The Neon Lounge

Welcome back to The Neon Lounge. This week we're joined by Ellie Cashmore, Freelance Marketing and Sustainability Manager at BlackBerry Events.

BlackBerry Events has spent 15 years delivering purposeful events, from the National Teaching Awards on BBC One to the national Get Into Teaching Roadshow, and is now taking that expertise into the corporate sector. Ellie's role sits right in the middle of it all, marketing the agency brand one day and working on creative concepts for client events the next.

It's Ellie's first ever podcast, and she opens with a frustration every event industry marketer will recognise. In the space of one week, her granddad asked if she manages the events, and a mortgage broker put "event manager" on her insurance quote. Why does no one understand what we do?

In a crowded market where most agencies offer similar services, Ellie has a very clear view of what sets a brand apart: being seen, being human, and making sure your values are more than just words in a pitch document.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why low conversion rates are an industry-wide challenge, and how leading with your people, culture and values helps you win

• Why PR and awards build reputation, and how a regional shortlisting meant a stranger at a networking event already knew exactly who BlackBerry were

• How to write an award entry that makes the judges feel something, not just read facts and figures

• Why so much content is becoming a sea of the same, and where AI genuinely earns its place

Ellie also talks about personal LinkedIn profiles and why your team are your best brand ambassadors, why local suppliers are winning work on emissions as well as convenience, and why you should be shouting about the impact your events have on communities.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Ellie Cashmore and see more about BlackBerry Events here.

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge.

• 00:00 Meet Ellie Cashmore, Marketing and Sustainability Manager at BlackBerry Events

• 01:15 Inside BlackBerry Events

• 02:28 "Do you manage the events, then?": explaining marketing in an events agency

• 04:12 Lists, planners and the art of prioritisation

• 06:53 Juggling logins and platforms across client accounts

• 07:21 The Instagram Edits storage hack

• 09:32 Low conversion rates and standing out in a crowded market

• 11:13 Personal LinkedIn profiles and your team as brand ambassadors

• 13:55 Canva, templates and when to call in a designer

• 16:08 AI and the sea of the same

• 17:27 Where AI genuinely earns its place

• 20:52 Why awards matter, and how to write a winning entry

• 22:49 The power of local and regional awards

• 24:44 Why local suppliers are winning work

• 27:04 PR that tells the story beyond the event

Welcome to the new season The Neon Lounge, where we're handing the mic to the marketers.

We're kicking things off with Rebecca Lott (known to everyone as Beccs) Marketing Director at Co-op Live. 

It's the UK's biggest indoor arena at 23,500 capacity, and Beccs’ remit stretches way past what most people picture when they hear "venue marketing": ticketing, partnerships, fan experience, merchandise, and even the sexy stuff like parking.

Twenty years into her career, from small music venues in Leeds during the Indie scene hype, to landing a dream role at Ticketmaster, then landing a second dream role with Co-op Live, Beccs has a very clear view of what marketing is for.

Conversion, customer lifetime value, and a seat at the table where the commercial decisions get made.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to prove marketing's commercial value, and which KPIs land with a board

• Why turning an arena into a full destination changes the game

• How a raw, phone-shot clip from a fan will often beat your beautifully produced brand content

• Where AI genuinely saves time in a marketing team, and where it absolutely shouldn't go near

  
  

Beccs also talks all things mentoring through NOWIE, why awards celebrating women and LGBTQ+ talent matter more than people give them credit for, and how third-party voices and thought leadership sit at the heart of Co-op Live's 2026 PR strategy. 

Plus a few teasers about what's coming to Manchester, including Barack Obama, the NBA and a whole new entertainment district.

Oh, and a mega Billie Eilish story. Sadly not enough Harry Styles chat for Eloise’s liking.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Rebecca Lott and see more about Co-op Live here.

Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge.

00:00 Meet Beccs Lott, Marketing Director at Co-op Live

01:19 From South Wales to Co-op Live: Becc’s career journey

05:49 Why marketing is central to business growth

08:07 Making the case for marketing through business impact

08:46 The opportunities and challenges of running a major venue

11:02 Creating destination experiences beyond the main event

12:39 Building B2B partnerships and promoter relationships

14:29 The value of fan content and social proof

15:36 Using AI without losing authenticity

16:47 Awards, sustainability and celebrating industry talent

19:17 Mentoring the next generation in live events

20:58 Co-op Live’s PR and content strategy

22:40 What’s next for Co-op Live

Get ready to take notes - this episode is packed with golden takeaways!

We’re joined by the brilliant Chloe, Head of Content at ELX, for a fast-paced and insight-rich chat about all things communication, content, and creating unforgettable events.

From the power of language to the science behind what makes experiences stick, Chloe shares practical advice that you can put into action right away - whether you’re building events, hosting them, or thinking about stepping into the spotlight yourself.

In this episode, we cover:

• 5 evidence-based tips to make your events more memorable

• Why communication and language play a vital role in the events world

• LinkedIn tips that actually work - how to grow your profile and show up with purpose

This episode is bursting with energy, inspiration, and real, research-backed advice. Pen and paper at the ready, you’ll want to remember this one.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Chloe here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

We’re joined by Rob, Director at Ethical Staffing, who shares the incredible story behind My Cause UK, a game-changing initiative that allows people to gain events experience, meet new people, and donate to charity all at the same time.

But that’s just the start. Rob also dives into the realities of event staffing and why fair wages, inclusivity, and ethical treatment should be the foundation of every event, and how the volunteering and staffing landscape is evolving.

Together, we explore: - The genius idea behind My Cause UK, and a fresh approach to event staffing with a charitable twist - Why treating event staff well matters and the case for inclusivity, fair wages, and respect in the industry - How the event staffing and volunteering world is changing, and what it means for the future of events

If you care about the people who make events happen, then this is an episode you can’t miss.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Rob here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

We’ve got a refreshing episode for you this week on The Neon Lounge!

We’re joined by Katie Kenward from White Claw at Mark Anthony Brands, who gives us an insider’s look at how experiential marketing is driving the success of one of the biggest names in the drinks industry. Katie shares how innovation in the UK’s drinks and nightlife scene is shaping consumer habits, and why supporting mental health in the workplace is just as important as physical health.

Together, we explore:

• The power of experiential marketing and creating memorable moments that build brand loyalty

• Innovation in the UK drinks and nightlife industry. The rise of RTDs, seltzers, and healthier alternatives

• Mental health first aid training, and why treating mental health like physical health is crucial for a strong team

Katie’s insights into brand strategy, industry trends, and team wellbeing are invaluable for anyone working in events. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and create meaningful brand experiences, this is an episode you can’t miss.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Katie here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an inspiring episode about what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up, and take it global without losing that small-business magic.

This week, we’re joined by a guest who knows exactly how to scale a business internationally while staying true to its core values. Kashif Din, CEO at One World Rental dives deep into the mindset of a successful entrepreneur and the importance of having the right influences along the way.

Together, we explore: 🌍 Growing a business to an international scale while keeping that close-knit, small-business feel 💼 The traits of a classic entrepreneur, and what separates success from failure 🌟 The power of strong role models! Why learning from others is key to sustainable growth

Whether you're building a business or leading a team, this episode is packed with valuable insights on scaling with purpose and staying grounded.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Kashif here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an episode packed with insider knowledge on what it really takes to grow a successful business in the events industry.

This week, we’re joined by Louisa O’Connor, Managing Director at Seen Presents, who shares her journey of building a business from the ground up and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Together, we explore:

• The highs and lows of the pitching process, and how to handle rejection and turn setbacks into wins

• Top tips for managing a successful team and creating a culture where people thrive

• Growing a business from scratch! The challenges, the breakthroughs, and what Louisa wishes she’d known earlier

Louisa’s candid insights offer invaluable advice for event professionals and business owners looking to take their business, and their leadership, to the next level.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Louisa here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an episode that goes deep into the realities of running a family-owned business in the events industry.

This week, we’re joined by Nathan, Co-founder and Managing Director at Wildfire Agency, who shares his candid experiences of navigating family dynamics in business, making tough decisions, and adapting in times of crisis.

Together, we explore:- The challenges of family-run businesses. Managing disputes, maintaining relationships, and the struggle to switch off- Making difficult leadership decisions including what happens when you have to fire your own best friend- Adapting for success during Covid, and how Wildfire Agency reacted to the crisis and came out stronger

Nathan’s journey is full of lessons for business owners, leaders, and event professionals looking to balance ambition with personal relationships while staying resilient in an unpredictable industry.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Nathan here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where we celebrate the stories and strategies that drive the events industry forward!

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with another thought-provoking episode that shines a light on a crucial but often overlooked topic - childcare in the events industry.

This week, we’re joined by Janthea Bridgen - CEO and Founder of Nipperbout - who is on a mission to make events more family-friendly and inclusive.

Together, we dive into:

• Why childcare at events matters, and how it can improve accessibility for both attendees and staff

• The importance of inclusivity in childcare, including the role of male role models in early childhood development

• The Purple Guide, and why this essential industry resource should be on every event professional’s radar

Janthea’s insights challenge the way we think about inclusivity in events and offer practical solutions to make our industry more accessible for everyone. Perfectly timed around International Women’s Day too.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Janthea here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where we celebrate the stories and strategies that drive the events industry forward!

The Neon Lounge is back and open for business with another insightful episode for event professionals!

This week, we sat down with Craig Mathie, the founder of Project 30 Event Management, a personal mission that he started at 30 to create a better, more fulfilled life.

Together, we have an open and meaningful conversation about:

• The journey of coming out, embracing identity, and finding confidence

• The power of counselling and how it can change your perspective

• Mental health in the events industry and why we need to do more to support each other

This is a must-listen episode for anyone navigating personal growth, self-acceptance, or the challenges of working in such a high-pressure industry.

Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions. And you can connect with our brilliant guest Craig here.

Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where we celebrate the stories and strategies that drive the events industry forward!