Authenticity vs. Vulnerability in Event Marketing with Cat Matson

You can find Cat Matson at www.linkedin.com/in/catmatson

In this episode of 'The Event Show,' host Sally and guest Cat Matson, a speaking and communication coach, delve into the nuances between authenticity and vulnerability in event marketing. Cat, who works with business owners, public servants, and corporate professionals, shares her insights on finding one's voice and the importance of delivering key messages effectively.

The discussion is prompted by an experiences watching a poorly executed event marketing campaign toll out over 12 months. Cat stresses the importance of maintaining the 'magic' or persona in professional settings while being genuine and relatable. They also explore the effectiveness of behind-the-scenes marketing, sharing do's and don'ts for creating compelling pre-event content.

No-one wants to see how the sausage is made, nor do we want to see the theme park character without their head!

They close with a discussion on what makes events appealing to attendees, emphasizing the significance of offering a holistic experience rather than merely focusing on ticket sales.

00:00 Introduction to Cat Matson
01:07 Authenticity vs. Vulnerability
02:18 The Mascot Rule: Keeping the Magic Alive
02:56 Cat's Journey with Bobby McGee's
06:21 Balancing Authenticity and Leadership
07:29 The Fine Line Between Authenticity and Vulnerability
19:35 Marketing and Authenticity
23:01 What Are People Buying in Events?
27:11 Understanding Audience Experience
28:17 Behind the Scenes of Event Planning
30:37 The Importance of Authenticity in Events
31:17 Challenges and Experiences at South by Southwest
39:09 Effective Marketing Strategies for Events
44:19 Fusion Lunches: Sparking Ideas and Connections
47:18 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Vulnerability

This episode is for you if you're trying to figure out how or if to use AI when building your personal brand.  It's also for you if you're in a workplace that is holding you back and we discuss ways you can get out of your employment bubble and start building your own personal brand.  The future of your work will depend on it.

<< Join me for an interactive online workshop Wednesday 29 October at 12pm (AEST).  Sign up here >>

In this engaging podcast episode, the host introduces Petra Zinc, a brand and business growth strategist, keynote speaker, and author. Petra specializes in helping executives and founders turn their expertise into authority assets that scale. The conversation delves into Petra's career journey, the importance of seizing 'sliding door' moments, and the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on work. Petra shares insights on the necessity of building a personal brand and using AI tools ethically. The discussion highlights the importance of agency, skill development, and the value of authenticity in personal and professional branding. The episode also addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the job market and offers practical advice for professionals at all levels to stay relevant and indispensable.

00:00 Introduction to Petra Zinc
00:56 Acknowledging Traditional Owners
01:33 Reconnecting After Years
02:49 Career Shifts and Sliding Door Moments
06:44 The Importance of Human Connection in Storytelling
09:31 Embracing AI in Branding and Marketing
13:35 The Essence of Brand Promise
19:52 Adapting to Market Changes
20:46 Overcoming AI Fears and Ethical Considerations
22:35 Concerns About the Labor Market
23:24 The Role of AI in Workflows
24:08 Challenges in Education and Skill Development
27:21 The Importance of Mindset and Agency
31:22 Building Authority and IP
37:16 Encouragement for Side Hustles
39:27 Final Thoughts and Key Advice

You can find Petra's podcast here - https://www.impaccct.com/trusted-authority-the-podcast

I challenge you to rethink how you create events and experiences for your audience. Currently, people are eager for in-person connections and engaging interactions.

I recall a conversation with someone celebrating both a milestone birthday and their company's anniversary. My advice was to separate the two events to focus on different audiences.

This person's business celebration, for instance, could be transformed into a memorable experience by leveraging their passion for photography and empowerment coaching. Instead of a typical cocktail party, imagine a warehouse transformed into a photographic exhibition using projectors to display stunning images and client stories.

This approach immerses attendees in your world, creating a lasting impact. I encourage you to think creatively about incorporating your personal passions into your events. Whether it's hosting a corporate event on a pickleball court or including pottery wheels for guests to try, these unique elements make your events stand out and be talked about long after they’re over.

Share your creative ideas with me on social media; let’s inspire each other to create unforgettable experiences.

00:00 Introduction: Shaking Up Your Creative Process
00:14 The Importance of In-Person Connections
01:09 A Story of Milestone Celebrations
02:30 Creating Events Around Your Passions
03:32 Innovative Event Ideas
09:07 Making Your Event Memorable
10:54 Challenge: Bringing Personal Passions to Events
11:24 Conclusion and Call to Action

When ticket sales fall short, giving seats away can feel like the only option. But done badly, it risks alienating your paying guests. In this episode, I share stories and strategies for papering the room in ways that protect trust and enhance the event experience.

Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism: Effective Event Marketing Tips In this episode, we explore the fine line between being authentic and overly transparent in event marketing. Learn why sharing too much of your struggles and behind-the-scenes planning might actually harm your event's image and deter potential participants. Discover actionable insights on maintaining an appealing persona, leveraging excitement, and following successful marketing structures to boost attendance. If you're organizing an event and want to ensure your promotion strategy is both real and compelling, this video is for you. 00:00 Introduction: Are You Sharing Too Much? 00:29 The Impact of Over-Sharing 01:23 Behind the Scenes: A Double-Edged Sword 02:38 Lessons from Personal Experiences 03:41 Effective Event Marketing Strategies 06:13 Mindset and Messaging 07:06 Building Excitement and Value 09:05 Conclusion and Final Tips

Crafting Cohesive Event Branding with Amber Chalus: The Power of Canva Templates

In this insightful episode of the Event Show, we welcome Amber Chalus, founder of Biz Sister, to discuss the importance of consistency in event branding. Amber, a self-taught graphic designer and digital marketer, shares her journey from being a yoga teacher and holistic life coach to creating exclusive Canva templates for entrepreneurs.

The conversation explores how consistency in branding, from social media posts to website design, can enhance event delivery and create a cohesive experience for attendees. Amber also provides practical tips on using her Canva templates for various event-related tasks, including promoting events, creating lead magnets, and maintaining a seamless brand experience.

Additionally, the episode delves into how to build and sustain an active online community and the importance of learning through doing. The podcast wraps up with an inspiring discussion about the transformative power of in-person events and Amber's upcoming business plans.

To explore BizSister templates go to https://www.bizsister.com/

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Amber Chaus
00:41 Amber Chaus' Background and Journey
01:56 The Importance of Branding in Events
04:26 Interview with Amber Chaus Begins
05:39 The Impact of COVID on BizSister
08:06 Online Education and Event Planning
09:57 Challenges and Strategies for Online Events
15:15 The Value of Templates in Event Planning
26:38 Building and Maintaining a Community
47:15 Using Canva for Event Promotion
47:51 The Importance of Consistent Branding
48:59 Challenges of Event Planning
52:16 Learning Through Experience
54:16 Creating and Selling Templates
57:14 Marketing and Event Planning
01:01:38 The Value of Testing and Feedback
01:09:43 Personal Stories and Experiences
01:17:50 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

In this episode, I am joined by Mel Loi to discuss the critical role of event management in communication, the importance of focusing on the audience, and common challenges in organizing events.

I share my journey into event management and offer practical advice, including leveraging AI tools and balancing costs and sustainability.

We also touch on creating memorable audience experiences and strategic event planning.

Whether you're a professional communicator, team leader, or project manager, this episode is packed with insights to help you host impactful events.

00:00 Introduction to Event Management
01:01 Meet Sally Porteous: Event Management Extraordinaire
01:33 Sally's Journey into Event Management
07:24 The Importance of Quality Event Management
09:52 Common Challenges in Organizing Events
12:10 Organizing Internal Events: Key Considerations
17:31 Balancing Costs, Optics, and Sustainability
20:03 Leveraging AI in Event Management
23:40 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
23:56 Sally's Communication Insights 

Creating Successful Collaborative Community Events: Tips and Strategies

This webinar, hosted by Sally Porteous, focuses on creating effective and engaging community events. It offers a comprehensive guide based on her handbook 'Building a Vibrant City Events Plan', which she used to encourage local councils to support community events. Key topics include volunteer engagement, collaborative planning, and marketing strategies. Porteous discusses the importance of community buy-in, collaboration, and communication for successful event planning. She also introduces the '8 Week Event Plan' program and offers various downloadable resources like a volunteer engagement strategy, sponsorship worksheet, and a comprehensive event management checklist. The aim is to provide community members and organizers with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to create vibrant, well-organized events.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:47 Acknowledging Traditional Owners and Workshop Overview
00:58 The Handbook: Building a Vibrant City Events Plan
02:56 Volunteer Engagement Strategy
05:42 Current Community Event Landscape
12:26 Three Themes for Successful Community Events
24:51 Five-Part Framework for Event Success
26:42 Procurement Strategy and Administration
26:56 Event Strategy Overview
28:11 Designing Your Event
29:56 Marketing Your Event
33:23 Operations and Implementation
41:29 Contract Negotiation and Risk Management
45:53 Final Thoughts and Resources

Here's the link to grab the handbook  https://www.eventplannersworkshop.com.au/handbook

Jen Blandos is an international entrepreneur with decades of global business experience. Female Fusion is the exceptional membership that Jen has cultivated to support women globally to own and run successful businesses. In this episode, share the value, importance and the know-how on creating live events for your business including how to market, what to program, and how to connect with your audience. You can find the entire Women on the Rise podcast series at www.femalefusionnetwork.com/podcast. Links to resources discussed in this interview: * www.eventplannersworkshop.com.au/ideatolaunch Quick reference guide to the episode: 2:50 – biggest challenges in organising events 3:00 – what works well for a first event 4:00 – environment and quality over quantity 5:00 – how Jen grew her very first business 6:45 – AI and events 7:40 – key points to consider when choosing a venue 10:40 – how to make a difference on your event 13:45 – what to consider with food at your event 14:30 – how to fix a menu when you get it wrong 17:10 – critical programming elements 17:45 – how to connect your audience, without icky tactics 22:00 – making your audience dance 25:30 – red dots on name tags 27:40 – what to do when your speaker pulls out of your event 30:00 – when is it appropriate not to use a microphone 33:50 – 21st Century MBA 36:00 – the value of having an international business 41:40 – free download info

In this episode I am interviewed by Dr. Monique Beedles, a multi passionate entrepreneur whom I have had the pleasure of working with, producing her events, for about ten years. Monique and I toss around the idea of the true worth of events, and the true worth of your audience. Monique is a super talented Coach who has worked her way through no less than four post graduate degrees, consults on asset management, originally studied and graduated as a pharmacist and a creative writer. She is the author of several books, the latest one entitled Leadership Assets, a book that provides you with a framework to create a whole-of-life plan for your asset management career. Monique describes nine essential leadership assets for you to develop as you journey from the workshop to the boardroom. You can follow Monique and explore her work at https://www.moniquebeedles.com/