Colin Cowie is a highly regarded expert in experiential design, high-end events, luxury, and style. Royalty, Oprah, Ryan Seacrest, and Jenifer Lopez make up a few of his clients. The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn't Know They Wanted, his most recent book, is a manual for creating exceptional customer experiences. Originally from South Africa, Colin moved to LA and got his start in events while working in catering. Later, he moved to NYC and found himself working at InStyle, on television, and planning over-the-top parties and weddings. He shares his wisdom on resilience, accountability, and the small and important details.

1:57 -    Start in South Africa Army
3:06 -    Move to LA, the start of his event planning business
4:19 -    Move to NY, business taking off
6:00 -    InStyle and television opportunities
6:55 -    Influences and trends
9:58 -    Most memorable events & projects currently in the works
12:20 - Emotional seduction / Bespoke luxury experiences
15:00 - Feedback, lessons learned, accountability
23:00 - Small details
23:56 - Advice to clients
26:25 - Hospitality Group


Colin Cowie:
Book: The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn't Know They Wanted
https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Standard-Giving-Customers-Wanted/dp/1400224004
Instagram @colincowie @colincowielifestyle
https://www.facebook.com/itsmecolincowie
https://www.colincowie.com

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

Erick Long is the Vice President of Production at RedPeg Marketing, an independent brand engagement agency that creates memorable experiences. His exciting and varied career in events and entertainment has involved working with the Academy of Country Music Awards, Universal Studios, the Winter Olympics, and the Grammys. In this episode, Erick gives advice to young interns and aspiring event planners, reflects on his career path, and talks about maintaining professional connections.

0:56                 Early Career
1:53                 UP with People
2:38                 Move to LA
4:52                 Olympics 
8:15                 Professional Relationships
13:34               Universal Studios Special Events
14:42               ACM Honors
19:10               Advice to Younger Self 
22:12               Advice to Marketers 
24:50               Defining Success 
29:20               Latest Events 
30:40               Value of Event Internships & Volunteering
35:13               Get Connected with Erick


Erick Long
linkedin.com/in/erick-long
Instagram @plaid_erick
https://www.facebook.com/erickhlong
https://redpeg.com


Mark Testa 
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this special episode, Mark shares industry tips about ways to increase your event success rate time by using "time" to your advantage

1:15     Lack of control during events
1:20     Prototypes
2:25     In sync team
2:33      Ways to increase your success rate
3:28      Ability to manage uncertainty
4:06      Management of Time
6:01      Permits
8:34      Budgets
9:27      Ideal time frame to put on event
10:36   Promote your project 


Mark Testa 
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Wendell Cruz, sports & event photographer. Wendell combines his love of sports and photography to become a highly sought-after sports and event photographer. His images appear on media outlets throughout the country, such as New York Times, NBC Sports, and Sports Illustrated to name a few.

1:02       Started in Law, always loved photography
2:08       Public Defender background
3:09       Getting started in photography / Process 
5:02       How to become an in-demand Sports Photographer
5:21       Current state of Sports Photography
6:54       Importance of having a mentor(s)
8:01       Tips to getting started & Significance
9:35       Big Break at Madison Square Garden & Belmont Stakes
11:51     Importance of Networking & following up
13:55     Seasons of Sports Photography
15:30     How to get booked for high-profile sporting events
18:46     Most Memorable Events: Triple Crown & Dwayne Wade's last game
21:32     Three reasons to get into sports photography
24:05     Effects of social media & cell phones on the industry 
27:49     Advice to young professionals


Wendell Cruz
https://www.instagram.com/finishfirstphotos/
https://twitter.com/Finish1stPhotos
http://www.finishfirstphotos.com/

Mark Testa 
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Carmen Jones, the Senior Director of Experiential of Essence. With over 20 years of experience, Carmen is responsible for the brands notable live and virtual events, including Essence Festival of Culture, Black Women in Hollywood, and Essence Fashion House to name a few. Learn what it takes to produce one of the nation’s largest festival, The Essence Festival of Culture. 

00:40      Started in banking &educational finance
1:39         Working in Wine & Spirits led to Events business
3:17          Launched own Event planning business
6:06          Lifestyle of consumer 360
8:12          Brand Persona
11:19       Understand the “Why” & “Who”
12:05       Process & timeline
13:13       Ideation Roadmap
15:48       Producing Essence Festival
23:40       Wish known before: Power of my Peers
25:41       Virtual Events
27:50       Operating during COVID
29:06      Support Black-owned Business
31:00     Advise to professionals
34:09     Essence Fest


Carmen Jones
Instagram @mscarmenj
linkedin.com/in/carmenrjones
https://www.essence.com/essence-festival-2022/
https://www.essence.com/

Mark Testa 
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with David Bowen, the president and founder of Bowen & Company. His company produces spectacular high-profile events, including the James Beard awards, where he has served as executive producer for 16 years.  Learn what it takes to produce this multi-faceted event that includes an awards ceremony and a culinary component with over 25 chefs from around the country.

00:52     Getting started in theater 
1:39        Working with Hearst & Oprah Magazine
3:52        James Beard paused during COVID
5:08        What is a James Beard Award 
8:13        Components of the James Beard Awards Event
10:37      25 Chefs from around the country
12:09      Creating a foundation for top chefs
14:13      Grace Under Pressure
16:47      Incredible Team 
18:21      Taste of America
21:50      Non-profit sector during COVID
25:01      Fundraising 101
26:13      Virtual Events
26:36      Advice for success for clients
31:38      Advice to someone starting out
34:25      Final Thoughts

David Bowen
Instagram @bowenandcompany
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-bowen-10a4757/ 
https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards 
https://www.jamesbeard.org/tasteamerica

Mark Testa 
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber 

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

James LaForce is the founder and CEO of LaFORCE, a highly regarded full-service marketing communications agency for the world’s top brands. Born in Wisconsin, James started fantasizing about a glamorous New York City life when he was just ten years old. James got his start in public relations while working for the legendary publicist, Eleanor Lambert. His PR firm was recently named “The Most Powerful PR Firm” by The Observer. In this episode, James shares advice for young professionals and potential clients and details of the most memorable event of his career thus far.

1:38                 Career path 
6:20                 Working for Eleanor Lambert
10:01               PR Industry back in the day
12:10               Meeting husband at PR agency
14:47               Starting own business
16:52               Discuss one key element of success
18:10               PR landscape
20:40               Most memorable event: “Paris Lips”
25:18               There is an audience for the normal everyday life. “Reality is the new Fantasy”
26:46               Advice for clients
30:19               Advice for young professionals

James LaForce
https://laforce.nyc
Twitter @JamesLaForceNYC 
linkedin.com/in/jameslaforce


Mark Testa 
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber 

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

On this episode Mark speaks with Dibrie Guerrero. "Dee" is the Focus Audiences Marketing Communications Manager at Ford Motor Company, where she’s worked since 2004. She is the woman behind many of Ford’s ingenious partnerships, including the 2021 “More than Tough” F1-50 program with DJ D-Nice. Buying a car is such a personal decision, Dee makes sure that Ford’s messaging, events, and partnerships are also personal and human centered.

1:05                 Career path at Ford
3:35                 Typical work week - Marketing Strategies
7:50                 Planning Process working with multiple brands
9:06                 DJ D-Nice “More than Tough”
14:24               Winning “Marketer of the Year” Award 
15:40               Choosing right partners & projects
20:30               Future of experiential “Human-centered design & thinking”
23:26               Vehicle are an extension of your personality
25:39               Essence Festival – Most Memorable Event
30:42               Future of electric car market
33:45               Advice for recent grads
39:48               Connect with Dibrie on LinkedIn


Dee Guerrero
linkedin.com/in/dibrie-guerrero-a084768
https://www.essence.com/essence-festival-2022/
https://www.ford.com
https://fordauthority.com/2021/01/ford-launches-new-2021-f-150-ad-starring-dj-d-nice-video/

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In this episode, Mark speaks with Danny Shaw. Danny is an accomplished product strategist, multidisciplinary designer, business strategies, project manager, and a Professor based in New York. Danny helps clients solve and avoid digital problems, which has been critical to event marketers as they move to the digital world. Mark and Danny discuss the pros and cons of the digital space, the importance of tracking analytics, and best practices when planning digital events.

0:50        Danny’s background
4:41        Essence Magazine
6:28        How digital events have evolved from past to present
7:27        Challenges to look out for in digital events
11:05     Why it’s important to know your actual audience vs. who you think they are
12:14     Continuous monitor of feedback and analytics in the digital space
15:00      Best practice with working w/clients
17:13      Essence Music Festival
19:00      How to put on successful events during the pandemic
20:18      Lessons & advice to students in digital space
23:53      Upcoming events: live events in Cloud computing space
24:52      Ways to connect with Danny

Danny Shaw
The Business Grind https://businessgrindshow.com/about-us/
https://www.helloshaw.com
https://www.5linedesigns.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannycshaw 
Instagram @5linedesigns
Twitter @MrPapers

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

 Mark talks with Fern Mallis. Fern is the award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week and was the Executive Director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. For the last ten years, Fern hosts the acclaimed “92|Y Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis.” In this episode, we discuss how to craft a memorable experience in the Fashion industry, Fern’s impressive career in fashion, and event planning in NYC.

1:10       Early Career
2:08       Working at Mademoiselle Magazine
3:55       Fern’s 1st Event Experience
5:56       Fashion Director at Gimbels East
7:00       How “Fern Mallis Public Relations” company began
10:40    Events for IDC NY (International Design Center)
14:05    DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) events
16:30    Recession and CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) 
23:32    Market Week/Fashion Week
24:36    Fashion show in Bryant Park
25:20    “Organize, Centralize, Modernize”
34:40    Fern’s most favored events
36:12    Start of “Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis at 92|Y”
39:24    92nd Street Y events
39:50    Advice to aspiring fashion professionals


Fern Mallis 
Instagram @fernmallis @92ndstreety 
Twitter @FernMallis @92Y
linkedin.com/in/fernmallis
http://92Y.org/FashionIcons

Mark Testa
https://www.markstephenagency.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/
Instagram @markstephenea
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber

Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/