EpicEvents by vFairs: Recent Episodes
vFairs
A podcast for event profs to learn how to craft exceptional event experiences with the help of industry leaders. Hosted by Candice Davis, event programming expert from vFairs.
Your event ran smoothly. But nobody left changed. Sound familiar?
Andrew Roby has spent 21 years turning overwhelmed teams and underperforming venues into high-impact environments, helping charities raise over $25 million along the way. Featured by Forbes, CNN, and the New York Times, he's one of the most recognized voices in events for a reason.
In this episode, he gets into:
-Why flawless logistics are the floor, not the ceiling, and what actually separates a good event from a great one
-How to stop thinking like a coordinator and start thinking like a community architect
-The real reason most events fail to create lasting impact even when everything technically goes right
-How to close the gap between client KPIs, sponsor goals, and attendee needs when all three are pulling in different directions
-What most planners cut when budgets get tight that they absolutely shouldn't
If you've ever delivered a technically perfect event and still felt like something was missing, this one's for you.
Hit Attend and catch the upcoming episode.
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Peep Laja has done what most conference organizers only hope for, built events that people actually want to attend, pay for, and come back to, year after year, across nearly two decades.
As CEO of Wynter and a three-time founder, Peep has run conferences from the ground up, made every expensive mistake in the book, and built a framework for events that work as a genuine marketing channel, not just a line item that's hard to justify.
In this conversation, Peep will share the unfiltered truth about why ticket sales never get easier no matter how established you are, what most organizers get completely wrong about venue, format, and attendee experience, and how to design a conference that builds real community instead of just filling a room.
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Eddie Reynolds has spent 20+ years in B2B SaaS revenue, at Salesforce, in consulting, and now running Union Square Consulting, and he's seen this story play out hundreds of times. The problem usually isn't the event itself. It's everything around it.
In this episode, Muhammad Younas goes bottom-up through six event formats with Eddie:
→ Attending a conference
→ Speaking at one
→ Hosting an intimate dinner
→ Running a happy hour
→ Sponsoring a booth
→ Putting on your own conference
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Your event went well. The coverage didn't follow. Sounds familiar?
Matt Kovacs, President of Blaze PR, has spent 20+ years turning live moments into stories that travel, working with brands like Monster Energy.
In this episode, he covers:
-How to engineer media hooks into your event from day one
-Why keeping PR and event teams separate costs you more than you think
-What journalists actually want from a brand activation
-How to work with influencers without burning the bridge
-What metrics actually tell you whether an event worked
If you're leaving amplification on the table, this one's for you. Hit attend and catch the upcoming episode.
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Join Chloe Richardson, a leading expert in event measurement, as she reveals how event professionals can move beyond vanity metrics and truly measure event success.
In this episode, Chloe will discuss:
- The common vanity metrics event teams still rely on and how to move beyond them
- Practical frameworks for measuring and communicating event success
- How to build a measurement culture that influences decision-makers
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Iain Morrison has spent 35 years leading large-scale concerts, festivals, and public events across four continents. His take? The event industry doesn't have a hustle problem it has a systems problem.
In this episode, Iain breaks down:
— Why event managers are trained to react instead of lead
— The frameworks borrowed from emergency services and the military that actually work on live sites
— How digital twins catch problems before anyone steps foot on site
— What a debrief that changes behaviour looks like vs. one that's just venting
— Why normalising chaos might be the industry's biggest blind spot
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Most event planners try to eliminate chaos. Norman Leach has built a career thriving in it.
With 100+ trade shows, events up to 44,000 attendees, and trade missions hosting everyone from artists to Saudi royalty Norman has seen it all.
In this episode, he gets into stakeholder alignment, what scale actually breaks, why embracing uncertainty beats avoiding it, and the one shift that separates planners who react from leaders who win.
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Three webinars every Thursday. 100+ events annually. 100% virtual. Shahnaz, Event Manager at Your Overseas Home, reveals how a small team manages this relentless pace without burning out. The secret? Strategic admin support that frees event managers from spreadsheet hell, plus an immersive VR experience that makes virtual conventions feel surprisingly real. From COVID pivot to sustainable virtual strategy, discover how Your Overseas Home helps thousands navigate international relocation, all through the power of well-executed digital events.
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Rich will share how creating genuine human connections at trade shows matters more than flashy displays or massive budgets. We'll dig into why "leading with emotion and closing with data" works, how to train booth staff to actually engage (instead of hiding in the storage closet), and the psychology behind memorable booth experiences that stick with attendees long after the show floor closes.
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When your event sponsor can't join their own speaking slot, you know something's broken. Sarah, Events and Marketing Manager at Carers UK, faced this nightmare scenario, and it became the catalyst for transformation. Learn how a one-person events team switched platforms and skyrocketed attendee satisfaction from 70% to 95%, retained sponsors year-over-year, and created an immersive virtual experience complete with a digital poster hall.For nonprofits running lean teams and high-stakes events, Sarah's story proves that the right partner changes everything.
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Tavar James oversees global event strategy at Forrester, delivering Summits across three continents for thousands of professionals. With a career spanning hospitality operations at Ritz-Carlton, experiential marketing at Equitable, field marketing across EMEA/APAC/AMER at Riskified, and now leading events at a premier research firm, he brings a rare 360-degree view of what actually creates memorable attendee experiences. Expect honest takes on what works, what doesn't, and the uncomfortable trade-offs every event leader faces.
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Managing 2,000 site visits, 300 events, and 30 trade shows annually across five countries isn't just ambitious, it's a logistical masterclass. Oliver, Head of Events and Protocol at Airbus, shares how his 80-person team consolidated multiple event tools into a single platform to gain end-to-end visibility. From airshows to institutional visits, discover how Airbus built their "Event Factory" to scale global operations, improve data consistency, and support event managers across the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. If you're managing events at enterprise scale, this is your playbook.
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AI is everywhere, but why do most AI projects still fail? 🤔
In this Epic Events podcast episode, Noah Cheyer breaks down how event planners can actually use AI in practical, realistic ways.
Noah Cheyer is the Co Founder of Speak About AI, the first speaker agency dedicated to AI experts. He shares real examples of AI in event planning, how to book the right AI speakers, what event teams get wrong with AI, and which tools genuinely save time instead of creating more work.
In this episode, we cover:
• How Speak About AI matches the right AI speakers with the right events
• Why most AI projects fail and what event planners should do differently
• AI workshops vs inspirational talks and when each one works best
• Practical AI tools for event planners beyond ChatGPT
• How AI can save hours in event timelines, planning, and operations
• The future of AI inside spreadsheets, Airtable, and event workflows
If you are an event planner, marketer, or event tech professional trying to cut through AI hype and focus on real outcomes, this episode is for you.
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Join Ben Costantini, CEO of Sesamers, and Muhammad Younas, CEO of vFairs, as they dive into a conversation about transforming the way we plan events. Instead of just hoping people make meaningful connections, we’ll show you how to use AI and smart strategies to turn your exhibitions into innovation engines that drive real results. Deals, partnerships, and collaborations.
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Frost (Founder, ExpoCast) joins Mohammed Younas to unpack what great event-industry talent looks like, realistic OTEs, how to approach senior hires, and where AI helps (and doesn’t) in recruitment. We also chat networking tips for grads, the value of industry experience, and even booth swag.
Key takeaways
- Hunters remain the hardest roles to fill in events sales
- Clear SDR to AE paths and near 50 50 comp help retention and results
- Event tech often pays more than organizers, so salary benchmarks matter
- Senior searches require market mapping and tight stakeholder alignment
- AI can speed research and screening but candidate experience must stay human
- For grads, smart networking beats endless CV edits
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Struggling to find the right people for your events team? You're not alone.
Hiring for live events and exhibitions isn’t just about resumes; it’s about finding people who can thrive in chaos, deliver under pressure, and still bring the energy. In this episode, Muhammad Younas, CEO of vFairs, talks with Jade Hollins, Director & Co-Founder of Disrupt Talent, to uncover what really makes someone the perfect fit for the events industry.
🎧 Tune in as we explore:
✅ What sets events professionals apart from other industries
✅ The key traits you should be hiring for, but probably aren’t
✅ How to spot top talent that aligns with your culture, not just your job description
✅ Why smaller agencies CAN compete for top-tier candidates
✅ The biggest recruitment mistakes (and how to avoid them)
If you’ve ever hired the wrong fit or lost great talent to competitors, this episode is your game plan for building stronger, smarter teams.
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Is your event marketing really reaching the right people?
Join us for a conversation with Gina Kay, Marketing Manager for International Confex, as she shares how to build lasting event communities through targeted content and year-round engagement.
From avoiding generic marketing mistakes to leveraging data, segmentation, and creative pre-event content, Georgina breaks down the strategies that drive attendance and foster loyalty.
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Are you using your event data to its full potential?
Join Vinodhini Deshetty as she dives into the actionable insights hidden in your event metrics and shares strategies for designing better experiences, whether your events are virtual, in-person, or hybrid.
Learn how to:
- Spot overlooked data points that can transform your strategy
- Combine virtual and in-person insights for hybrid events
- Use AI and predictive analytics to understand attendee intent
- Set KPIs that actually drive impact
- Reserve your spot now and discover how data can create unforgettable events.
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Join Muhammad Younas, CEO of vFairs, in this exciting episode of the Epic Events podcast, where he sits down with Ben McCarthy, Founder and Director of Premier Events. Ben will take us on a journey from launching a small mobile disco business at university to scaling Premier Events into a £9M turnover agency.
In this conversation, Ben shares how his team embraced change in the events industry by adopting cutting-edge technologies, including TikTok for B2B marketing and AI to streamline event management. Discover the role of AV innovations and how they’re reshaping the future of live events.
🔍 What you can expect:
- Insights into Ben's entrepreneurial journey and how he scaled during the COVID pandemic.
- Why TikTok is a game-changer for B2B marketing in the event industry.
- The transformative role of AI in event operations and management.
- The latest AV trends that are taking event production to the next level.
🚨 Tune in to explore:
- How to market events using TikTok 📱
- The intersection of AI and AV in shaping the future of event tech 🤖🎧
- Predictions on the next big disruptions in the live events industry ⚡
Whether you're in event planning, marketing, or production, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving industry.
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From scroll-stopping moments to post-event buzz, Laura Lilley—Global Experiential Marketing Manager at Hootsuite—reveals how brands can build events that not only connect deeply with audiences but also light up the social feed. Learn how to architect event experiences that drive engagement, pipeline, and retention with social media at the heart.
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How do you create an in-person event that connects deeply with attendees and drives lasting action?
Find out in our upcoming Epic Events Podcast episode with Katherine Tooley, VP of Global Events & Experiential Marketing at HubSpot!
Katherine and Muhammad Younas will dive into:
- Designing engaging experiences for diverse audiences
- Turning attendees into long-term advocates
- Using AI to personalize and scale events
- Creative activations that make INBOUND memorable
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In the crowded and competitive world of event services, how can agencies and suppliers truly stand out? Join Cat Kevern, a seasoned expert in B2B marketing, as she pulls back the curtain on what really works, and what doesn’t, in the ever-evolving landscape of event marketing.
Cat shares real stories and actionable strategies focused on authenticity, community building, and bold branding to help event agencies and suppliers rise above the noise.
🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
- The landscape of B2B marketing in events: Misconceptions, shifts, and opportunities post-pandemic
- How authenticity can be a strategic advantage in building relationships and brand loyalty
- The importance of personal branding for agency founders and vendor reps
- Crafting LinkedIn content that resonates and converts
- Building and activating a community that drives growth
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What if the reason people aren’t registering for your event… is your landing page?
In this episode of Epic Events by vFairs, host Younas, CEO of vFairs, welcomes Tas Bober, founder of The Scroll Lab, to break down what makes a truly effective event landing page - one that not only grabs attention but drives real registrations.
With experience leading digital and website teams and working on 400+ websites, Tas shares her proven framework, conversion-focused strategies, and the biggest mistakes marketers make when building event pages.
You’ll learn:
- Why clarity trumps creativity when writing event copy
- The 7 essential blocks every landing page needs
- How to balance messaging for first-time vs. repeat attendees
- Why your form belongs at the bottom (yes, really!)
- How to make FAQs and testimonials actually move the needle
- The difference between templates and custom builds - and when to use each
- How AI can help you audit, refine, and humanize your landing pages
Tas also shares insights from auditing dozens of event pages, launching her own template, and hosting a themed content series around event landing pages. The conversation then expands to event strategy as a whole, covering:
- Best practices for reminder emails that improve attendance
- What makes swag memorable (hint: it’s not another T-shirt)
- Why smaller, 200-person events are outperforming mega-conferences
- How to design sessions for better networking and organic learning
Whether you're running webinars, trade shows, or hybrid events, this episode will help you move beyond fluff and friction to create pages that convert - with clear, honest messaging and a human-first experience.
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Word-of-mouth (WoM) marketing has long been a game-changer in the event industry, and in this conversation, Tamar will explore how event organizers can harness the power of this organic marketing tool to boost their trade shows.
In this podcast, we’ll cover:
- How to Trigger Word-of-Mouth: Learn how to design a trade show that sparks organic buzz.
- The Importance of Word-of-Mouth in Trade Shows: Discover why WoM is one of the most effective tools for event marketing, especially in competitive markets like the US.
- Creating Memorable Experiences: Get actionable insights into creating unforgettable experiences that attendees can't stop talking about.
- AI in Event Marketing: Explore how AI is shaping the future of word-of-mouth marketing and event marketing at large.
- Bold Predictions for the Future: Tamar will share her vision for where WoM marketing is headed, especially with the rise of digital and hybrid events.
We’ll also dive into some unconventional WoM success stories, the biggest mistakes organizers make, and strategies that should be left in the past.
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Academic events are a whole different ball game—and Tess Vismale, an expert in the field, is here to share her wealth of experience. From managing tight budgets to dealing with tech failures on-site, Tess dives deep into the unique challenges faced by event planners in academia.
In this episode, we’ll explore:
- How to overcome budget limitations while delivering high-quality events
- The role of technology in academic events and how to troubleshoot common tech issues
- Maximizing attendee engagement during content-heavy academic conferences
- The future of AI in event planning and how it will shape the academic event landscape
🎧 Don’t miss Tess’s unfiltered take on how academic event planning is evolving and what planners should be prepared for.
Tune in to this insightful conversation and gain valuable tips for navigating the complex world of academic events!
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Kristian Papadakis will share his insights on how mobile event apps can significantly increase attendee participation and satisfaction.
From networking dilemmas to emerging trends like AI and AR, Kristian shares actionable strategies for event planners to enhance engagement and make their events truly stand out. Plus, find out what’s overhyped and what’s underrated in the world of event tech.
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Join us on the vFairs Epic Events Podcast as Muhammad Younas, CEO vFairs, sits down with Anca Platon Trifan, a powerhouse in AV production with 20 years of experience. As a strong advocate for responsible AI adoption and a trailblazer for women in event tech, Anca will share her insights on:
✅ How AI is transforming AV production without replacing human expertise
✅ The biggest AV challenges event planners face—and how to overcome them
✅ Ethical concerns around AI in events: Where should we draw the line?
✅ Breaking barriers: Women in AV & event tech
This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! RSVP now and be part of the discussion shaping the future of event production.
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In this episode, Younas is joined by event tech and strategy powerhouse, Dahlia El Ghazzar, founder of Dahlia Plus Agency. They explore the powerful role AI plays in modern event planning—from automating tedious tasks to enhancing real-time engagement. Dahlia shares her insights on how the attention economy is reshaping the events industry and why event planners need to rethink outdated strategies to keep audiences captivated. Plus, they discuss the most overrated trends and how to create experiences that truly resonate with attendees.
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We will discuss how B2B companies can harness the power of purpose-driven events to build lasting relationships and drive business growth. We’ll dive into how to design events that go beyond surface-level engagement, focusing on meaningful interactions that align with your company’s goals. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your brand, enhance client relationships, or boost sales, discover how intentional event design can become a catalyst for growth.
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We explore how user-generated content (UGC) can supercharge audience engagement for events. Learn how event organizers can leverage social walls, drive authentic conversations, and generate buzz before, during, and after their events. Discover practical strategies to build stronger communities, foster participation, and create memorable experiences with UGC.
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Combining Vanessa’s insights on data and Event Tech ownership, this topic focuses on how companies can leverage Event Technology to transform collected data into actionable business decisions. It highlights case studies and lessons from the Event Tech World to illustrate best practices.
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Explore how vision AI and Gen AI tools like Zenus.ai are helping event organizers separate intuition from facts. Learn how attendee behavior metrics, like dwell rates and sentiment analysis, can lead to actionable insights that drive better decisions.
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This episode discusses how intentional event design can create meaningful experiences for attendees and stakeholders, with practical applications of the Event Canvas. Also, you can explore the event design trends for 2025 and some notable do’s and don’ts of event design every planner needs to know.
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Rachel and Younas will dive into the essential elements that make an event truly successful, from the initial planning stages to post-event engagement. Rachel can share her insights on how event organizers can attract the right audience, create impactful experiences, and leverage both traditional and modern marketing strategies to boost attendance and engagement. Together, they’ll cover everything from effective promotion and building buzz to maximizing attendee satisfaction and ensuring long-term event success.
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Leanne will share how creating a smooth and personalized registration process can make all the difference in the attendee experience. From the moment someone signs up, every touchpoint matters. We’ll chat about how to make the registration journey seamless and personal, setting the stage for a successful event from the get-go.
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Explore how AI will revolutionize the events industry by enhancing attendee engagement, event personalization, and operational efficiency, while also discussing how these advancements impact event branding. Drawing from Adam’s experience with Event Tech Live and Event Industry News, delve into how emerging technologies like AI can help organizers build sustainable, recognizable event brands in a crowded market. What strategies have worked for him, and how can event organizers harness AI to create innovative, memorable event experiences? Plus, your strategy for ETL awards, and how you’ve built that over the past few years.
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Explore how content creation can be a strategic asset for event organizers, driving year-round engagement and extending the lifecycle of event experiences. We will explore Skift Meeting’s approach to creating valuable content that resonates with audiences, from event sessions to industry reports. Additionally, we will uncover five non-obvious event trends for 2024/2025 that are shaping the future of event formats, attendee expectations, and sponsorship models, providing organizers with the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve.
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In 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.
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In 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
Virtual 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
Behind 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
Whether 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Virtual 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 engaging
- Tips to increase attendee engagement at virtual events
- Do’s and don’ts of virtual events for event organizers
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.
- 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Event 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Event 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 sourcing
- How to best select vendors
- Challenges with event sourcing
- Top 3 event sourcing strategies
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.
- 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
In 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 time
- Understanding the concept of meeting flow and its influence on participant focus, creativity, and problem-solving
- Tips 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Over 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 events
- Key strategies for creating effective TikTok content that can attract event-goers
- Challenges with using TikTok for event promotion
- Tips to align TikTok content with the brand and its messaging
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.
- 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Representing 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 booth
- How to make your booth stand out
- Strategies for a successful trade show
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.
- 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
There’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 2022
* Real-life examples of how customers hit their event goals
* Latest trends in the event industry
* Top features used at each event
* Tips on how to host successful events in 2023
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.
* 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Business 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 it
- Role of agencies and clients in promoting sustainability in business events
- The future outlook for business events as a force for good and sustainability
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.
- 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
The 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 events
- Key problems AI can solve
- Top limitations of AI
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.
- 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.
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About the Episode
The 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 strategy
- Event auditing for all event types
- Tips for using data in new ways
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.
- 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.
Talk to An Event Expert
About the Episode
Sitting 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 events
- Evolution of strategic planning in the past three years
- Event budgeting and event marketing strategies
- The importance of using collaboration for your events
- Tips and tricks for strategic event planning
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.
- 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.
Video Episode
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About the Episode
Celebrity 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 started
- Types of influencers
- How to reach out to a potential influencer
- Tips for event planners and organizers wanting to use influencer marketing
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.
- 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.
Video Episode
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About the Episode
Improving 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 events
- Personalization and how it drives inclusion
- How can virtual events catch up with in-person events in terms of engagement
- StoryCraft Lab’s unique engagement experiences
- Tips for event organizers who want to create unique engagement experiences
Speakers:
- 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.
Video Episode
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About the episode
Virtual 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 events
- Five mistakes you might be making
- Tips on getting more out of your virtual 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.
- 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.
Video Episode
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About the episode
Event profs are all getting on the social media bandwagon. It's great at bringing new attendees, building event hype, and being shared around. That's why a successful social strategy often results in an exponential increase in event registrations.
But how do you craft a strategy that not only boosts registrations but also turns your event into the talk of town? We're about to break it down.
Register now to learn how you can create powerful social campaigns for your upcoming events.
The episode covers
- How to find the right social media channels for your event
- How to design and execute social campaigns for your events
- The tools that will help design and launch effective social posts
- How to measure impact and optimize for the next event
Join Recruitment Experts from Abbott, Yaamava Resort & Casino, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians with vFairs Account Executive, Wasif, to share their best strategies for successful virtual career fairs.
About The Webcast
Virtual career fairs let companies advertise all their open positions on one platform and invite top candidates from around the world to apply. But how do you put together a virtual career fair that gets people excited, makes information accessible, and connects you with the best talent?
Recruitment experts from Abbott, Yaamava Resort & Casino, and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians will be detailing how they find top candidates for their company through virtual career fairs.
Speakers:
- Cora Buckner is a Senior Manager Strategic Alliances and Talent Acquisition, at Abbott. She has been part of the Talent Acquisition team at Abbott for 15 years and has also served as a Search Consultant, Manager of Commercial Sourcing, and part of Diversity Recruitment at Abbott.
- Jasmine Takeshita is Director of Talent Acquisition at San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
- Ediz Gur Gocenoglu is Senior Manager Talent Acquisition at Abbott. She has been working with Abbott for the past 4 years to help the company engage, attract, and retain top talent.
- Kyle Anderson is Director of Casino Executive Communications at Yaamava Resort & Casino.
This Webcast Will Cover
- Tried & tested strategies for career fair success
- How to attract top talent and close positions fast
After this Webcast, You’ll Be Able to
- Better promote your brand via virtual career fairs.
- Bring global talent to one platform and select the very best for each open position.
- Advertise openings and collect resumes in a streamlined way.
- Filter, identify, and match relevant candidates.
- Make hiring faster with on-the-spot interviews.
Optimize your hybrid, virtual & in-person events strategy with experts from Skift Meetings & vFairs.
About The Episode
Event strategies have been evolving over the past two years. Now, event professionals have crafted sophisticated event frameworks that incorporate all three virtual, hybrid and in-person events.
But what are the do’s and the don’ts of these new strategies? We’ve invited experts from leading event tech providers to weigh in.
Join us as Miguel from Skift Meetings and Younas from vFairs chalk out event strategies for the modern event prof. They’ll be revealing tips you absolutely need to adopt and approaches that are best left in the past.
This Episode Covers
- How to create value from your virtual, hybrid & in-person events
- Best strategies and tips to implement in your event’s strategy
- Caveats and things to avoid when hosting events
Learn how to host virtual job fairs that help communities and individuals land their dream jobs and grow in their careers.
About the Webcast
Virtual job fairs provide a convenient way to bring multiple employers under one roof without the hassle of booking massive exhibit halls or making exhibiting companies fly in. They also allow remote job seekers to conveniently explore companies that are thousands of miles away from them.
But it takes time and special care to put together a job fair that is equal parts immersive and useful. You need to convince job seekers that you’ll help them land their dream job. You also need to make your job fair the easiest way to meet this goal.
This Webcast Will Cover
- How to get the right employers on board.
- Marketing strategies to boost attendance.
- How to collect resumes and build a candidate database.
- Tips for closing positions faster & decreasing time-to-hire.
We meet with the Director of Product Marketing at vFairs, Aatir Rauf, to simplify email marketing for event planners and build creative strategies that drive event registrations.
Learn how to monetize your virtual events and boost ROI using multiple ticketing and sponsorship strategies.
Is event revenue slipping through your fingers? It's time to change that. We've invited event professionals from around the world to let us in on their online event game plan. Learn how the first Virtual Mall made money, how community events leverage sponsorships, and how virtual events can create multiple revenue streams all at the same time.
This Webcast Will Cover:
- The right ways to ticket your events.
- How to maximize sponsorship value.
- More opportunities for boosting event ROI.
About the Speakers:
- Alquincia Selolwane: Our first guest speaker is Alquincia, Founder & CEO of Interimmersive LLC and the 1st Generation App Development Company. She has created an emerging industry as the first Virtual Commercial Property Developer by launching the Black Virtual Mall and the Black Virtual Convention Center. She has also been featured in Forbes Magazine.
- Laura Nelson: Laura has been NJ Director of Community Relations with Rothkoff Law Group since 2019. She designs and implements world-class speaking events and full day educational symposiums along with marketing them as well.
- Kevin Cuyler: Kevin is the Director of Technical Division Operations at PetroSkills where he supports the Technical Discipline Networks and Communities of Practice for PetroSkills’ Alliance Members.
With the return of in-person events, hybrid events are now offering exciting new advantages. However, organizing a hybrid event is often time-consuming and stressful - it’s not easy to engage two distinct audiences at once.
For an impactful hybrid event, you need the right technology. Drawing upon years of experience hosting hybrid events, here's the hybrid event toolkit that we swear by:
- Restream for streaming
- Panavid for AV production
- Walls.io for social media walls
In this edition of EpicEvents Podcast, we’ve invited all three to showcase the benefits of their offerings and the best way to deploy them at hybrid events.
This podcast will cover:
- Why do you need a hybrid event toolkit?
- The importance of a reliable A/V setup at hybrid events.
- How can Restream help you boost global reach?
- Can a social media wall really help fire up engagement at events?
Our guest speakers:
- Michael Kamleitner: Michael is the Founder and CEO of Walls.io, the all-in-one UGC solution for virtual/hybrid events! Michael and his team have been building event tech – including the first social walls available! – and helping brands navigate the challenges of social media marketing since 2008.
- Morgan Schwanke: Morgan is Head of Business Development for Restream and has been on the team for 4+ years. Prior to Restream, he was a product manager at Unity Technologies, and before that a startup founder. He is also an active angel investor.
- Rob Allen: Rob is the National Sales Manager for Panavid. He oversees all sales, whether Installations or Productions and works closely with the sales team to ensure that every client has a great experience with Panavid. Rob is also assisting in Panavid's expansion.
The hosts:
- Candice Davis: Our moderator for this webcast is Candice, 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 Herrera: Carlos, Sales Manager at vFairs, will be co-hosting this webcast. He has been helping corporations, universities & non-profit associations turn big event ideas into memorable virtually realistic experiences.