Solution Seekers: Recent Episodes
Paige Buck
Welcome to the Solution Seekers podcast featuring Paige Buck. “Solution Seekers” marks a significant milestone for Kennedy Events as we embrace our core values and embark on a new era of growth and inspiration. Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, this podcast will empower listeners to become solution seekers themselves, embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. We look forward to sharing our explorations as you tune in, engage, and become a part of this community. Together, we can navigate the ever-changing landscape of events and beyond—one solution at a time.
Brenna Lenoir and Katie Fairbank of CodeSignal join the Solution Seekers Podcast with Paige Buck to discuss the journey of producing CodeSignal Beyond 2024, the company's biggest event yet. Tasked with creating a monumental moment, Brenna and Katie focused on curating an experience that would be remembered—starting with a theater venue inspired by Steve Jobs’ iconic iPhone launch. This decision set the tone for the event, reinforcing the gravity of their product launch and helping CodeSignal achieve three key goals: filling the room, engaging the right people, and generating social media buzz.
The event was infused with creative elements, from the space-themed branding to the playful inclusion of Cosmo the Space Corgi, all designed to make attendees feel like they were part of something special. Brenna and Katie share how they navigated the pressure of coordinating a live event with multiple moving parts, including a simultaneous website launch and influencer marketing. They attribute much of their success to a strong team culture, which allowed them to divide roles effectively and ensure everyone knew their part in making the event a success.
Brenna and Katie emphasize the importance of setting clear goals from the start and staying focused despite inevitable distractions or scope creep. Their leadership, combined with a deep understanding of brand identity and audience engagement, resulted in an event that not only met but exceeded expectations. With over 100,000 signups for CodeSignal’s new product and significant media attention, they’ve proven the lasting power of a well-executed live experience.
In this episode…
Arleen van Londen, founder of Diamond Street Live, brings over two decades of experience in the world of experiential event production, specializing in brand activations and creating immersive, memorable experiences for B2C audiences. On the Solution Seekers Podcast with Paige Buck, Arleen shares her journey from working in hospitality as a teenager in the Netherlands to curating live experiences for multimillion-dollar projects worldwide. Her passion for the emotional impact of live events was sparked during her first music festival, where she saw firsthand the power of music and atmosphere to transform audiences. Today, Arleen leads high-profile events with a focus on connecting brands to consumers in meaningful ways, often through unique, personalized experiences.
In her conversation with Paige, Arleen also delves into the challenges of managing large-scale events, including her recent work during the Paris Olympics, where she navigated complex logistics and unexpected obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, transparency, and humor in fostering successful collaborations with her team and clients. With a deep belief in the intersection of art, creativity, and experiential marketing, Arleen is inspired by figures like Virgil Abloh, who embody multidisciplinary creativity. Her approach to event production is driven by a desire to engage audiences on a deeper level, making each moment both impactful and unforgettable.
Mallory Schlossberg's multi-faceted career spans brand management, theater, and editorial work, positioning her uniquely at the intersection of creativity and experience. Recently, the award-winning creative joined Paige Buck on the "Solution Seekers Podcast" to discuss her journey, the evolution of marketing, and the magic of mixing music, theater, and brand storytelling. Her vibrant career includes roles with Google Cloud, Google Fiber, Whole Foods Market, and Hearst Digital Media, where she has consistently crafted compelling stories and immersive experiences. This hybrid background allows her to blend theatrical elements into brand storytelling, making her campaigns both innovative and deeply engaging.
Mallory's achievements in marketing are noteworthy, with a focus on creating impactful brand experiences akin to directing a play, requiring an understanding of audience, narrative, and emotional resonance. Recognized in 2023 as one of Chief Marketer Pro and Event Marketer's Top Women in Marketing, her ability to push creative boundaries and center the attendee in every experience she creates has been lauded. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the shift to virtual events, Mallory's innovative thinking and adaptability have been crucial to her success. Beyond marketing, her passion for theater as a director, performer, and writer, along with her work as a musical improv instructor, underscores her belief in the transformative power of creativity. Her journey offers valuable lessons on versatility, innovation, and risk-taking, inspiring others to rethink their creative approaches.
In the latest episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with Shea Cibulsky, Senior Marketing Manager of Global Adoption and Retention Events at Adobe. The conversation dives into the intricacies of running successful customer learning event programs, focusing on “Experience Makers: The Skill Exchange.” This program emerged as a response to disjointed and ineffective events previously run by various Adobe business units. Through research and direct conversations with Adobe users, the Skill Exchange was designed to offer a seamless and engaging customer experience. One key takeaway is the importance of understanding what the audience truly wants: a blend of peer insights and company knowledge to ensure rich, actionable content.
Shea elaborates on how continuous touchpoints with her team and advanced technology like Cvent have revolutionized their workflow. By employing an automated speaker resource portal, the onboarding process for their latest event—with 70+ speakers—was streamlined and received enthusiastic participant approval. Shea also articulates how crucial it is to measure the program’s impact using metrics that not only track attendance but product and solution usage as well. This evolving approach has been instrumental in optimizing both speaker and attendee experiences, exemplifying how robust feedback mechanisms and cutting-edge tech can elevate event programs in a digital-first world.
In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers Podcast" hosted by Paige Buck, Pierce Larick, the visionary founder and CEO of New Revolution Media, shares deep insights into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the balance between creative innovation and the nuances of business leadership.
Pierce shares his transition from a solo photographer to leading a video production team, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse team dynamics and maintaining a positive work culture. He introduces a unique "no a**hole policy" to safeguard team morale and productivity and discusses educating clients on the creative process to better align project outcomes with client expectations. This strategic approach to client interaction, combined with a commitment to fostering strong industry relationships, plays a crucial role in his company's success.
Larick also delves into the less-discussed aspects of entrepreneurship, such as the mental health challenges that come with running a business. He highlights the importance of support networks, particularly through groups of fellow entrepreneurs who understand the unique pressures of the industry. A case study of a successful campaign for Lululemon illustrates how granting creative freedom can lead to content that not only satisfies but exceeds client expectations, setting new benchmarks in storytelling.
This podcast episode offers a wealth of insights for entrepreneurs on balancing strategic decision-making with creative passion and interpersonal relationships to thrive in business. Larick's journey underscores the importance of combining strategic planning with a passion for creativity and sincere interpersonal relationships. This balanced approach not only helps navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship but also contributes to a rewarding and successful business venture.
In today's episode, Paige is excited to sit down with the multi-talented Marianne Jackson, Senior Executive Producer and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kennedy Events. Marianne dives into her colorful world, revealing her journey from producer to business development maestro, highlighting the evolving landscape of team celebrations in a post-COVID era. Expect to hear about her commitment to inclusive event planning and the way she faces challenges head-on with grace and strategy. Beyond event logistics, we'll explore the importance of core values, how they shape client relationships, and how Kennedy Events stands out by infusing delight into their work. It's a rich conversation filled with insight, laughter, and invaluable tips from one of the industry's best.
In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck dives into the intricacies of event planning with Meg Fasy, founder of fazeFWD, and Sarah Bseiso, Senior Manager of Global Events at Informatica. They tackle the balance between structure and innovation in managing large-scale events and delve into the significance of building strong relationships within the industry. Both Meg and Sarah share their insights on the pivotal role of autonomy in event teams and the art of saying no to unfeasible ideas while remaining open to new trends that are reshaping the event planning landscape. The theme of maintaining a vendor relationship as an extension of the event team, as well as how to navigate the challenges when a vendor isn't the right fit, sets the tone for a candid conversation about the finer nuances of corporate event planning. But in a field where the expectations are as dynamic as the technologies and audience, how do event professionals strike the right balance between innovation and discipline?
Meg and Sarah, with their wealth of experience, provide valuable perspectives on the challenges of trying to be everything to everyone versus the need to set boundaries and selectively embrace new ideas and opportunities to avoid team burnout and turnover. Their expertise shines as they advocate for the importance of understanding client needs, proving vendor competence, and treating contractors with respect. How does one navigate the twin demands of innovation and structure to achieve growth and avoid pitfalls? Listen to the seasoned insights of our guests as they recount personal experiences and lessons learned from managing flagship events and steering companies toward strategic branding and successful collaborations.
In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with guest Carlin Putman, owner and founder of Page-One Meetings and Events, LLC, to navigate the intricate world of event planning and the road to establishing a successful business. Carlin, with an extensive background of over two decades in the industry, shares how she kick-started her career straight out of college where she honed her event-organizing skills in various roles, before bravely navigating through the AIG financial crisis, which prompted her to lay the groundwork for her own enterprise.
Throughout the podcast, Carlin recounts her experiences with vibrancy and a deep understanding of the event landscape. Listeners will be entertained by her tales of near-disastrous last-minute challenges, and her candid recollections of the stresses and successes that come with leading an events team.
Neil Wu Becker is an award-winning marketing and communications executive who has led global teams at a variety of IT, security and enterprise software firms – from Dow Jones Component and bellwether stock companies to small-caps and pre-IPO unicorns. He is an adviser for startups and has been a CMO for various companies. He is also co-founder NextBound, which provides interim CMO and proxy CMO services, as well as brand marketing, PR, and corporate communication services combined.
Maeve Naughton is the president and owner of MKN Consulting Group, a company that provides partner marketing consultations for tech companies. She has 25 years of experience creating event sponsorship programs, driving millions in revenue for large customer events and regional conferences. As an experienced marketing professional, Maeve focuses on lead generation to support sales and channel revenue goals by creating customer reference programs.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- Understanding the varied impact of events on analyst relations, media, and lead generation
- How expanding skill sets beyond traditional logistics to include positioning, messaging, and content creation will be increasingly valuable
- Why event practitioners should proactively educate company executives about event strategies
As we begin 2024, we take a look back at some highlights from 2023. Paige sits down with some of the best in the business to discuss their insights into the event industry and how we can continue to move forward with excitement and innovation in this ever-changing landscape.
We hope you enjoy, and look we forward to Season 3 starting in two weeks!
Nadia Rahali is the General Manager of the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, GA. She is a leader committed to empowering organizations and leaders in creating meaningful and purposeful convenings. She believes that hospitality is a virtue and it's a privilege to be given the opportunity to be of service to others
In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige had the pleasure of speaking with Earla Jones, Director of Conference Services and Operations at the American Library Association.
In a world where event planning is rapidly evolving, understanding the intricacies of creating memorable and inclusive experiences is more crucial than ever. This episode delves into this dynamic field. Jones, with over two decades of experience, brings a unique perspective on the importance of experiential design and accessibility in event planning. But how does one seamlessly integrate these elements to elevate the standard of events?
Earla Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Her journey from a psychology major to a renowned event planner showcases the diverse paths leading to success in this industry. She emphasizes the significance of experiential design in events, focusing on creating engagements that resonate with all five senses to leave a lasting impact. Jones also highlights the vital role of accessibility in event planning, discussing how inclusive practices can transform an event's appeal and reach. Her approach is not just about meeting standards but about innovatively enhancing the participant experience. Through her expertise, Earla Jones illustrates that successful event planning is as much about understanding people as it is about logistics and creativity.
In today's episode, Paige Buck had the pleasure of chatting with Johnice Veals, the Associate Director of Events and Employee Engagement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Johnice takes her into the world of pharmaceutical events, sharing her insights and experiences in creating meaningful and impactful experiences for employees globally. From navigating time zones and cultural differences to fostering diversity and inclusion, Johnice discusses the challenges and successes in her role. They also delve into her previous work at Life is Good and how she brings elements of fun and music into the pharmaceutical industry.
As a seasoned professional in the events industry, Johnice Veals brings a wealth of expertise and firsthand knowledge to the table. Throughout the interview, she candidly shares her insights on gauging employee satisfaction, managing global events, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Johnice's valuable advice centers around the importance of authentic connections, utilizing data-driven insights, and aligning events with company strategy. Her experience in bridging the gap between different industries, from apparel to pharmaceuticals, showcases her innovative and adaptive approach. Johnice imparts her wisdom on successfully orchestrating impactful events and creating a sense of community within organizations.
In the ever-evolving world of marketing, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your strategies to meet the needs of a rapidly changing market. But how can you effectively navigate these evolving landscapes?
In this episode of The Solution Seekers Podcast, Paige Buck engages in an insightful conversation with Megan Hull, the Senior Director of Events at Technology Marketing Toolkit (TMT), a renowned marketing consulting firm in the IT services industry. Megan brings her expertise and years of experience as she discusses the challenges faced by the events industry and how TMT has adapted to the changing market. With over 30 events each year, ranging from small workshops to large-scale conferences, Megan and her team have developed effective strategies for ensuring the success of each event.
As an experienced events professional, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion highlighting the importance of constantly enhancing and improving events. In response to a downturn in in-person event attendance, Megan shares how her team pivoted to hosting virtual events and focused on maintaining high engagement levels. This experience allowed her to embrace the importance of community and our natural deep craving for connection, especially in times of isolation. She also focuses on how her team uses their skill sets and understands the role and capacity each person can play to create the best experience for the client and their attendees. Megan’s depth of knowledge and passion for the events world will delight and inspire you to new ways of thinking within your team.
In this enlightening episode of The “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck, is joined by Michelle Allbon, Fractional CRO and Managing Director of Grounded Advisory. During her interview, Michelle dives deep into the dynamic world of sales, marketing, and operations. Drawing from her diverse career path and wealth of experience, Michelle sheds light on the complexities and challenges of navigating these intersecting domains.
Michelle's valuable insights highlight the need for a harmonious relationship between sales and marketing. She emphasizes the importance of establishing clear swim lanes and a shared understanding of goals and responsibilities. By aligning these functions and leveraging modern practices like revenue operations (Rev ops), companies can optimize lead generation, conversion, and customer tracking. Michelle also challenges the traditional view of sales as a linear process, advocating for a holistic approach that embraces the power of data-driven strategies while fostering genuine customer relationships.
Through her expertise as a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Michelle provides a fresh perspective on how operational change and uncertainty can be approached strategically. She stresses the significance of distinguishing between tactical and strategic work, empowering leaders to focus on the broader context and make informed decisions based on concise, bottom-line data.
This episode paves the way for professionals across sales, marketing, and operations to explore innovative ways of driving revenue, fostering collaboration, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business. Michelle Allbon's insights serve as a guiding light for those seeking to excel in the intertwined realms of sales, marketing, and operations.
In the latest episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Costa, a seasoned hospitality professional, advocate for sustainable practices and aromatherapy, and the Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 Hotels. Joel shares his extensive experience working in the industry and his current role with 1 Hotels, a brand focused on minimizing their environmental footprint.
This insightful episode also delves into Joel's expertise in event planning and marketing, where he highlights the importance of engaging with digital customers, staying on top of trends, and fostering creative collaborations. Joel's passion for sustainability, aromatherapy, and creating meaningful experiences shines through in this conversation, painting a picture of how the hospitality industry can transform and embrace a more eco-conscious and relaxing approach. Tune in to this episode to discover how Joel Costa is paving the way for a greener future in the hospitality world.
In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck speaks with Joshua Steinberger, a seasoned professional in the realm of strategy and communications. With an impressive portfolio highlighting his work with organizations such as Tipping Point and the Presidio Trust, Joshua shares his experiences and provides valuable insights into the world of communications, events, and driving impact.
Throughout the episode, Joshua emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and connecting with people on a meaningful level. From his work with Tipping Point, where he witnessed the organization's nimble response to crises like the North Bay fires and the COVID-19 pandemic, to his involvement in the transformation of the Presidio into a public space, Joshua's expertise shines through as he shares valuable tips on storytelling, spokesperson selection, and event planning. His ability to simplify complex topics and connect with others quickly is a testament to his mastery of the field. Overall, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for professionals looking to make a significant impact within their organizations and communities.
In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with guest Justin Dorfman, Co-Founder and CEO of AssetMule and an experienced sales professional with a passion for enterprise sales. Throughout the episode, Dorfman shares valuable insights on managing the sales process, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored solutions. He highlights key moments in the sales process, such as the proposal stage, where both parties come together as partners to make the case internally. Dorfman also delves into his journey of starting a company, highlighting the significance of customer discovery and building a community before launching a product. With a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by sales and product marketers, Dorfman offers practical strategies and ideas for creating interactive sales materials that engage prospects and drive successful enterprise sales - cue AssetMule, the SaaS that helps companies create high-quality personalized sales assets in minutes.
In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Gene Hwang, a seasoned event photographer and co-founder of Orange Photography, the San Francisco Bay Area's premier corporate photography agency. With decades of experience in the industry, Gene shared valuable insights and anecdotes about the art and science of event photography, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that make events truly unforgettable. Gene shares that good lighting not only enhances the overall ambiance but also allows photographers to capture captivating images that truly reflect the essence of the event. Sound quality, another pivotal element, ensures the success of an event, significantly impacting the audience's engagement and overall satisfaction.
So whether you're an event professional looking for tips on how to make every moment picture-perfect or simply curious about the art of event photography, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with the remarkable Heather Mason, CEO and Founder of Caspian Agency, for an insightful and inspiring conversation on the importance of strategy in the event management industry. Renowned in the industry for her strategic approach to event management, Heather shares her experiences, expertise, and vision for the future of the events world.
Gain invaluable insights into financial planning, creativity with money, and the evolving role of logistics and strategy, and discover how Heather's experience as a social entrepreneur and her dedication to empowering women in the industry is ushering in a new era of event management. This enlightening episode will not only leave you inspired but also equipped with practical advice to enhance your own event-planning endeavors.
Research consistently shows that diverse teams lead to increased profitability and better overall business performance. The speaker emphasizes the need for incorporating diversity and inclusion in recruitment, promotion, performance evaluation, and compensation reviews to create a sustainable, inclusive future. So why is DEI the first thing cut from budgets during economic hardships?
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Sophia Piliouras joins host Paige Buck to dive deep into the evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the importance of genuine expertise in DEI initiatives and the challenges faced in achieving true diversity and inclusion in today's society. Piliouras, an experienced professional with a background in law and DEI, shares her insights, experiences, and passion for creating positive change in the corporate landscape.
Listen to the full episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast featuring Sophia Piliouras to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in driving diversity, equity, and inclusion in the corporate world.
In the world of business, revenue growth is the ultimate goal. It's what drives companies forward, fuels innovation, and creates opportunities for expansion. But achieving sustainable revenue growth requires more than just hard work and dedication. It requires alignment within teams, a shared understanding of metrics, and a strategic focus on key goals. In a recent episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, titled "Aligning Teams Toward Shared Metrics for Revenue Growth," host Paige Buck sits down with guest David Aronica, Head of Growth Marketing at Yellowbrick Data, to discuss the importance of team alignment in driving revenue growth.
One of the key takeaways from the episode is the impact of misalignment within teams. Aronica highlights the common scenario where different teams, such as marketing and sales, focus on different metrics or drivers for making money. For instance, the marketing team might prioritize generating marketing qualified leads (MQLs), while the sales team focuses on generating opportunities. This divergence in focus can lead to friction and inefficiency within the organization, ultimately hindering revenue growth. To address this, Aronica emphasizes the role of leadership in setting clear goals and metrics for each stage of the customer journey. When teams have a shared understanding of what constitutes a qualified opportunity or lead, they can work together more effectively toward revenue growth.
In today's competitive business landscape, creating unforgettable experiences has become crucial for companies across industries. Enter experience design, a methodology that combines creativity, psychology, and strategic thinking to craft memorable events. Whether it's a product launch, a corporate conference, or a music festival, the principles of experience design can be applied to any industry, elevating engagements and leaving a lasting impression on attendees.
In this episode of “The Kennedy Events Podcast,” host Paige Buck is joined by Tony Allen, current President of RevRoad and previous Global Head of Event Services at Zoom. Tony shares his wealth of knowledge on experience design and how its methodology can be applied to any industry to create a memorable event. At its core, experience design methodology focuses on orchestrating all aspects of an event to elicit specific emotions and engage the senses of the participants. Tune in to learn how organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors, build stronger connections with their target audience, and ultimately, create events that leave a lasting impact in the minds and hearts of attendees.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) play a crucial role in event planning, serving as a guiding principle for creating inclusive and meaningful experiences. Event planners recognize that diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities bring forth unique ideas, foster innovation, and enhance attendee engagement. So how does one embrace DE&I in the event planning process to prioritize equal representation and ensure that all participants feel welcomed, respected, and valued?
In this episode of "The Kennedy Events Podcast," host Paige Buck is joined by Anna Nicholson, an experienced events manager on the Global Events and Experiential team for B2B Marketing at Yahoo. Anna shares the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the events industry and how Yahoo has started to track metrics on DE&I, sustainability, and accessibility at events. DE&I in event planning goes beyond surface-level diversity and actively addresses systemic barriers, promoting equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. By incorporating DE&I principles into every aspect of event planning, from vendor selection to program design, event organizers can create enriching experiences that celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and drive positive change.
Sales, marketing, and operations teams are integral to the success of any event. Their collaboration is crucial in creating engaging experiences that resonate with attendees and sponsors alike. By working together and leveraging their respective strengths, these teams can orchestrate seamless logistics, attract sponsors, drive attendance, and ultimately deliver exceptional events that leave a lasting impression. So how can one harmoniously converge the efforts of these different departments to create engaging, impactful experiences that resonate with attendees and sponsors alike?
In this episode of “The Kennedy Events Podcast,” host Paige Buck is joined by special guest Dan Rubinetti, a seasoned events industry veteran with over 30 years of experience working with leading B2B firms in the US. In his role as Director of Business Development and Head of Wealth Management Event Sales at Informa, Dan is responsible for building relationships, setting up direct sales teams, and identifying unique marketing opportunities. And he's widely respected for his leadership and expertise in these critical areas. He delves into his strategies for building reciprocal relationships in the industry, unifying teams to deliver exceptional events, and the challenge of working with a shrinking marketing budget from sponsors who've had negative experiences with events.
In today's fast-paced digital age, distractions are a common enemy of productivity. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, staying focused on their most important work can be a challenge, especially with the added pressures of running a business. In this episode of “The Kennedy Events Podcast,” we’re joined by Megan Flatt, founder of Let’s Collective, a business growth strategy firm devoted to making entrepreneurship easier, and Focus Sessions, a brand dedicated to providing dedicated, distraction-free virtual co-working to get your most important work done.
Megan identified that entrepreneurs and small business owners have their focus pulled in a million directions all at once which makes it difficult to move the needle on any one project, let alone top-priority initiatives. Her solution? Focus Sessions. A virtual co-working service designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses, Focus Sessions help leaders stay on track and eliminate distractions while working from home. The program uses brain science, neuroscience, and research around accountability to provide a structured environment that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses focus and accomplish their work in less time. With Focus Sessions, entrepreneurs don't have to struggle alone, as they can join virtual co-working sessions where they can connect with like-minded individuals and work in a supportive environment. By offering a proven methodology of virtual co-working sessions, entrepreneurs and small businesses can bring back accountability and structure to their workdays, enabling them to optimize productivity, stay on top of their most important work, and find time for the important things in life.
Alyssa leads Revenue Enablement for Recharge, a platform that helps the leading direct-to-consumer brands grow and retain a loyal customer base. Alyssa's enablement experience spans across Fintech, working with companies in payments, blockchain, and traditional SaaS sales. Alyssa works remotely from her home in San Francisco and loves to spend time with her family and friends.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, our guest Alyssa Glassman, Director of Revenue Enablement at Recharge, shares her experience in the Fintech industry scaling companies by building out executive briefing programs and enablement functions. Revenue enablement is a high-impact, low-headcount function that unites teams and creates a system to aggregate feedback so that all functions have the right training and content to effectively deliver. Alyssa emphasizes the importance of consistency in brand messaging, communication audits, and identifying communication gaps in a remote environment.
Meg Fasy is the Founder of eventsGIG, the talent marketplace for the events industry, and FazeFWD a premier sponsorship management company that works with clients to reveal opportunities and develop forward-thinking solutions to their sponsorship marketing. She has 30 years under her belt in the meeting industry, and in addition to her two businesses which she’s owned for 7 yrs and one for 2 yrs respectively, she’s a competitive dragon boat racer.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts Meg Fasy, Founder of eventsGI and FazeFWD a premier sponsorship management company that works with clients to reveal opportunities and develop forward-thinking solutions to their sponsorship marketing. Meg shares her extensive expertise on how she and her team elevate sponsorships into impactful marketing opportunities for organizations. She dives into the effective content opportunities that connect sponsors with their customers, how she helps organizations create a prospectus of value, and the unlocked data potential that will set winning organizations apart from the rest.
Marti Grimminck is a global business executive, social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and digital/interactive designer. As the Founder and CEO of International Connector, Marti designs the future of work, education, and communities for corporations and governments. She brings a deep knowledge of emerging global trends through the cultivation of an unparalleled network of GenZs and Millennials across 190 countries.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts Marti Grimminck, a global business executive, social entrepreneur, keynote speaker, digital/interactive designer, and the CEO and Founder of International Connector to discuss how she takes businesses to new horizons in technology, global markets, and the next generation workforce. Marti and her team leverage a multi-platform approach, creating virtual engagements for young people and co-designing programs that stimulate and empower them. As Marti says, if you can find a better solution or a new approach to it, you might just end up with a better path forward. The programs she’s developed also focus on the future of work, communities, and education, bringing diversity together to spark new creative ideas and ways of thinking that will pave the way toward the future.
Cara Rose DeFabio is a writer, artist, and producer who is proud to serve as the Cultural Strategy Director for the Economic Security Project. In this role, she has invited artists into policy fights, foregrounded storytelling alongside data in changing minds, and produced events that organize people and ideas towards a more just economy. She is passionate about unwinding the deeply rooted myths of American culture through conversation and creativity and draws on her background in theater and journalism to push new narratives forward.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts Cara Rose DeFabio, writer, artist, producer, and Cultural Strategy Director for the Economic Security Project to discuss events as a platform to shift the zeitgeist and social thinking around an idea. As Cara believes, when you change the story, you change the system. Events are powerful tools to shift ideas, change minds, impact policies, and make the world a more just place. Cara shares her strategies for narrative change work that makes an impact on social issues like economic security, events, and projects she’s produced in the progressive organizing space to shift conversations and the use of events to change minds, change policies, and make the world a more just place.
Marketing is essential for businesses to create brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales. As the market becomes more and more desensitized to promotional materials, companies are finding it increasingly challenging to stand out. This is where demand generation comes in.
Demand generation involves identifying and engaging with potential customers who are likely to be interested in your product or service. Building an audience, understanding their needs, creating a compelling email marketing strategy, and delivering valuable content are all crucial components of demand generation. By providing valuable information and positioning themselves as the "purveyor of truth," companies can bring potential customers into their funnel and introduce them to their brand in a more meaningful way. This approach is not just about selling a product, but providing value and building trust with the audience, which can ultimately lead to conversions.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts Jack Kosakowski, CEO of Creation Agency, to discuss creating a compelling B2B demand generation strategy using events to bring potential customers into the funnel ultimately leading to more meaningful and effective conversions.
Food has the incredible ability to bring people together. Whether it's sharing a meal with friends, family, or strangers, the act of breaking bread creates a sense of community and fosters connections that transcend language, culture, and background. When it comes to events, the culinary experience is intertwined. Bringing people together through food is a powerful way to promote community, foster social connections, and savor an occasion.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts Tommy Halvorson, the Founder, and CEO of Hospitality Group to discuss the innovative design and exceptional cuisine that has earned him a reputation throughout the Bay Area, as one of the most sought-after food service providers. Tommy reveals the inspiration behind his four highly successful brands and the skilled team that has supported him in expanding his businesses with their individual areas of expertise.
Jonathan Stone is a self-described no-bullshit event industry pro with diverse industry experience spanning virtual and live events, industry tradeshows, media, film, and commercial production. He is currently a Senior Event Marketing Manager at Cloudera where he applies more than 10 years of event production experience working at companies like Facebook, Google, Brand Fuel, and many more to get the job done well on time and on budget.
In this episode...From the not-so-glamorous challenges of ever-changing demands to the joy of seeing a group united over a shared experience, the life of an event organizer is both enormously fulfilling and incredibly stressful. It’s easy to lose perspective or inspiration while you’re in the middle of yet another hectic event project. What makes the long hours, late nights, and high-pressure situations worthwhile? The strong sense of camaraderie that’s fostered among peers, vendors, partners, and stakeholders to bring an unforgettable experience to life.
Camaraderie is often used in reference to the bond among sports and military teams. As in sports and the military, events teams have missions and wins to accomplish and rely heavily on one another to get it all done. Strong team camaraderie is critical and that sense of friendship and trust is the secret ingredient enabling high-functioning events teams to collaborate, innovate, communicate respectfully, disagree amicably, continuously learn together, and ultimately, deliver. In a small, convoluted industry that’s in constant flux, your peers are your lifeline.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts Jonathan Stone, Senior Event Marketing Manager at Cloudera, to discuss camaraderie in the events industry, the value of events as a marketing tool to bring people together, and how tech is creating new opportunities for connection.
Carol Galle is the Co-founder, President, and CEO of Special D Events, a live and virtual strategic event management agency. As a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), she has launched the Detroit Events Council and University Event Planners and is a frequent contributor to industry publications. Carol was recently named by BizBash magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the events industry.
IN THIS EPISODE…
Event management is a niche industry that is often overlooked and misjudged. During the pandemic, the events space endured some of the more pressing challenges compared to other industries, requiring innovation among significant losses. Additionally, audiences and clients are more diverse than ever, yet the barrier to entry for this field is high. Learn how one top expert is propelling the events industry toward progressive change.
Carol Galle believes in the power of collaboration to achieve a common goal. When you share ideas with other professionals, you can solve industry-specific issues and demonstrate value to clients and audiences. Carol also advocates for education training in schools to present event management as a viable career path for all individuals.
In today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck welcomes Carol Galle — Co-founder, President, and CEO of Special D Events — to discuss how she is moving the events industry forward. Carol also talks about Special D’s core values, how living in Detroit has impacted her perspective on work and company culture, and the challenges of transitioning back to live events.
K’Dee Miller is a Senior Video Producer, Writer, and Editor at Patina Pictures, a creative video production company servicing prominent technology companies and nonprofits. In her role, she works with founders and executives in marketing, HR, and events by spearheading projects ranging from $5K to $50K. K’Dee has 10 years of experience creating video content for technology companies such as DocuSign, Adobe, and Microsoft. With experience as a video creator, she has also served as director and writer for numerous projects.
In this episode…
The marketing industry has experienced a fundamental shift during the last few years. Remote and hybrid work has largely replaced in-person events, causing more and more people to withdraw from society. So how can you adapt your marketing approach to conform to this rapidly changing market?
Instead of producing content to divert attention from the pandemic’s aftermath, K’Dee Miller encourages marketers to acknowledge the hardships, discomfort, and vulnerability. In video marketing, this means embracing your environment and displaying authentic experiences. Often, clients are hesitant to present themselves in video conferences due to the level of transparency it entails. You can foster trust and encouragement by producing videos that demonstrate the realities of today’s business landscape.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts K’Dee Miller, Senior Video Producer, Writer, and Editor at Patina Pictures, to talk about adapting video marketing to a shifting landscape. K’Dee explains how she fosters trust on set, Patina Pictures' video production process for clients, and the true meaning of disruption in video marketing.
David Ferris is the Head of Live Events at EPMC, a cutting-edge event management company focused on corporate and Esports event production. As a creative professional, David has experience in project management, production, event planning, editing, visual arts, and graphic design. Before EPMC, he was the Executive Director of the Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project, where he negotiated and organized major museum exhibitions and gallery installations, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for elephant conservation.
In this episode…
When producing corporate events, reliable technology is key. Yet recent developments in the space have presented unforeseeable challenges that impede seamless event production. So how are event companies pivoting, and how can you leverage new technology to continue producing events?
David Ferris’ company EPMC has adopted a hybrid model for event productions. This can cause virtual audience members to feel disconnected, so EPMC has leveraged presenter screens and chat features to increase interaction. With technology innovation comes potential glitches, so it’s important to prepare team members to streamline the process and ensure a positive experience for the audience.
Join Paige Buck in this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast as she invites David Ferris, Head of Live Events at EPMC, to discuss innovation and pivoting in the corporate and Esports event space. David talks about how he facilitates Esports events, the key considerations for planning and executing events, and technology’s role in audience engagement.
David Ferris is the Head of Live Events at EPMC, a cutting-edge event management company focused on corporate and Esports event production. As a creative professional, David has experience in project management, production, event planning, editing, visual arts, and graphic design. Before EPMC, he was the Executive Director of the Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project, where he negotiated and organized major museum exhibitions and gallery installations, helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for elephant conservation.
In this episode… When producing corporate events, reliable technology is key. Yet recent developments in the space have presented unforeseeable challenges that impede seamless event production. So how are event companies pivoting, and how can you leverage new technology to continue producing events?
David Ferris’ company EPMC has adopted a hybrid model for event productions. This can cause virtual audience members to feel disconnected, so EPMC has leveraged presenter screens and chat features to increase interaction. With technology innovation comes potential glitches, so it’s important to prepare team members to streamline the process and ensure a positive experience for the audience.
Join Paige Buck in this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast as she invites David Ferris, Head of Live Events at EPMC, to discuss innovation and pivoting in the corporate and Esports event space. David talks about how he facilitates Esports events, the key considerations for planning and executing events, and technology’s role in audience engagement.
Dan Clifford is a management advisor, meeting facilitator, and entrepreneur who helps other entrepreneurs build scalable, lasting companies. He specializes in strategic growth in areas such as business, revenue, and hiring. Prior to his advisory work, Dan founded and built AnswerLab, an Inc. 500 national professional services firm. The firm’s culture has been recognized in Fortune magazine three years in a row as one of the 25 Best Small Company Workplaces in the nation.
In this episode… Do you want to set your business up for long-term success? Many entrepreneurs struggle to scale in the long run because they often overlook the complete picture. So how can you identify a vision and develop a plan for the future?
Business advisor and facilitator Dan Clifford says to establish a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal) for your company. This incentive helps you focus on your motivations and develop small, actionable steps to accelerate business growth. Dan also emphasizes the importance of identifying core values to structure your organization. The need to analyze your processes, operations, and infrastructure to cultivate a unified culture that encourages accountability and transparency.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck connects with Dan Clifford to talk about facilitating business growth. Dan shares his facilitation process, the common mistakes companies make when scaling, and the importance of establishing core values.
K’Dee Miller is a Senior Video Producer, Writer, and Editor at Patina Pictures, a creative video production company servicing prominent technology companies and nonprofits. In her role, she works with founders and executives in marketing, HR, and events by spearheading projects ranging from $5K to $50K. K’Dee has 10 years of experience creating video content for technology companies such as DocuSign, Adobe, and Microsoft. With experience as a video creator, she has also served as director and writer for numerous projects.
In this episode... The marketing industry has experienced a fundamental shift during the last few years. Remote and hybrid work has largely replaced in-person events, causing more and more people to withdraw from society. So how can you adapt your marketing approach to conform to this rapidly changing market?
Instead of producing content to divert attention from the pandemic’s aftermath, K’Dee Miller encourages marketers to acknowledge the hardships, discomfort, and vulnerability. In video marketing, this means embracing your environment and displaying authentic experiences. Often, clients are hesitant to present themselves in video conferences due to the level of transparency it entails. You can foster trust and encouragement by producing videos that demonstrate the realities of today’s business landscape.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck hosts K’Dee Miller, Senior Video Producer, Writer, and Editor at Patina Pictures, to talk about adapting video marketing to a shifting landscape. K’Dee explains how she fosters trust on set, Patina Pictures' video production process for clients, and the true meaning of disruption in video marketing.
Paige Buck is the Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Kennedy Events, which produces high-level corporate events for leading tech and media companies. She started at Kennedy Events as an event planner, working to build a strategic and talented team before taking on a leadership role. Paige initially worked in the nonprofit and tech space, leading fundraisers for companies such as the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, SF Works, and Craigslist Foundation.
In this episode... As businesses began opening up again in 2022, event companies had to pivot and adjust to new work environments. So what strategies have leading organizations employed to recover from past challenges?
Companies like Cápita Works have embraced nearshoring Mexico-based talent in US and UK companies for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture. After two years of remote work, Udemy enhanced its office spaces to accommodate COVID restrictions and provide a welcoming environment for employees. Fundraising and events companies such as MKN Consulting Group and Glavin Jacobson have cultivated purposeful relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate success.
In today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Chad Franzen of Rise25 sits down with Paige Buck of Kennedy Events to share insights from her most notable interviews. Paige also details her experience as the host of The Kennedy Events Podcast, the difference between for-profit and nonprofit events, and her future plans for the podcast.
Elyse Napolitano is a certified coach and the Principal of Elyse Napolitano Coaching & Consulting, her practice where she helps hundreds of clients build inspired teams while living their creative purposes. After completing her coaching certification and founding her practice, Elyse co-founded the nonprofit Bay Area Business Advisory Consortium and served for two years on the Board of the SF Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth. She also spent 15 years serving and leading teams in creative agencies, nonprofits, and startups.
In this episode... In dynamic hybrid or remote work environments, it’s often difficult to adequately separate the personal from the professional. So how can you structure your business and personal life to be a more effective leader?
Sprezzatura entrepreneura (business coach extraordinaire) Elyse Napolitano coaches her clients using three fundamental principles. First, she says you are your own most important client. By addressing your needs and putting them before your clients, you can serve them more effectively. Protecting and prioritizing your time and creativity is also crucial to avoid costly burnout. Lastly, identify key objectives for each client interaction to ensure you’re capitalizing on beneficial opportunities and creating meaningful contributions.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck sits down with Elyse Napolitano, Principal of Elyse Napolitano Coaching & Consulting, to discuss coaching principles for entrepreneurs. Elyse explains the significance of the term sprezzatura entrepreneura, how she structures her coaching process, and how to identify and reduce burnout.
Lawrence Arevalo is the President of Verducci Event Productions (VEP), which helps organizations amplify their message through compelling video and virtual events. VEP specializes in staging, lighting, decor, and audio/visual support. In his role, he manages the company’s operations, trains new talent, and performs as a DJ. Lawrence began his career as an audio/visual technician before becoming a meeting and event coordinator.
In this episode… When scaling an event business, entrepreneurs are often too focused on operations and processes, overlooking their business’ culture as a result. So how can you manage your company’s growth while building a positive culture?
Event planner and DJ Lawrence Arevalo understands the emotional effects of rapid growth on team members. For this reason, he implemented strong core values and focused on relationship-building to foster transparent communication to meet his team’s needs. He emphasizes the importance of trusting team members to take ownership of their tasks to foster professional development that can augment organizational growth.
Join Paige Buck in today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast as she sits down with Lawrence Arevalo, President of Verducci Event Productions, to discuss developing a company’s culture and scaling a business. Lawrence shares VEP’s brand promise, the company’s event production and execution process, and how he collaborates to solve challenges and scale.
Sara Razavi is the CEO of Working Solutions CDFI, an institution that makes capital and business consulting services available to diverse entrepreneurs. She has 20 years of experience in the social sector, with specific expertise in operations, strategy, small business, and partnership management.
Sara serves on the Board of Directors of the Opportunity Finance Network (OFN), the Advisory Council of RDEF Impact Investing Fund, and many other organizations. Before joining Working Solutions, she worked in multiple social sector entities specifically focused on serving under-resourced communities, including immigrant children and low-income families.
In this episode... Historically, diverse and underrepresented business owners lack adequate access to the funding they need. So where can you acquire the funds to successfully launch your business?
CDFIs (community development financial institutions) receive funding from various federal, state, public, and private corporations to support disparaged individuals and business owners. When seeking capital from these institutions, social finance expert Sara Razavi advises evaluating the requirements and developing sound business models. Many lenders face risks and liability obligations, so it’s important to exercise patience and understanding during the process. Working Solutions works with these diverse individuals at any stage of their business to determine a funding option suitable for their needs.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck welcomes Sara Razavi, CEO of Working Solutions CDFI, to discuss community funding efforts. Sara explains how CDFIs address funding disparities, the challenges business owners face when acquiring community funding, and her experience growing Working Solutions after succeeding the founder.
Erika Pichardo-Ley is the Head of Client Relations at Cápita Works, a professional employer organization focused on helping American entrepreneurs by finding qualified talent in Latin America. As an enthusiastic and goal-oriented leader, she has experience in business management, law, and behavioral economics. Before Cápita Works, Erika was a Project Assistant at Winston & Strawn LLP and a Business Development Associate at Gazzo Café.
In this episode… In the aftermath of the pandemic, remote and offshore talent has become increasingly common. So how can you manage these teams and navigate the future of work?
According to Erika Pichardo-Ley, the first priority when acquiring remote or offshore talent is identifying your company goals. Once you’ve determined the talent you need, you can develop a framework for training programs and task delegation to prepare for the hiring process. It’s essential to maintain transparent communication and outline expectations during the onboarding process to streamline your operations. Cápita Works does all of this and more to pioneer the future of work through its strategic approach to offshore talent.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck sits down with Erika Pichardo-Ley, Head of Client Relations at Cápita Works, to discuss tactical hiring solutions for the future of work. Erika shares how Cápita Works navigated the pandemic’s challenges, best practices for managing remote teams, and their mission.
Noah Tarnow is the Founder and Producer at the Big Quiz Thing, the nation’s premier company for high-level corporate and private trivia events. As the company’s head writer and senior quizmaster, he starred in, wrote, and produced the Big Quiz Thing TV show: the world’s first bar trivia television program.
Noah also co-hosts the podcast I Don’t Get It: The Pop Culture Get-Off-My-Lawn Cast; was an editor for Rolling Stone and Time Out New York; and has written for other notable publications. In 2017, he raised thousands of dollars for the ACLU by singing 400 karaoke songs in one year.
In this episode… In today’s volatile business landscape, team building has become more important than ever. So how can you bring your team together to foster a deeper connection and strengthen your business?
Quizmaster Noah Tarnow has leveraged trivia events to enhance an organization’s value and promote interest among team members. He shows the value of hosting customized events that incorporate elements of a company’s brand to optimize engagement. With its innovative trivia events and quiz games, the Big Quiz Thing encourages interaction and allows businesses to connect with each other.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck welcomes Noah Tarnow, Founder, Producer, and Quizmaster at the Big Quiz Thing, to discuss how to develop interactive trivia events to amplify businesses. Noah shares how he transitioned to virtual trivia, the challenges and successes of the platform, and how the Big Quiz Thing creates value through its events.
Kim Alpert is the Senior Director of Global Workplace and Real Estate at Udemy, a marketplace which provides online courses to empower organizations and individuals. She oversaw the remote development of three new office spaces in Ankara, Turkey; Denver, Colorado; and Mountain View, California. Her skills include real estate strategy, lease negotiation, budget strategy, and remote team management. Before Udemy, Kim was the Head of Real Estate and Workplace Services at Castlight Health.
In this episode… With the rise in remote work, company culture and collaboration are more important than ever. Yet some employees are hesitant to return to the office, and companies continue to struggle with engagements. So how can your company foster an inclusive environment while ensuring your team’s safety?
Workplace strategist Kim Alpert leverages innovative technology to enforce testing policies and perform contact tracing. With these measures, her company can ensure a safe and effective transition back to the office and can host social gatherings to promote engagement. By conducting frequent team check-ins, you can create a supportive company culture and encourage your employees to return to work.
In today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck chats with Kim Alpert, Senior Director of Global Workplace and Real Estate at Udemy, about transforming company culture to adapt to the future of work. Kim discusses the challenges of balancing remote and in-person work, the importance of inclusive company culture for talent acquisition, and Udemy’s process for fostering community amid changes in the workplace.
Maeve Naughton is the President and Owner of MKN Consulting Group, a company that provides partner marketing consultation for tech companies. She has 25 years of experience creating event sponsorship programs, driving millions in revenue for large customer events and regional conferences. As an experienced marketing professional, Maeve focuses on lead generation to support sales and channel revenue goals by creating customer reference programs.
In this episode… In the marketing and event space, forming partnerships with stakeholders is a great way to drive engagement and generate leads for your brand. So what are some ways you can leverage this strategy to its full potential?
As an expert in partner marketing, Maeve Naughton emphasizes strategic communication to foster relationships among sponsors, vendors, and partners. This involves working to meet their personal needs, answering questions, and acquiring feedback. Prior to the event, it’s beneficial to host a webinar and provide a prospectus that outlines key features to facilitate collaboration and streamline the process. By doing all of this and more, you can start to generate brand recognition.
Tune in to this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast as Paige Buck interviews Maeve Naughton, President and Owner of MKN Consulting Group, about forging strategic marketing and event partnerships. Maeve talks about the key considerations of event planning, how she supports event partners, and tips for navigating marketing partnerships.
Elaine Honig is the Founder and CEO of STUDIO 4Forty, a national leader in strategic nonprofit planning and signature event fundraising. In 2005, Elaine developed Wine Women & Shoes where she served as a local community fundraiser before launching her next fundraising concept, Farm to Table (aux). In 2016, she merged both businesses to create STUDIO 4Forty, which has now raised over $85M for its nonprofit partners.
Elaine currently serves on the board of the Napa Communities Firewise Foundation and has previously served on the boards of The Napa County Land Trust, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, and The Napa County Farm Bureau among many other organizations.
In this episode... Event planning in the nonprofit space is a complex process that requires careful consideration of factors such as sponsorships, management, and even auctions. Most business owners are not equipped to handle the demand or have the resources to successfully execute a fundraiser. So how can you develop an effective planning strategy to ensure you’re providing value to your organization?
Elaine Honig coaches clients by offering a handbook that advises them on navigating sponsorships, event setups, and strategic calls. When creating the concept for a fundraiser, Elaine encourages business owners to structure their event around three crucial guidelines: cultivating entertainment, raising money, and communicating their mission. By conferring and collaborating with an event planner, you can develop fundraisers to amplify your company’s message.
In today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck sits down with Elaine Honig, Founder and CEO of STUDIO 4Forty, to discuss how she executes customized events to sustain value. Elaine shares her strategic fundraising process for clients, common mistakes clients make when planning events, and how she transformed challenges into unique opportunities.
Paige Buck is the Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Kennedy Events, which produces high-level corporate events for leading tech and media companies. She started at Kennedy Events as an event planner, working to build a strategic and talented team before taking on a leadership role. She initially worked in the nonprofit and tech space, leading fundraisers for companies such as the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, SF Works, and Craigslist Foundation.
Maggie Kennedy is the Founder and CEO of Kennedy Events, where she helps create informative and interactive events for a range of reputable nonprofits and businesses, including Adobe, American Red Cross, and Google. With over 20 years of creative event strategy experience, she manages the company’s logistics, marketing, sales, and team growth. Maggie is also an industry leader in virtual and hybrid events and is a board member of the Entrepreneurs Organization.
In this episode... Are you trying to grow your business and reach more clients? Organic business growth requires developing a wide range of knowledge and skill sets. This can be easier said than done, often taking plenty of time and resources. So what initiatives can you take to streamline the process?
Event planners and entrepreneurial experts Paige Buck and Maggie Kennedy formed a strategic partnership to get their event management company — Kennedy Events — off the ground. Forging an alliance gave them the opportunity to share key insights and expertise to solve organizational challenges. With a wealth of additional knowledge, Paige and Maggie discovered innovative ways to develop compelling events for their clients.
In this episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, John Corcoran of Rise25 interviews Paige Buck and Maggie Kennedy about building a business relationship for organic growth. Together, they share the importance of partnerships in event planning, their strategies for overcoming event challenges, and how they leverage expertise and talents to maximize their business performance.
Susan Jacobson is a leading expert in nonprofit fundraising, with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit administration, events, and now consulting. She is the CEO at Glavin Jacobson, a nonprofit consulting firm she co-founded after holding executive positions at a variety of nonprofits in San Francisco and pursuing consulting independently. At her firm, Susan specializes in major gifts, supporting nonprofits as they strive to strengthen and maintain relationships with donors.
In this episode… Running a successful and impactful nonprofit has more similarities to dating than you might think. Emphasizing human connection, having constructive conversations, and repairing deteriorating relationships are just as essential to finding love as they are to securing a major gift from a donor. How? Susan Jacobson, a Robinhood of nonprofit consulting, explains.
When she consults with clients, one of the first things Susan does is identify relationships with donors that could be stronger. Maintaining these personal connections drives nonprofit staff and board members to host engaging events, connect with their audience, and ultimately form additional fruitful relationships. Plus, thousands of meaningful conversations happen along the way.
In today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast with host Paige Buck, listen in on a constructive conversation between peers in the nonprofit space with guest Susan Jacobson, Co-founder and CEO at the nonprofit consulting firm Glavin Jacobson. Susan talks about all things in nonprofit success. Their conversation highlights Susan’s insight as she shares her thoughts on making connections with donors to acquire major gifts, hosting events in a virtual world, and diversification within the field.
Julie Liu is the Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at AvePoint, a SaaS and data management platform that manages and protects data to secure collaboration in the Microsoft cloud, SharePoint, Salesforce, and Google. Julie is an industry-recognized marketing leader, most recently mentoring others to create scalable marketing strategies, launching a sustainable global partner program, and establishing AvePoint as a publicly-traded company.
In this episode… With the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have been forced to alter their marketing approach to accommodate the resulting decline in attention spans and shift in customer demands. So, how can you adapt your campaign to effectively reach your audience and solve their most pressing issues?
Creating a serviceable marketing campaign requires understanding your audience’s needs. Julie Liu says that one way to achieve this is to create a brand survey that generates feedback from customers. From there, you can establish your intention and coordinate a short, informative virtual event that addresses the pain points outlined in the survey. Focusing on the knowledge you can provide to your clients will allow you to build trust and meaningful relationships with them.
Tune in to today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast as Paige Buck sits down with Julie Liu, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing at AvePoint, to discuss honing your marketing strategy to build relationships with customers. Julie shares how she’s shifted her marketing strategy during the pandemic, her tips for creating targeted ad content, and how to garner trust with your clients and team.
Avital Ungar is the Owner and Founder of Avital: Food + Drink Experiences, a culinary experience company hosting in-person and virtual events for corporate team building, conferences, and more. Avital has been leading artisan food and wine tours for the last decade. She’s served as a judge at the International Chocolate Salon, the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off, and the Good Food Awards. She has been featured on CNN, The Travel Channel, Travel and Leisure, and more.
In this episode… In the restaurant industry, the customer experience is central to every food tour. With food and beverage as the driving force behind these experiences, how can you engage with consumers to build lifetime value?
The first step is to facilitate meaningful connections through innovative and hands-on events. For Avital Ungar, this involves hosting educational classes, providing a safe space for customers to try something new, and accommodating individual preferences and needs. And with a vibrant team of people who share your core values, you can successfully create intimate experiences that stimulate a passion for food.
In today’s episode of the Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck joins Avital Ungar, Owner and Founder of Avital: Food + Drink Experiences, to talk about cultivating relationships in the food tour industry. Avital reveals her mission, how she transformed her business amid industry changes, and how her company encourages a deeper human connection.
Paige Buck is the Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Kennedy Events, which produces high-level corporate events for leading tech and media companies. She started at Kennedy Events as an event planner, working to build a strategic and talented team before taking on a leadership role. Paige began her career in the nonprofit and tech space, leading fundraisers for companies such as the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, SF Works, and Craigslist Foundation.
In this episode… Do you want to plan a corporate event but lack the resources to manage one? Event planning takes careful consideration for details like venue space and budget, and without collaboration, it can be a logistical nightmare.
Paige Buck understands that not every marketing team is equipped to handle the strategic elements of event planning, so she does the heavy lifting. As a partner at Kennedy Events, Paige plans and executes even the most extravagant functions. Case in point: the user conference set on a cruise ship terminal for Scout, a software procurement company. With Paige’s expertise and guidance, Scout was able to overcome the obstacles the venue space presented. When you come to Kennedy Events with a concept in mind, they’ll help you implement it.
In today’s episode of the Kennedy Events Podcast, John Corcoran sits down with Paige Buck, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Kennedy Events, to talk about planning Scout’s user conference on a cruise ship terminal. Paige reveals Scout’s event concept, how Kennedy Events overcame the challenges of the chosen venue space, and how Scout’s acquisition impacted their conference.
John Silva is the President of Always Fishing Hospitality Group. In 2009, he started Culinary Eye Catering and Events, a company that started as a farm-to-table food program before transitioning to catering and event planning. John has 24 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry. He brings a diverse range of skill sets to everything he does, from concept development to execution.
In this episode… The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the trajectory of the hospitality industry and consumer demands have shifted as more people seek a vibrant dining experience. So, how can you hone your brand to engage with your clients?
According to John Silva, the key to ensuring your restaurant brand makes a lasting impression is by building relationships with your customers. This requires generating and implementing creative brand concepts that encourage clients to interact with each other. By leveraging opportunities such as customized cocktails, immersive dining environments, or food offerings, you can create a personalized experience so your customers feel included.
Join Paige Buck in today’s episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast as she talks with John Silva, President of Always Fishing Hospitality Group, about transforming your business for a memorable customer experience. John talks about how he builds relationships with his employees and clients, his innovative brand concepts, and shares his tips for creating interactive dining experiences.
Russell Benaroya is an entrepreneur, author, coach, and the Co-founder and Partner at Stride, an outsourced accounting and strategic finance firm. With over 20 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he’s also a speaker who works with other entrepreneurs and business owners to help them achieve their goals.
His company, Stride, assumes back-office tasks for bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO functions so business owners can focus on driving growth. Russell’s writing has appeared in Forbes, and he is the recipient of the 40 Under 40 recognition from the Puget Sound Business Journal in Seattle.
In this episode… Are you an entrepreneur struggling to achieve long-term success in your journey? Entrepreneurship requires dedication and constant self-improvement. So, how can you identify and overcome the obstacles standing in the way of your path?
The first step is to identify actionable principles that you can apply to your daily life. By recognizing and living your core values, you can hone your area of expertise. Another fundamental strategy is to determine your weaknesses. Russell Benaroya suggests taking an Enneagram test to assess your personality and leadership style. And with Russell’s approach to conscious leadership, you can establish a sense of self-awareness that will help you reach your goals.
In today’s episode of the Kennedy Events Podcast, Paige Buck talks with Russell Benaroya, the Co-founder and Partner at Stride, about reaching self-discovery in entrepreneurship. Russell shares his coaching strategy for identifying your core principles, the foundations of self-discovery, and how Stride teaches conscious leadership.