GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast artwork

GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast

217 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 36 ratings

Welcome to GatherGeeks, a place where people passionate about the power of live experiences come together. Join David Adler, chairman and founder of BizBash, as he discusses the latest news and trends affecting event marketers, meeting strategists, nonprofit organizers, and everyone in between. This podcast by BizBash is the destination for information, innovation, and inspiration for anyone involved in planning events and meetings, from conferences, trade shows, and fund-raising galas to product launches, festivals, award shows, weddings, and birthdays.

Look for GatherGeeks in your favorite platforms: iTunes, Audible, Spotify, and iHeartRadio, with more on the way. Connect with us on Twitter at @BizBash and join the conversation using the hashtag #gathergeeks.

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Episodes

Inside the Mind of a Successful Event Entrepreneur (Episode 186)

March 02, 2020 23:54 - 40 minutes - 57.5 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Dan Berger In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik sit down with Dan Berger, the founder of Social Tables who recently stepped away from the company after an acquisition by Cvent. Berger dives into what makes a successful entrepreneur, tips for building a strong team, how he developed a successful company and made the decision to sell it, and more. He also shares insights into fund-...

Special Edition: Walk the Floor of BizBash Live: Florida

February 28, 2020 22:03 - 45 minutes - 84.7 MB

Welcome to this special edition of GatherGeeks: Walk the Floor—the podcast version of the premier trade show for event pros. Find out what’s new, what’s cool, and what you missed from the comfort of your car or at the gym. Take the journey with David Adler, chairman and founder of BizBash, the community of more than 200,000 event pros looking for ideas to make their next event even more compelling than the last. Get inspired, and bank these great ideas in your brain for when you might need t...

Live From the Times Center: What Works In Conferences Today (Episode 185)

February 24, 2020 23:24 - 1 hour - 87.6 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guests: Candace Montgomery, Shital Patel, Ladan Wise In this special live episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik sit down with Ladan Wise of TED, Candace Montgomery of Essence, and Shital Patel of NationSwell for an engaging discussion held earlier this month at the Times Center in New York. The group discusses ways to create memorable conferences, develop intriguing content and programming, get ...

Why Events Should Be a Form of Performance Art (Episode 184)

February 17, 2020 23:48 - 37 minutes - 35.9 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guests: Marc Friedland In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Marc Friedland, the owner of Marc Friedland Couture Communications in Los Angeles. He reflects on 33 years in business, sharing how his career has evolved, why he approaches events as a form of performance art, and why personalization and emotions are the most crucial aspects of any gathering. Friedland then walks us ...

Out-of-the-Box Conference Ideas From the Canadian West (Episode 183)

February 11, 2020 00:40 - 29 minutes - 41.8 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guests: Brent Taylor and Arlene Schilke, Timewise Event Management and Go West In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Brent Taylor and Arlene Schilke, presidents of Timewise Event Management and executive producers of Go West. The pair takes us behind the scenes at the annual Go West event-industry conference in Edmonton, Canada, sharing what they've learned over the last three ...

An Industry Pioneer Reflects on a Life in Events (Episode 182)

February 03, 2020 18:47 - 45 minutes - 63.4 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Joe Goldblatt In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Joe Goldblatt, a veteran event educator who is often credited as one of the pioneers of the modern-day industry. Goldblatt discusses his long career as one of the industry's go-to gurus, using anecdotes from his new professional memoir "The True Joy of Life" to discuss the history of event education, risk management and...

The Oscars: Still the Leading Event of Award Season? (Episode 181)

January 27, 2020 20:47 - 35 minutes - 50.9 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman Guest: Stephanie Edens In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and west coast editor Claire Hoffman chat about all-things awards season, from the rise in plant-based catering to the hottest design trends and most anticipated Oscars parties. They also hear from Stephanie Edens, the senior vice president of national sales for Wolfgang Puck Catering, who teases the menu for this year's Oscars Governors Ball—an event that the...

Radically New Ways to Host Meetings That Really Work (Episode 180)

January 21, 2020 02:49 - 51 minutes - 72.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Adrian Segar In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Adrian Segar, a renowned meeting designer and conference facilitator and the author of the new book Event Crowdsourcing: Creating Meetings People Actually Want and Need. Segar shares how he coined the term "unconference," and shares tips and formats for various types of participation-focused gatherings. He also discusses...

The Speaker's Superpower: How to Give Better Presentations Today (Episode 179)

January 14, 2020 03:01 - 34 minutes - 49.2 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Pablo Povarchik In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Pablo Povarchik, the C.E.O. of WowPrezi—a company that claims it’s on “a mission to save the world from deadly PowerPoint.” Povarchik walks us through the different technologies available for presentations, and shares tips for creating better presentations with the goal of better audience engagement. He also discusses...

Creating Culturally Sensitive Events for Asian Audiences (Episode 178)

January 07, 2020 06:50 - 52 minutes - 73.1 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Amanda Ma In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Amanda Ma, the Taiwanese-American C.E.O. of Innovate Marketing Group in Pasadena, California. Ma shares how to accommodate a multicultural audience at events, focusing particularly on Chinese and other Asian cultures. She dives into tips for handling language barriers, food preparation, holidays of note, and more. She also ...

How Event Vendors Can Become More Strategic (Episode 177)

December 16, 2019 22:12 - 39 minutes - 19.5 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Andy Kushner In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Andy Kushner, C.E.O. and founder of Kushner Entertainment and host of the popular industry podcast The Wedding Biz. Kushner discusses how vendors—which he prefers to call "creative partners"—can become more strategic, helping craft an experience rather than just providing a service. He also gives his take on the state of live music in...

The Embrace of Events by Traditional Marketing Agencies (Episode 176)

December 09, 2019 18:59 - 51 minutes - 72.8 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Russ Lidstone In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Russ Lidstone, group C.E.O. for the Creative Engagement Group, a London-based collection of experiential, digital, and employee engagement agencies. Lidstone discusses his unusual company model and whether having different brands with different specialties under one umbrella will become more popular. Lidstone also shares smart tips f...

Creating High-End Experiences for Ultra V.I.P.s (Episode 175)

December 02, 2019 22:59 - 34 minutes - 48.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Anna Davey In the latest edition of GatherGeeks' series on sparking change, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Anna Davey, director of bespoke projects for Quintessentially in the United Kingdom. She shares how her team entertains small V.I.P. groups in highly tailored ways, drawing on the company's personal concierge roots to create unique, memorable experiences for clients. Davey also shares what luxury means t...

A Primer on Hosting Business Meetings in Canada (Episode 174)

November 26, 2019 00:25 - 27 minutes - 39.1 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Kyla Knudson In the latest edition of GatherGeeks' series on sparking change, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Kyla Knudson, the former director of sales and marketing for Business Events Canada who currently serves as director of sales for Teneo Hospitality Group in Washington, D.C. Knudson shares highlights for business groups across Canada, discussing top food and drink trends in each province, the most memo...

How to Accommodate All Gender Identities at Events (Episode 173)

November 19, 2019 04:29 - 25 minutes - 36.6 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Andrea Boulden In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Andrea Boulden, senior manager of the TD Wealth event team in Toronto. She discusses gender diversity and inclusion at events, diving into how planners and hosts can accommodate trans and non-binary guests. Boulden shares practical tips for registration forms, name badges, bathrooms, and other small details that can make all guests ...

What Brands—and Guests—Want From Activations Today (Episode 172)

November 12, 2019 00:50 - 41 minutes - 58.5 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Simon Miller In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Simon Miller, the president of Brand Activation Services and Simon Elliot Events. Miller discusses what brands and attendees want from activations and events today, sharing ways to create authentic, organic connections—plus best practices for different generations and effective photo moments. He also discusses techniques for data capt...

Are You Giving Your Customers the Best Possible Event Experience? (Episode 171)

November 04, 2019 23:08 - 41 minutes - 59.1 MB

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from business marketing speaker David Avrin. He explains the difference between customer service and customer experience, and shares best practices for dealing with unhappy attendees, getting customers to come back every year, and ways to keep conversations going post-event. He also discusses the importance of scheduling downtime at meetings, the power of FOMO, how new technology will change pre...

Tips for Designing an Effective Conference Experience (Episode 170)

October 28, 2019 18:49 - 46 minutes - 65 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Lauren Kotkin In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Lauren Kotkin, director of educational programs for Exponent Philanthropy, a Washington, D.C.-based association for small foundations. She discusses the background of her own conference, and shares how different generations learn today, ways to focus content and market sessions, and tips for engaging an audience. Kotkin also talks ab...

How Cannabis Legalization Will Change—and Challenge—the Event Industry (Episode 169)

October 21, 2019 22:03 - 24 minutes - 34.6 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Dan Brice In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Dan Brice, the Chicago-based senior vice president of brand experience for United Entertainment Group. Brice discusses Illinois's changing cannabis laws, which will allow recreational usage starting in January, and how they will affect the event industry. He shares what the cannabis industry can learn about marketing from the alcohol and tobacco industries, how event pr...

The #MeetingsToo Movement and How Event Pros Can Combat Sexual Harassment (Episode 168)

October 14, 2019 22:27 - 35 minutes - 50.8 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guests: Sarah Soliman Daudin, Courtney Stanley In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Sarah Soliman Daudin and Courtney Stanley, industry veterans and partners who focus on professional development aimed toward women. The pair discusses how their new company, SarahxCourtney, aims to incorporate authentic, human experiences into development workshops, sharing why transparency, honesty, and storytelling are crucial for meeting...

What Will the Meeting Room of the Future Look Like? (Episode 167)

October 07, 2019 15:48 - 38 minutes - 53.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Mark Cooper In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Mark Cooper, C.E.O. of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC), at MPI's World Education Congress. Cooper discusses what meeting planners want from venues today, which questions planners should be asking about technology and security, and how site inspections can be more effective. He also discusses best practices for food and beverage breaks, new a...

How This Production Pro Launched His Business at Age 13 (Episode 166)

October 01, 2019 00:58 - 47 minutes - 23.1 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Kevin Mignone In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Kevin Mignone, the founder and president of KM Productions, a New York-based audiovisual production firm with clients including Vogue, Jaguar, Tinder, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He shares how he started his business at age 13—and the lessons learned that he still uses today. He discusses what his business looks like now,...

The Importance of Embracing Local Culture, and Other Insights From a Global Event Producer (Episode 165)

September 24, 2019 03:41 - 35 minutes - 17.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Sebastien Tondeur In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Sebastien Tondeur, the C.E.O. of MCI, a Geneva, Switzerland-based event agency that produces more than 6,800 projects in 31 countries around the world. He shares how the company has grown dramatically over the years, plus ways to adapt events to local cultures, why he focuses on more than just R.O.I., and trends for face-to-face ...

Practical Tips for Planning Internal Employee Events (Episode 164)

September 16, 2019 19:34 - 37 minutes - 18.5 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Lynne Wellish In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Lynne Wellish, a consultant and speaker for the hospitality industry. Wellish explains the idea of the "hidden planner"—a.k.a, administrative and HR professionals charged with producing internal company events such as holiday parties and board meetings. She shares practical tips on defining event goals, managing budgets, and dealing ...

Where Incentive Travel Is Headed Next (Episode 163)

September 09, 2019 16:21 - 54 minutes - 26.2 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Tahira Endean In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Tahira Endean, the new head of events for the Society of Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE). She shares what incentive travel is and why it's such an effective way to stimulate sales, reward employees, and promote team building. Endean also discusses some of the coolest incentive trips she's seen, how these trips should respect and p...

What Event Professionals Can Do to Help Stop Human Trafficking (Episode 162)

August 30, 2019 00:18 - 16 minutes - 23.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Andrea Boulden In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Andrea Boulden, senior manager of the TD Wealth event team in Toronto, and a board member of Meeting Professionals Against Human Trafficking. She discusses what role the event and hospitality industry can play in the fight against sex trafficking, ranging from knowing the signs to look for to encouraging hotel partners to incorporat...

How to Develop Your Own Theory of Experience Design (Episode 161)

August 27, 2019 02:58 - 45 minutes - 64 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Andrew Lacanienta Continuing the GatherGeeks podcast's "back to school"-inspired episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Andrew Lacanienta, a professor in the experience industry management department at Cal Poly University. Lacanienta shares his definition of experience design, breaking down the different types of experiences and how they can be intentionally crafted to meet desired outcomes. He discusses the "theory of structured experien...

The State of Learning and Training in the Event Industry (Episode 160)

August 19, 2019 20:45 - 46 minutes - 65 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Annette Gregg, Carl Winston Continuing the GatherGeeks podcast's "back to school"-inspired episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Carl Winston, the director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University, and Annette Gregg, regional senior vice president of PRA who teaches a certificate program at the university. The duo shares how the industry has changed, from the ways people break into events to the ne...

Special Edition: Walk the Floor of BizBash Live Los Angeles

August 13, 2019 17:25 - 19 minutes - 36.3 MB

Welcome to this special edition of GatherGeeks: Walk the Floor—the podcast version of attending the premier trade show in Southern California for event pros without having to actually go. Find out what’s new, what’s cool, and what you are missing from the comfort of your car or while you are pumping iron at the gym. Join David Adler, C.E.O. and Founder of BizBash, as he walks you through the exhibit hall speaking with exhibitors from venues and suppliers each compelling than the last.  A c...

Higher Education's Role in the Future of Event Management & Hospitality (Episode 159)

August 13, 2019 03:25 - 47 minutes - 66.9 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Nicolas Graf In the latest episode of the GatherGeeks podcast, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik sit down with Nicolas Graf, associate dean at the Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality at New York University. Graf discusses the role of higher education in the future of event management and hospitality, diving into N.Y.U.'s new initiatives to launch start-ups, a new master's program in event management, and the expansion...

The New Rules for Creating "Buzzworthy" Events (Episode 158)

August 05, 2019 22:22 - 50 minutes - 24.6 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Alison Slight In the latest Canadian edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Alison Slight, co-owner of Toronto-based production firm Candice & Alison. She discusses how the rules for creating "buzzworthy" events have changed, sharing behind-the-scenes details on some of her favorite events, what luxury means to her, tips for effective pop-ups, and how to b...

How the Toronto Raptors' Parent Company Uses Live Events to Build Fan Loyalty (Episode 157)

July 29, 2019 23:23 - 42 minutes - 40.1 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Duncan Fraser In the latest Canadian edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Duncan Fraser, director of the event experience team at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment in Toronto. He shares different ways the organization engages fans who can't attend games, using a variety of live events and experiences to generate team loyalty and a captive audience....

Creating a Cohesive Event Story From Start to Finish (Episode 156)

July 22, 2019 21:40 - 39 minutes - 10.6 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Matt Vaile In the latest Canadian edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Matt Vaile, offline marketing producer for Shopify. He discusses the e-commerce platform's approach to events, diving into its Shop Class workshops, how event layout can promote inclusivity, rules for lighting and presentations, and how he incorporates attendee feedback. He also...

Viewing Meetings and Events As a Strategic Investment (Episode 155)

July 16, 2019 00:02 - 41 minutes - 38.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Issa Jouaneh In the third Canadian edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Issa Jouaneh, the former senior vice president of American Express Meetings & Events. He shares ways to prove the R.O.I. of meetings and live gatherings to c-suite executives, how to look at the full life cycle of events, and why event strategy is more effective when company le...

Reinventing the Sales Meeting (Sponsored Episode)

July 11, 2019 17:59 - 57 minutes - 53 MB

Hosts: David Adler Guests: Justin Maddox, Producer, LEO Events, Airika Gigas, Vice President,  Events, LEO Events, and Inga Hunter, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America This special episode of GatherGeeks explores the power of a great sales meeting and the intentional architecture of a company's culture. In an era when remote team structures are the norm, an organization needs to make bold statements about who they are and what they want to accomplish in a year, with their most valuable asset—th...

The Joy of Catering: What Joy Wallace Has Learned From 30 Years of Entertaining (Episode 154)

July 09, 2019 00:10 - 27 minutes - 25.9 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Joy Wallace   In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from Joy Wallace, founder of Joy Wallace Catering & Design. The Miami-based caterer reflects on three decades in business, sharing how she got started in the industry, essential components for a good party, how events can make a strong first impression, and how menus have changed. She also discusses ways to build a strong team, how to b...

How Nonprofit Events Can Target Specific Demographic Groups (Episode 153)

July 01, 2019 19:00 - 38 minutes - 36 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Erin McGuire In the second Canadian edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Erin McGuire, the associate director of special events at the SickKids Foundation in Toronto. She shares how a wide-ranging slate of events targets diverse donor groups, why the foundation recently rethought its messaging, how to choose and market an event strategy, and what i...

The Art of Planning Citywide Festivals (Episode 152)

June 24, 2019 18:39 - 45 minutes - 42.8 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Anthony Sargent In the first Canadian edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Anthony Sargent, C.E.O. of the Luminato Festival, an international arts event that wrapped up this weekend in Toronto. Sargent dives into the planning and strategy behind the festival, how he starts with a blank slate every year, why the festival no longer hosts a gala, the ...

The Difference Between Decorating and Designing, and Other Tips From David Stark (Episode 151)

June 17, 2019 22:48 - 59 minutes - 55.1 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: David Stark In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik sit down with David Stark, the creative director of New York-based David Stark Design and Production. Stark discusses how the industry has changed in the last 15 years, sharing how social media strategy should go beyond the "Instagrammable moment," the difference between decorating and designing, what his brainstorming lessons look like, how dec...

A Multi-Generational Discussion on Creating Unforgettable Events (Episode 150)

June 10, 2019 21:46 - 1 hour - 56.4 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman Guests: Cara Kleinhaut, Andrea Michaels, Justin Lefkovitch, Judy Levy, Sarah Shewey In this special live episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and West Coast bureau chief Claire Hoffman moderate a panel on the art of creating events that people never forget. The multi-generational panel of top event pros includes Andrea Michaels, president of Extraordinary Events; Cara Kleinhaut, C.E.O. of AGENC; Judy Levy, founder of Levy, Pazanti & Associa...

What Your Wedding Photographer Really Thinks, and Other Insights (Episode 149)

June 04, 2019 00:16 - 1 hour - 63.7 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Andy Marcus In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and editor in chief Beth Kormanik hear from photographer Andy Marcus of New York-based Fred Marcus Studio. Marcus shares his insights into the business of event photography, discussing how the family business got started, how social media has changed the game, the relationship between photographers and event planners, and more. He also shares behind-the-scene details from the we...

Why Marriott Created a Film Festival to Promote Its Meeting Capabilities (Episode 148)

May 20, 2019 23:20 - 21 minutes - 20.8 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Jason Dallas, Amy Popper, David Shepheard In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash editor in chief Beth Kormanik sits down with the team behind the Marriott Convention and Resort Network's inaugural 48-Hour Film Challenge, which took place at the Douglas Hotel in Vancouver in March. Marriott CRN senior marketing manager Amy Popper, executive producer of the Film Challenge Jason Dallas, and Vancouver Film commissioner David Shepheard discuss the logi...

Inside the 'Washington Post's Strategy for Live Events (Episode 147)

May 13, 2019 16:14 - 59 minutes - 55.3 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Kris Coratti In the final edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes recorded at the Meridian International Center in Washington, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Kris Coratti, the vice president of communications and events for the Washington Post. Coratti discusses how the publication's events are an extension of the newsroom, sharing tips for choosing topics, preparing speakers, curating an audience, and providing value af...

A Primer on Planning Major Events: Branding, Design, Security & More (Episode 146)

May 06, 2019 20:42 - 42 minutes - 39.5 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Ron Bracco In the latest edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes recorded at the Meridian International Center in Washington, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Ron Bracco, vice president of events for production agency Hargrove. He traces the company's long history of producing everything from the G8 Summit and AIPAC Conference to brand activations and corporate events. Bracco goes in-...

How to Create Events With Impact (Episode 145)

April 29, 2019 20:39 - 34 minutes - 33 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Alex Carter Guest: André Wells In the latest edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes recorded at the Meridian International Center in Washington, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with André Wells, the owner of Events by André Wells. He discusses his event philosophy, sharing the questions he asks clients, the importance of a carefully curated guest list, and how to know when an event has impact. He also explains how to mak...

A Master Class on Curating Events for Powerful People (Episode 144)

April 23, 2019 01:02 - 37 minutes - 35.4 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Tammy Haddad In the latest edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes recorded at the Meridian International Center in Washington, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Tammy Haddad, president and C.E.O. of consulting firm Haddad Media. She uses fun anecdotes from her long career in Washington to discuss the art of curating a guest list and seating chart, how to promote conversations, and way...

The Art of Orchestrating Change-Making Conversations at Live Events (Episode 143)

April 15, 2019 21:23 - 48 minutes - 45.6 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik, Alex Carter Guest: Natalie Jones In the first edition of GatherGeeks' "Sparking Change" series of episodes recorded at the Meridian International Center in Washington, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler and Zkipster's Alex Carter chat with Natalie Jones, the center's senior vice president for external affairs and the former deputy chief of protocol at the State Department. She shares what it was like planning events and meetings for presidents and foreign govern...

A Global Perspective on How Events Can Build Community (Episode 142)

April 08, 2019 18:24 - 1 hour - 61.4 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Juliano Lissoni   In this episode of GatherGeeks, David Adler, C.E.O. of BizBash, and Beth Kormanik, editor in chief of BizBash, hear from Juliano Lissoni, managing director, Canada, for global event management firm MCI. He discusses how the company has grown to 31 offices around the country, its work on the music festival-inspired Campus Party tech events, and the importance of tracking data. Lissoni also shares the key events shaping the global...

Would You Host a Completely Spontaneous Conference? (Episode 141)

April 02, 2019 00:18 - 39 minutes - 37.5 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guests: Liz Lathan, Nicole Osibodu, Tom Spano In this episode of GatherGeeks, David Adler, C.E.O. of BizBash, and Beth Kormanik, editor in chief of BizBash, hear from Liz Lathan, Nicole Osibodu, and Tom Spano, the team behind the Haute Dokimazo "spontaneous think tank." The group discusses the unconventional, rule-free conferences, which offer a crowd-sourced way to solve business challenges. They discuss how they create a conference on the fly, how they ...

How to Negotiate Better Event Contracts (Episode 140)

March 26, 2019 05:07 - 36 minutes - 34.3 MB

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik Guest: Heather Reid   In this episode of GatherGeeks, David Adler, C.E.O. of BizBash, and Beth Kormanik, editor in chief of BizBash, hear from Heather Reid, the founder and C.E.O. of Planner Protect, an Ontario-based company that offers consulting on event contracts. She discusses how careful reading of contracts can save event hosts and venues more than $25,000 per event, sharing the key words and phrases to watch for in a contract, ways to negotiate i...