Skift Meetings Podcast

Skift Meetings

The podcast for event professionals featuring the leading innovators in the industry. We cover the latest innovations in event technology, case studies of successful events, new thinking in event design, and exciting destination updates. read less
BusinessBusiness

Episodes

#141 Nicola Kastner: The Event Strategist with Intention
Yesterday
#141 Nicola Kastner: The Event Strategist with Intention
Nicola Kastner is one of the rare people who intentionally entered the events industry. The founder of The Event Strategist, a boutique consultancy firm, she helps her clients optimize their event experiences to drive bottom-line results. Before creating The Event Strategist, Kastner was the global vice president of event marketing strategy for SAP, a market leader in enterprise application software. She recently discussed the importance of data in event strategy with Skift Meetings at the Future of the Events Industry 2024 virtual summit. Light Bulb Moment Kastner studied hospitality at university, and when she took a course about incentive travel, a light bulb went off for her. After graduating, she worked on the hotel side at a destination management company. Later, she joined Maritz, where she helped run incentive travel programs for 12 years. Attending a conference, Kastner took a course about event strategy that changed the course of her career.  SAP Sapphire Shines When asked what event she has planned that she is most proud of, she says SAP Sapphire 2019 in Orlando. This SAP flagship event included 25,000 attendees, 35 workstreams, and 120 content team members alone. In total, 5,000 employees worked on it. In addition, the conference strategy was led by data. Data Geek According to Kastner, not much can’t be figured out with a pivot table. Now, with the addition of AI, her pivot tables are even more in-depth. She is leaning in to understand all the nuances of AI, which she says will change the work. Being so data-driven has been a differentiator in her career, she says.  Learning From TED Last year, Kastner applied and paid out of her own pocket to participate in the TED conference in Vancouver. It was worth it, and she was very impressed. Before she even got onsite, she had a feeling of belonging from a WhatsApp group created for first-timers.  Big Difference Between the Business of Events and the Events Business She said that event professionals tend to focus on logistics, not the business of events. And those are two distinctly different things.
#138 Michelle Allgauer: Building a Resilient Career in Events
Feb 26 2024
#138 Michelle Allgauer: Building a Resilient Career in Events
Michelle Allgauer, senior vice president of education and engagement at the Financial Services Institute (FSI), shares the personal journey that ushered her into the world of event planning—an industry where resilience and relationships are pivotal. From a young age, Allgauer’s curiosity in planning was sparked by family vacation planning. Later, this fascination became a career trajectory when she attended a business conference with her father. Witnessing the intricacies of organizing a private dinner was a life-changing moment. Little did she know this inclination toward meticulous coordination would become her professional trademark. The Value of Gathering Face-to-Face When the Covid pandemic hit, Allgauer quickly realized the solid foundation that personal and professional relationships provided. The crisis underscored the significance of connections as she navigated the unpredictable challenges of event planning amidst a global shutdown. Despite the rise of digital platforms, she passionately believes in the irreplaceable nature of in-person interactions. She is not alone, as FSI members rely on face-to-face meetings for successful networking. Career Growth Allgauer attributes a significant part of her career growth and success to her involvement with Meeting Professionals International (MPI). “I got involved with MPI for the education and I stayed for the community,” she said. She highlights the organization’s role in providing education and networking opportunities pivotal to her career ascension. In the face of the industry’s unyielding pace and high demands, Allgauer sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a beacon of efficiency for overstretched planners. She envisions AI as a tool for operational strategy and a mechanism to improve efficiency. “I want to learn how to be more efficient. I want to help my team reduce some of the stress they’re feeling and help them with AI be more productive,” she said. Crafting Experiences Allgauer’s forward-thinking approach extends to the very nature of event planning itself. She insists, “People want experiences,” underscoring the necessity for events to offer unique and memorable moments. It’s about delivering exclusivity that attendees cannot find elsewhere, creating a lasting impact worthy of their time and investment. She champions crafting bespoke experiences that resonate personally. The experiences she helps create aim to transcend mere information sharing to create events that imprint on the attendees’ memories. Her vision aligns with a generational shift where experiences triumph and an emerging preference for the memorable over the tangible. Allgauer is not just responding to changes in the event planning landscape; she’s anticipating them. By recognizing the enduring power of relationships, driving the transition to experiential events, and embracing technologies like AI, she’s helping steer the industry toward a future where personal connections and innovation walk hand in hand.
#137 Andre Cholewinski: Supporting Local Causes Is Better Than Boycotting Destinations
Feb 19 2024
#137 Andre Cholewinski: Supporting Local Causes Is Better Than Boycotting Destinations
As associate director of meetings at the American Physical Society (APS), Andre Cholewinski plans a portfolio of meetings. The society's largest, the March meeting, brings together 13,000 physicists each year in a North American city. Meeting planning is not impervious to global socio-political issues, so such issues inevitably impact destination selection. The big question that arises is whether or not to consider destinations with controversial laws. Cholewinski shares why APS chooses to hold meetings in such destinations while actively supporting local causes. Excluding or even boycotting destinations due to controversial laws can seem like the right thing to do. However, Cholewinski argues it may not be the most effective way to enact change. "Boycotting does not solve the problem," he states, pointing out that such actions often harm local members and service industry workers the most. Instead, Cholewinski advocates for a more constructive approach, focusing on supporting local causes and initiatives that align with an organization's values. Under Cholewinski's guidance, APS has shifted its strategy towards engaging with destinations in a way that supports local communities and advocates for change from within. Organizations can make a meaningful impact by partnering with local causes, especially those affected by adverse laws. This strategy benefits the cause and allows the event to proceed, benefiting the communities of physicists at these destinations. Cholewinski's forward-thinking approach impacts the site selection process. APS now incorporates a comprehensive analysis of potential destinations, considering factors such as local laws, human rights campaign scores, and community safety. This meticulous process ensures that event locations align with the organization's values and support safe, inclusive environments for all attendees. The strategy of supporting local causes over boycotting serves as a model for organizations looking to make a positive impact. APS's approach demonstrates that it's possible to host successful events while also contributing to meaningful change in communities. Organizations can support inclusivity and diversity by choosing engagement over exclusion, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility. Cholewinski also looks for diversity when building his team. He values a specific trait — scrappiness. Amid the complexities of organizing large events, the ability to react swiftly and efficiently to unforeseen challenges is invaluable. Cholewinski explains, "I need someone that's going to be on-site, and if the building collapses around them, they know what to do right away." As planners and organizations navigate the complexities of global issues, supporting local causes presents a viable alternative to boycotting, one that not only avoids the negative implications of such actions but also fosters positive change. As the industry evolves, this approach could redefine how organizations interact with destinations worldwide, prioritizing support and engagement over exclusion.
#127 Amanda Armstrong: The Intersection of Passion and Impact
Nov 27 2023
#127 Amanda Armstrong: The Intersection of Passion and Impact
Amanda Armstrong is the senior vice president of communications and industry relations at Encore. Her career spans senior planning roles at Enterprise Rent-A-Car before joining Encore, with a wealth of operational and strategic experience. She also led Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as chair of the international board of directors. At Encore, she has been instrumental in driving initiatives around diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DE&IB). She also contributed to the company's recent certification as a Great Place to Work in seven regions. Central to Armstrong's role is advocating for a healthier work-life balance within the events industry. "If I could wave a magic wand, it would be to eliminate the stress of event planning while preserving the thrill of execution," she stated. She believes that although technology will continue to play a significant role in shaping events, the essence of in-person connections will prevail. Encore's commitment to nurturing talent is evident through its internal programs like Encore University. Another example is its WAVE (Women in Audio, Visual, and Events) program, which is aimed at creating more inclusive opportunities within the traditionally male-dominated AV field. Its focus on career pathing reflects a growing awareness of workforce retention challenges. It is keenly aware of the evolving expectations of professionals seeking a rewarding career journey. Armstrong stressed the importance of illustrating a clear career trajectory. Furthermore, she believes providing a fair, equitable, and fulfilling work environment is essential to attracting new talent. Reinforcing her belief in continuous learning, she encourages event professionals to become "ever learners," remaining open and adaptable to change. As Armstrong looks ahead, she envisions events that break the mold of traditional formats. To do this, she prioritizes personalized attendee experiences and embraces the unpredictability of human nature. Ultimately, she's driven to ensure every event fosters a sense of belonging, reflecting Encore's ethos for its clients and employees. Armstrong is committed to improving the industry's standards for event professionals and participants. Subscribe to ensure you don't miss an episode of the Skift Meetings Podcast. Skift Meetings is defining the future of business events. Visit our website for the latest news, reports, reviews, and events.