In this insightful episode of Event Mavericks, hosts Rachel Fusco and Sarah Kale dive into the world of procurement with Nicole Silberstrom, Advisory Leader at ProcureSource Group. With over 25 years of experience, Nicole shares her expertise on the procurement process, debunking common myths and providing valuable tips on navigating vendor selection, RFPs and achieving cost savings. She also explores the growing importance of DEI and sustainability in procurement. Tune in to learn how strategic procurement can elevate your event planning and ensure successful outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge from a true industry expert!

In this episode, Rachel and Sarah are joined by Joshua Board, Associate Director of Technical Production at Imprint Events Group, to delve into the world of audiovisual (AV) for events. The discussion covers key aspects of AV, offering insights and practical tips for planners.

Key Topics Covered:

1. AV Awareness:
   • Understanding the importance of AV in event planning.
   • Tips on negotiating multi-year contracts to manage trucking costs.
   • Key considerations when reviewing AV agreements and line items.
2. Exclusives in AV:
   • The challenges and strategies around exclusive AV deals.
   • Common issues with exclusives such as internet and power charges.
   • Practical advice on negotiating and managing exclusives for breakouts and general sessions.
3. Future Trends in AV:
   • The growing role of LED technology in event production.
   • Innovations in flexible and transparent LED displays.
   • The potential impact of AI on content creation and event production.
   • The shift towards hybrid events post-COVID and its implications for AV.

In this episode of Event Mavericks, hosts Rachel Fusco and Sarah Kale explore the key differences between two major industry events: BizBash and (IRF). They share their firsthand experiences, offer valuable tips for navigating these events, and provide recommendations for making the most of your participation.

Join hosts Rachel Fusco and Sarah Kale in this insightful episode of "Event Mavericks" as they share their exciting journey through BizBash Spring Connect 2024. From strategic preparations and innovative client engagement techniques to on-site experiences and post-event follow-ups, they unpack the essence of successful networking and relationship building in the event industry. Featuring a blend of expert strategies and personal anecdotes, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their event planning game and make every interaction count.

In today’s episode, Rachel and Sarah dive into the nuances of Strategic Vendor Management for Events, aiming to equip you with the knowledge to foster successful partnerships. Covering a single but significant problem in vendor management, this episode offers three key objections that might arise in such partnerships, along with practical solutions for each.

Episode Highlights

• Introduction
  • Welcome back to 'Event Mavericks,' your go-to podcast for the latest in the events industry. Join us as we explore the dynamics of partnering with vendors to achieve seamless event execution.
• Main Topic: Achieving Successful Partnerships with Vendors
  • The goal is for you to preemptively address potential objections in vendor partnerships.
  • True Partnership: What does it genuinely look like to have a partnership with your vendors?
• Objections & Solutions
  • Objection 1: How do you get your vendor partner truly invested in your success?
    • Solution: Cultivate honesty and transparency to highlight and solve issues related to commitment levels. Setting clear standards and managing expectations are key.
  • Objection 2: How can you guide the vendor without overstepping into their domain of expertise?
    • Solution: Respect and understanding of the vendor’s processes and timelines are crucial. It’s about balancing mutual respect to achieve the desired outcome.
  • Objection 3: Tackling communication challenges in vendor partnerships.
    • Solution: Avoid assumptions to prevent misunderstandings. Effective communication is foundational to a successful partnership.

This insightful episode explores the often-taboo subject of discussing budgets openly. Discover why fear and societal conditioning may prevent us from discussing our financial limits and how this silence could cost us more than we realize. Learn the benefits of transparent budget discussions, including smoother planning, more accurate initial ideas, and significant time savings.

1. Unveiling Budget Fears: Understand the psychological barriers to discussing budgets. Is the pride of spending less really worth the potential sacrifices? We delve into how overcoming these fears can lead to more efficient planning and outcomes.
2. Transparency in Purchasing: We demystify purchase costs, revealing the importance of knowing what you're truly paying for. This episode guides you on having open conversations with planners to set realistic expectations and prioritize your spending based on your available budget.
3. Maximizing Budget Utilization: Discover how identifying your "Wow" factor and priorities can lead to smarter spending. This segment offers practical advice on allocating your budget effectively to achieve maximum satisfaction and value.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how breaking the budget discussion taboo can empower you to make better financial decisions and confidently achieve your goals.

Join Rachel Fusco and Sarah Kale as they discuss the essential strategies for event professionals grappling with the challenge of managing overwhelming responsibilities. In this episode, they delve into the nuances of combating overload in the fast-paced world of event planning, offering three critical solutions to empower event mavericks to navigate their daily tasks confidently and efficiently. From advocating for support to embracing expertise and wise investment, Rachel and Sarah provide invaluable insights and actionable advice to help listeners conquer overwhelm and thrive in their roles.