The Event Pro Show

This episode of The Event Pro Show features host Seth Macchi in conversation with Tracy Stuckrath, founder and president of Thrive Meetings and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast. With over three decades in the field and more than 300 podcast episodes to her name, Tracy leads the charge in creating food and beverage experiences that prioritize safety, inclusion, and sustainability.

Tracy shares how growing up as a "Marine brat" shaped her ability to connect with others, how her own food allergies ignited a passion for accessible hospitality, and why every menu decision matters. From behind-the-scenes challenges to real-world stories of impact, Seth and Tracy unpack how thoughtful food choices strengthen community and elevate the attendee experience.

If you're a planner, producer, or simply care about creating meaningful, people-first gatherings, this conversation offers real-world guidance and inspiration you can use right away.

Resources:

Thrive Meetings & Events

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 tuning in! I'm Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, a Charlotte-based event production company. Today, we're pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to bring a corporate event to life from the AV side of things. Ever curious about how everything runs so smoothly on show day? I'm walking you through the critical role of a project manager inside an AV company. Think vendor coordination, tech planning, and making sure the right gear and crew are exactly where they need to be. If you're an event planner hoping to boost efficiency or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes mechanics, this episode is packed with real-world tips you can start using right away. Let's jump in!

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! In this episode, host Seth Macchi chats with Christa Hovis, a force in event planning, design, and production. From a background in industrial engineering to becoming an independent consultant, Christa shares how her creative foundation shaped her approach to large-scale corporate and luxury galas. The conversation explores how creativity and process engineering go hand in hand, what it's like to teach future event professionals, and how new tech, including AI, is reshaping event execution. Christa also talks through strategies for managing risk, building standout experiences, and collaborating with a wide range of client personalities. No matter where you are in your career, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and real-life stories to help you level up. Let's get started!

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/christa-hovis-the-event-diva-mice-5936a610/

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! In this conversation, host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, shares key takeaways from WEC 2025, the World Education Conference hosted by Meeting Professionals International in St. Louis. He reflects on the importance of staying curious in the events industry, building strong partnerships instead of going it alone, and prioritizing wellness for those working behind the scenes. Seth also highlights the fresh energy brought by emerging talent, the value of mentorship, and why there's still plenty of reason to feel optimistic about where the industry is headed. Expect useful guidance, fresh perspective, and a look at what's next for event pros.

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 trusted podcast for all things corporate events, experiential marketing, and the creative craftsmanship that brings gatherings to life. This week, host Seth Macchi chats with the dynamic Rah-mah Pelzer-Elue: a Nigerian American entrepreneur, award-winning poet, playwright, spoken word performer, and fierce advocate for creativity and small business growth.

From her formative years at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts to performing at the Kennedy Center and the US Black Caucus, Rah-mah's story is both powerful and uplifting. She shares how her artistic background paved the way for a thriving career in events, founding S.H.I.F.T. Performance Staffing Agency and S.H.I.F.T. Event Rentals, while building spaces that spotlight underrepresented voices in entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Rah-mah opens up about her approach to event production, how creative disciplines translate into business success, and her take on connecting across generational and technological lines in today's fast-changing industry. You'll also hear about a childhood event she'll never forget (hint: Rosa Parks makes an appearance), defining moments that shaped her leadership, and her bold outlook on where corporate events are headed in the years to come.

Whether you're just getting started or a longtime industry pro, this conversation is filled with practical takeaways, authentic storytelling, and fresh energy to fuel your passion for impactful experiences.

Resources:

SHIFT Event Rentals

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahmahzahrah/

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/

On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi, tackles a common question in the world of corporate events: "It's just AV… does it really matter who we use?" With budgets tighter than ever and teams stretched thin, Seth shares hard-won insights on why choosing the right AV partner is about so much more than just picking the cheapest option. Reflecting on the challenges event planners face, especially after the shake-ups of the past few years, Seth discusses the pitfalls of applying lean manufacturing principles to live events. He also speaks on the vital role of expertise and partnership in AV planning and why a reliable, consultative AV team can make all the difference. Whether you're orchestrating small meetings or high-stakes conferences, tune in for practical tips, myth-busting advice, and the inside track on building strong vendor relationships that help you shine, even under pressure.

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/

You're listening to The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi sits down with Ricardo Hicks, a veteran audio visual executive with more than 20 years in the field, to explore the world of AV, event production, and mentorship. Ricardo's career began in a major recording studio and grew through roles as a recording engineer, hotel manager, business developer, and trusted guide for others in the AV space.

Seth and Ricardo share early memories of large-scale productions, discuss how church and community events shaped their professional paths, and trace Ricardo's journey to founding his successful AV company, Tech Factory. Their conversation touches on more than just technology; they delve into the importance of interpersonal skills, developing talent, and fostering a strong workplace culture.

Whether you're an event planner, small business owner, or a fellow AV pro, you'll find actionable tips on collaborating with in-house teams, supporting employee growth, and even navigating the dynamics of working with family.

Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation packed with stories, lessons learned, and plenty of inspiration for anyone passionate about creating exceptional events!

Resources:

https://techfactoryproductions.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eventtechnology/

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/

The Event Pro Show is your trusted source for everything corporate events. In this edition, host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, tackles one of the biggest challenges event professionals face: building a clear, effective AV Request For Proposal (RFP). Whether you're new to planning or have years of experience, Seth outlines the crucial details and questions that help AV vendors provide accurate, tailored proposals. From locking in basics like event dates and venue specs to outlining must-have technical needs and optional enhancements, this conversation is filled with practical tips and real examples. If you're looking to eliminate confusion and boost the quality of your AV bids, these strategies will help you get there with confidence.

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/

On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with one of his production favorites, Julie Leithoff. With nearly 30 years of experience in live events and an impressive track record managing audiovisual components for corporate gatherings nationwide, Julie has seen and solved it all. From her beginnings at Vista Productions in Kansas City to her years of freelance work, Julie shares how her unique ability to bridge the worlds of event planning and AV brings every project to life and keeps budgets on track. Together, Seth and Julie dive into her early memories that sparked her passion for events, the lessons learned from "school of hard knocks" moments, and why building transparent, respectful partnerships is key to success. If you want expert tips, real-world stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce seamless events, you won't want to miss this episode!

Resources:

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 for another episode of The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi, CEO of Charlotte-based AV production company LEMG, gets to the heart of how to stretch your event budget by using one of your most powerful tools: time. Seth breaks down practical steps corporate event planners can take to secure essential AV elements early, helping you lock in top-tier technicians, the right gear, and more predictable costs. He discusses the importance of clearly outlining your must-haves from the start and building strong communication with your AV team from the beginning. These moves can prevent last-minute stress and expensive surprises. Whether you're organizing a large-scale conference or an intimate breakout session, Seth offers a behind-the-scenes look at how smart planning up front leads to better outcomes and serious savings. Don't miss his expert advice on how to balance vision and execution so your next event impresses without overspending.

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/