Solution Seekers

Nadia Rahali is the General Manager of the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, GA. She is a leader committed to empowering organizations and leaders in creating meaningful and purposeful convenings. She believes that hospitality is a virtue and it's a privilege to be given the opportunity to be of service to others

In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige had the pleasure of speaking with Earla Jones, Director of Conference Services and Operations at the American Library Association. 

In a world where event planning is rapidly evolving, understanding the intricacies of creating memorable and inclusive experiences is more crucial than ever. This episode delves into this dynamic field. Jones, with over two decades of experience, brings a unique perspective on the importance of experiential design and accessibility in event planning. But how does one seamlessly integrate these elements to elevate the standard of events?

Earla Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Her journey from a psychology major to a renowned event planner showcases the diverse paths leading to success in this industry. She emphasizes the significance of experiential design in events, focusing on creating engagements that resonate with all five senses to leave a lasting impact. Jones also highlights the vital role of accessibility in event planning, discussing how inclusive practices can transform an event's appeal and reach. Her approach is not just about meeting standards but about innovatively enhancing the participant experience. Through her expertise, Earla Jones illustrates that successful event planning is as much about understanding people as it is about logistics and creativity.

In today's episode, Paige Buck had the pleasure of chatting with Johnice Veals, the Associate Director of Events and Employee Engagement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Johnice takes her into the world of pharmaceutical events, sharing her insights and experiences in creating meaningful and impactful experiences for employees globally. From navigating time zones and cultural differences to fostering diversity and inclusion, Johnice discusses the challenges and successes in her role. They also delve into her previous work at Life is Good and how she brings elements of fun and music into the pharmaceutical industry.  

As a seasoned professional in the events industry, Johnice Veals brings a wealth of expertise and firsthand knowledge to the table. Throughout the interview, she candidly shares her insights on gauging employee satisfaction, managing global events, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Johnice's valuable advice centers around the importance of authentic connections, utilizing data-driven insights, and aligning events with company strategy. Her experience in bridging the gap between different industries, from apparel to pharmaceuticals, showcases her innovative and adaptive approach. Johnice imparts her wisdom on successfully orchestrating impactful events and creating a sense of community within organizations.

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your strategies to meet the needs of a rapidly changing market. But how can you effectively navigate these evolving landscapes?

In this episode of The Solution Seekers Podcast, Paige Buck engages in an insightful conversation with Megan Hull, the Senior Director of Events at Technology Marketing Toolkit (TMT), a renowned marketing consulting firm in the IT services industry. Megan brings her expertise and years of experience as she discusses the challenges faced by the events industry and how TMT has adapted to the changing market. With over 30 events each year, ranging from small workshops to large-scale conferences, Megan and her team have developed effective strategies for ensuring the success of each event.

As an experienced events professional, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion highlighting the importance of constantly enhancing and improving events. In response to a downturn in in-person event attendance, Megan shares how her team pivoted to hosting virtual events and focused on maintaining high engagement levels. This experience allowed her to embrace the importance of community and our natural deep craving for connection, especially in times of isolation. She also focuses on how her team uses their skill sets and understands the role and capacity each person can play to create the best experience for the client and their attendees. Megan’s depth of knowledge and passion for the events world will delight and inspire you to new ways of thinking within your team. 

In this enlightening episode of The “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck, is joined by Michelle Allbon, Fractional CRO and Managing Director of Grounded Advisory. During her interview, Michelle dives deep into the dynamic world of sales, marketing, and operations. Drawing from her diverse career path and wealth of experience, Michelle sheds light on the complexities and challenges of navigating these intersecting domains.

Michelle's valuable insights highlight the need for a harmonious relationship between sales and marketing. She emphasizes the importance of establishing clear swim lanes and a shared understanding of goals and responsibilities. By aligning these functions and leveraging modern practices like revenue operations (Rev ops), companies can optimize lead generation, conversion, and customer tracking. Michelle also challenges the traditional view of sales as a linear process, advocating for a holistic approach that embraces the power of data-driven strategies while fostering genuine customer relationships.

Through her expertise as a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Michelle provides a fresh perspective on how operational change and uncertainty can be approached strategically. She stresses the significance of distinguishing between tactical and strategic work, empowering leaders to focus on the broader context and make informed decisions based on concise, bottom-line data.

This episode paves the way for professionals across sales, marketing, and operations to explore innovative ways of driving revenue, fostering collaboration, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business. Michelle Allbon's insights serve as a guiding light for those seeking to excel in the intertwined realms of sales, marketing, and operations.

In the latest episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Costa, a seasoned hospitality professional, advocate for sustainable practices and aromatherapy, and the Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 Hotels. Joel shares his extensive experience working in the industry and his current role with 1 Hotels, a brand focused on minimizing their environmental footprint.

This insightful episode also delves into Joel's expertise in event planning and marketing, where he highlights the importance of engaging with digital customers, staying on top of trends, and fostering creative collaborations. Joel's passion for sustainability, aromatherapy, and creating meaningful experiences shines through in this conversation, painting a picture of how the hospitality industry can transform and embrace a more eco-conscious and relaxing approach. Tune in to this episode to discover how Joel Costa is paving the way for a greener future in the hospitality world.

In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck speaks with Joshua Steinberger, a seasoned professional in the realm of strategy and communications. With an impressive portfolio highlighting his work with organizations such as Tipping Point and the Presidio Trust, Joshua shares his experiences and provides valuable insights into the world of communications, events, and driving impact.

Throughout the episode, Joshua emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and connecting with people on a meaningful level. From his work with Tipping Point, where he witnessed the organization's nimble response to crises like the North Bay fires and the COVID-19 pandemic, to his involvement in the transformation of the Presidio into a public space, Joshua's expertise shines through as he shares valuable tips on storytelling, spokesperson selection, and event planning. His ability to simplify complex topics and connect with others quickly is a testament to his mastery of the field. Overall, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for professionals looking to make a significant impact within their organizations and communities.

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with guest Justin Dorfman, Co-Founder and CEO of AssetMule and an experienced sales professional with a passion for enterprise sales. Throughout the episode, Dorfman shares valuable insights on managing the sales process, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored solutions. He highlights key moments in the sales process, such as the proposal stage, where both parties come together as partners to make the case internally. Dorfman also delves into his journey of starting a company, highlighting the significance of customer discovery and building a community before launching a product. With a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by sales and product marketers, Dorfman offers practical strategies and ideas for creating interactive sales materials that engage prospects and drive successful enterprise sales - cue AssetMule, the SaaS that helps companies create high-quality personalized sales assets in minutes. 

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Gene Hwang, a seasoned event photographer and co-founder of Orange Photography,  the San Francisco Bay Area's premier corporate photography agency. With decades of experience in the industry, Gene shared valuable insights and anecdotes about the art and science of event photography, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that make events truly unforgettable. Gene shares that good lighting not only enhances the overall ambiance but also allows photographers to capture captivating images that truly reflect the essence of the event. Sound quality, another pivotal element, ensures the success of an event, significantly impacting the audience's engagement and overall satisfaction.

So whether you're an event professional looking for tips on how to make every moment picture-perfect or simply curious about the art of event photography, this episode is a must-listen!  

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with the remarkable Heather Mason, CEO and Founder of Caspian Agency, for an insightful and inspiring conversation on the importance of strategy in the event management industry. Renowned in the industry for her strategic approach to event management, Heather shares her experiences, expertise, and vision for the future of the events world.

Gain invaluable insights into financial planning, creativity with money, and the evolving role of logistics and strategy, and discover how Heather's experience as a social entrepreneur and her dedication to empowering women in the industry is ushering in a new era of event management. This enlightening episode will not only leave you inspired but also equipped with practical advice to enhance your own event-planning endeavors.