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 in 2024. Join us for some time-traveling reflection and future-focused fun!

SHOW NOTES:

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. Whether you’ve been freelancing for years or are leveling up your business this season, there’s something in this episode for you.

SHOW NOTES:

Listen to our 101 episode, Episode 204: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0FLnNyRVtwa5WpGcAJiq4j?si=ZcEBVlbRR-KZ7N96a_9-Xg

Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected]

Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

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

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

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FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

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 from increasing profits and navigating slow seasons, to building smarter, more sustainable event businesses. If you're ready to take the guesswork out of your finances, this episode is packed with practical advice and next steps.

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 or looking to grow, there's something here to help you book your next event with confidence.

SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about our partner of this episode, Snapquest. Mention the Better Events podcast and you'll earn $100 off your event's SnapQuest: https://www.snapquest.co/

Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected]

Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

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

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

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 smoother, and keep your tech team happy.

SHOW NOTES:

Re-listen to Episode 5 "What is a Run of Show and Why Does Your Event Need It?": https://open.spotify.com/episode/5L33XzlxhJoms1nwfluOoN?si=19bedbbcb5db4c92

Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected]

Interested in hiring Logan to write your event run of show? Send her an email at [email protected]

Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

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

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

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 great sound, common mistakes to avoid, and how to set your audio team up for success. Whether you're new to events or have dozens under your belt, this episode will help you level up your next event’s sound experience.

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 work trips. Whether you travel all the time or are prepping for your first event on the road, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs.

SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about our partner Audio Engineers Northwest: https://www.audioengineersnorthwest.com/

Ulta Sleep Spray - https://www.ulta.com/p/sleep-spray-with-melatonin-essential-oil-blend-pimprod2023308?sku=2577982&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&utm_source=google&utm_medium=paidsearch&cagpspn=pla&CATCI=pla-2383389989937&CAAGID=107718644876&CAWELAID=330000200002731724&CATARGETID=330000200001394369&CADevice=c&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=10966309081&gbraid=0AAAAAD9rLH4euMtjchoFFa05-lSq-OJec&gclid=CjwKCAjw24vBBhABEiwANFG7yze1lUNRSD52JH6T-S99qlu6BmYA7wPVOSZJDEm1UYrfHggcncWl-RoC7k8QAvD_BwE

Spanx Air Essentials: https://spanx.com/collections/airessentials

SeaTac Spot Saver: https://www.portseattle.org/SEAspotsaver

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 hotels. Whether you’re just starting out or already on the road, this episode is full of practical tips for event pros on the move.

SHOW NOTES:

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, we each get a mini sustainability consult on recent events we produced—what worked, what didn’t, and where we can all do better. If you're ready to move beyond the green-washing and make a real impact with your events, this one's for you.

SHOW NOTES:

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 out of school or side-hustling while working full-time. If you’ve ever thought about going out on your own in events, this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about Eventeny and get a $500 discount, a special gift for Better Events listeners by visiting: https://product.eventeny.com/better-events-promo

Register interest for the 2025 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

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

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)