Better Events

By Better Events Pod

Welcome to the "Better Events" podcast! Join two event planners and strategists, Logan Clements and Mary Davidson, who believe we can all create, host and attend better events.

In this podcast you will
1. Learn about event strategy and actions that you can use today as an event host, planner, or manager,
2. Hear directly from the people who are creating innovative and inspiring events today and tomorrow
3. And Grow your business along the way!

Now let's get started and thanks for listening to the "Better Events" podcast.

Listen on Spotify

Available on

Report content on Spotify

54 - Exploring the Virtual Attendee Path with Arianna Black

Better EventsMay 11, 2022

00:00

35:59

60 - Legal Resources for Small Business Owners with Lauren Boyd

One of the most important parts of owning a business is the legal aspect. We interviewed lawyer and small business owner Lauren Boyd of Guide My Business to talk through the steps that every business owner should take to legally align their business. We also dive into contracts, the impact of COVID on event businesses, and more. Whether you’re just starting your business or have been in business for years, there is something for you in this episode.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Follow Lauren here:

Website: https://thelaurenboyd.com/

Instagram: @guidemybusiness & @thelaurenboyd

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/legallyaligned

Relay Pro: https://relaypro.com/

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Jun 22, 202239:21

59 - 10 Reasons Why We Love Virtual Events

This week, we sit down and list out all of the reasons why we love virtual events. Whether you’re in the camp that has embraced the digital revolution for events, between 100% virtual and hybrid events, or someone who’s been a little resistant, we lay out all of the pros of having a virtual event, as a planner and an organizer. Learn more about why we think virtual events are here to stay and some of the benefits of adding this skill to your event toolkit.

——

SHOW NOTES:

Mary’s Untethered Presentation - The Future of Fundraising Events: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yBKVrVFKNo

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Jun 15, 202224:49

58 - Attendee Engagement with Remo’s Founder Hoyin Cheung

No matter if you’re hosting a virtual event or looking to engage with your hybrid workforce, attendee and audience engagement is a vital. We sit down with Hoyin Cheung, the CEO and founder of Remo, to discuss best practices for creating authentic attendee engagement, the future of remote work, and more. Remo is an interactive virtual event platform that empowers you to recreate natural interactions in any type of gathering; from global events to remote work meetings.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Remo: https://remo.co/

Remo has generously offered our listeners a 15% discount on a Remo plan. Use the discount code BETTEREVENTS at checkout to receive the offer, the code is active until July 31st.

Notion: https://www.notion.so/

Episode #43 - How to Secure Hosted Opportunities as an Event Planner with Vanessa Loney: https://anchor.fm/better-events-pod/episodes/43---How-to-Secure-Hosted-Opportunities-as-an-Event-Planner-with-Vanessa-Loney-e1edb4a/a-a7dfeav

Follow Hoyin Cheung here:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/hoyincheung

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Jun 08, 202239:43

57 - Should You Even Have an Event?

One of our favorite things to do on the podcast is to tackle the “Shoulds” of the event industry. And one of the biggest questions to ask yourself as an event host or ask your client as a planner is “Should You Even Have an Event?” We’ve talked about how often we see a disconnect between the mission/goal of an event and the execution and one way to check that you’re staying aligned is to first challenge if you need to have an event in the first place.

——

SHOW NOTES:

Episode #2 - Starting with Why and Finding Your Event Northstar: https://anchor.fm/better-events-pod/episodes/2---Starting-with-Why--Finding-Your-Event-NorthStar-eupf69

Mary’s Company: EP Events - Events with a Purpose: https://epevents.org/

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Jun 01, 202227:49

56 - Producing Large Scale Sporting Events with Kelly Reed

Ever wonder what it's like to produce at the Kentucky Derby, the Final Four, and the Olympic Games? This week's guest Kelly Reed of Van Wagner has done just that. She breaks down her experience producing and showcalling some of the largest events in the world and shares tangible tips about how you can get into sports production and overall business advice for achieving your professional goals.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Episode #40 - Showcalling 101: https://anchor.fm/better-events-pod/episodes/40---Showcalling-101-e1dh2tt

Episode #20 - What It's Like to Work at the Tokyo Olympics: https://anchor.fm/better-events-pod/episodes/20---What-Its-Like-to-Work-at-the-Tokyo-2020-Olympics-e16big7

Follow Kelly Reed on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-reed-87523930/

Instagram: @kellyreed10

Van Wagner Productions: http://www.vanwagner.com/

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

May 25, 202235:46

55 - Managing VIPs at Events

We both love working with VIP guests, speakers, and clients. We sit down to talk about Mary’s recent experience at a hybrid event, how you prepare for working with VIPs, and some classic dos and don’ts

——

SHOW NOTES:

Episode #15: Emphasizing Hospitality in Events with Laura Yarbrough-Lloyd: https://anchor.fm/better-events-pod/episodes/15---Emphasizing-Hospitality-in-Events-with-Laura-Yarbrough-e14tqud

http://www.loganstrategygroup.com

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

May 18, 202227:03

54 - Exploring the Virtual Attendee Path with Arianna Black

Virtual events have opened up events to attendees across the country and even internationally. As you create your hybrid or virtual event, you need to think about your virtual attendees' paths. We interview Arianna Black, an experience architect with Women in Product, about her experience in building passionate online communities and listening to their needs.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Asking Better Questions with Jen Mueller Episode: https://anchor.fm/better-events-pod/episodes/48---How-to-Ask-Better-Questions-for-First-Impressions--Interviews-and-More-with-Jen-Mueller-e1get4h

Royalty Free Music Options:

#1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyE-FV9UL3s&list=PLW_omwEM1aifHXPSo2Dl6BO9K75kOHp1r&index=15

#2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC-NM1FuvBE&list=PLW_omwEM1aifHXPSo2Dl6BO9K75kOHp1r&index=17

Follow Arianna Black here:

Website: https://www.womenpm.org/conference-details

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianna-s-black/
-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

May 11, 202235:59

53 - Tips for Producing an Event in Zoom Like a Pro

Let’s talk all about hosting events in Zoom. We talk about why Zoom is so popular, our favorite features, what it means to be a Zoom producer and how you can learn how to become a Zoom producer.

——

SHOW NOTES:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

May 04, 202230:35

52 - What is a Virtual Event Technician/Streaming Engineer with Luke Clements

Virtual event technicians and streaming engineers play a crucial role in elevating your virtual and hybrid events. We sit down with Luke Clements to talk about how you can elevate your next livestream, how he started using OBS, and common mistakes he sees clients make and how you can avoid them.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Follow Luke Clements here:

Linktree: linktr.ee/itslukeclements

Website: https://www.itslukeclements.com/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/itslukeclements

Open Broadcast Software (OBS): https://obsproject.com/

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Apr 27, 202234:31

51 - How to Scale an Event Business with West Peek Productions

Learn how two connectors pivoted their business during the pandemic and have continued to scaled as a virtual and hybrid event production company. We talk about how they got started, tips for scaling your business, and make a connection between running your business and doing squats. Don’t miss this exciting conversation with West Peek Production co-founders Scooter Taylor and Tre’von Hill.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Follow West Peek Productions here:

Website: https://westpeek.productions/

Social: @westpeekevents

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/west-peek-productions

Calendly: https://calendly.com/
-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Apr 20, 202246:39

50 - Episode 50! What We've Learned So Far

We made it to episode 50! We reflect on our favorite moments from our first 49 episodes, what we’ve learned so far and a look ahead at what’s coming up on the podcast. We also take you behind the scenes on some of the production that goes into the pod so stick around if you’re looking to start your own podcast.

——

SHOW NOTES:

http://www.loganstrategygroup.com

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Apr 13, 202233:34

49 - Event Scope Creep: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Scope creep is one of the biggest challenges as an event business or a business really in general. We share what scope creep is, why it’s a problem, what you can do to avoid it in future projects, and flip the script to talk about when scope creep can be good (it’s rare but possible we promise).

——

SHOW NOTES:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast? Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Apr 06, 202231:14

48 - How to Ask Better Questions for First Impressions, Interviews and More with Jen Mueller

In this episode, we interview sports journalist and business owner Jen Mueller about the power of asking better questions. We talk about what makes a question good, why it’s important and how you can incorporate better questions into your life, especially if you’re moderating a panel or participating in an interview.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Jen’s Asking Better Questions Video Series: https://www.talksportytome.com/Asking-Better-Questions-Video-Series

Follow Jen here:

Website: https://www.talksportytome.com

Instagram: @TalkSportytoMe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/

Twitter: @JenTalksSports and @TalkSportytoMe

Jamboard: https://jamboard.google.com/

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Mar 30, 202235:59

47 - Community Over Competition Debrief: Built to Belong

In this episode, we recap a book we read called Built to Belong by Natalie Franke and talk about the importance of community over competition. We break down some of the key principles, share examples of how community has helped us in our careers, and have a surprise announcement at the end so stick around!

——
SHOW NOTES:

Built to Belong by Natalie Franke

Be Our Guest

Business Etiquette Made Easy

City of Saviors

The Little Book of Life Skills

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Mar 23, 202228:30

46 - Hybrid Event Case Study: Virtual Nonprofit Dinner

In this episode, Mary and Logan sit down to talk through a recent hybrid event, from the event basics, tech set-up, and staffing plan. We also recap our top key takeaways that you can apply to your next event.

——

SHOW NOTES:

Unity Intercom (virtual comms): https://www.unityintercom.com/cloud

-----

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast, buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Mar 16, 202227:02

45 - Mentorships vs. Advice vs. Coaching in the Event Industry with Lynne Reznick

In this episode, we interview Lynne about her experience with mentorship, coaching, and advice giving. There comes a time in every business owner’s career where they have learned so much that they’re ready to step into a role of an educator. We dive into the key differences, opportunities to mentor in the event industry, and more.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Follow Lynne here:

Website: https://lynnereznickphotography.com/

The Wedding Client Experience Academy

Download Mentorship Bundle and Other Resources

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnereznickphoto/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynnereznickphotography

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast, buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Mar 09, 202233:28

44 - Managing Finances as a Small Business Owner

In this episode, we’re talking all about the financial side of being a business owner. Mary and Logan share lessons they’ve learned from their years in business, where they go to learn and ask for advice, and tools you can use in your business, events and beyond.

——
SHOW NOTES:

Ep. 15: Emphasizing Hospitality in Events with Laura Yarbrough-Lloyd

Profit First (Book)

Women with Money by Jean Chatsky (Book)

HerMoney Podcast

The Magic of Tiny Business (Book)

Smart Women Finish Rich (Book)

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast, buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Mar 02, 202236:50

BONUS Livestream: Unpopular Event Opinions

In this special episode of the Better Events podcast, Mary and Logan go live on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn to share their event opinions that many might find unpopular. Filled with fun bonus tips, they talk about creating fun at virtual events, wedding dinners vs. late-night snacks, roles of MCs and event marketing plans, and more.

Watch the entire episode on the Better Events YouTube and Facebook page as well as Logan Clements and Mary Davidson's LinkedIn Page

Logan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganclements/

Mary's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryrosedavidson/

Feb 25, 202239:21

43 - How to Secure Hosted Opportunities as an Event Planner with Vanessa Loney

In this episode, we sit down once again with friend of the pod and the head of Global Planning for Blue Ribbon Events, Vanessa Loney. We dive into what we mean when we say hosted opportunities, the value they bring to you as a planner or a vendor or event venue, and how to make the most of hosted experiences.

——

SHOW NOTES:
IMEX Recap Episode #31 of the Better Events Pod

MPI WEC Event2022: https://www.mpi.org/events/wecsanfrancisco

SITE: https://www.mpi.org/events/wecsanfrancisco

IBTM World: https://www.ibtmworld.com/
-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

Want to support the podcast, buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Feb 23, 202233:50

42 - Enneagrams and Event Planning

In this episode, we’re talking enneagrams and share our results live and what it means in the event planning world. We’ll go through what enneagrams even are, our live reactions, and how they relate to our event planning process.

-----

SHOW NOTES:
4 Tendencies Quiz

4 Day Week Book
-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON SPOTIFY AND YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Feb 16, 202233:50

41 - How to Transition to Full-Time Entrepreneurship with Jasmine Smith

In this episode, we sit down with Jasmine Smith of SmithCo to talk about how to transition to full entrepreneurship in the event industry. If you've been wanting to amp up your side hustle or transition from full-time employment work to entrepreneurship, this episode is for you!

-----

SHOW NOTES:

- Follow Jasmine here:

Website: workwithjasmine.com

Instagram: @thejasminesmith

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminesmith1126/

Twitter: @jasminedotsmith

Listen to her new podcast, Built to Quit wherever you listen to podcasts
-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Feb 09, 202235:50

40 - Showcalling 101

In this episode, we're talking all about showcalling and being a showcaller. You'll learn what it is and what a showcaller does before and during an event.

-----
SHOW NOTES:

If you're interested in our Run of Show (ROS) template, send us an email at bettereventspod@gmail.com

-----
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES RECORDINGS ON YOUTUBE!

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Feb 02, 202233:51

39 - Microweddings with Gretchen Culver

In this episode we sit down with Gretchen Culver to talk about microweddings!

-----

SHOW NOTES:

(Spotify listeners - don't fret, video podcasts will be returning soon!)

- Follow Gretchen here:

Website: http://www.rocketscience.events/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocketscience.events/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketsciencewe

-----

Questions or topic suggestions? Email bettereventspod@gmail.com

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

Better Events

By Better Events Pod

Available on

54 - Exploring the Virtual Attendee Path with Arianna Black

Better EventsMay 11, 2022

60 - Legal Resources for Small Business Owners with Lauren Boyd

59 - 10 Reasons Why We Love Virtual Events

58 - Attendee Engagement with Remo’s Founder Hoyin Cheung

57 - Should You Even Have an Event?

56 - Producing Large Scale Sporting Events with Kelly Reed

55 - Managing VIPs at Events

54 - Exploring the Virtual Attendee Path with Arianna Black

53 - Tips for Producing an Event in Zoom Like a Pro

52 - What is a Virtual Event Technician/Streaming Engineer with Luke Clements

51 - How to Scale an Event Business with West Peek Productions

50 - Episode 50! What We've Learned So Far

49 - Event Scope Creep: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

48 - How to Ask Better Questions for First Impressions, Interviews and More with Jen Mueller

47 - Community Over Competition Debrief: Built to Belong

46 - Hybrid Event Case Study: Virtual Nonprofit Dinner

45 - Mentorships vs. Advice vs. Coaching in the Event Industry with Lynne Reznick

44 - Managing Finances as a Small Business Owner

BONUS Livestream: Unpopular Event Opinions

43 - How to Secure Hosted Opportunities as an Event Planner with Vanessa Loney

42 - Enneagrams and Event Planning

41 - How to Transition to Full-Time Entrepreneurship with Jasmine Smith

40 - Showcalling 101

39 - Microweddings with Gretchen Culver

38 - Leveraging Yourself to Become Referral-Worthy with Bron Hansboro

37 - Embrace Your Value & Worth as an Event Professional with Allison Pieter

36 - 2022 Goal Setting for You and Your Business

35 - Lessons Learned in Events and Business in 2021

34 - Advice You Give Yourself Back in January 2021 - Guest Compilation

33 - How to Get Executive Buy-in to Try New Event Tech

32 - Key Strategies for Mastering Expectations with High-End Clients with Nora Sheils

31 - Event Conference Recap: IMEX America 2021

30 - Things We Wished Our Clients Knew

29 - Hybrid or In-Person Only - How Do You Decide?

28 - Event Horror Stories with Logan & Mary

27 - Future-Proof Your Business by Building Relationships and Growing Your Email List with Aleya Harris

26 - FAQ's

25 - Technology Tools for Small Business Owners

24 - Top Tips for Working Remotely

23 - Dazzle with Surprise & Delight in the Event Industry with Meghan Ely

22 - 3 Common Mistakes at Virtual Events and How to Avoid Them

21 - Event Deep Dive With Mary

20 - What It's Like to Work at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

19 - Event Pros On the Go - 2021 Retreat Debrief

18 - Social Media Tips & Tricks with Heart & Social

17 - Get to Know Mary

16 - Get to Know Logan

15 - Emphasizing Hospitality in Events with Laura Yarbrough

14 - How to Find New Clients

13 - Event Predictions - What Will Events Look Like 1 Year From Now?

12 - Producing Hybrid Events with Anca Trifan