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)

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-the-scenes insights will leave you feeling inspired and ready to dive in!

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

Listen back to Episode 124 with Cat: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7nHgRVsvvotD1f9Isd5vTN?si=uk93GVigQHuSsWZBL7aZSw

Event Safety Alliance: https://eventsafetyalliance.org/

Website: https://www.eventeny.com/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eventeny/

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

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)

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 wrap it all up with one actionable tip from each of us to help you elevate your events this April so give it a listen.

SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about the Northwest Event Show: https://nweventshow.com/

Liberating Structures book: https://www.liberatingstructures.com/bookstore/

Roadtrip book: https://roadtripnation.com/book

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)

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, and how to wrap things up professionally after the event. Whether you’re building your vendor list or want to strengthen existing partnerships, this episode is packed with practical tips.

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

Logan's YouTube Video on How to Source a New A/V Partner: https://youtu.be/apPQy90FFQs

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)

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 events immediately after listening.

SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about Event Badger at https://www.eventbadger.com/

- Mention the Better Events Podcast for 10% off your first order!

Work-life Balance Bonus Pod: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/p/december-2024-bonus-work-life-balance

Profit First Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/la-ganancia-es-primero-transforma-tu-negocio-en-una-maquina-de-hacer-dinero-y-logra-una-rentabilidad-inmediata-profit-first-transforma-tu-negocio-mike-michalowicz/266082

Buy Back Your Time Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/buy-back-your-time-get-unstuck-reclaim-your-freedom-and-build-your-empire-dan-martell/18422553?ean=9780593422977&next=t

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)

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 captivate attendees. Tune in to discover how to create truly memorable event experiences that resonate.

SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Deesha Dyer:

Website: www.deeshadyer.com

Instagram: @deedyer267

Purchase the replays for the 2024 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)

In this week’s episode, Mary deep dives into her latest experience at the infamous SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas. She shares her key takeaways, lessons learned and how you can attend in the future.

SHOW NOTES:

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

Buy the replays to the 2024 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

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, join Logan and Mary as they reflect on the first three months of 2025. They discuss the highs and lows of the quarter, sharing insights on the most rewarding aspects and standout moments that have shaped their early 2025. Listen as they delve into the strategies and practices they plan to carry forward, and learn how they intend to recharge and reset for the next bustling quarter. This episode is packed with personal reflections and actionable advice for event professionals looking to evaluate their own progress and plan ahead.

SHOW NOTES:

Unreasonable Hospitality Book (Eleven Madison Park): https://bookshop.org/p/books/unreasonable-hospitality-the-remarkable-power-of-giving-people-more-than-they-expect-will-guidara/17927785

Buy the replays to the 2024 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)

In this week's episode, dive into the essential pre-event routines that seasoned event planners and producers swear by to ensure everything goes smoothly. From the final high-level preparations the day before an event to the non-negotiable tasks that set the stage for success, our discussion covers it all. Learn about the checklists, team protocols, and personal habits that keep top professionals focused and calm, including how they manage their energy with specific meals and physical prep like comfy shoes and hydration. Plus, discover the one thing they wish they had started doing sooner in their careers to enhance their performance and efficiency on the job.

SHOW NOTES:

Learn more about Event Badger at https://www.eventbadger.com/

• Mention the Better Events Podcast for 10% off your first order!

Buy the replays to the 2024 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)