Podcast

Better Events

Business, Careers

Welcome to the "Better Events" podcast! Join two event planners and producers, 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 and career along the way! Now let's get started and thanks for listening to the "Better Events" podcast. Support this podcast at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

Episodes
287
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
36 min
On air since
2021
Latest episode
6 days ago

Episodes

287 episodes, newest first

  1. What's Saving Our Lives Right Now in Events, Business and Life (Fall 2026)

    Season 6, Episode 278

    Show notes

    In this episode, Logan and Mary are back with one of their favorite recurring episodes: what is saving their lives right now. Inspired by a practice from the Lazy Genius Podcast, they each come prepared with the tools, products, habits, and resources that have been making their lives easier this season. From protein bars and blazers to travel printers, sleep sprays, and AI tools they are actually using, this episode is part show-and-tell and part permission slip to try something new. Some of it is event related, some of it is not, and all of it is worth hearing.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration

    Logan's List:

    Barebell : https://shop.barebells.com/products/barebells-peanut-butter?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21485303754&gbraid=0AAAAAoJgM8RldlJpMsuOGM7vx5dHo8rnB&gclid=CjwKCAjwrbfWBhAeEiwAc2e6PiH31U22W3783CYf3q5rtY50cSukEC8_okhnB3BJvYhXWVSyY9_UPhoCDg0QAvD_BwE

    Wildfang Blazer: https://www.wildfang.com/products/empower-tux-blazer

    Emergency Tote Bag: https://outofthewoods.com/products/out-of-the-ocean-pocket-tote

    Travel Printer: https://link.amazon/B0cCiw3JG

    Mary's List:

    Protein Balls: https://simplyfuel.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4Wp34CWSN47NZ1bcbNHDZ2h8NbeHTFvwwo46KgfR1AshFononWo

    Cozy Fall Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LbLDHH3673EOdvuyVHb3E?si=4NSeiUwbTreReAEZNTsWJQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=YfQraCFdSCmLF

    Moleskin: https://www.drscholls.com/products/moleskin-plus-padding-strips?srsltid=AU7gw4VRj3MAZBFhzpEcBEzxr4oeeaRFJvxYuUUIsb2a80f7KdAIH25P

    Dr. Teal's Sleep Spray: https://www.drteals.com/product/dr-teals-sleep-spray-chamomile-lavender-melatonin/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    31 min
  2. Onsite Scenarios: When to Say No at an Event

    Season 6, Episode 277

    Show notes

    In this episode, Logan and Mary tackle one of the hardest skills in the event business: saying no to a client. They get honest about why event professionals are wired to say yes, share real examples of times they held the line and times they wish they had, and talk through what actually happens when you say yes to something your team can’t deliver. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still early in your career, this episode will give you both the permission and the language to start protecting your time, your team, and your work.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    36 min
  3. The Small Nonprofit Playbook for Large-Scale Galas with Cynthia Mikimoto

    Season 6, Episode 276

    Show notes

    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, and what high-impact, low-cost changes can immediately improve the guest experience. From nailing check-in to making sponsors and VIPs feel genuinely valued, this episode is a tactical playbook for any nonprofit looking to execute a better gala without a bigger budget.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration

    Connect with Cynthia Mikimoto:

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

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

    Website: http://www.nortora.com/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    35 min
  4. Speaker Management 201: What to Do When Speakers Go Rogue

    Season 6, Episode 275

    Show notes

    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 the rails entirely. They also get into how to handle high-profile and VIP speakers differently and the systems and tools that make the whole process smoother. If you produce events with speakers, this one belongs in your rotation.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Link to Speaker Management 101 - Episode 251

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ziiFRedmdL3tI6d1HdrPc?si=535abf91aa364a15

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok1N8jYqULU

    Purchase our template, including a speaker management tab: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/better-events-conferencemeeting-event-planning-workbook-template-excel

    Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    37 min
  5. Mary Returns & Life Outside of Events Update

    Season 6, Episode 274

    Show notes

    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 brings. It's the kind of conversation that goes well beyond events and into the messier, more meaningful parts of building a life and a business at the same time.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    34 min
  6. Mary's Back: Her Reactions to Every Episode She Missed

    Season 6, Episode 273

    Show notes

    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 what our episode with a graphics operator taught her about one of the most underappreciated partnerships in live event production. If you've been listening while she was gone, this one is a fun way to revisit it all through Mary's eyes.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    29 min
  7. Event Day Production Essentials: Audio, Pre-Show Checks, and Staying on Schedule

    Season 6, Episode 272

    Show notes

    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 confident on show day, this episode is a great one to revisit before your next event.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    35 min
  8. 271 - How to Land that Next Big Event Contract

    Season 6, Episode 271

    Show notes

    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 position yourself to be part of a bigger team. If you've ever watched a massive event and wondered how to get a seat at that table, this episode is your starting point.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Erin Leonard:

    Website: https://erinleonardevents.com/

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%9C%A8-erin-leonard-cmm-66155a59/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    43 min
  9. 270 - Your Brand Is Your Booking: How to Stand Out in a Crowded Events Market with Shannon Werkhoven

    Season 6, Episode 270

    Show notes

    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 from the venue side of the table, and the real difference between having a personal brand and just having a social media presence. If you want to be the planner clients think of before they even start searching, this episode is your roadmap.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Shannon Werkhoven:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-werkhoven

    Connect with guest co-host Erin Leonard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%9C%A8-erin-leonard-cmm-66155a59/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    36 min
  10. 269 - AI, We Need to Talk: What's Working, What's Not, and What Worries Us

    Season 6, Episode 269

    Show notes

    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 them, and whether the pushback on AI is making face-to-face events more valuable. Whether you're an early adopter or have barely touched it, this one is for you.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Erin's Platform Sandals: https://www.oofos.com/products/womens-ooahh-plus-slide-sandal-black?variant=44307457179763

    Logan's snackle box: https://amzn.to/3U5cY4g

    Chelsea Fagan's Financial Diet - AI Newsletter: https://thefinancialdiet.beehiiv.com/p/what-we-should-worry-about-when-we-worry-about-ai?utm_source=thefinancialdiet.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=what-we-should-worry-about-when-we-worry-about-ai&_bhlid=3ecf9fae55fd7787d2209713a1593109b6ec868e&jwt_token=

    Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Erin Leonard:

    Website: https://erinleonardevents.com/

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

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%E2%9C%A8-erin-leonard-cmm-66155a59/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    35 min
  11. 268 - Earning the Referral: What It Really Takes to Build a Relationship-First Business

    Season 6, Episode 268

    Show notes

    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 you're earlier in your career and wondering how to build referral equity when your network is still growing, this episode has a roadmap for you too.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Julianne Read:

    Website: https://eefundraising.com/

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

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

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    39 min
  12. 267 - The Pricing Mistakes Most Planners Don't Know They're Making with Jackie Baker

    Season 6, Episode 267

    Show notes

    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 what her work is actually worth. If you've ever undercharged, over-delivered, or struggled to raise your rates with long-term clients, this one is for you.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Jackie Baker:

    Website: https://www.sparkeventshq.com

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

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

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

    Related Episodes:

    Ep. #230 - When and How to Raise Your Event Rates Confidently: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uVLTOY3lqRqxrnxNlWHXx?si=BOFMTQmrQd2cOGKMh0Bb3Q

    Ep. #211 - Fractional CFO interview with Kelle Thorpe: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0plbiquoAHS5tpbFs0593K?si=Myft59dyQGiTmRNWl8Xukw

    Ep. #147 with Jackie Baker: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3piq1gn938vKhNK39V4RFL

    Connect with guest co-host Julianne Read on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianneread/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    35 min
  13. 266 - The Anatomy of a Paddle Raise with Julianne Read

    Season 6, Episode 266

    Show notes

    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 understand how to move a room to action, this episode will change how you think about the ask.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Julianne Read:

    Website: https://eefundraising.com/

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

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

    Logan's Favorite Vodka Sauce: https://danpelosi.com/recipe/grossys-vodka-sawce/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    35 min
  14. 265 - Go Beyond Lectures & Slides with Alternative Session Design

    Season 6, Episode 265

    Show notes

    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 practical and fun reimagining your programming can be. If you're designing a conference and want your attendees to actually remember it, this episode is your starting point.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Conference engagement cards: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    Connect with Lee Gimpel:

    Website: https://bettermeetings.expert/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BetterMeetingsExpert/

    LinkedIn for his company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    39 min
  15. 264 - The Data-Driven Event: Personalization, AI, and What Actually Works with Vinnu Deshetty

    Season 6, Episode 264

    Show notes

    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 versus what just looks like it. If you've ever felt intimidated by data or unsure where to start, Vinnu makes it feel human, practical, and worth your attention.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Vinnu Deshetty:

    Website: https://www.eventroicoach.com

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

    Connect with guest co-host Lee Gimpel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    30 min
  16. 263 - Peaks and Leaks in Your Event Agenda with Lee Gimpel

    Season 6, Episode 263

    Show notes

    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 agenda actually feels like from an attendee's perspective. If you have an event agenda locking soon, this episode will give you the highest-leverage change you can make before it does.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Conference engagement cards: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    Connect with Lee Gimpel:

    Website:https://bettermeetings.expert/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BetterMeetingsExpert/

    LinkedIn for his company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    35 min
  17. 262 - The Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to an Event

    Season 6, Episode 262

    Show notes

    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 her and her clients. If you've ever said yes to something and immediately regretted it, this episode is for you.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Logan's Travel Printer - https://amzn.to/4w5i2Dp

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    45 min
  18. 261 - Grief, Gatherings, and Connection with Dana Pake

    Season 6, Episode 261

    Show notes

    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 up about her own experience with loss while running her business, making this an episode that goes far beyond event planning and into what it really means to create authentic connection in the room.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Dana Pake:

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

    Francis Weller, Wild Edge of Sorrow and In the Absence of the Ordinary

    Pema Chondren, How We Live is How We Die (explaining concept of Bardo)

    Laura Lynn Jackson, Signs and Guided

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    44 min
  19. 260 - You Asked, We Answered: Event Bibles, AV Tips, Freelance Advice & More

    Season 6, Episode 260

    Show notes

    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, from raising your rates and marketing yourself to managing contractor friendships and getting a handle on your finances.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Vanessa Loney:

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

    Website: https://www.blueribbon-events.com/

    Instagram: @vee_loney

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Logan's Pasta shape - Radiatori: https://www.mamadepandi.com/product/radiatori-dried-pasta/

    Google Sites: https://workspace.google.com/products/sites/

    SCORE Mentoring: https://www.score.org/about

    Profit First Book: https://amzn.to/3PxXK66

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    44 min
  20. 259 - Behind the Curtain: What It Really Takes to Plan Events for the U.S. Government with Brittany Carroll

    Season 6, Episode 259

    Show notes

    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, and what it takes to source vendors and navigate relationships in countries where the rules and expectations are completely different. If you've ever been curious about government and public sector events, this one will open your eyes.

    SHOW NOTES:

    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with guest co-host Vanessa on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaloney/

    Connect with Brittany Carroll:

    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-a-carroll

    Website: www.arkandsol.com

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

    Substack: https://substack.com/@lifebeelifin

    SAM Vendor Database: https://usfcr.com/register-renew/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=sam.gov&utm_campaign=SAM&utm_source=adwords&hsa_tgt=kwd-303711204891&hsa_ad=737504210564&hsa_src=g&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ver=3&hsa_cam=122161541&hsa_acc=1449812725&hsa_kw=sam.gov&hsa_grp=5341822301&hsa_net=adwords&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=122161541&gbraid=0AAAAADx-gxsUSU4bel_oTKZe1l74oD5NF&gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKMJwA6sOO3Y5hvJLsnVZFGkeFG2ndoNilWOQBMLoa8rO8gVKwmB_oBoCnNgQAvD_BwE

    US Protocol references: https://www.state.gov/protocol-reference

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

    Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

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

    ——

    FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

    @bettereventspod

    @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

    @epeventsllc (Mary)

    40 min