Better Events

This week on the Better Events Podcast, we’re joined by Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren—the dynamic duo behind BEATS WORKING: Winning the Game of Events. From how they define “winning” as event professionals to the real talk on purpose, fulfillment, and community over competition, this episode is full of career gold. They also share their “Top 6 Planning Tool,” the go-to method that keeps their event timelines—and mental health—on track. Whether you’re juggling multiple clients or looking to feel more in control of your workflow, this is the mindset reset you didn’t know you needed.SHOW NOTES:Connect with Libby Sundgren & Alysse Bryson:Website: ⁠https://beatsworkingpodcast.com/Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/beatsworking/

https://www.instagram.com/libbysundgren/

https://www.instagram.com/alysseinthecity/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/beatsworkingpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/alysse.bryson/

https://www.facebook.com/libbykindle1/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/beats-working-show/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssebryson/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbysundgren/

Register & learn more about 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/bettereventspodTHANKS 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/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1VLeave 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)

Events are more than just great experiences—they’re powerful business tools. In this episode, we explore how adopting a CEO mindset can elevate your event strategy. From lean planning and clear ownership to budget-driven decisions and scalable processes, we share practical ways event professionals can run smarter, more strategic events. Whether you’re planning your first large-scale event or refining your internal processes, this episode is packed with tangible takeaways to help you treat your events like a business.

SHOW NOTES:

• Register for the 2025 Better Events Conference ( In-Person Day Only - Dec. 18th): https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration
• Learn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Lean Made Simple:

• Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/lean-made-simple-creating-stability-david-sykes/bd7ba7cb8454c839

• Podcast: https://www.leanmadesimple.com/podcast

Our episode on building a profitable event business (Episode 96): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaF3GOTkfDQ

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)

Slowing down might sound impossible in the fast-paced world of events, but what if it’s actually the key to doing your best work? In this week’s episode, we sit down with event producer and strategist Marisa Cali of Be Present LLC to talk about the power of intentional reflection for event professionals. Marisa shares real stories from her career, practical ways to pause even in peak season, and why rethinking productivity can change how you lead and deliver events. If you’ve ever worried that slowing down means falling behind, this conversation will give you tools—and encouragement—to approach events with more clarity and purpose.

SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Marisa Cali:

Website: ⁠http://www.bepresentllc.com

Instagram: @bepresent.events

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/calimarisa

Four Agreements book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-four-agreements-a-practical-guide-to-personal-freedom-don-miguel-ruiz/13b2e5ca590e5d19

Learn more about the 2025 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Register directly for the conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration

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

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

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)

Wow — what a day! Today’s virtual Better Events Conference was filled with connection, inspiration, and a whole lot of “aha” moments. From DJ Heat’s opening beats to our Executive Powerhouse Panel and lightning-fast workshops, you brought the energy and made this community truly shine.Now, we’re taking everything we started online and bringing it in person. Join us in Seattle on December 18th for a full day of hands-on workshops, small-group sessions, and the kind of magic that only happens when event pros gather IRL.If you already have a ticket to the virtual day but want to add the in-person day, send us an email at [email protected]. You can also continue to watch the session replays and Brain Bites on the Swapcard platform until June 30th, 2026.If you haven’t (yet) bought a ticket to the conference but want to join us in-person, purchase the In-Person Only ticket here (and you retroactively get access to the recordings from the virtual day), buy here: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registrationIf you have any questions, send us an email at [email protected], and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

Running a business in the events world isn’t all highlight reels and client wins—sometimes it’s just plain hard. In this week’s episode, Logan and Mary do a follow-up episode of the hardest parts of being a business owner, from mindset struggles and boundary-setting to financial uncertainty and nonstop decision-making. We revisit what we said a few years ago on this same topic, share how our answers have evolved, and open up about the hardest money and business choices we’ve faced along the way. If you’re in the middle of a tough season as an event pro or small business owner, this conversation is packed with real talk, lessons learned, and encouragement to keep going.SHOW NOTES:Register for the 2025 Better Events Conference (Oct. 1st & Dec. 18th): https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registrationLearn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conferenceRevisit Part 1 of Hardest Lessons (Episode 113): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxiAA-lZkCcWant our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected] the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspodTHANKS 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/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1VLeave 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)

What does a stage manager actually do at a live event or conference? In this episode, Mary interviews Logan to break down her full process—from the moment she’s hired to the final cue onsite. We delve into the differences between stage managers, producers, and showcallers, the essential gear that always makes it into the “go bag,” key details your stage manager needs in your run of show, and what a typical show day entails. Whether you’re a fellow stage manager, a curious event pro, or someone looking to collaborate more effectively with show crew, this episode is packed with helpful tips and real-world insights.SHOW NOTES:Register for the 2025 Better Events Conference (Oct. 1st & Dec. 18th): https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registrationLearn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conferenceListen back to episode 148 of the podcast - How to Be a Stage Manager: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1VWant our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected] the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspodTHANKS 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/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1VLeave 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)

Ever been hired just for the day of an event, or curious how you can add this service to your toolkit? Mary Davidson takes you behind the scenes of her own day-of event management process—from onboarding late in the game to running the show onsite. We walk through proposal language, setting expectations, working with a team, and the real challenges that come with managing an event you didn’t manage in the pre-planning process. Whether you're offering this service or hiring someone who does, you’ll walk away with tips to improve your own event flow and set yourself up for success

SHOW NOTES:

Partner of the Pod - Learn more about Sean and the Audio Engineers Northwest: https://www.audioengineersnorthwest.com/contact-us

Register for the 2025 Better Events Conference (Oct. 1st & Dec. 18th): https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration

Learn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

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)

We’re joined by the incredible Necoya Tyson, Founder & CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions, to talk about something every event professional faces eventually: knowing when it’s time to walk away from a client. With her deep experience in conference and tradeshow management, Necoya shares the red flags she watches for, mindset shifts needed to protect your business, and her strategies for exiting client relationships professionally and gracefully—even when the brand is high-profile or the paycheck is tempting.If you've ever struggled with a difficult client (or ignored your gut and regretted it), this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Necoya Tyson:

Website: ⁠www.lightseyevents.com

Instagram: @lightseyevents (business) and @queenbossplanner (personal)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lightseyevents

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

Learn more about the 2025 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Register directly for the conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration

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

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

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’re tackling a little bit of everything event professionals deal with—from whether money really buys happiness to how formal RFPs are changing, tips for asking for and giving referrals, and when you absolutely need a contract. We also answer a listener question about getting booked without a formal agreement and share our go-to strategies for managing workload as event pros.

Whether you’re a planner, producer, or director, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away.

SHOW NOTES:

Register for the 2025 Better Events Conference (Oct. 1st & Dec. 18th): https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration
Learn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

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)

What’s it really like to run one of the country’s top convention centers? In this episode, we chat with Jennifer LeMaster, President and CEO of the Seattle Convention Center, about her journey into events and what it takes to lead a massive venue like Seattle’s. Jennifer shares behind-the-scenes of her leadership journey, tips for planners working with large venues, and trends shaping the future of big events. Whether you’re dreaming of hosting at a convention center or just curious how it all works, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

SHOW NOTES:

Website: seattleconventioncenter.com

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

Learn more about the 2025 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Register directly for the conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration