The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the events industry in ways we never imagined. And while live events have either been cancelled or postponed, maintaining human connection remains incredibly important. As the events industry pivots, new ways of convening virtually are unveiled each day. So, what can we do as events professionals to adapt to this new normal?

Today, Linda joins guest host Megan Cumming to discuss how the landscape of event security has changed since 9/11 and explain why it’s crucial for every event to have a health and safety plan in place. She walks us through the questions we should be asking to assess an event’s unique security risk, sharing the components of an effective health and safety plan and the best way to communicate that plan to the venue, local law enforcement, contract staff and volunteers. Linda also describes the role attendees and vendors play in making an event safe and the value of sequential timelines for loading in AND out. Listen in for Linda’s insight into the tech tools we can use to ensure health and safety at events and get her list of free resources for designing an effective security plan!

Everybody in the events industry is talking about storytelling, but very few are doing it well. So, how do you go about developing the right messaging for your event? Where does the conversation begin? How do you develop a story that connects personally with your audience and inspires engagement?

On any given Friday or Saturday night, in any major city, there are seven to ten nonprofit galas. For each organization, the event is their biggest night of the year. And all represent very worthy causes. In such a crowded marketplace, what can you do to make sure YOUR event gets media coverage?

The Value Prop for Chefs, Sponsors & Attendees at Food – Centered Events—ECEO0053 David Hagedorn Part 2 As event professionals, we know the best events provide a phenomenal experience for attendees, sponsors and vendors alike. So, how does an event like Chefs for Equality offer a strong value prop for its participating chefs, sponsors and guests? What can we learn […]

Hosting Extraordinary Cause-Oriented Events—ECEO0052 David Hagedorn Part 1 What does it take to put on a successful cause-oriented event? David Hagedorn argues that it’s much like hosting a successful dinner party or running a successful restaurant. Whether he’s having a small group of friends over for dinner or organizing the annual Chefs for Equality event to raise money for LGBTQ […]

Creating Consistent Communication Strategy at Events—ECEO051 Carrie Fox, Founder and CEO of Mission Partners “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”      –George Bernard Shaw  To produce an impactful event, you need to start with the end in mind. What are the organization’s desired outcomes? Without a clearly defined call-to-action, they cannot develop the communication strategy necessary […]

Creating Consistent Communication Strategy at Events—ECEO051 Carrie Fox, Founder and CEO of Mission Partners “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”      –George Bernard Shaw  To produce an impactful event, you need to start with the end in mind. What are the organization’s desired outcomes? Without a clearly defined call-to-action, they cannot develop the communication strategy necessary […]

Communicating Your Value Proposition as an Event Professional with Howard Givner—Part 2 ECEO049 Howard Givner, Executive Director of the Event Leadership Institute When Marriott abruptly reduced their commission from 10% to 7% last year, it rocked the events industry. Third-party players who relied on commissions for the majority of their revenue were hit especially hard. It is unlikely that commissions […]

This Sunday, Super Bowl 53 lands in Atlanta. The vast majority of Americans will watch the Super Bowl this year – a whopping 72 percent! Here’s some fast facts about this years game – Super Bowl 53 by the numbers. If you’re like most Americans, you’ll be viewing the event from home or at a Super Bowl party. A fourth of […]