Ben and Trae discuss their weekend plans, favorite drinks, and the importance for clarity while negotiating. When they're done catching up they get into event management, and Ben brings clarity into working with vendors. Then the importance of clarity comes into play with pre-production in relation to video projects and how to leverage content strategically for marketing. Then Ben takes us on a tour of the Austin studio!

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Video Integration

03:10 Car Buying Lessons and Family Dynamics

09:14 Vendor Communication and Event Management

13:11 The Value of Pre-Production in Content Creation

16:56 Leveraging Content for Marketing Strategy

24:15 Creating Value Through Client Relationships

29:45 officehoursintro.mp4

Ben and Trae talk about car shopping (Trae's getting a new car) to live streaming events. They get into what creates consistency across multi-location events, Ben asks Trae what his toughest day of shooting was (physically), and they both assess how important repurposing content can be for a marketing and communications team on the corporate level. They finish up talking about the ever present bugaboo, AI, and how its affecting authenticity for businesses.

00:00 Car Shopping Excitement

03:10 Event Highlights and Client Experiences

06:00 Live Streaming Insights and Mistakes

08:49 Consistency in Multi-Location Events

11:51 Challenges in Industrial Video Shoots

15:52 Repurposing Content for Long-Term Value

19:55 The Impact of AI on Content Creation

How do you plan for the unexpected — and make your event content work harder?

In this episode, Audion Founder Benjamin Jansen and Executive Producer Trae Stanley break down what it takes to deliver standout event experiences: from backup systems and AV service, to team communication and smart content capture.

They also share why personality matters for brands — and how great recap content can help you drive future attendance.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Event Anticipation

04:16 Lessons Learned from Recent Events

08:25 The Importance of Backup Systems

11:28 Delivering Exceptional AV Service

14:20 Navigating Last-Minute Challenges

17:24 Leveraging Technology for Events

20:27 Creating Engaging Event Content

23:25 The Power of Live Streaming

26:27 Building a Brand Personality

29:30 Capturing Event Value

32:33 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode, Audion Founder Ben Jansen unpacks the real drivers behind event pricing — and why there can be big differences from one vendor to the next. He breaks down how service level, equipment quality, and overhead shape what you’ll pay. If you’re budgeting an event or choosing vendors, this is a must-listen to help you ask the right questions and make informed decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Event Budgets and Pricing Discrepancies

04:57 Understanding Service Levels in Event Production

07:16 Evaluating Equipment Quality in Event Services

09:42 Decoding Overhead Costs in Event Pricing

In this episode, Audion’s Founder Ben Jansen breaks down the strategic side of streaming live events. He shares when streaming can boost engagement and transparency, and when it may actually work against your goals. Ben walks through key factors to consider — your audience, your content, and your revenue model — so you can make smart choices about when and how to stream.

Chapters

00:00 The Case Against Streaming Events

02:31 The Importance of Streaming for Engagement

05:19 Revenue Opportunities Through Streaming

Amanda and Zarina from DXP discuss their extensive experience in marketing within a large logistics company. They share insights into their marketing strategies, the importance of events, and how they measure success. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of working in a complex industry and emphasizes the value of company culture and collaboration in achieving marketing goals.

Takeaways

Amanda has been with DXP for 18 years, showcasing loyalty and growth.

Zarina brings a fine arts background to her role as creative manager.

DXP is an industrial distributor serving various industries.

Marketing strategies include digital, social media, and events.

Google Ads has become a significant focus for lead generation.

Events play a crucial role in customer engagement and education.

Measuring success can be challenging, especially for events.

Company culture fosters collaboration and expertise among employees.

Not all marketing efforts yield immediate ROI; some benefits are long-term.

Understanding the industry is vital for effective marketing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to DXP and Its Marketing Team

04:45 Marketing Strategies and Tools Used by DXP

11:33 The Importance of Events in Marketing

19:27 Measuring Success in Marketing Campaigns

26:01 Advice for Aspiring B2B Marketers

Host Trae Stanley talks to fellow Audion team member Nat Gregurek about his journey into audio engineering. They discuss the importance of sound quality in live events and the challenges faced in the industry. Nate emphasizes the need for effective communication with clients, best practices for audio production, and the technical aspects of managing sound systems. The discussion also covers common issues like feedback and the intricacies of using wireless microphones, concluding with advice for ensuring a successful audio experience at events.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

03:03 Nate's Journey into Audio Engineering

05:50 The Importance of Audio in Live Events

11:51 Demystifying Audio for Event Planners

17:54 Working with Production Companies

23:49 Client Communication and Unique Requests

26:16 Client Interactions and Color Grading Challenges

27:53 The Importance of Audio Clarity

32:09 Understanding Feedback in Live Sound

35:15 Microphone Types and Their Uses

42:37 Wireless Microphone Challenges

47:48 Best Practices for Live Sound Events

Hosts Ben Jansen and Trae Stanley talk to John Garza, and he shares his journey in the video production industry, discussing his experiences from high school to owning Branch Media. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, effective communication with clients, and understanding audience goals. The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of video production, including the role of AI and the differences between working with agencies and direct clients. John provides valuable insights and tips for navigating the production process, highlighting the need for clarity and simplicity in client communications.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Office Hours and Guest John Garza

02:14 John Garza's Journey in Production

06:13 Transitioning to Branch Media and Current Role

10:12 Working with Agencies vs. Direct Clients

14:08 Tips for Effective Communication with Production Companies

20:14 Understanding Goals and Parameters in Video Production

24:14 Gathering Essential Elements for Video Production

26:25 Navigating Freelance Video Production

30:16 Understanding the Value of Professional Production

35:22 The Impact of AI on Video Production

43:32 The Future of AI in Creative Storytelling

Ben and Trae talk with Brown Jarmon, A/V specialist at Audion what it takes to have success in the A/V world, and how important communication is! You better have a good relationship with the dockmaster or your might as well take a sledgehammer to your toes. Then we explore the importance of client relationships, negotiation strategies, and best practices for working with in-house AV teams at hotels. We also highlight real-life experiences and lessons learned from various events, emphasizing the significance of communication and collaboration in ensuring successful outcomes.

00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics

02:07 Understanding AV and Event Production

07:33 Client-Audio Visual Relationships

11:13 Navigating Last-Minute Requests

12:45 Building Relationships in Event Planning

13:20 Navigating Venue Contracts and AV Providers

17:44 Effective Communication and Expectations

22:28 Handling Issues During Events

25:27 Final Thoughts and Best Practices

Trae and Ben interview one of Ben's oldest friends in the world, Brad Haley (https://bradhaley.com/). Brad is freelance editor that has done it all -- reality, narrative, informercials and B2B. He even won an Emmy in 2022!

In this conversation, Trae, Benjamin, and Brad discuss the evolution of editing in the reality TV industry, the impact of AI on workflows, and effective communication strategies between clients and editors. They share insights from Brad's extensive career, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and music in video production. The discussion also touches on the future of editing and the ethical considerations surrounding AI in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of the Guests

02:46 Brad's Career Journey and Experience

05:16 Evolution of Editing in Reality TV

08:49 The Editing Process and Collaboration

12:17 Effective Communication with Editors

14:01 The Impact of AI on Editing Workflows

20:34 Crafting Engaging Content in a Short Attention Span Era

28:45 Best Practices for Storytelling and Branding in Video Production