  If this overwhelms you, you are in the right place! In this weeks episode, our iconic guests Liz King of Liz King Events,  David Epstein of Bizzabo, and Michael Judeh of Convene join us to reflect on the e...

Diversity at Events – Best Tips For Event Profs – Episode 101

Diversity at events is a crucial part of any successful event. There is more pressure than ever on event organizes to make their events diverse and inclusive. While it may feel overwhelming to do so, we can assure you diversity at events is a great thing. By taking the steps to make a diverse and inclusive environment your event will flourish. Furthermore, when there is diversity and inclusion at events the interactions are more authentic and conversations will bring innovation and challenge...

Keeping Event Housing Profitable – Episode 100

With the shakeups in event housing recently you may be scrambling to figuring out how to keep event housing profitable. How do you incentivize attendees to stay in your hotel block? What can you do to foster community? Would you like to know how to leverage your locations and negotiate terms? You are in the right place. In this episode of #EventIcons Jeff Duncan of Meetingmax Inc. and Nadine Spitteler of A111 Power of Conference Service join us to cover everything you need to know to keep y...

Core-apps: Engage Attendees with Audio Tours and More – Episode 99

How do you help first timers at your event feel more comfortable? What are you doing to showcase new parts of your event to reoccurring guests? Are you really showing your attendees what they need to see? We will talk about how to build a community, direct attendees to where you want to showcase, and how to give them the best information without constantly having their phone in their face. We also will touch on how to monetize through sponsorships without sounding like an infomercial.  In t...

Creating a Epic Team Building Event – #EventIcons Episode 98

A team building event can give you a chance to get to know your team better. You can find out teammates strengths and weaknesses and develop better relationships. What does a great team building activity look like? What are the elements that make a great team building experience? If you are curious to know how to create a great team building experience then look no further! This week, we will give you our best ideas! This is your one-stop for everything you need to know about creating an epi...

State of Event Sponsorship in 2018 – Episode 97

Event Sponsorship is most essential part of every event. Organization can build a brand by making sponsor in live event which is engaging and driving business results. But how can an event prof make sure the sponsor aligns with the needs of the event? Join us today to find out. This week, We have a special guest Peter Poehle, CEO and Co-Founder of SponsorMyEvent. He is here to tell us about the current state of sponsorship, what to look for in value alignments with a sponsor, the connection...

Healthy Tips For Event Profs - Episode 96

Whether there is an event or not, event profs always face lack of sleep, long days and late nights of work!  How can you stay healthy as an event prof when you feel like you are constantly running down the clock? It may seem daunting but we can teach you how! This week, we invite the ICONIC Kelly Treadway (EventCurious) and Tracy Stuckrath (Thrive! Meetings & Events) as our guest panelists to talk about healthy tips for event profs. They’ll be discussing this hot topic and answering all the ...

Looking Forward - 2018 Event Industry Trends- Episode 95

Happy New Year!! This week we are celebrating the new year and looking forward to 2018  event industry trends. In this episode, our hosts – Brandt Krueger, Alex Plaxen, Tahira Endean & Audrey Gallien are here to talk about what is trending in the event industry in 2018. We bet you do not want to miss this episode! Some topics they address in this episode include diversity, event safety, event apps, hybrid events and MUCH MORE! So, jump into the video below and watch and learn the 2018 event...

Our Favorite Event Prof Tools Of The Year - Episode 94

This episode is the last episode of 2017!! In this week’s episode, we are celebrating the end of 2017 and sharing our favorite event prof tools of the year. In this episode, our hosts – Will Curran, Alex Plaxen, Tahira Endean & Audrey Gallien will be here to discuss about their personal favorite tools and resources from 2017! There are so many books, podcasts, tech, and blogs out there that you don’t want to miss. Tune in and we’ll give you full access of these resources. We want to help ke...

Panels & Moderation – Everything You Need To Know – Episode 93

Want to you know how to moderate an event panels? If you don’t know, then we will tell you how! This week, our ICONIC guests Hans Etman (Masters in Moderation) and Elling Hamso (Event ROI) are going to discuss all about Panels and Moderation. They are here to answer all of your questions about this hot topic. We’re excited to get their insider information and to share it with all of you. In this episode, they will be sharing their tips and tricks on how to moderate your event panels. So, tu...

2018 Event Industry Trends – #EventIcons Episode 92

This week, we are are discussing everything you need to know about 2018 Event Industry Trends. Our ICONIC guest panelist Corbin Ball (Corbin Ball Associates), James Spellos (Meeting U.) & Nick Borelli (Borelli Strategies) are here to talk all about the hottest 2018 event industry trends. They are also answering all of your questions and sharing tips on event technology, influencer marketing, the future of virtual and hybrid meetings and much more! There is a wealth of information! You can’t ...

Two Year Anniversary of #EventIcons – Episode 91

2 years of #EventIcons!! Yes, in this week’s episode, we are celebrating the two year anniversary of #EventIcons and looking back some of our favorite event professionals best moments on the show! This is very exciting episode of #EventIcons. In this episode, our hosts – Will Curran, Brandt Krueger & Alex Plaxen will be appearing and recapping interviews, guess, episodes, and favorite moments from the past two years. They’ll also cover who they’d like to have on the show in 2018! We are so e...

Should We Move Away from Excel? Technology Solutions for Event Professionals- Episode 90

Excel is not working for event professionals. So what are some good technology solutions for event professionals? Event profs cannot work in a space that you cannot collaborate in. You need collaborative workspaces and technology solutions for event professionals that everyone can access at any time.  If you want to move off excel and into a technology solution that will help you succeed, then this is the episode you are looking for! This week, We have some amazing #EventIcons joining us to ...

How To Build Your Personal Brand – Episode 89

Do you want to build your personal brand but are unsure how to do it? This week, our special guests are going to tell you how to build your brand and make people remember you. They are here to answer all of your questions about this hot topic. We’re excited to get their insider information and to share it with all of you. In this #EventIcons episode, we have Judi Holler (Holla! Productions LLC), Will Curran (Endless Events), Audrey Gallien (Catalyst Inc.) and Tahira Endean (BCIC) as our gue...

Tips For The Perfect Event Website – Episode 88

Ever want to know the secret to creating the perfect event website? If so, this is your episode! Our special guests this week are the ICONIC Julie Novack (PartySlate) and David Epstein (Bizzabo). They are here teach you everything you know to create a great event website, from the information you need to have on your site to the user experience we have you covered. They will be answering your questions and sharing tips and tricks for creating your best event website yet. There is a wealth o...

How To Increase Your Audience Engagement- Episode 87

Everything You Need to Know About Event Catering- Episode 86

Think you know everything about event catering? We bet we can surprise you! Our ICONIC panelists Brandon Maxwell (President of M Culinary Concepts), Michael Stavros (Director of Business Development at M Culinary Concepts), and Chef Michael de Maria (Chief Culinary Officer at M Culinary Concepts) are here to tell us all about event catering! In this episode, these guys are here to answer all of your questions about catering challenges, how to demanding handle clients, best practice that pla...

Our #EventIcons Favorite Events- Episode 85

This week we have a special episode! Our hosts Will Curran (Endless Events), Brandt Krueger (Event Technology Consulting) and Laura Lopez (Social Tables) are sharing their favorite events they have attended. The conversation also covers what events they are looking forward to attending soon! You can’t miss this show! In other news! We are VERY excited to announce the launch of #EventIcons on Zoom! This is something we have had in the works for awhile, and it’s finally launched! Zoom allows ...

How To Bring Local Flair To Your Event – Episode 84

Events are now expected to bring a local feel to their experience! But, how can you bring local flair to your event? We’re going to tell you how! This week our ICONIC guest panelists are Andy Acs (TripScout), Erin Icenhour (Visit Charlotte), and Tressa Rini (Hello! Arizona Destination Management) and they are joining us to answer all of your questions on this topic. Some topics our guests address in this episode include: advantages of bringing local flair to an event, benefits for planners ...

Bizzabo – The world’s fastest growing event tech company – Episode 83

Do you know Bizzabo started its journey from a garage? Want to know how this popular event tech company has grown into the giant it is today? In this week’s episode, Our ICONIC guests David Epstein (Demand Generation Director at Bizzabo) & Brandon Rafalson (Content Marketing Strategist at Bizzabo) are here to tell us all about it! In this #EventIcons episode, David and Brandon will be discussing the evolution of Bizzabo. They will be sharing their favorite tech with us and where they see ev...

Are You Creating Sustainable Events? - Episode 82

The choices we make in the event industry make a huge impact on our world. Each event we plan, we have a choice to help or hurt our environment as a result of what we create.  How do you go about creating sustainable events? What makes an event sustainable?  If you are curious about creating a “greener” event, you won’t want to miss this! In today’s episode, Kerem Baran (Boomset), Hans Etman (Masters in Moderation) and Nancy Zavada (MeetGreen) join us to answer all your questions on this ho...

Show Calling and Production – Everything You Need To Know – Episode 81

A show caller (or producer) combines all components of an event to make the show a success. It’s not an easy job! This week our ICONIC guest panel includes Stephen Bowles (Founder of ShoFlo) and Keith Oberfeld (Founder of KBOGroup, Inc.). They will be sharing with us everything you need to know about show calling and production. This episode is one you don’t want to miss! In this #EventIcons episode, Stephen and Keith will be answering all of your questions and discussing the typical role o...

How to Engage Your Live Stream Audience – Episode 80

It is now an expectation that events have an online aspect. Anyone can add an online element, but how do you make that element valuable and engage your live stream audience?  Strategic thinking is required to organize and provide a positive remote experience. There is no point to be live if you are not going to engage actively with your remote viewers. Need more ideas on how to improve engagement with your audiences? Check this out!  In this episode of #EventIcons our guests Martin Shepherd...

Everything You Need To Know About Phoenix Comicon – Episode 79

Phoenix Comicon creates a community where people passionate about pop culture come together. As a result, they bond over their passions and celebrate their inner geek through celebrity panels, interactive events and much more. In this week’s episode, we cover everything you need to know about Phoenix Comicon. Phoenix Comicon stands out from the many other events in this niche. In this episode, two iconic event professionals, Matt Solberg (Director of Phoenix Comicon) and Joe Boudrie (Direct...

How to Write Content for Event Planners – Episode 78

What content gets the attention of event planners? Why is content so important in the events industry? Why should planners read content? This week we are tackling these questions and more as we address the topic of How to Write Content for Event Planners. We are joined by the iconic David Budimir (Author at Social Tables) to discuss these questions and get some in depth insight into how event planners can find and follow the latest and most informative content. We’ll also talk a bit about w...

Sh!t Event Planners Say, Part II – Episode 77

This week marks a special anniversary for #EventIcons – one of our most popular annual shows – Sh!t Event Planners Say! We’ve got the icon, the man himself, Aaron Kaufman. He is back to tackle this awesome topic again. Live and uncensored! You don’t want to miss this! You can always count on Aaron to tell it like he sees it. His honest and insightful commentary is refreshing and to the point. We’ll discuss things event planners say that they shouldn’t, things they don’t say that they should...

The Waste Management Open, The Greatest Show on Grass – Episode 76

We have a special show this week! We are joined by two of the key powerhouses that help pull off the Waste Management Open (WM Open), also known as The Greatest Show on Grass. Our iconic guest panelists are Brady Castro of PRO EM and Heather Holland, a freelance associate producer who has worked with PRO EM for several years. The WM Open is not your average golf tournament; Brady and Heather explain how they help to make it such an amazing event and keep those huge crowds growing and coming...

How to Choose Your First Event App – Episode 75

When it’s time to choose your first event app, it can feel like an overwhelming experience, but it doesn’t have to be. In this week’s episode, we talk to Jared Bodnar of Attendify, and Tony Calvis of Nextiva to tackle the topic. We discuss how to find and choose your first event app; Event app features that will be game changers at your events such as flexibility, polling, and sponsorships; and How to use analytics from your app to create even better events in the future. Jump into the vide...

Safety at Events – What Every Event Planner Needs to Know – Episode 74

Safety at events should always be a top priority when creating your event. Today we bring in Pierre-Luc Rompré of Stageline Mobile Stage, Inc. to discuss event safety. In this episode, we cover stage safety basics for both indoor and outdoor events when it comes to rigging, weather and more. Finally, we discuss what you need to ask your vendors, and red flags to look out for when booking them. It is crucial to make safety a priority at your event so be sure to watch and learn below! We want...

Time-Saving Tech Tools For Event Planning – Episode 73

Event planners have a lot going on. Often, you find yourself feeling like you are running against the clock. But fear not! Time-saving tech tools can help you improve your business processes, market more efficiently, and avoid time sinks! But how do you choose what tech you need? Jump into the episode below featuring Allie Magyar of The Hubb and Leonora Valvo of Swoogo to find out how time-saving tech tools can help you succeed, cut through the mundane tasks and allow you more time to focus ...

Event Apps – The Good, The Bad, And The Future! – Episode 72

Event apps are a fantastic piece of tech with a remarkable purpose – but some might say they can make for a challenging user experience. Whether you’re curious to know more about this technology or are interested to find out what lies in store for event apps, you won’t want to miss this exciting exchange! In this week’s episode, we are joined by Scott Lockey and Kerry Plowman of Quickmobile, and a Professional Master of Ceremonies, Glenn Thayer. They’ll be sharing their insights and experti...

The Future is Here! Managing Event Tech, WTF Moments, and Robots – Episode 71

Do you struggle with managing event tech? Would you like to incorporate apps or robots into your event? Then listen up! In this week’s episode, our co-hosts Laura Lopez of Social Tables, and Brandt Krueger of Event Technology Consulting, along with our special guest Alex Plaxen of Little Bird Told Media talk about the recent events, “WTF” moments that relate to the events industry, managing event tech and avoid being overwhelmed by it, and the role of robots in the future of the events indus...

The Secrets Behind Conference Engagement – Episode 70

So you’re having a conference.. How are you going to get your audience tuned in and engaged? This week’s hot topic is conference engagement and we have the answers you need! Our special guest this week is the ICONIC Adrian Segar, Meeting Architect and Event Facilitator, and author of the books Conferences that Work, and The Power of Participation. Adrian will be answering your questions and discussing such topics as the design process, working with your speakers, white space at conferences,...

Best Social Media Conference, Social Media Marketing World – Episode 69

Want to know what the Best Social Media Conference is? It’s Social Media Marketing World and the ICONIC Phil Mershon (Director of Events, Social Media Examiner) is here to tell us all about it! He’ll be discussing the evolution of Social Media Marketing World (SMMW: 5,000 marketers and creators at the mega-conference designed to empower you with business-building ideas—brought to you by Social Media Examiner) and how it has grown into the giant it is today. Phil will also be answering your ...

How To Structure Your Event Internship – Episode 68

It’s important to constantly prepare for the future of the events industry. One way we do this is by cultivating and encouraging the up-and-coming icons in this industry. How do we do this? One way is through event internship, but these positions need to be structured properly to be effective. Our guests this week are Aubri Nowowiejski and Mary Baird-Wilcock and they will be sharing exactly how to structure your event internship to maximize time and training. Aubri is the Founder & Board Di...

How To Create The Best Trade Show Booth – Episode 67

No one wants to be lost in the crowd at a trade show! Our ICONIC panelists are going to tell you how to make sure your booth gets the attention you want. We’re excited to welcome Julien Rio (Founder of MyFairTool and Author of Trade Show Chronicles) and Trevor Lewis (Branding Consultant and Mobile Activation Specialist) to the show. Now you can create a booth that will stand out among all the rest and get you results! Tune in to learn how YOU can create the Best Trade Show Booth! We want to...

State of Event Sponsorships 2017 – Episode 66

This week we have a special update episode – Information you need NOW! We’re discussing the current State of Event Sponsorships 2017 and you don’t want to miss this. We’re very excited to welcome our iconic guest panelists, Peter Poehle and Liz Cunningham to the show. Peter is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sponsor My Event and and Liz is the VP of Marketing and Sponsorships at Neste Event Marketing. Two highly qualified guests to answer all of your questions and bring us all up to date on the St...

Planning Weddings To Remember – Episode 65

It’s wedding season and event planners know that planning a wedding can be especially challenging. We’ve got two amazing icons on our panel today to answer all of your questions on this hot topic! Sasha Souza (Event Designer, Influencer, Wedding Planner & Event Industry Mentor, Sasha Souza Events) and Kathy Piech-Lukas (President and Lead Event Designer, Your Dream Day, LLC). These ladies are experts at creating weddings to remember! Some topics our guests address in this episode include: c...

What Do You Know About Virtual Reality For Events? – Episode 64

Think you know all there is to know about virtual reality for events? We bet we can surprise you! On today’s episode, we are featuring ICONIC experts on our panel including Adam Amaral (Owner and Director) and Glenn Snyder (Co-Owner and Partner) of Master of Shapes, and Stephen Kae (VP of Marketing) of Notion Theory. These guys know everything there is to know about using virtual reality for events. What a panel! These guys are here to answer all of your questions about utilizing virtual re...