In the first episode of Talking People with Paul Borg, Paul sits down with James Dickson, host of the Event Industry News Podcast and someone who has spent more than a decade speaking to people from across the events world.

James shares how he found his way into the industry almost by accident, and how his early years behind the microphone came with a sense that he hadn’t quite earned his place. Over hundreds of conversations and a growing career working on events himself, that changed.

Paul and James talk about why people make such a difference to the experience of an event, from the simple power of a warm welcome to the attitude and culture set by event leaders. James also reflects on what he has learned from interviewing hundreds of people across the industry, and why some of the best conversations happen when you approach them as though you’ve just met someone at the bar after an event.

The conversation looks ahead too, exploring AI and the new roles it could create, how the pandemic accelerated the use of technology across events, and where the next generation of event professionals might come from. James makes the case for showing young people that the skills they are already developing through interests such as gaming, technology, music and production could become the foundations of a career in events.

They also return to something at the heart of the series: events are ultimately a people business, and there is enormous satisfaction in seeing an event come together, whatever its size.

In this episode:

• How James accidentally found his way into events and podcasting

• Imposter syndrome and finding your place in the industry

• What hundreds of podcast conversations have taught him about people

• Why great events start with a smile

• How AI could change roles within the events industry

• What the pandemic changed for events and event technology

• Why the industry needs to introduce young people to event careers earlier

• The hidden event-industry potential in gamers, musicians and young technologists

• Why variety and a sense of achievement make events such a rewarding career

Talking People with Paul Borg is a podcast from Crowne Plaza Newcastle, exploring the personalities, experiences and people behind the events industry.

Follow the podcast for more conversations with the people who make events happen.

Welcome to Talking People with Paul Borg, a new podcast celebrating the people behind the meetings, events and hospitality industry.

Hosted by Paul Borg, General Manager of Crowne Plaza Newcastle, the series gets to know the people who make the industry what it is: the different personalities, skills and approaches they bring to their work, what drives them, and the impact they have.

Across the series, Paul sits down with people from across the industry, from well-known voices and experienced leaders to educators, creatives and people building their careers inside hotels and events teams.

Guests include Jo Austin from Lime Venue Portfolio, James Dickson from Event Industry News, Lucy Nichols from the PS Events Group, Serkan Uzunogullari from Sunderland University, and Crowne Plaza Newcastle Events Coordinator Ben Wilson.

Together, they’ll explore everything from leadership and workplace culture to creativity, networking, education, career progression and where the events industry is heading next.

Whether you’ve spent years working in events or you’re wondering whether this could be the industry for you, Talking People is a chance to hear directly from the people who know it best.

Subscribe to Talking People with Paul Borg to hear the first episode when it lands.