In Any Event - SoundSage

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The best event planners are the ones who have taken the challenges of our times in stride and in fact leverage them to create unique experiences we never thought of. We have two such guests with us today: Dr. Nance Wilson from SUNY Cortland and Dr. Thomas Wolsey of the American University in Cairo. They are the co-creators of Beyond the App: Cause and Conference, which strives to support teachers’ professional development and coach literacy experts in one of the most creative ways possible in response to COVID, and their model may just change the game. I’m looking forward to hearing them go more in-depth about what they do and how to leverage technology to give a face-to-face experience. [00:01 - 04:37] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Dr. Nance Wilson and Dr. Thomas Wolsey Beyond the APP Dr. Wilson and Dr. Wolsey gives background about the app The why good professional development Global connection Not just a conference Connecting people all over the world

[04:38 - 17:44] How to Leverage Technology to Give a Face to Face Experience Dr. Nance talks about the event’s goal and outcomes As close to face to face as could be Representing many nations How they achieved the effect Limiting the number of attendees per session 30 to 40 Allowing for informal conversations Separating by grades and professions Addressing the issue of people tuning out Experts creating value for specific areas Engagement experts teaching engagement Finding the right people based on need Attacking the problem of providing individual feedback Using breakout rooms Using the right tools in conjunction with understanding Leveraging technology

[26:23 - 27:47] Beyond the App: Digital Tools and Strategies for Teachers and Students Feedback from practitioners Examples of email feedback from guests Dr. Wolsey’s and Dr. Wilson’s perspective on going back to the old ways Greater use of online technology and awareness Keep exploring online Using technology to leverage individual review The importance of digital literacy Now more than ever students need to know how to use technology How technology connects to literacy and operating effectively How Beyond the App is giving the tools and resources to teachers to adapt

[27:48 - 33:25] Closing Segment Trying to get digital literacy into mainstream thinking The next event and how it’s supported Another conference coming up Looking for sponsors How to reach out to Dr. Wilson and Dr. Wolsey Links below Final words

Tweetable Quotes: “We wanted them to know that they weren’t alone in the things that were causing them to struggle and we wanted them to know that people whose books they read… are also people they can talk and work together with.” - Dr. Thomas Wolsey “It’s about leveraging the technology that’s out there to think about, ‘Well, what could this do for me that would be better and or different and would allow me to have similar quality practices that I had in the face to face?’” - Dr. Nance Wilson “To function in the current world, students need digital literacy skills and strategies.” - Dr. Nance Wilson

You can learn more about Dr. Nance and Dr. Thomas and what they do by visiting https://www.beyondtheappliteracy.com/ (https://www.beyondtheappliteracy.com/). Reach out to Dr. Wolsey thomas.wolsey@egypt.edu and Dr. Wilson nance.wilson@cortland.edu.

You can connect with me, Michael Kranitz, on https://www.linkedin.com/in/kranitz/ (LinkedIn) or by emailing me at michael@kranitz.com. This show is brought to you by https://learnabout.eventsquid.com/ (Eventsquid). Visit the website and contact us so we can help you never worry about your event software ever again by tailoring our work to your specific needs. Eventsquid: thinks like you works like eight of you.

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With grief being such an individual experience, it takes a skilled and understanding person to meet all people where they’re at. This person is Jenny Sellers, the Global Operations Manager of Soaring Spirits International; a non-profit that helps widowed people through their grieving process. Having attended her first Camp just 10 weeks after losing her fiancee, Jenny developed a true passion for supporting new widows and widowers. Now she provides operational support for all Soaring Spirits programs, managing various offsite events, and providing additional logistical help to the Executive Team. Let’s dive into Jenny’s story and experience and learn how she holds events that offer support for those going through loss, grief, and healing. [00:01 - 06:00] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Jenny Sellers Global operations leader for Soaring Spirits Int Helping people through the stages of grief Jenny talks about Soaring Spirits Community for those who are widowed Helping people through grief Jenny shares her story of becoming part of the Soaring team Losing her fiance at the age of 31 Struggling to feel understood Reaching out to Soaring Spirits Finding a community Started volunteering for the organization Became the global operations managers

[06:01 - 12:33] Recurrence and the Need for Different Options Jenny talks about the recurrence of the Camp Like a family reunion The need for different types of support 40% returning campers The differences offered to people in different stages The ability to change your schedule as per your needs Both men and women at each event All within peer support The need for Variance Transitioning to the virtual experience Two virtual additions included - 7-day turn around

[12:34 - 26:22] Filling the Needs of Your Attendees While Going Virtual Jenny’s guidance to those needing to go virtual Keep your attendees needs front and center Get comfortable and dirty with the tech Ask for help Logistics of the event Open virtual rooms Financing Sponsorship Giving back to the sponsors in a virtual setting Examples Recognition The importance of expertise Not being talked ‘At’ Shared experience I talk about my experience helping someone through grief through a program How my story connects to Jenny

[26:23 - 33:51] Helping People Move Forward not On The demographics of the events Skewed exactly in line with the census data Family groups Resources Links below How Jenny has progressed through her grief Progress but no finish line Getting changed and shaped by the experience In a good place through the support from Soaring Spirits Permission to move on and look forward Not ‘move on’ but ‘move forward’ Being easy on yourself The power of words

[33:52 - 41:25] Closing Segment Bringing people forward with you It takes a special person to be trusted ‘Re-partnering’ The importance of space Jenny’s experience How to reach out to Jenny and the organization Links below Final words

Tweetable Quotes: “I decided if I could go and find one single person, and one phone number that I could use to support me through the upcoming months and years, it would have been a success.” - Jenny Sellers “Grief is a very individual experience, and we are all individual human beings… something that I might find beneficial early on might not be what somebody else would even go near.” - Jenny Sellers “I’m honored and proud to say that through the support of the programs we offer at Soaring Spirits… I’m truly in a good place. I’m happy again, and I’m looking towards the future.” - Jenny Sellers

Resources Mentioned: https://campwidow.org/ (Camp Widow)

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From using emergency systems to training others - Tom Louis currently serves as the Enterprise Training Manager for https://emergencyreporting.com/ (Emergency Reporting), serving over 7,000 EMS and Fire agencies around the world. As a retired battalion chief, from the Green Valley Fire District in Arizona, Tom was very familiar with Emergency Reporting. He started working for them in 2011 (as a part time trainer), then as a full time DoD/International Trainer in 2013, Business Dev. Analyst in 2018, and now Enterprise Training Manager in Jan 2021. He was recently the project manager of Emergency Reporting’s inaugural virtual summit, ADAPT 2020. Are you ready for some Red Hot insights into the emergency reporting industry? Let’s dive right into the episode with Tom. [00:01 - 04:39] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Tom Louis Emergency Reporting From Battalion Chief to Document side Tom gives some background to Emergency Reporting World leader in cloud-based fire and ems records management Example of the modules available for fire services [04:40 - 13:29] Using Data to Fuel Higher Level Abstractions Tom talks about the projections that the modules allow for Putting in good data to get out good intel Future projections using historical data The example of equipment measurement How long Emergency Reporting has been around Founded in 2003 From using the software to in charge of it Tom’s experience Tom talks about the adoption curve The difficulties embracing change Using data to justify Change Money, Manning, Machines The use of technology in the service Logging in from anywhere [13:30 - 22:27] The Adaptiveness of ADAPT 2020; Firing Up a Virtual Conference Tom talks about unique data found from the experiences of 2020 Not monitored in real-time Focus on repository Tom talks about ADAPT 2020 and its adaptive activities Dog roll virtual summit The people who were in attendance Examples of the speakers and education Going above software to contribute to the community Tom shares around sponsorship Microsoft as a global sponsor Sponsors of single sessions Changing away from on-site activities Examples of mentors Using EventSquid In the process to 2021 On-site vs. fully virtual Virtual as a way to go for a conference of this magnitude [22:28 - 30:56] Closing Segment Tom breaks down the sessions analysis Examples of what sessions offered A couple of 100 sessions Preserving bandwidth Microsoft TEAMS as a streaming platform Tom’s advice for platform delivery and engagement Tom shares some wisdom with those following similar constraints Have a vision for execution Learn the software! Don’t be fearful How to reach out to Tom Links below Final words

Tweetable Quotes: “This is just one more tool in the toolbox, but it’s an essential one because data drives the fire service now… humans are in the driver's seat.” - Tom Louis “We talk about putting good data in so you can get good information out; good intel and actionable intel out.” - Tom Louis “Emergency Reporting does more than just software… we also want to contribute in bigger and more important ways to the community.” - Tom Louis

Resources Mentioned: https://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software (Microsoft Teams)

You can reach Tom on https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-louis-aa952818/ (LinkedIn). Visit https://emergencyreporting.com/ (https://emergencyreporting.com/) to learn even more about their work.

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Today we are speaking with Randi Rivera who is the Director of Customer Operations for the Space Foundation located in Colorado. Randi started with the Space Foundation in early 2011 assisting with customer service and registration support during the 27th National Space Symposium, an international annual event that is famously held by the foundation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and is meticulous about the details needed to execute the yearly Symposiums that boast 15,000 people from around the world including government officials, CEOs, and Military Personnel! Let’s jump right in and learn how Randi expertly accelerates space events by remaining grounded in the details. [00:01 - 05:19] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Randi Rivera Director of Customer Operations Planner of Space Symposiums Randi gives background on the Space Foundation The inception and early days 15,000 people from around the world Hosted in Colorado Springs Finding a home for space force [05:20 - 13:30] The Details Within the Space Symposium Security measures and personnel within the Space Symposium Vice President, Secretary of Defense Extreme security measures Ensuring that they are never a target Vetting the registration lists ID and Badge checks FBI onsight Dog sweeps Randi talks about the Exhibit hall Over 300 exhibiting companies 1,000’s of networking visitors Randi shares about the complexities of the Sit-Down-Dinners Over 15 dining events 7 are large scale Example of benefits Guaranteed seats with high-caliber people Feedback from corporate sponsors They get more business this week than in one year Renewed memberships and upgrades More demand than availability [13:31 - 20:10] Making the Hard Decisions and Maintaining a Busy Life Randi talks about the local museum-sponsored Interactive exhibits Unique experiences Offered field trips Professional development Randi talks about how they handled the pandemic Held off till March 16th Postponing the in-person event Decided to push the event Planning for August 23rd through 26th 2021 People coming in from outside the USA 20% from outside Randi shares about balancing everything with a busy life Wearing lots of hats Owning a business Holding it all together [20:11 - 27:21] Closing Segment Randi talks about her other activities Managing other aspects of the Symposium Developing the Space Symposium 365 Delivering premium content Combatting virtual burn out Events to expect from Space Symposium 365 Live events 2 to 3 premium events per month Example of activities The hybrid goal Reaching out to Space Symposiums and Randi Links below Final words Tweetable Quotes: “Most participants and corporate members as a whole, this might be the only event that they send members of their team to… because they get more business done in that week than they do in the entire year.” - Randi Rivera “We didn’t want to just push something out the door for the sake of pushing something out the door. We’ve always pushed for the world-class experience and top-notch.” - Randi Rivera Resources Mentioned:...

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Today we’re talking about how to manage the shifting dynamics of engagement in a virtual platform in the context of the Beauty industry! Here to talk about it is Kai Flood, an internal sales partner and part of the education team at https://thesalonpeople.com (The Salon People), an organization that helps stylists become their best selves as part of the Aveda Products Team. Kai has a wealth of experience in positions of leadership for various groups and jobs. She has a unique passion for education and teaching others how to care for the world and coordinates the events and classes that make it happen. Let’s dive right into the episode and learn how Kai elevates salon education and event success. [00:01 - 05:02] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Kai Flood Education team Events for Aveda Products Kai gives background on her usual role before the pandemic Education and events coordinator Classes for skill sets Dare to Dream How to have a more profitable salon 70-75 events per 6 months Aveda events All events held in Florida Partnering with Aveda Accreditations you can receive [05:03 - 10:08] From Zero to Sixty, Adjusting for Covid19 Kai talks about how events were usually held No virtual events prior Adjusting for Covid19 Fewer events 6-7 classes per weekend previously Partnering with Aveda North America 2 hours from 7 hours Negative effects of going virtual A drop in attendance The effects of having a free V.E. Watching the recording later How the Virtual events are managed The more attended one are less interactive Pulling teeth to get interaction [10:09 - 15:36] Changing the Event Dynamics Kai talks about how they are managing event value Putting a value on the event Special code Example of a class this week The possibility of paying for the event A spot saved for you Driving intensive Kai shares about the Covid strategy In place until told otherwise

[15:37 - 18:56] Closing Segment Kai talks about working with the distributors Private, in-salon classes Cautions in place Kai’s advice for other planners You’re not alone This will pass Hang in there Final words

Tweetable Quotes: “A lot of people register for things, especially if it’s free.. And then the time comes and they know it’s coming up, and they know it’s being recorded, so they don’t show up to the live portion…” - Kai Flood “As far as the education goes, it’s really the salon owner and the educator coordinating all of that and we’re just making sure that they’re doing everything… to make sure that education is as safe as possible.” - Kai Flood “I encourage all the planners out there that you’re not alone in your anxiousness… be in the present moment.” - Kai Flood

Resources Mentioned: https://www.aveda.com (Aveda)

You can reach Kai on https://www.linkedin.com/in/kai-flood-13038bb9/ (LinkedIn) or by emailing kai.flood@thesalonpeople.com. Visit https://thesalonpeople.com (https://thesalonpeople.com) to learn more about her space.

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Today’s guest provides a unique approach to the world of events; she is a meeting planner for meeting planners. Diana Hakenholz, CMP is the Director of Meetings and Education at the Association of Collegiate Conference & Events Directors-International (ACCED-I). She is responsible for the highly anticipated Collegiate Conference & Events Professional (CCEP) designation as well as educational content and planning for meetings and events. Let’s dive right in and learn about planning events within the collegiate space. [00:01 - 04:00] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Diana Hakenholz Collegiate planning About Acced-i Diana gives background on Acced-i and collegiate planning The impact of Covid19 The activities of the planners An asset to universities [04:01 - 10:51] Staying Connected During Covid19 Keeping your ear to the ground Instituting a free conference call for any member Idea sharing Two topics a week to every other week Monthly educational forums Peer to peer program Focusing on the challenges from the pandemic Educational forums Focussing on single topics Transitioned to virtual Prevailing topic in Diana’s meetings during this time Becoming an indispensable resource on campuses Still a lot of activity working on 2021 How planners are handling the pandemic Resilience Transitions in skill set Diana’s insights when planners can begin hosting again Matching the industry on the whole Concerned with the student experience Taking it a month at time, one state at a time Looking hopeful for 2021 Diana’s thoughts on virtual substitutes It’s been a viable option Successfully employed several virtual summits [10:52 - 18:39] Zooming in; The Evolving Role of the Collegiate Planner Diana talks about the variety of platforms used today Zoom has been a big one Finding the best solutions The production side of planning Planners partnering with local production companies Creating the studio experience The feedback It seems to work It’s unfortunate but at least it’s an option What a virtual Homecoming looks like Shoe box parade Getting creative How planners are addressing Zoom fatigue Diana talks about how planners have had to evolve Businesses affected also affects planners Rising to the challenge Working together with clients The effects of state decisions [18:40 - 24:54] Planning for Meeting Planners Diana talks about how her annual summit was affected The decision to cancel Keeping the safety of attendees How the annual conference runs 3 day event Good mix of networking and education From attendees to venders Appointment based meetings The chance to schedule discussions Both appointments and expo booths have value How to bring this into a virtual environment It’s possible but with challenges There are other opportunities on a virtual platform too [24:55 - 28:29] Closing Segment Final thought traditional vs. virtual The biggest message from Diana to constituents Keep hanging in there Open and honest Special announcements for collegiate planners regarding changes Surge in cases has forced change Acced-i will not be cancelling but will be virtual 2021 Dates another details coming soon CMP credits, you can still register for virtual education forum Thursday November 19th I’ll be one of the speakers Final words

Tweetable Quotes:

“The hope is that we will have meetings and events back on campus for the 2021 Summer season…” - Diana Hakenholz

“I think everybody is willing to roll with those punches right now, and enjoy that opportunity to at least still do something together as a group.” - Diana Hakenholz...

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Welcome back to, In Any Event, I’m your host Michael Kranitz, CEO of Eventsquid. Today’s guest is Joanne Dennison, a speaker and event planner that has traveled the world educating people. She started out as a college administrator and even then was busy planning events, then started her own small event planning firm, which evolved into speaking, writing, and advising masses on her strategies for 20 years now. Her secret is her passion for listening to other people’s viewpoints to find points of communication and agreement to know how to best serve the client and build ROI for both parties. Let’s jump right in and learn how she is able to get you to understand and experience a different POV, by having you sit in the attendee’s chair and experiencing what they do.

[00:01 - 06:28] Opening Segment I welcome and introduce Joanne Dennison Joanne gives a bit of her background Started as a college administrator Always planning events Started her own company Began speaking and teaching What people get out of Joanne’s engagements Preparing people for the CMP exam Known for her philosophies Instruction and teaching from a different way of approach Example of her philosophy The educator at heart CMP is not just a three-letter word Teaching people to use their education to move their business forward List makers Detail-oriented teaching Planning is a destiny, not a destination Thinking of the event three years forward

[06:29 - 14:43] The Attendee is the Most Important Stakeholder Joanne talks about planning events today for the future The attendee’s needs Register or be fired meetings What should people do differently after they leave The example of sales managers Creating more ROI Not the number of people, but the number of ROI Joanne talks about bad event ideas and how to fix it You can’t just make everything virtual Get good presenters and you’ll have no problem Reworking the budget The problem of engagement expectation Excellent meetings and events no matter what

[14:44 - 28:25] Be in the Attendees’ Chair Joanne talks about the energy drop How to engage in virtual meetings Joanne gives advice about production enhancements Examples of a virtual class Joanne gave Relying on the team to fill the gaps Seeing from the virtual attendee A polished presentation Consider re-allocating budget Joanne’s views on pre-recorded speaking Make sure it feels real Live is always better The attendee can watch recorded videos any time Make recordings available later after the event Have back-ups ready, but don’t let it be the main thing Let things go wrong, it’s human Using Avatars We don’t need more non-people We crave human faces

[28:26 - 35:27] Closing Segment The value of human engagement Creating ROI Joanne’s thoughts on going back to face to face events Keep quarantine and violations in mind It’s not the meeting planners decision until q3 and q4 2021 Don’t feel bad for turning virtual Joannes next CMP training class November 17 - 20 (virtual) How to register - links below FAQ on Eventsquid Rego page Final words

Resources Mentioned: http://themeetguide.com/cmp-class/ (Register for CMP Training)

Tweetable Quotes: “If we’re going to create a financially sustainable event we can’t just think of this year… but one of three years in a process. What are we putting in place today, to build next year better, and the year after that better.” - Joanne Dennison “Get good presenters who have quality information, and it can go on for five hours.” - Joanne Dennison “Engagement is what brings ROI… how do we engage with each other? If we do it well, it creates ROI for...

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Welcome to In Any Event Podcast, a show about events for event planners. I’m your host Michael Kranitz, CEO of EventSquid. Today’s guest is Patrick Higgins, Vice-President of Connect Marketplace. Patrick is a strategic leader within the events space. He provides destination marketing organizations, hotels, resorts, and service providers with unique and impactful methods to fast track business development success and achieve lasting results. Let’s dive right into Patrick’s expertise to learn what he does, how he does it, and how he is about to inspire positive change in the field.

[00:01 - 05:39] Opening Segment Welcome to In Any Event, I’m your host Michael Kranitz And co-host Marcella D I introduce today’s guest Patrick Higgins Vice president of Connect Marketplace Topics for today Experience in CVB sales capacities Worked with the department of defense with events Patrick gives a bit of background on himself Wife and three children Connect has been around since the ’70s Doubling down on the hosted buyer platform From tech to atmosphere Patrick explains hosted buyers Making sure they are the right fit first Making them the guest

[05:40 - 12:58] Presenting an Event Like Speed Dating We talk about the experience and set up of Connect Like speed dating Sometimes up to 100 tables depending on size High energy and high impact I talk about the value of a casual conversation and getting to the heart of the issue Feedback to and from planners This isn’t a cold call Build lasting relationships Collect all the information upfront then use your time wisely I share a story from one of my presenting experiences in a Connect event Distinguishing yourself by being human and relatable

[12:59 - 21:23] The Ins and Outs of Connect Patrick talks about the progression of their yearly events Started in 2011 with three events for the year Early this year (pre-Covid) grew to forty-four live events Different style per each event depending on theme and goals Managing partnerships and the team Patrick talks about a pain point within the company No committee Turning away planners that may not fit How appointments are set up and processed Collecting info on the front end by asking questions Matching the data Recommending the right people in the right places

[21:34 - 37:48] Managing Events in the midst of the Covid19 Crisis Patrick shares a story about moving a show due to new regulations The goal was to go back to New Orleans Announced the change to L.V. Finally moved to Orlando Marriott World Center four weeks before the show Talking about the process of getting back to live events Moving back from virtual back to live 60-40 supplier to planner ratio Now flipped to the inverse Putting new practices into the event for the first time How to register Links below Protocols in place for the Connect Safe & Clean Plan Masks still enforced Outside of the meeting space is your own prerogative Inside will be temperature checks Testing on-site if needed Masks at the events Foggers (non-invasive saline solution) at the event Six feet between planner and supplier Running everything by the CDC Clarifying how masks are registered Masks will be mailed out and provided Sticker on attendees to confirm their health

[37:49 - 47:37] Closing Segment How Patrick understands the needs of both the planners and suppliers Connects way of providing an organic and pure experience Patrick talks about learning from a survey I talk about Patrick’s example within the industry pertaining to safety How other planners can get back in the game It is possible Stay tuned for a follow up with...

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