Are rising costs forcing you to make tough calls on AV and production? Before you start slashing line items, listen to this.

In this solo AV Advisor Q&A edition of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne answers your burning questions on AV and event production strategy. With economic pressures and tariffs continuing to impact event budgets, Matthew offers candid, expert advice on how to make smart production decisions without sacrificing audience experience. From navigating in-house AV limitations to making strategic design upgrades, this is an essential listen for planners looking to protect ROI and elevate production value.

• Why audio should always be your first production priority
• Smart compromises you can make in scenic and visual design without losing impact
• How to upgrade from “two screens and a podium” using a multi-year strategy
• The real pros and cons of LED vs. projection—including hidden costs
• How to protect your creative vision when working with in-house AV teams
• Strategies for negotiating venue contracts to retain production control
• Real-world examples of navigating exclusivity clauses in large venues
• Why technical production experts are critical to your event team

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s the fastest way to kill a great show? Poor planning around entertainment.

You booked a killer band. But did you think about sound check? Rider updates? That mic for your CEO’s speech?

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by Patrick McGannon, founder of PM GIGS, to unpack the real challenges and opportunities in booking live entertainment for business events.

Pat brings a dual perspective—seasoned performer and production-savvy agency owner—and shares candid insights on what’s changed in the entertainment landscape since the pandemic. From last-minute RFP chaos to misaligned expectations around sound and stage logistics, Pat and Matthew explore what producers often get wrong—and how to do it right.

This episode is a must-listen for producers, planners, and performers alike who want to create seamless, high-impact experiences through entertainment that truly lands with the audience.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why compressed proposal timelines are the new normal—and how to manage them
• What event producers often overlook when booking entertainment
• How talent vetting and rider management can make or break a show
• Why collaboration across AV, staging, and entertainment matters more than ever
• How entertainment is evolving alongside technology, rigging, and audience expectations
• The future of events in Calgary—and what it means for Canada’s event landscape
• Advice for performers entering the business market of events

Patrick McGannon is the founder of PM GIGS, a Calgary-based entertainment and production agency. A 25-year industry veteran and award-winning producer, Pat blends his firsthand stage experience with logistical expertise to deliver seamless entertainment experiences for conferences, festivals, and corporate clients across Canada.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Follow Matthew Byrne on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep

Follow Patrick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-mcgannon-106b9526/

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your event creating fans or just checking boxes?

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne welcomes Alex Shebar, founder of NYC Social Club and a seasoned strategist in community, content, and brand experience. From launching influencer programs at Yelp and Bumble to producing immersive campaigns with global brands like HBO and Amazon, Alex has seen what works—and what completely misses the mark.

Together, Matthew and Alex dig into the core of what makes events feel human, relevant, and worth sharing in 2025. They tackle why so many brands still “stop at stage one,” how to think small to scale big, and why treating attendees like data points is a recipe for mediocrity. Whether you're planning global activations or niche experiences, this episode offers a fresh (and often funny) take on how to create true connection in an industry that's often just going through the motions.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to define clear ROI and purpose before planning any event
• Why personalization and small touches create big impact
• The problem with treating attendees like data—not people
• How to adapt global events with cultural nuance
• Why content and community strategies must work together
• The real meaning of hybrid (hint: it’s not just livestreaming)
• How micro-communities drive deeper brand engagement

Alex Shebar is the founder and Head of Influencer Partnerships at NYC Social Club. With 12+ years in community strategy, immersive marketing, and campaign development, he’s led global programs at Yelp, Bumble, and Culture Trip. Known for building high-impact brand moments that actually mean something, Alex helps brands move from passive reach to active resonance.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep

Follow Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-shebar/

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by Candace Davis and Nick Borelli for a panel discussion that gets to the root of what’s really threatening the events industry in 2025: not just economics, but toxic uncertainty. Together, they explore how fear—not just cost—is driving cautious decisions, cancelled plans, and communication breakdowns across associations, agencies, and global brands. 

This is a must-listen for event professionals navigating change and trying to stay creative when confidence is collapsing. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

• Why attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors are all re-evaluating their commitments 
• The return of hybrid events—and what makes them viable again 
• What brands are afraid of in today’s political climate 
• How global travel policy is slashing event participation 
• Why associations are failing to lead—and what needs to change 
• Creative ways to preserve pricing without losing value 

About The Guests: 

Nick Borelli is a seasoned event strategist with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and live experiences. As the founder of Borelli Strategies and a former executive at Allseated, he’s helped shape event strategy for Fortune 500 brands and global organizations. Known for his work on hybrid meeting platforms and future-of-work solutions, Nick is a passionate thought leader driving innovation at the intersection of events, technology, and human connection. 

Candace Davis is an award-winning event professional with 15 years of experience in virtual and in-person event production. From securing high-profile sponsorships early in her career to building successful virtual programs for global associations, Candace brings strategic insight and client-first execution to every project. In her current role at vFairs, she supports enterprise clients in delivering standout virtual, hybrid, and in-person events that drive long-term value. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Host LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep 

Guest LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francois-fournier-ctsm-cem-15981120 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does your event stage really say about your brand? 

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne dives into one of the most exciting shifts in business events today: the evolution of stage design. What used to be a flat backdrop is now a powerful canvas for storytelling, innovation, and brand identity. Whether you're staging a product launch or a leadership summit, how you design your stage can dramatically affect audience engagement, content value, and brand perception. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

● Why Apple, Samsung, Tesla, and Salesforce are leading stage innovation 

● The biggest trends in modern event staging from minimalist to 360-degree design 

● How immersive LED screens, projection mapping, and holograms are raising the bar 

● Real-world examples of sustainable and modular stage setups that drive ROI 

● How hybrid and AI-driven staging is transforming audience connection 

● What future-focused producers need to know about personalization and digital overlays 

Matthew brings together real brand examples, production trends, and future-forward thinking to help you reimagine what your stage can—and should—do. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Follow Matthew on LinkedIn

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your best event ROI isn’t in the lead list, but in a breakfast conversation?

Event leaders today face an overwhelming challenge: prove event value, defend the budget, and deliver real business impact, all while expectations rise and resources shrink. If you’re still measuring success by foot traffic or lead scans, this episode will change the way you think.

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne chats with Francois Fournier, Head of Global Events at DTN, about how to move beyond vanity metrics and truly prove event ROI. With 20+ years in the industry and a portfolio of 75+ trade shows annually, Francois breaks down how DTN uses payback ratios, qualified business conversations, and strategic data collection to tie event spend directly to business outcomes. Whether you’re producing incentives or pushing pipeline, this is an ROI masterclass every event pro needs to hear.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Qualified Business Conversations beat lead count every time
• How to use a 10:1 Payback Ratio to prove event value
• A practical way to visualize event performance using the BCG Matrix
• How to evaluate incentive programs through cultural metrics like retention and referrals
• What goes into a post-event report that your CFO will actually read
• How to turn your team into a strategic resource, not just logistics support

Francois Fournier is the Head of Global Events at DTN, a data and technology company supporting industries like energy, agriculture, and weather. With over 20 years of experience in corporate B2B events across financial services, SaaS, and technology, Francois has led global event strategies for major organizations including Fitch Ratings and Assurant. He is a Certified Exhibit Manager (CEM) and Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) at the Gold level, and is known for building measurement-driven programs that drive awareness, convert demand, and prove business value on a global scale.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Connect with Francois Fournier on LinkedIn

Connect with Matthew Byrne on LinkedIn

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by Isabelle Camp, Global Head of Events at Cohere, to break down what it really takes to design events that deliver measurable business impact. 

From strategic planning to post-event automation, Isabelle shares the systems, team alignment strategies, and data practices that transform events into revenue engines. Whether you’re navigating disconnects between sales and marketing or looking to move beyond vanity metrics, this episode offers a playbook for event pros who want real pipeline results in today’s B2B landscape. 

You’ll also hear why creative experiences still matter, how to avoid cookie-cutter formats, and what metrics actually move the needle when it comes to pipeline influence. 

What you’ll learn: 

• How to align event strategy with company-wide business goals 
• Ways to bridge the gap between sales and marketing through events 
• How to track pipeline impact using CRM and automation 
• Why clear pre-event objectives lead to stronger post-event reporting 
• How to balance creativity with data-driven decision-making 
• Strategies for scaling what works—and cutting what doesn’t 

Isabelle Camp brings over a decade of global event marketing experience, from enterprise trade shows to product launches. Now leading the charge at Canada’s top AI company, Cohere, she’s redefining what success looks like in strategic events and how to achieve it at scale. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Connect with Isabelle on LinkedIn

Connect with Matthew Byrne on LinkedIn

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• Strategies for integrating systems and breaking down data silos
• Common blind spots in operational planning
• The balance between AI innovation and personal touch
• Post-event technology strategies
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• The current state of AI in content creation
• Why audiences are becoming numb to AI-generated marketing
• How live events create trust and memorable experiences
• Case studies of major brands successfully blending AI with in-person experiences
• Practical strategies for incorporating live experiences into your marketing plan
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• The impact of rising costs and budget constraints on event strategies
• How policy shifts are creating uncertainty in the events industry
• Maintaining DEI values in a changing political climate
• The economic risks of rising tariffs on event production costs
• The importance of embracing hybrid event strategies
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.