Send us a textIn this episode of the Epic Events Podcast, host Muhammad Younas, CEO of vFairs, sits down with Liz Lathan, founder of Club Ichi, to explore the transformative role of event technology in building and sustaining virtual communities. Liz shares her journey of growing a community of 5000+ B2B marketers, and how virtual events have played a crucial role in fostering engagement. Tune in to discover best practices for networking, overcoming common challenges, and leveraging event tech to create meaningful connections in the virtual world. Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textIn today’s dynamic landscape, the role of entertainment in events is more pivotal than ever. Events serve as canvases for creativity, platforms for engagement, and stages for leaving lasting impressions. Whether it’s a corporate gathering, a social celebration, or an unconventional conference, integrating entertainment can elevate the entire experience.Our guest for this episode is Christian Henderson, the director of talent partnerships at G7 Entertainment Marketing. Since beginning his tenure at G7 in 2012, Christian has strategized, negotiated, and executed the appearances of worldwide recognizable talent in large-scale corporate and private events. In this episode, we will cover the following:Discuss the significance of integrating ‘entertainment’ or ‘talent’ into events.Explore the challenges and lessons learned in adapting to the “new normal” for events post-2020, focusing on how talent has adjusted their expectations and contractual arrangements.Share real-world case studies that demonstrate the successful integration of virtual talent opportunities for programs targeting both internal and external audiences.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textVirtual events offer much more than just a space for casual interactions. They have become hubs of knowledge, support, and growth. Whether you’re a professional seeking to expand your network, an enthusiast looking to connect with like-minded individuals, or someone on a quest for unconventional mentorship, online communities are full of opportunities.Catch our conversation with Leanne Calderwood, where we cover: 1. Building Trust in Online Groups: Effective strategies to foster authenticity and trust.2. Forging Genuine Connections: Turning virtual interactions into real-life relationships.3. Personal Branding for Success: How it opens doors to unique career opportunities within the right communities.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textBehind every successful event, there’s a story of meticulous planning, creative thinking, and overcoming challenges. Event professionals, whether orchestrating corporate conferences or community gatherings, navigate a landscape filled with intricacies and unexpected hurdles. Our guest for this episode is Aaron Kaufman, President and CEO of Fifth Element Group, Aaron has set his own path in Toronto and international markets to lead a team in fostering long-term connections for annual growth through live and experiential events of high impact.In this episode, we delve into various aspects of event organizing, addressing your questions on:Overrated trends and their questionable effectiveness in event planning.The lesser-discussed, unglamorous facets of the industry.Common pitfalls that event planners often encounter.The changing landscape due to evolving technology.Real-life challenges and the innovative solutions that led to positive outcomes.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textWhether planning a corporate conference, community gathering, music festival, or a charity fundraiser, event producers must thoughtfully design each aspect of the event to align with its purpose and resonate with attendees. Creating intentional events requires careful planning, creativity, and an understanding of the audience’s expectations.Our guest for this episode is Aryb Chapman; Founder, CEO, and senior event producer with a remarkable background in theater and film production. Renowned for her innovative and strategic approach, she constantly pushes the boundaries of event production, delivering unforgettable experiences.In this episode, we will cover the following:Understand the importance of establishing clear event objectives and defining the purpose behind each event. Understand the complexities involved in event production and logistics.Delve into the various techniques and innovative ideas for engaging the audience throughout the event.Tips on seamlessly producing intentional events and standing out from the crowd.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeEvent design & creativity is a transformative force in event planning. It brings to life immersive environments, captivating themes, and engaging interactions that leave a lasting impression on attendees. This powerful approach elevates events, making them truly unforgettable and impactful.Our guest for this episode is Devon Pasha, a passionate event professional, who also serves as the Director of North America for the Event Design Collective, specializing in event design education and training in the United States and Canada. A believer in purposeful and mission-driven events, Devon leverages design thinking and empathy-driven systems to design events that maximize impact.In this episode, we will cover the following:  Importance of event design and creativity in the realm of event planning.How creativity can elevate events from ordinary to extraordinary.Significance of strategic thinking and innovative ideas.Tips to infuse creativity into your events.Speakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED is the founder of DMP Creative LLC - a firm that specializes in helping not-for-profits, associations, and institutions of all sizes reach their strategic goals via events.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeIn today’s fast-paced and interconnected world, meetings have become an integral part of our professional lives. Whether you’re a team leader, project manager, or participant, mastering the art of conducting and participating in meetings is essential for success.Our guest for this episode is Don Donahue, Founder of MOTN Agency. For 15 years, Don was the president of Rocketown Records. He served as an executive producer over a 2-year-long talent competition for Avon Cosmetics, working with artists from 73 different countries. Don has negotiated partnerships and production deals with Live Nation, AEG, Marriott Hotels, Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, and many other corporate brands in live events.In this episode, we will cover the following:Understanding the significance of physical and virtual spaces in fostering productivity and engagement.How to effectively manage time constraints, including agenda planning, timelines, and allocating discussion timeUnderstanding the concept of meeting flow and its influence on participant focus, creativity, and problem-solvingTips for creating spaces where diverse perspectives can be expressed and valued.Speakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Don is a 30+ year veteran of the entertainment and creative community in and around Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, and Austin. Known as a futurist and creative producer, he sees and hears his clients’ needs and brings outside solutions to move the story of any individual or company forward.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeOver the years, social media platforms have become essential for promoting and marketing events. TikTok, with its ever-increasing number of users and significant sway over younger audiences, has emerged as an innovative platform for event organizers to reach potential attendees. Our guest for this episode is Tom McMahon, CEO of MCM. Tom is well versed on the latest and most effective platforms and channels and is passionate about showing his event sector clients how they can utilize them to stay ahead of the competition.In this episode, we will cover the following:TikTok and how to use it to promote eventsKey strategies for creating effective TikTok content that can attract event-goersChallenges with using TikTok for event promotionTips to align TikTok content with the brand and its messagingSpeakersCandice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Tom has worked with major international brands both agency and client-side, including FT Live, Xeim, NBC Universal Studios, and Sky. At MCM, he uses his film and TV production experience to push the boundaries in the event sector by linking paid and creative strategies.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeBusiness events have the potential to drive positive social and environmental impact, in addition to their primary purpose of bringing people together for business outcomes. From promoting sustainability practices to supporting local communities, the potential of business events to catalyze positive change is immense. Our guest for this episode is Chetan Shah, CEO & Founder micebook.com. With more than two decades of experience at MICE and a proven track record in successfully building and managing projects, Chetan’s expertise and extensive industry network bring valuable insights to the team.In this episode, we will cover the following:  Sustainability and actions being taken to address itRole of agencies and clients in promoting sustainability in business eventsThe future outlook for business events as a force for good and sustainabilitySpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Chetan is the founding father of micebook. With over 20 years’ MICE experience and a track record for building and managing highly successful projects, he brings a wealth of industry knowledge and connections to the team.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeEvent sourcing helps event planners and organizers select vendors that are a good fit for their events. It’s the key ingredient to crafting a memorable experience for your attendees that leaves them feeling excited and engaged.Our guest for this episode is Evan Babins, an event producer with over a decade of corporate and private event experience working on events worldwide. Evan has worked in agency and client-side roles making him an incredibly well-rounded event professional.In this episode, we will cover the following:Tips for event sourcingHow to best select vendorsChallenges with event sourcingTop 3 event sourcing strategiesSpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Evan Babins is a trendsetting event producer with over a decade of corporate and private event experience working on events worldwide. He is famous for working on events for cutting-edge global brands.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeThe use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the events sector is on the rise, and this trend comes with a number of advantages and disadvantages. On one side, AI may help automate tasks, boost efficiency and personalization, and give useful insights and data. On the other hand, AI can generate potential risks such as security breaches and lack of human touch.Our guest for this episode is Adam Parry, the co-founder and editor of the event industry’s global online magazine, www.eventindustrynews.com  (EIN). On top of this, Adam is also the co-organizer of the Event Technology Awards, a world-renowned awards scheme showcasing the very best in event technology.In this episode, we will cover the following:Use of AI in eventsKey problems AI can solveTop limitations of AISpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Adam Parry is the co-founder and editor of Event Industry News magazine. As an avid technology evangelist, Adam coupled his 10+ years’ experience in the event industry with his passion for the latest tech trends to co-create Event Tech Live, Europe’s only show dedicated to event technology.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeRepresenting your business at a trade show is a significant expenditure, but it is also an opportunity to acquire additional awareness, build professional connections, and exhibit your brand. Naturally, there is no foolproof recipe for a successful trade show. However, when you plan in advance, you position yourself for success and are guaranteed wonderful outcomes.Our guest for this episode is Jim Cermak, a professional trade show trainer and consultant. Jim is also the host of the Trade Show University podcast, where he and expert guests give listeners tips, strategies, and expertise to get their Ph.D. in ROI. He understands that the investment of money, time and resources are huge and the need to make these shows work!In this episode, we will cover the following:Tips to attract people to your boothHow to make your booth stand outStrategies for a successful trade showSpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Jim Cermak is a professional trade show trainer and consultant who finds joy in helping exhibitors, associations, and show organizers make more money and max out ROI at their shows and events.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeVirtual events are not going away. Event marketing platforms have made it possible for organizations to offer more accessible, interactive, and entertaining events than ever before: the problem now is to increase engagement and attendance.Our guest for this episode is Merijn van Buuren, Founder of Event Mender. While helping physical event professionals embrace virtual events during the pandemic, Merijn realized that evaluating different platforms was taking way too much time and that there must be a better way to help determine which platforms would be most beneficial for them.In this episode, we will cover the following:  How to make virtual events more engagingTips to increase attendee engagement at virtual eventsDo’s and don’ts of virtual events for event organizersSpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Merijn van Buuren is the Founder at Event Mender. With Event Mender, he’s developed a tool to take out all the guesswork for event organizers.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeThe event planning industry is no different from the many others that rely heavily on data nowadays. As more and more people around the world rely on their mobile devices, it becomes simpler to collect and use data to shape how they experience events.Our guest for this episode is Nicola Kastner. Prior to launching her consulting practice, Nicola was the Global Vice President of Event Marketing Strategy for SAP. She has led teams through strategic reinventions of event portfolios as they shift their approach from only in-person events to integrated portfolios that include the appropriate mix of physical, digital, and hybrid events.In this episode, we will cover:Importance of data in building event strategyEvent auditing for all event typesTips for using data in new waysSpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Nicola has designed event portfolios that capture new audiences, drive accelerated business performance, and add customer value in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, giving her a unique understanding of regional nuances' impact.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeThere’s no doubt the event industry is changing daily. With all these changes, it can be pretty challenging to feel up to speed with the latest event trends and technology. As we prepare to welcome 2023, join our team at vFairs for some inspiration as we share with you some of the best events we have seen in 2022.We’re translating real-life success stories into concrete strategies for hosting in-person, virtual and hybrid events in 2023. Join vFairs’ team of in-house experts to discover how you can add a spark to your upcoming events that will make a huge impact going into the New Year. In this episode, we will cover:Some of the best events of 2022Real-life examples of how customers hit their event goalsLatest trends in the event industryTop features used at each eventTips on how to host successful events in 2023Speakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Carlos, Sales Manager at vFairs, has been helping corporations, universities & non-profit associations turn big event ideas into memorable, virtually realistic experiences.Wasif enables organizations to conduct hiring efforts virtually. He is a Senior account executive and also leads RFP & sales enablement at vFairs.Head of NORAM Sales at vFairs, Stefany helps organizations design star-studded events that boost ROI and delight attendees.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeSitting down to create an event strategy plan may seem daunting and often overwhelming, especially as you approach a brand new event. However, time is money, and you’ll save a lot if your team is on the same page about your event’s strategy. A strong event strategy guarantees you and your team can confidently plan and execute a successful event.Our guest for this episode is Yvonne McNair, the CEO and Founder of Captivate Marketing Group. Yvonne has a proven track record of conceptualizing and orchestrating small and large production events, marketing campaigns, and programs to create business development opportunities and increase revenue and growth effectively. In this episode, we will cover:The difference between strategic planning for virtual vs. in-person eventsEvolution of strategic planning in the past three yearsEvent budgeting and event marketing strategiesThe importance of using collaboration for your eventsTips and tricks for strategic event planningSpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Yvonne McNair leads the Captivate Marketing Group. She is a highly creative certified Entertainment Marketing Professional and two-time Emmy Nominated Event Producer. She has worked with some of the biggest names and brands in the entertainment industry, from grassroots organizations to Fortune 500 companies and A-List artists.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeCelebrity endorsements were the original kind of influencer marketing. However, in the modern digital era, specialist social content producers can frequently provide brands with additional value. As a subset of social media marketing, “influencer marketing” involves brands paying an influencer with a large online following to endorse the brand’s product or service to their followers.Our guest for this episode is Mike Allton. Mike is the Head of Strategic Partnerships at Agorapulse where he strengthens relationships with social media educators, influencers, and partner brands. In addition, he is the producer and host of The Virtual Event Strategist Podcast, helping brands make their first virtual event a success that they can scale. This episode covers:Influencer Marketing and how to get startedTypes of influencersHow to reach out to a potential influencerTips for event planners and organizers wanting to use influencer marketingSpeakersCandice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Mike is a virtual event strategist, an award-winning blogger, speaker, and author at The Social Media Hat, and Head of Strategic Partnerships at Agorapulse where he strengthens relationships with social media educators, influencers, and partner brands. Allton is also the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Social Media Marketing alongside Jenn Herman, Stephanie Liu, Amanda Robinson and Eric Butow, available wherever books are sold.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeCreating a community is more than just getting people together with similar interests; it’s also about giving them a place where they can share their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversations with a group of like-minded individuals. Our guest for this episode is Will Curran, the founder of Endless Events, and creator of the EventProfs Community. Will has been producing in-person, virtual, and hybrid events since high school when he started his first company. He has now managed large event clients such as Emerald City Comicon, Anheuser-Busch, Warner Brothers, Morton Salt & Uber.This episode covers: Why do you need to start a communityHow to build an effective event community that can be trustedTips on how to avoid common mistakes when it comes to a community model Challenges you might face when launching this type of groupSpeakersCandice Davis is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Will Curran: As the founder of Endless Events, & creator of the #EventProfs Community, and host of the event industry podcasts, #EventIcons, Event Brew, and Event Tech Podcast, Will Curran has been named one of the most influential people in the meeting & events industry, one of the 40 under 40 event industry leaders, 35 entrepreneurs under the age of 35, and the highest customer satisfaction of any event company in the industry.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the EpisodeImproving engagement can directly result from incorporating empathy into the event tech world. When teams are led and managed with empathy, the culture improves and workers can better put themselves in the customers’ shoes.We speak to Naomi Clare Crellin, the Founder and CEO of Storycraft Lab. She works with strategic planning teams as they navigate times of change, innovation and transformation. Using human-centered design techniques, she develops customized planning tools and audience empathy approaches that elevate messaging delivery and activation for her clients.The episode covers:Human-centered design and its importance for eventsPersonalization and how it drives inclusionHow can virtual events catch up with in-person events in terms of engagementStoryCraft Lab’s unique engagement experiencesTips for event organizers who want to create unique engagement experiencesSpeakers:Candice Davis is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Naomi Clare Crellin is an Experience Strategist and Designer who is passionate about using empathy to power enterprise in the events we create. She is the CEO and founder of Storycraft Lab, an Experiential Engagement agency with expertise in audience design and strategic development. She consults with organizations such as Google, NASA, Intel, Marriott and more, on projects from product launches to pop-ups, education to enablement, creative and content strategy.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!

Send us a textAbout the episodeVirtual events often get a lot of heat for not being able to deliver on the engagement they promise. But the problem lies in failing to understand the difference between virtual & in-person. Both have very different needs and this leads to a lot of mistakes in putting together a virtual event that’s engaging and interactive.We speak to Scott Gould, an engagement expert, to decode the mistakes that are preventing event organizers from achieving the full potential of their virtual events.  He’s bringing insights from his 20 years of experience as an engagement specialist and has also published a book on the subject.This episode covers:The importance of virtual engagement at eventsFive mistakes you might be makingTips on getting more out of your virtual eventsSpeakers:Candice is the Director of Event Programming & Creative Services at vFairs. She helps empower customers with the resources they need to create unique experiences and successful events to meet their business goals.Scott Gould is an author and consultant on engagement. Formerly a church minister, he literally wrote the book on how people engage with ideas, things, and each other. As a consultant, he works with a wide and diverse range of organizations to help them engage employees, customers and communities.Subscribe to the Podcast for more Event Industry Chats!