The Event Pro Show

Welcome to The Event Pro Show, your go-to resource for expert tips, industry insights, and inspiring stories from the world of corporate events. Seth Macchi sits down with Andrea Doyle, an award-winning journalist and Executive Editor at Skift Meetings, who brings several years of experience covering the meetings, events, and trade show industry.

Andrea shares her fascinating journey from her early days as a storyteller, inspired by her police officer dad and a love for travel, to becoming one of the most recognized voices in event journalism. Together, Seth and Andrea discuss everything from the challenges facing event professionals (like sophisticated scams and industry uncertainties) to the powerful role of AI, the importance of ongoing education, and what the future of events may look like.

Tune in for candid stories, practical advice, and a peek behind the scenes at how top event professionals stay informed and connected in a rapidly changing industry!

Resources:

Email- [email protected]

Skift Meetings

Linkedin

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

This episode of The Event Pro Show features host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, an event production company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He continues in part four of our ongoing series on getting the most from your AV in corporate events. Now that you've secured your AV partner and signed the contract, what comes next? Seth breaks down the crucial steps: from understanding your initial deposit invoice to meeting your AV project manager, covering kickoff calls, and unpacking the project management that keeps everything on track.

He shares key questions planners often overlook, tips for ideal planning timelines, and highlights common mistakes that can derail even the strongest strategies. You'll gain practical takeaways for navigating the post-contract AV process and strengthening your partnership with your AV team.

Ready to elevate your AV collaboration? Tune in to learn what happens after the contract is signed. And how proactive communication and thoughtful planning lead to show day success.

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Join our conversation on The Event Pro Show with host Seth Macchi and the inspiring Preeya Patel, powerhouse producer and founder of PreeProduction Events. With over 14 years shaping unforgettable productions for brands like Xbox, Disney, Red Bull, and the LA Lakers, Preeya brings both creativity and precision to every project.

She opens up about her journey, from growing up surrounded by vibrant South Asian festivals produced by her family, to leading large-scale branded activations today. Preeya shares valuable lessons on crafting moments that resonate, translating bold visions into reality, and why every detail matters, from spatial planning to the frontline teams that shape guest impressions.

If you're passionate about corporate gatherings, brand storytelling, or designing experiences that spark genuine excitement, this conversation is for you! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at how true production magic comes together.

Resources:

PreeProduction Events

Preeya's Linkedin

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Thanks for joining us on The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, continues part three of our special five-part AV Advantage series, focusing on how to write clearer AV RFPs so you finally get proposals that fit your needs. We've all experienced the frustration of sorting through proposals that don't line up, making it tough to compare "apples to apples". In this conversation, Seth shares practical strategies from an AV professional's perspective to help you define baseline requirements, separate must-haves from nice-to-haves, and provide the right details so your proposals are both realistic and comparable. Whether you're an experienced planner or just getting started, you'll walk away with actionable guidance that saves time, streamlines the process, and sets your next project up for success. Let's get started!

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

In this episode of The Event Pro Show, Seth Macchi chats with Rachel Whitten, Vice President of Sales and Services for the Greenville-Pitt County Convention and Visitors Bureau in North Carolina. With twenty five years in management, sales, marketing, and event planning, Rachel brings both expertise and an infectious energy to the conversation.

She shares her journey from organizing family holiday parties as a child to managing large-scale gatherings and partnerships that shape her community's tourism industry. Rachel explores the advantages of hosting functions in mid-sized markets, the invaluable support CVBs provide to planners, and the unique blend of Southern hospitality and attention to detail her team is known for. Along the way, she reflects on a winding career path, from mascot gigs to high-level hospitality sales, that gave her hands-on experience she applies to every project. You'll also hear lighthearted stories about hiking North Carolina's trails (and why trail reviews matter!), her love for pickleball, and what makes Greenville, NC a hidden gem for planners.

If you're looking for practical tips on getting the most out of a CVB partnership, fresh ideas for your next gathering, or simply some entertaining industry stories, this conversation is not to be missed.

Resources:

Visit Greenville, North Carolina

Rachel's Linkedin

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Welcome back to The Event Pro Show, your podcast for everything corporate events! Host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, continues part two of the five-part "AV Advantage" series. If you've ever wondered how to secure better pricing, top-tier technicians, and seamless execution from your AV production partners, this conversation is for you.

Seth shares practical strategies to help planners maximize their AV budgets without compromising creativity or quality. You'll discover why early collaboration with your AV partner ensures access to the best gear and talent, and how smart planning can help you avoid costly mistakes and last-minute rush charges. He also outlines the ideal workflow for partnering with AV pros from the concept stage and explains why clear, detailed RFPs are key to getting accurate, comparable quotes from vendors.

Whether you're a planner or producer, tune in for takeaways that elevate your projects and streamline your process. Stick around until the end for a preview of what's next in the "AV Advantage" series!

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Back on The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with Mitch Savoie Hill. Mitch is a dynamic first-generation Cuban American, CEO, TEDx speaker, published author, and corporate trainer with three decades of leadership experience.

She takes us through her journey from an awe-struck child at her first big concert to a sought-after speaker and leadership coach, sharing actionable strategies for planners and aspiring presenters. From energizing a crowd and thinking on your feet, to selecting the right speaker and tackling imposter syndrome, her stories and advice offer tremendous value for professionals at every stage.

Join Seth and Mitch as they explore what happens when people connect in the same room, the power of interactive presentations, keys to speaker success, and how life's setbacks can transform into stepping stones. You'll also hear behind-the-scenes tales from MTV Awards gigs and insights from Mitch's book Volar: How to Turn Roadblocks Into Runways to Success.

No matter if you're producing your very first event or your hundredth, this conversation delivers practical guidance, inspiration, and a few laughs you won't want to miss.

Resources:

Savhill Consulting

Linkedin

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Join us on The Event Pro Show as host, Seth Macchi, launches a five-part series called "The AV Advantage." Today's focus is on why involving your AV partner early in the creative process sparks better brainstorming, reduces rework, and streamlines the RFP stage. Seth compares event planning to an assembly line, where identifying challenges upfront saves time and money. He shares practical strategies for collaborating with AV providers from day one, including questions to expect during discovery calls and how to clearly convey your event's needs. Seth encourages our listeners to gain knowledge on maximizing AV budgets and laying the groundwork for successful events from the start. Let's get into it!

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Get ready for another edition of The Event Pro Show, your go-to podcast exploring the world of corporate gatherings. This time, host Seth Macchi chats with Michael Collins, a Kansas City native and co-founder of Bluefox Production. Michael's roots in music, theater, and audio have shaped a thriving AV company known for innovation and impact.

Michael shares how early gigs sparked a lifelong passion, what it takes to grow a production business in a constantly shifting industry, and why mentoring the next generation of talent matters more than ever. He also reflects on the REM concert that first lit the spark. And later in the conversation, breaks down how planners and AV teams can build better, more collaborative relationships.

So, if you're new to the field or just looking to refine your approach, this conversation delivers inspiration, creative ideas, and practical advice from one of the Midwest's most trusted AV professionals. It's a lively, honest, and energizing chat that celebrates creativity, resilience, and making work feel like play.

Resources:

Bluefox Production

Michael Collins Linkedin

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Welcome to The Event Pro Show, your trusted resource for corporate planning done right. In this episode, host Seth Macchi, CEO of Charlotte-based event production company LEMG and president-elect of MPI Carolinas, tackles one of the most common mistakes in the planning process: waiting too long to bring AV experts to the table. Drawing from years of collaboration with planners across the country, Seth explains how early coordination with your AV partner can lead to smarter solutions, tighter budgets, and fewer surprises on show day.

This episode also kicks off a special five-part series called "The AV Advantage," built to help you simplify your AV planning from the first idea to the final cue. Seth previews what's ahead: bringing AV into the conversation early, making your budget work harder, writing clear RFPs that spark real comparisons, and staying calm under pressure even when plans shift.

Tune in for practical strategies, behind-the-scenes know-how, and how to build the confidence to treat AV not as an afterthought, but as a powerful part of your success. Hit subscribe and start planning smarter today!

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/