Better Events
Two event planners and producers, Logan Clements and Mary Davidson, share strategies and insights for creating, hosting, and attending better events. Each episode covers actionable tips on event strategy, interviews with innovative event creators, and advice for growing your business and career in the events industry.
Episodes
The Small Nonprofit Playbook for Large-Scale Galas with Cynthia Mikimoto
In this episode, Logan and Mary sit down with Cynthia Mikimoto, a strategic advisor with experience in nonprofit galas, to talk about what it actually takes for small- and mid-sized nonprofits to pull off large-scale events. Cynthia walks through the biggest mistakes nonprofits make when trying to scale up, how to prioritize when you're working with limited staff and a volunteer-heavy team, an
Speaker Management 201: What to Do When Speakers Go Rogue
In this episode, Logan and Mary are back with a follow-up to one of their most popular episodes: Speaker Management 101. This time they go deeper, tackling the situations that don't show up in the basics. From setting tech check and rehearsal expectations to managing speaker nerves, egos, and last-minute changes, they cover what actually happens when speakers go off script, over time, or off t
Mary Returns & Life Outside of Events Update
In this episode, Logan and Mary are back together for a long overdue life update. Mary shares what life has looked like since returning from maternity leave, including the honest realities of running a business with a new baby, whether her identity has shifted, and what has been harder and more rewarding than she expected. They also look ahead at what they're each hoping this next chapter brin
Mary's Back: Her Reactions to Every Episode She Missed
Mary is back from maternity leave and she's catching up on every episode she missed. In this solo episode, she shares her reactions to some of the guest co-host conversations that aired while she was out, including her take on the business behind venue management and the public versus private event debate, dressing for comfort on event day, staying visible and relevant as an event pro, and wha
Event Day Production Essentials: Audio, Pre-Show Checks, and Staying on Schedule
In this solo episode, Logan pulls together three of her most practical production-focused YouTube videos and adds her own commentary along the way. She covers the audio files your A/V team actually needs before your next event, the three things she always checks before an event starts, and how to adjust on the fly when a speaker or segment runs long. If you produce events and want to feel more con
271 - How to Land that Next Big Event Contract
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Erin Leonard get into a question a lot of event pros have quietly wondered about: how do you actually break into big events? From trade shows like CES to the Olympic Games, they talk about how smaller companies and independent planners can find their way into large-scale, high-attendance events, what those opportunities actually look like, and how to positi
270 - Your Brand Is Your Booking: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Events Market with Shannon Werkhoven
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Erin Leonard sit down with Shannon Werkhoven, a decade-plus event pro and venue sales manager at two iconic Live Nation venues, to talk about the one thing that separates planners who consistently book work from those who don't: personal brand. Shannon shares when she realized her own brand was actually working for her, what makes an event planner stand out
269 - AI, We Need to Talk: What's Working, What's Not, and What Worries Us
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Erin Leonard have the AI conversation that's been on a lot of event pros' minds but not enough of their podcasts. Erin came in with some honest hesitancy about AI, and rather than gloss over it, they dig straight into it. They cover where AI still earns its place in their workflows, where planners are leaning on it in ways that might actually be hurting the
268 - Earning the Referral: What It Really Takes to Build a Relationship-First Business
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Julianne get into one of the most sustainable — and most misunderstood — growth strategies in the event business: referrals. They talk about what a referral-based business actually looks like in practice, what it takes to stay consistently top of mind with the people who send you work, and how to handle it gracefully when a referral isn't the right fit. If
267 - The Pricing Mistakes Most Planners Don't Know They're Making with Jackie Baker
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Julianne sit down with Jackie Baker, founder of Spark Events and co-founder of Event Pro Suite, for an honest conversation about pricing. Jackie shares the mistakes most event planners make without realizing it, where she landed after years of trial and error across flat-fee, percentage-based, and hourly structures, and what finally made her start charging
266 - The Anatomy of a Paddle Raise with Julianne Read
In this episode, Logan sits down with Julianne, a fundraiser-turned-event architect who specializes in nonprofit events, to break down one of the most high-stakes moments in any gala: the paddle raise. Julianne walks through how to structure giving levels, write and time the ask, and prep your fundraising host so the moment actually lands. Whether you produce nonprofit galas or just want to unders
265 - Go Beyond Lectures & Slides with Alternative Session Design
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Lee Gimpel tackle a question that's been nagging at conference organizers for years: why do we keep defaulting to presentations and panels when there are so many better options? Lee walks through alternative session formats that most event professionals have never heard of and pulls cards live from his Conference Engagement Cards deck to show just how pract
264 - The Data-Driven Event: Personalization, AI, and What Actually Works with Vinnu Deshetty
In this episode, Logan is joined by guest co-host Lee Gimpel and guest Vinnu Deshetty, the Event ROI Coach, for a conversation about one of the most misunderstood topics in the events industry right now: data. Vinnu breaks down what clean data actually means, where AI is genuinely helping event professionals versus where the hype is outpacing the reality, and what real personalization looks like v
263 - Peaks and Leaks in Your Event Agenda with Lee Gimpel
In this episode, Logan sits down with Lee Gimpel, conference engagement expert, president of Better Meetings, and creator of the Conference Engagement Cards, to dig into one of the most overlooked aspects of event planning: the agenda. Lee breaks down where attendee energy leaks out of even well-intentioned conferences, why the same tired formats keep showing up, and what a thoughtfully designed a
262 - The Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to an Event
This week, Logan shares one of the most important skills she's developed as an event professional: knowing what to ask before saying yes to a project. She shares why she became more intentional about evaluating opportunities, what she needed to learn about scope, budget clarity, and client fit before she could confidently take on new work, and how she uses soft holds as a tool that benefits both h
261 - Grief, Gatherings, and Connection with Dana Pake
In this episode, Logan sits down with Dana Pake, founder of Lalago Experiences and death doula in training, a personal conversation about grief and it's space at events. Dana shares what three decades of lived experience with grief has taught her about connection, why grief shows up in rooms full of people more than we realize, and what most event professionals miss when it does. Logan also opens
260 - You Asked, We Answered: Event Bibles, AV Tips, Freelance Advice & More
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney are back with another listener mailbag, tackling your questions across every corner of the events world. From what an event bible actually looks like to the best questions to ask your AV tech, F&B creativity, and how to celebrate your team without a monetary bonus, they cover it all. They also dig into the business side for freelancers, fr
259 - Behind the Curtain: What It Really Takes to Plan Events for the U.S. Government with Brittany Carroll
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney sit down with Brittany Carroll, Manager of Event Operations at the Library of Congress and former U.S. diplomat, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to produce events at the highest levels of government. Brittany shares what most event professionals never see: the layers of protocol, the complexity of managing global delegations,
258 - Are You Actually Staying Relevant in The Event Industry — Or Just Busy?
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney tackle a question every event professional should be asking themselves: Are you actually staying relevant, or are you just staying busy? They dig into what relevance really means in an ever-evolving industry — from how you network and which conferences are actually worth your time to how intentional you're being about vendor relationships and
257 - How to Manage Multiple Events at Once Without Dropping the Ball
This week, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz tackle a question sent in by a listener who asked: how many events can you realistically manage at once? Logan and Peggy share how many events they're each currently juggling, how their capacity has evolved over the course of their careers, and how to spot scope creep before it derails your workload. They also dig into the systems and habits that help
256 - What Your Graphics Operator Wishes You Knew with Cassy Albert
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz sit down with presentation designer and graphics operator Cassy Albert to pull back the curtain on one of the key roles in live event production - the slides! Cassy breaks down what a graphics operator actually does during a show, the most common mistakes planners and speakers make when preparing decks, and the best way to receive and organize sl
255 - How to Scale Your Event Production for Any Budget — From $10K to the Olympic Games with Peggy Katz
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz, a veteran producer with seven Olympics under her belt, dig into what it really means to scale an event based on budget, from scrappy under-$10K productions to multi-million dollar international spectacles. They break down how budget impacts your role as a producer or showcaller, the unique pros and cons of working at both ends of the spectrum, a
254 - Being Good at Events Is Only Half the Job (of Running an Event Business)
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Ryan Criswell tackle one of the most honest conversations in the event industry: being great at producing and planning events doesn't automatically make you great at running an event business. They explore the gap between event skills and business skills — from the early moments that revealed what they didn't know, to the systems and habits that have helped
253 - From Venue Coordinating to Event Curator with Tauti Kimbrough
In this episode, we sit down with Tauti Kimbrough to explore what it really means to wear multiple hats in the event industry — from venue marketer to event planner to event host. Joined by guest co-host Ryan Criswell, we discuss how Tauti's unique experience on both sides of an event make her a better host, planner, and venue coordinator.SHOW NOTES:Connect with Tauti Kimbrough:Instagram: @tauti.k
252 - Designing Public-Facing Events That Actually Engage People
In this episode, Logan sits down with guest co-host Ryan Criswell to explore the unique art of producing public-facing events — and what sets them apart from ticketed or corporate experiences. They dig into what meaningful engagement actually looks like when your audience didn't plan to be there, and how to measure success beyond a headcount. Plus, Ryan shares lessons from the public-facing world
251 - Speaker Management 101: Setting Expectations, Timelines, and Deliverables
Managing speakers can make or break an event — and it starts with setting the right expectations. In this episode, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of speaker management, from when it should begin in the planning process to the key deliverables every speaker should have. We share best practices for communication, timelines, and what speakers actually need to be successful both before and onsit
250 - 250 Episodes Later: What We’ve Learned About Events
We made it to 250 episodes — and we’re taking a moment to reflect on what that really means. In this milestone episode, we look back on the conversations that shaped the podcast, including our top 5 most popular episodes and what we’d say differently today. We also share what 250 episodes have taught us about events, how our perspectives have evolved, and what feels less urgent now than it once di
249 -Behind the Scenes of Showcalling and Producing at the Winter Olympics
Working the Olympics looks different depending on where you sit — and this time, Logan was on the in-venue side. In this solo episode, she takes you behind the scenes of her first Winter Games as an Associate Venue Producer, focused on the fan experience inside the venue. From coordinating with sport and broadcast to showcalling her first medal ceremonies, she shares what surprised her most and wh
248 - Prepping for Parental Leave as an Event Pro with Jessica Zimmerman
Parental leave in events doesn’t come with a playbook — so you have to build your own.Parental leave can feel overwhelming for event pros considering starting a family — so what does it actually look like to plan for it? In this episode, Mary is joined by event pro Jessica Zimmerman to share their experiences navigating pregnancy while working in events, including how they’re approaching timelines
247 - Managing Maker Markets and Vendor Relationships with Sarah Frost
In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Frost to unpack what goes into organizing maker markets and what event pros can learn from them. We dive into her expertise on managing vendor relationships and how to set your event up for long-term success. She shares how she balances curation with inclusivity, prepares for common onsite challenges, and helps vendors feel genuinely supported, not just manag
246 - Being an Event Contractor: How to Get Hired (and Rehired)
In this episode, we flip the perspective from last week's episode and talk about what it really means to be an event contractor — and how to get hired (and rehired). We break down how contracting differs from freelancing or staff roles, which event positions tend to work best in this model, and what helps you stand out before you ever arrive onsite. We also cover professional rate conversation
245 - Hiring Event Contractors: Building the Right Team
In this episode, we’re breaking down how to hire event contractors and build the right team for your events. We talk through which roles are typically contracted, how to decide what to outsource versus handle in-house, and where to find great contractors in the first place. We also share the signals that tell us someone will be a strong partner before show day — along with the red flags we’ve lear
244 - Behind the Mic: The Art of Live Announcing with Queen Noveen
In this episode, we’re joined by Queen Noveen — an Emmy-nominated live announcer and voice actress whose voice has powered everything from major sports and awards shows to film, TV, and commercials. We dive into what live announcing actually entails, the preparation and pressure behind the mic, and why it’s far more than “just reading a script.” Queen shares stories from high-profile events, refle
243 - Where Nonprofits Should Spend Their Time When Planning Fundraising Events
In this solo episode, Mary breaks down where nonprofits should actually spend their time when planning fundraising events — and where effort often gets misplaced. She walks through two common planning scenarios, sharing how to balance relationship-building with logistics, prioritize activities that drive real return, and avoid overspending without sacrificing impact. The conversation also digs int
242 - The Production Decisions That Matter More Than Your Event Theme
While event themes and visuals get most of the attention, the production decisions behind the scenes are what truly shape how an event feels. In this solo episode, Logan unpacks the choices that matter most — from flow and staffing to rehearsal, timing, and the small details that quietly save the day. Drawing from real event experience, she shares where to focus your energy when everything feels i
241 - Team Management 101 with Alex Martin
Managing a team is one of the biggest shifts many event pros make — and it rarely comes with a manual. In this episode, Owner and Event Strategy Lead of Synchronocity Events, Alex Martin joins us to share lessons from growing and supporting event teams over time. We talk about healthy communication, balancing involvement with autonomy, and how to tell the difference between people problems and sys
240 - Debunking the Boring Side of Events Part 2: Bathrooms, Security, and More
We’re back with Part 2 of the boring side of events — because someone has to talk about bathrooms, signage, and load-in logistics. This episode covers the practical realities of planning events; everything from security and signage to load-in and first aid. We share what’s saved us, what we had to learn the hard way and why getting the boring stuff right makes everything else feel easier. Let'
239 - 2026 Goal Setting - Tips & Tricks for Event Professionals
In this episode, we’re doing one of our favorite things — revisiting our goals. We listen back to what we said we wanted to accomplish in 2025, react (honestly) to how it actually went, and share what surprised us along the way. From personal ins and outs to podcast and business goals, we reflect on what worked, what shifted, and what we’re carrying forward. We wrap up by setting new intentions fo
238 - 2025 Better Events Conference Recap & Sustainability Audit
This week, we’re recapping the 2025 Better Events Conference — what worked, what surprised us, and the moments that stuck with us most. We reflect on attendee feedback, lessons learned, and how our goals for the conference showed up in real time.. We’re also joined by conference sponsor and friend of the pod Alycia Drube, who conducted a sustainability audit of our in-person day and shares thought
237 - Lessons Learned in Events and Business in 2025
As we kick off Season 6, we’re looking back at the lessons 2025 taught us — both as event professionals and as business owners. We go back and forth on what worked, what challenged us, and the things we had to learn the hard way. From collaboration and boundaries to decisions we’d approach differently next time, this episode is all about honest reflection as we get ready to start a new season of t
236 - Season 5 Finale: What This Year Meant for Us as Event Pros
As we wrap up Season 5, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this year really meant for us as event professionals and business owners. We talk honestly about the wins, the hard lessons, and how collaboration over competition shaped our work this year — plus where AI fit into our workflows. We also look ahead to 2026, share what we’re excited about next, and give a sneak peek at what’s coming i
235 - Event Pro Mailbag: Your Top Questions on Engagement, A/V, and Business Growth
In this special mailbag episode, we're answering your questions — the ones event pros swap in DMs, backstage, and over conference coffees. We’re diving into everything from audience engagement and creative networking ideas to reading the room and navigating A/V pricing. We also share our favorite run-of-show hacks, how to keep events seamless with a tiny team, and the essential business tools
234 - Permits, Power, and Parking: Debunking the Boring Side of Events (Part 1)
Not every part of event planning is glamorous—but ignoring the “boring stuff” can cause big problems. In this episode, we’re shining a light on the unsexy yet essential logistics behind successful events: permits, power, parking, trash, and WiFi. From permit surprises to power mishaps and vendor parking puzzles, we share real examples and tips that can save you from day-of disasters. Whether you’r
233 - How to Grow and Differentiate Your Services in the Events Industry
If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a sea of event pros—or when it’s the right time to add something new to your offerings—this episode is for you. We’re digging into what growth really looks like as an event business, why differentiation matters more than ever, and how to identify your unique value in a crowded market. Plus, we share real examples of services we’ve added (or walked away f
232 - Behind the Scenes of Planning the 2025 Better Events Conference Pt. 2: In-Person Focus
We’re pulling back the curtain on the 2025 Better Events Conference and sharing more about the planning behind the in-person day—and what’s got us most excited about it. We also share tips for keeping attendees engaged, lessons learned so far, and a few things we’re still figuring out. Whether you're planning your own conference or just curious how we make it happen, this one’s packed with pra
231 - Breaking into Corporate Events: Tips, Trends & Tangible Advice with Gianna Gaudini
Curious about what it really takes to succeed in the world of corporate events? In this episode, we sit down with Gianna Gaudini, a master corporate planner and event strategist, to explore what sets corporate events apart, how to break into the space, and how to design with intention. We also unpack attendee journey frameworks, common gaps hotels overlook when serving planners, and career shifts
230 - When and How to Raise Your Event Rates Confidently
Talking about money isn’t always easy—but it’s essential, no matter if you're running an event business or navigating your event career. In this episode, we dive into one of the most important (and sometimes awkward) parts of the job: raising your rates. Whether you're a freelancer negotiating your next contract or an internal event pro prepping for a raise conversation, we share the signs
229 - Live from BEPCON 2025: The Event Stories That Still Haunt US
What’s an event that still haunts you? In this special live episode from the 2025 Better Events Conference, we’re swapping real-life horror stories from events gone wrong—tech fails, miscommunications, last-minute surprises, and more. You’ll hear tales from Mary, Logan, and our audience that will make you laugh, cringe, and nod in solidarity. Plus, we reflect on the early warning signs of chaos an
228 - Winning the Game of Events with Libby Sundgren & Alysse Bryson of the Beats Working Podcast
This week on the Better Events Podcast, we’re joined by Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren—the dynamic duo behind BEATS WORKING: Winning the Game of Events. From how they define “winning” as event professionals to the real talk on purpose, fulfillment, and community over competition, this episode is full of career gold. They also share their “Top 6 Planning Tool,” the go-to method that keeps their e
227 - The Business of Events: Scaling, Budgeting, and Ownership
Events are more than just great experiences—they’re powerful business tools. In this episode, we explore how adopting a CEO mindset can elevate your event strategy. From lean planning and clear ownership to budget-driven decisions and scalable processes, we share practical ways event professionals can run smarter, more strategic events. Whether you’re planning your first large-scale event or refin
226 - Slowing Down & Intentional Reflection as Event Pros with Marisa Cali
Slowing down might sound impossible in the fast-paced world of events, but what if it’s actually the key to doing your best work? In this week’s episode, we sit down with event producer and strategist Marisa Cali of Be Present LLC to talk about the power of intentional reflection for event professionals. Marisa shares real stories from her career, practical ways to pause even in peak season, and w
Thank You from the Virtual Day of the 2025 Better Events Conference!
Wow — what a day! Today’s virtual Better Events Conference was filled with connection, inspiration, and a whole lot of “aha” moments. From DJ Heat’s opening beats to our Executive Powerhouse Panel and lightning-fast workshops, you brought the energy and made this community truly shine.Now, we’re taking everything we started online and bringing it in person. Join us in Seattle on December 18th for
225 - The Hardest Things About Being a Business Owner - Part 2
Running a business in the events world isn’t all highlight reels and client wins—sometimes it’s just plain hard. In this week’s episode, Logan and Mary do a follow-up episode of the hardest parts of being a business owner, from mindset struggles and boundary-setting to financial uncertainty and nonstop decision-making. We revisit what we said a few years ago on this same topic, share how our answe
224 - From Hired to Headset: A Deep Dive into Being a Stage Manager at Events
What does a stage manager actually do at a live event or conference? In this episode, Mary interviews Logan to break down her full process—from the moment she’s hired to the final cue onsite. We delve into the differences between stage managers, producers, and showcallers, the essential gear that always makes it into the “go bag,” key details your stage manager needs in your run of show, and what
223 - What Is Day-Of Event Management? A Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive
Ever been hired just for the day of an event, or curious how you can add this service to your toolkit? Mary Davidson takes you behind the scenes of her own day-of event management process—from onboarding late in the game to running the show onsite. We walk through proposal language, setting expectations, working with a team, and the real challenges that come with managing an event you didn’t manag
222 - Knowing When to Let Go of an Event Client with Necoya Tyson
We’re joined by the incredible Necoya Tyson, Founder & CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions, to talk about something every event professional faces eventually: knowing when it’s time to walk away from a client. With her deep experience in conference and tradeshow management, Necoya shares the red flags she watches for, mindset shifts needed to protect your business, and her strategies for exiting c
221 - Smart Strategies for Event Pros: Managing RFPs, Referrals, Client Contracts, and More
This week, we’re tackling a little bit of everything event professionals deal with—from whether money really buys happiness to how formal RFPs are changing, tips for asking for and giving referrals, and when you absolutely need a contract. We also answer a listener question about getting booked without a formal agreement and share our go-to strategies for managing workload as event pros.Whether yo
220 - Behind the Scenes at One of the World’s Busiest Convention Centers with Jennifer LeMaster
What’s it really like to run one of the country’s top convention centers? In this episode, we chat with Jennifer LeMaster, President and CEO of the Seattle Convention Center, about her journey into events and what it takes to lead a massive venue like Seattle’s. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes of her leadership journey, tips for planners working with large venues, and trends shaping the future o
219 - Tough Calls & Sticky Situations: Ethics in the Events Industry
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s often whispered about behind the scenes—ethics in event planning. From budget transparency and client values to security shortcuts and questionable speaker bookings, we’re breaking down the real ethical dilemmas event pros face. We’ll share tips for handling these moments with professionalism, integrity, and confidence—whether you’re new to
218 - Behind the Scenes of Planning the 2025 Better Events Conference Part 1
In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of planning the 2025 Better Events Conference, a conference created for event pros, by event pros. Back for our third year, we share what we're keeping and what we're changing with this year's conference, especially for the virtual day. You’ll hear our top tips for anyone planning a virtual or hybrid conference, plus how we keep attendees engage
217 - Mastering Event Registration: Tips from the Queen of Reg Leanne Velky
This week, we’re joined by Leanne Velky—better known as the Queen of Registration—to talk all things event registration websites and forms. Leanne shares why a solid registration setup is critical to event success, the must-have elements every site should include, and common mistakes to avoid. We also dive into how to collect the right attendee data without overwhelming people, platform recommenda
216 - What’s Saving Our Lives Right Now in Events, Business and Life
In this week's episode, we’re sharing what’s saving our lives right now—personally and professionally. From time-saving tools to mindset shifts, books, and small joys, we’re each bringing a list of things that are making our event work (and life outside of events) a little better. Some are practical, some are playful, but all are worth a try. Whether you're in need of fresh inspiration or just lov
215 - Bonus Tips from the Event Pro Community: Advice, Name Badges & More
In this episode of the Better Events Podcast, we’re sharing bonus tips, lessons, and moments of growth from fellow event pros in our community. From practical advice to unexpected insights, these short clips offer real-world takeaways you can carry into your next event—and your next season of work. Plus, we react to each submission with our own thoughts and experiences. It’s a fun, reflective wrap
It's Time for the 2025 Better Events Conference!
A conference for event pros, by event pros.
Join us virtually on Wednesday, October 1st, and in person in Seattle on Thursday, December 18th, at a secret location (to be announced to attendees in the weeks before the event).
Learn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference
Purchase a ticket now: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration
214 - Behind the Scenes of University-Hosted Conferences with Beline Lafayette
In this week's episode, we go behind the scenes , we’re joined by Beline Lafayette, Event Planner for the UF Florida Semiconductor Institute, to explore the unique world of event planning in higher education. With over seven years of experience and a background in marketing and event management, Beline shares how her work connects academia, industry, and community through strategic, purpose-driven
213 - Event Predictions 2025: What Will Events Look Like 1 Year from Now?
This week, we’re brushing off our crystal balls and looking ahead to 2026—and revisiting the predictions we made last year to see what held up (and what totally missed the mark). From what excites us to what feels a little uncertain, we’re sharing our honest thoughts on what’s coming next in the event industry. Plus, we each make three fresh predictions for 2026 and react to clips of what we said
212 - Freelancing in Events 201: Boundaries, Burnout, and Building a Sustainable Career
This week, we’re diving deeper into the freelance side of the event world with a real talk conversation about growth, boundaries, and sustainability. We share how we evaluate new opportunities, plan for slow seasons, and navigate scope creep mid-project. From raising your rates to hiring other freelancers, we cover the decisions that come with experience—and the ones we’re still figuring out. Whet
211 - Beyond Bookkeeping: Fractional CFO for Event Planners with Kellé Thorpe
In this week's episode, we’re joined by Kellé Thorpe, fractional CFO and founder of Kommas with Kellé, to talk all things money—from forecasting profits to managing cash flow. Kellé breaks down what a fractional CFO actually does, common financial mistakes event professionals make, and how to get clearer on exactly how much you’ll earn from every project. We also dive into tips for business owners
210 - How We Book and Sell Events: Finding Clients, Repeat Work, and Lessons Learned
In this week's episode , we’re diving into the sales side of running an event business. We share how we each approach marketing, finding new clients, and setting goals—plus a few surprises about how some of our recent events came to be. From securing repeat business to refining your sales process, this conversation is full of real-life examples and actionable tips. Whether you're just starting out
209 - Run of Show Secrets: 10 Tips Every Event Pro Should Know
In this episode, Logan shares her top 10 tips every event pro should know when building a run of show. From planning smooth transitions and managing speaker timing to mic preferences, music cues, and post-event updates, these small details make a big difference onsite. Whether you're producing your first event or your hundredth, these practical tips will help your next show flow better, feel smoot
208 - Mics, Speakers, and Sound: How to Set Your Event Up for Success with Sean Walker
In this week's episode, we're joined by Sean Walker, an expert audio engineer turned CEO of Northwest Audio Engineers, to talk all things sound. Sean shares why audio is often overlooked—but absolutely essential—for creating impactful events, and breaks down what every planner should know about sound setup, sound checks, and working with audio teams. We dig into the difference between good and gre
207 - Traveling for Events, Part 2: Packing Tips, Travel Habits & Life on the Move
In Part 2 of our travel series, we’re talking all about what it’s really like to travel for events. From our go-to packing hacks and must-have gear to handling red-eyes, time zones, and on-the-road routines, we’re sharing the tips that help us stay energized and organized. We also answer some fun rapid-fire travel questions (window or aisle?) and reflect on how much downtime we actually get during
206 - Traveling for Events, Part 1: How We Book, Bill, and Build Travel into Our Event Work
In this week's episode, we’re digging into the behind-the-scenes logistics of traveling for events. From how we land gigs that require travel to how we structure travel fees, per diems, and reimbursements in our contracts, we’re sharing the real talk you don’t always hear. We also cover how we handle travel bookings, client expectations, and what we won’t compromise on when it comes to flights and
205 - Real Talk about Sustainable Events with Alycia Drube
This week on the podcast, we’re joined by event sustainability advocate and onsite event manager, Alycia Drube for a real talk on what it actually means to plan sustainable events. We explore why sustainability can feel more like a buzzword than a best practice, common mistakes planners make, and practical ways to incorporate sustainable (and not only environmental) choices into your events. Plus,
204 - How to Start Freelancing in Events
In this week's episode, we’re breaking down what it really means to be a freelancer in the event industry. From the types of roles we’ve worked recently to the pros and cons of freelance life, we’re sharing honest insights and real-world advice. We also answer listener questions about how to get started, set your rates, find your confidence, and navigate the freelance world—whether you’re fresh ou
203 - How to Plan A Successful Festival with Cat McDevitt of Eventeny
We're thrilled to partner with Eventeny to bring you this episode where we chat with Cat McDevitt of Eventeny all about how to plan a successful festival. Cat shares the key pieces you need to get right, common mistakes to avoid, and how to manage everything from vendor relations to crowd safety. Whether you’re planning your first festival or just curious what goes into it, Cat’s tips and behind-t
202 - Behind the Scenes at the Northwest Event Show: Lessons for Better Events
In this episode of the Better Events Podcast, we’re taking you behind the scenes of the Northwest Event Show (NWES) here in Seattle! We share what makes this annual industry event a favorite of ours, our involvement this year, and a few standout moments from the show floor. Plus, we asked fellow event pros to share their top tip for creating a better event—and their answers did not disappoint. We
201 - Working with Vendors: What Every Event Planner or Producer Should Know
In this episode of the Better Events Podcast, we’re talking all about working with vendors—what that really means and why those relationships are key to a successful event. From how to find trusted vendors for a new project to what info to share upfront, we’re answering common questions we hear from both new and seasoned planners. We’ll also chat about navigating high quotes, verifying expertise,
200 - 200th Episode Milestone: We Answer Your Questions
In this week’s episode, we're celebrating 200 episodes of the Better Events podcast! That's over 6,000 minutes of event-related content across 5 seasons. In this episode, Logan and Mary answer your questions, from what you need in your portfolio to how to add cost-effective things that make a big impact to reaching out to sponsors for your events. You'll learn something you can apply to your event
199 - Lessons Learned from the White House: Deesha Dyer's Journey of Planning Iconic Events
This week, we sit down with Deesha Dyer, a woman whose career trajectory is nothing short of extraordinary. As the former White House Social Secretary, she brings a unique perspective to our conversation, sharing her experiences and insights from orchestrating events on a global stage. We also dive into the art of event design, with Deesha sharing real-world examples and practical strategies to ca
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