Empowering the Events Industry: Unifying Collaboration and Showcasing for Growth

Join host Gabby in this engaging episode of The EventHuddle Podcast as executive assistants Jodie Mears and Craig Bryson, co-hosts of The Crodie Files Podcast, share their wisdom and experiences in the world of event planning.

With over 20 years of experience, they discuss the importance of communication, networking, and maintaining strong relationships with event planners and suppliers. From small dinners to large corporate gatherings, they provide valuable tips on successful event organisation, emphasising understanding client needs and preferences. Don't miss this episode to elevate your event planning skills and gain valuable knowledge from seasoned professionals.

Standout Quote:

"For me, an event can be anything from a board dinner or a team-building event to wellness gatherings or networking events. I treat everything as an event. My life is an event. So planning, for me, is everything."

Resources and Calls to Action:

• Tune in to the Crodie Files Podcast for more insightful discussions on administrative professionals and event organisation.
• Consider Ministry Venues, a leading corporate events agency in London, offering cutting-edge locations and full end-to-end event management services for your next event.

EventHuddle Links:

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In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, host Gabby delves into the world of networking and event communities with guest Diane Thompson, co-founder of Delegate Wranglers, the UK's largest community for event professionals.

They discuss the importance of networking events in the event industry and how modern sources, such as online communities, are changing the landscape of professional connections. Diane shares her perspective on the sense of belonging that communities bring and how they can provide invaluable support, knowledge sharing, and opportunities.

The conversation explores the benefits of both in-person and online networking,
highlighting the positive impact of making real connections and how it doesn't have to be exclusive to one or the other. Additionally, they discuss the shift towards more inclusive and alcohol-free networking events, where attendees can still have a great time without the focus being solely on drinking. They highlight the impact of offering non-alcoholic choices to ensure everyone feels included and valued.

Standout quote:

"As long as you are part of a community and you are with your like-minded people, that for me is what's important. That is finding your tribe."

Resources/Call to Action:

• Look towards a networking platform of your own or join a community to help support your movements in the events industry.
• Explore Delegate Wranglers to find out about their offerings to the events community

EventHuddle Links:

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In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, Gabby, our enthusiastic host, sits down with Luke Buckley, Head of Sales at VenuIQ, to explore the ever-evolving world of event technology.

They discuss how technology has adapted post-COVID, enhancing delegate and sponsor experiences, and the future role of AI in curating personalised event journeys. Luke emphasises the importance of engaging attendees and leveraging data to make informed decisions. Whether you're a newcomer or an experienced event professional, this episode offers valuable insights into maximising technology's potential for memorable events.

Standout Quote:

"If there's data, let's go with what the data says. If all we have are opinions, let's go with mine."

Resources:

• Check out VenuIQ's event technology solutions for seamless delegate and sponsor engagement.
• Use data to understand attendee behaviour, preferences, and interests to make data-driven decisions for your events.
• Focus on simplicity and relevance when integrating technology into your events. Tailor the technology to suit your audience's needs and enhance.

EventHuddle Links:

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In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, Heledd Williams, and Danielle Bounds join host Gabby to delve into the world of modern events, the importance of inclusion, and the remarkable success story of the SQL Bits event held at ICC Wales.

The conversation explores how Heledd and Danielle collaborated with the event organiser to overcome challenges, create a unique experience, and transform perceptions of Wales as a destination for hosting events. From incorporating Welsh culture and language to innovative venue setups and sustainable practices, they discuss the key elements that made this event a game-changer. Furthermore, they highlight the collaborative approach, the power of authentic experiences, and the impact on the event industry.

Standout Quote:

"When you meet a client that you really bond with, the organising team is really unique in this as well... The fact that I got to go and kind of be the observer, you know, you're literally contrasting black and white in the sense of the event we experienced versus what was actually delivered at ICC Wales."

Resources/Call to Action:

• VisitWales.com: Discover more about Wales and its attractions.
• Encourage sustainable practices: Repurpose event items and support local charities.
• Engage attendees and speakers: Encourage them to write blogs about the event to share their experiences and feedback.
• Explore the Welsh Government's initiatives and support for hosting events in Wales.
• Connect with Heledd Williams and Danielle Bounds to discuss potential event opportunities in Wales.

EventHuddle Links:

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In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, host Gabby introduces Kevin Jackson, co-founder of AI Forge, an AI incubator platform, and an industry veteran with a rich background in events.

Kevin shares insights from his extensive experience and highlights the importance of audience engagement and targeted event planning. He emphasises the significance of defining clear objectives and employing the "think, feel, know, do" model to produce measurable outcomes. From his journey in various event companies to creating successful Muslim events, Kevin provides valuable lessons and strategies for event professionals aiming to maximise their impact.

Standout Quote:

"The more focused your event is, the better you do in achieving that objective. It's about outcomes. You've really got to know what you're aiming for and be able to hit it."

Resources/Call to Action:

• Visit Ministry Venues for more on event spaces
• Visit AI Forge to explore AI Forge's incubator platform and services

EventHuddle Links:

• LinkedIn
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• Facebook
• Website

In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, Gabby welcomes Zahra, a seasoned events professional from the consultancy group Bums on Seats, to discuss the experiences and challenges faced by women in the events industry.

They delve into the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, the need for more diversity in panels and industry events, and the impact of societal expectations on women's career progression. Zahra shares her personal journey and highlights the importance of embracing individuality and creating a supportive environment for women to thrive in the industry.

Standout Quote:

"You shouldn't have to wear all of these different masks or these different hats. You should just be able to be like, 'This is who I am. This is what I want to do. This is my skill set.' It shouldn't come down to whether you're a woman or a man."

Resources/Call to Action:

• Check out Bums on Seats, a consultancy group specializing in sales and marketing for the events industry.
• Explore mentorship opportunities to support and empower women in the events industry.
• Advocate for diverse representation in industry events and panels.

EventHuddle Links:

• LinkedIn
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• Website

In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, host Gabby welcomes Rick Stainton, founder of Power of Events, to discuss their efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the events industry and their mission to establish unity, collaboration, and recognition within the sector.

The conversation delves into the journey of creating a powerful platform that defines and showcases the events industry, highlighting its interconnectedness across various sectors. Rick emphasises the importance of attracting new talent, gaining media coverage, and securing government support to elevate the industry's value and respect.

The episode also emphasises the power of collaboration, inclusivity, and the collective impact the industry can achieve.

Standout Quotes:

"We don't have that value or respect that we deserve, I don't believe. And if we can get a lot of the industry behind this, which is phenomenal... we can build on brand now, for the benefit of all professionals."

"If you think big enough and start delivering on it, people go, 'Okay, I need to help him, need to support just in the little way I can because if this could really benefit all of us, that industry purpose, rather than sort of self-focused commercial game. That attitude I think is really growing."

Resources/Call to Action:

• Visit the Power Events website to explore the platform and discover the seven main sectors of the events industry.
• Engage with the hundreds of profiled organisations, associations, and industry communities showcased on the platform.
• Utilise the platform's resources, including event calendars, podcasts, online communities, and best practice profiles in DEI, sustainability, welfare, and skills.
• Support the mission of Power Events to give better respect, value, and showcase the power of the UK events industry by participating and contributing to the platform's growth and impact.
• Sign up, support, and share the platform (powerofevents.org).
• Provide feedback and suggestions for further development.
• Get involved with the startup fund and support its mission.
• Stay tuned for the launch of the web insight app in September.
• Explore opportunities for collaboration with universities and schools to promote events education.

EventHuddle Links:

• LinkedIn
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In this engaging podcast episode, Gabrielle Cook explores the profound impact of social media in the events industry. Guest, Tom McMahon, CEO of MCM, a customer acquisition agency specializing in events, provides valuable insights into leveraging social media for brand awareness and event attendance.

They delve into both organic and paid aspects of social media, emphasizing the importance of a solid digital strategy. From the potential of TikTok as a platform to the evolving landscape of social media, this episode offers actionable advice for B2C and B2B professionals looking to connect with audiences and drive results.

Standout Quote:

"A paid digital strategy is gonna be arguably the most effective way of boosting your brand awareness and actual event attendance, and especially in the past couple of years, being able to really nail that digital strategy means it can be more effective than any other form of investment."

Resources:

• Experiment with TikTok and embrace the power of short-form content to reach and engage your target audience. Adapt your content creation approach to resonate with your audience's preferences and leverage trends. Remember, the style of content is more important than the platform it resides on.
• Consider leveraging LinkedIn as a primary platform for targeting individuals based on industry, seniority, and interests.
• Explore collaborations with micro-influencers within the events industry who have a relevant following to amplify your reach.
• Create behind-the-scenes content to showcase the process, effort, and human elements behind events, fostering a deeper connection with audiences.
• Focus on understanding the emotional reasons why people attend events and tailor content to tap into those motivations.
• Continuously innovate social media strategies by looking at successful approaches in other industries and adapting them to the events space.

EventHuddle Links:

• LinkedIn
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• Facebook
• Website

In this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast, host Gabrielle Cook welcomes Priya Narain, co-founder of Event First Steps, to explore the role of education and experience in the events industry. Priya shares her own journey and highlights the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive industry for newcomers.

The discussion emphasises the value of both education and experience, debunking the notion of a divisive debate between the two. Instead, they advocate for a collaborative approach where education and experience complement each other, fostering growth and innovation in the industry.

Standout Quote:

"It's a bit of a pointless argument when we say, you know, it's education versus experience. No, it's education and experience. They complement each other and it should be embraced as that."

Resources:

• Event First Steps: A platform that offers panel discussions and networking events to support newcomers in the events industry.
• Consider mentorship opportunities: Experienced professionals can mentor younger members of the industry, fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and ideas.
• Embrace collaboration: Encourage collaboration between individuals with formal education and those with experience to benefit from their respective strengths.

EventHuddle Links:

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Join host Gabby Cook in this episode of The EventHuddle Podcast as she engages in a conversation with Cassidy Knowles, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Chorus London, a renowned creative agency specialising in powerful theatrical and strategic live digital experiences.

Together, they delve into the world of events, discussing recent trends, audience impact, and the art of storytelling in creating unforgettable experiences. From tackling challenging client briefs to the convergence of B2B and B2C events, this dynamic discussion provides insights into the transformative nature of the events industry and the magic behind bringing ideas to life.

Standout Quote:

"We're meant to be the backing singers. We're meant to be the people that support the main act, which is our client."

Resources:

• Explore Chorus London's portfolio and discover their creative event solutions by visiting their website at https://chorus.london/.
• Learn about the renowned global competition, Bartender of the Year, executed successfully by Chorus London, setting a benchmark for excellence in event production and community engagement.
• Gain insights and initiatives related to sustainability in events from isla (International Sustainable Events Association), an industry body dedicated to promoting sustainable practices.
• Consider reaching out to creative agencies like Chorus or others of interest for potential opportunities or collaborations. Share your passion and similar interests without hesitation.
• Embrace the power of collaboration, inclusive experiences, and the journey towards sustainability in event planning and execution.

EventHuddle Links:

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