The Event Connection

😍 HEY! Make sure to join r/badgeribbons on Reddit! It's a subreddit all about badge ribbon culture where we post design inspiration, show what's trending, and help you connect with other fan convention enthusiasts. It's fun (trust us).

Let's talk about DRAGON CON! Meaghan, Molly, and Rylee break down their first reactions, plus all the magic, chaos, and inspiration they took away from attending the con's 40th year.

Listen as the three talk about badge ribbon culture, and how important it is for making friends, sharing fandoms, and showing off your unique personality.

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00:00 - Wooo! Celebrating 20 episodes!

01:59 - First-timer reactions to experiencing Dragon Con

03:34 - Reactions to cosplays and con culture

05:33 - The magic of badge ribbon culture

08:26 - Impressive badge ribbon collections

10:12 - Everything you need to know about badge ribbons

13:00 - What we heard at the pc/nametag booth

15:50 - Favorite badge ribbons, freebies, and trades

20:57 - Unexpected moments and stand-out stories!

23:11 - RIBBON CULTURE: The Badge Ribbon Swap

25:08 - RIBBON CULTURE: The Badge Ribbon Drop

25:56 - RIBBON CULTURE: Design Your Own Badge Ribbon

27:21 - Dragon Con Survival Tips from the pros ;)

29:34 - Check out r/badgeribbons on Reddit!

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Let's talk about sustainable event planning. How can event teams incorporate realistic eco-friendly practices and get stakeholders on board with eco initiatives without blowing their budgets?

In this episode of The Event Connection, we talked with Missy Nergard, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, about how event professionals can implement practical sustainable event strategies, make eco-friendly swaps, and align environmental responsibility with attendee philanthropy.

Learn actionable, high-impact strategies to make your next event greener! Here's how to tackle common event sustainability challenges, find realistic eco-friendly alternatives, and make event planning more eco-conscious at any scale.

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00:00 – Introduction to sustainable events

01:09 – Sustainable vs. eco-Friendly events explained

02:58 – Missy Nergard, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer at UW Madison

03:55 – Challenges with sustainable event planning

04:59 – Do sustainable events cost planners more?

06:25 – Easy, realistic strategies for hosting sustainable events

11:24 – Easy eco-friendly swaps for event planners

12:51 – Sustainable attendee swag and giveaway ideas

15:17 – How event sustainability and philanthropy go together

16:57 – How to get stakeholders on board with sustainable strategies

20:14 – Check out "Badger Talks" with UW Madison

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How can event planning teams collaborate with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to uncover local hidden gems, simplify site selection, and create unforgettable attendee experiences?

In this episode of The Event Connection, we chat with Amber Wiza, Director of Destination Services at Destination Madison, to discuss how event professionals can partner with local DMOs and destination services to elevate their events, source unique local activities, and plan successful experiences on any budget.

Learn actionable, high-impact strategies to maximize your next familiarization ("FAM") trip, discover off-the-beaten-path local spots, and turn any host city into an unforgettable destination for your attendees. Here's how to ask the right questions, find free or low-cost activities, and make event planning easier with expert local partners!

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00:00 – Let's get started!

01:13 – What is a DMO?

03:30 – What is Destination Services?

05:19 – Questions to Ask Your DMO

08:38 – What is a FAM trip?

10:19 – FAM Trip Activity Examples

12:36 – Finding After-hours Activities

14:07 – Hidden Gems in Madison, WI

17:34 – Finding Free/Low Cost Activities

19:27 – How DMOs Make Event Planning Easier

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How can business and event professionals partner with an LGBT Chamber of Commerce to promote inclusivity, host welcoming events, and diversify the vendors they partner with? 

We sit down with Jason Rae, President and CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how event professionals can build more inclusive, welcoming, and successful events with the help of their local LGBT Chamber of Commerce. 

Learn actionable, high-impact strategies to diversify your supply chain, create safer event spaces, and ensure every attendee feels valued. Here's how to find niche vendors, earn the LGBTBE® certification, and learn plan truly inclusive event experiences!

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00:00 – Meet Jason Rae!

01:10 – Founding the WI LGBT Chamber of Commerce

03:22 – What does an LGBT Chamber of Commerce offer?

05:48 – How event profs can partner with LGBT Chambers

08:52 – Professional development opportunities with LGBT Chambers

11:13 – Inclusive event planning = good for business!

13:20 – Simple event DE&I strategies

16:00 – Best event DE&I learning resources & opportunities

17:19 – The LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) certification 

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Are your virtual events putting your audience to sleep? Stop it!

In this episode of The Event Connection, Meaghan Maybee and Jay Schwedelson (Founder of SubjectLine.com, GURU Media Hub, EVENTASTIC, and Outcome Media; Host of the “Do This, NOT That” podcast) chat about why online events are flopping and how to fix it.

Listen to this episode for zero-fluff, high-impact strategies to turn your ordinary virtual events into "you-had-to-be-there" experiences, inspired by real-world examples! Learn how to create FOMO, gamify your agenda, engage attendees, reduce no-show rates, and more.

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00:00 – Meet Jay Schwedelson!

02:27 – Why Jay loves the events industry

04:15 – Are virtual events done wrong?

06:28 – Give a reason to show up live (“attend to receive”)

09:01 – Tip #1: Weird, fun surprises create intrigue

12:15 – Tip #2: Use personality quizzes to engage

14:44 – Tip #3: Get attendees up and moving

16:53 – Tip #4: Host a virtual “afterparty”

18:17 – Tip #5: Giveaways, giveaways!

21:29 – Tip #6: Use philanthropy-driven networking rooms

23:51 – ⚡LIGHTNING ROUND ⚡Fun Event Questions for Jay!

29:35 – Shout-outs: EVENTASTIC and Jay’s Book!

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How do you plan a successful non-profit event with little-to-no budget? In this episode of The Event Connection, Geoffrey Sandler, President of the NACE Madison Chapter, shares strategies for balancing mission-driven goals with high-impact attendee engagement. 

This episode is for event professionals looking for non-profit fundraising ideas, event sponsorship tips, or ways to recruit event volunteers. Geoffrey breaks down non-profit event planning challenges, best strategies, and tips for maintaining momentum once the event ends! 

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00:00 - Introduction to Non-Profit Event Planning

00:57 - Meet Geoffrey Sandler (NACE Madison Chapter)

05:05 - The Best Parts of Planning Non-Profit Events

06:19 - Overcoming Non-profit Event Challenges

08:04 - How to Promote an Event with No Budget

10:44 - How to Find and Secure Event Sponsors

13:37 - Increasing Engagement at Event Registration

16:22 - Creative Interactive Activity Ideas for Events

19:59 - Effective Strategies for Getting Event Volunteers

21:38 - Maintaining Post-Event Momentum and Interest

24:09 - 3 Essential Elements Every Mission-Based Event Needs

26:42 - Connecting with Geoffrey Sandler & NACE

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Are you looking for fun ways to gamify networking events without the usual social burnout? In this episode of The Event Connection, we sit down with Melvin Adekanye, the Founder of JamSocial, to explore how event planners and attendees can create more interactive networking experiences.

Learn how to help introverts thrive at your events by listening in to Meaghan and Melvin explore the psychology of introvert vs. extrovert networking and why traditional "icebreakers" often fail to create lasting impressions.

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00:00 - Introduction

01:28 - Meet Melvin Adekanye, Founder of Jam Social

03:36 - Melvin's Passion for Introverts

06:05 - Best Parts of Networking Events

09:48 - "Hi, I'm Bill Gates!"

11:35 - Sticking Out at Networking Events

11:58 - Worst Parts of Networking Events

15:46 - Difference Between Introverts and Extroverts

20:00 - "Border Collies vs. Iguanas"

24:58 - Storytime: "Sweaty Networking"

27:13 - Learning How to Approach People

29:30 - Event Networking and Gamification Activity Ideas

34:54 - Digital Networking Activity Ideas

40:25 - Interactive Badge Activities

43:39 - How to Leave a Networking Impression

47:13 - Questions to Keep Conversations Going

47:58 - FREE: Networking Conversation Starters Cheat Sheet

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What is the future of incentive travel? In this episode, Tina Husemoller, VP of Meetings and Incentives at Fox World Travel, explains why the industry is shifting from Return on Investment (ROI) to Return on Experience (ROE)!

Whether you're a corporate planner or a business leader, learn how to design memorable programs that cater to diverse generational preferences while also prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion.

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00:00 - Meet Tina from Fox World Travel!

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New year, new trends! Meaghan and Rylee go head-to-head to reveal their 2026 event design forecast. This episode is all about what’s hot, what’s not, and what attendees really want out of event design.

We chat about moving away from "overly polished" into human-centric design that gives attendees authentic, tactile experiences. Think things like AI concepting, nostalgic themes, and interactive event badge designs attendees will actually want to keep!

HOW TO GET RYLEE’S DECK: Email us at [email protected] and mention the "Event Design Trends presentation" to see all the visuals behind this podcast! Then, use Rylee's ideas to inspire your next mood board or client pitch. 

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00:00 – Introduction 

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Take your event planning career to the next level! Meaghan and Brooke go head-to-head to reveal their ultimate “Top 5” lists for industry professionals, including THEIR favorite picks for top event planning podcasts, events, influencers, and books.

Here's where to spend your time and attention to stay ahead of the curve! Start by connecting with event influencers on LinkedIn, attending an event, checking out a new book, or subscribing to a good podcast (...like this one)!

TOPICS COVERED: Best resources for event planners, event planning podcasts, event planning conferences, networking events, event influencers, best books for event planners

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00:00 – Welcome!

02:08 – Top 5 Podcasts

11:27 – Top 5 Events

20:30 – Top 5 Influencers

30:10 – Top 5 Books

45:01 – Closing Remarks 

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