The Talking Point: The IMEX Group Podcast: Recent Episodes
IMEX Group
A podcast from the IMEX Group, The Talking Point explores the biggest topics in the meetings and events space. Twice a month Kit Watts, IMEX Strategic Communications Director, talks with the people influencing positive change in the industry, through the lens of our annual Talking Point for 2020 and 2021: NATURE.
Today in our episode we’re talking plastic in events and how the return to in-person events can be a purposeful recovery with Meegan Jones, Sustainability Advisor, The Ocean Race.
You’ll take away insights including:
- How the Ocean Race, one of the world’s big three sailing events (alongside the America’s Cup and the Olympics) approaches sustainability
- Why we can’t rest easy on the use of single-use plastics and, aside from F&B, where else can we make a big impact?
- How COVID-19 impacts plastic use in events (hint: the hygiene standards we had in place pre-pandemic were always designed to combat virus/germ spread!)
- What are the pain points for event professionals designing sustainable events? Where can we break down silos to improve end-of-life planning for event waste?
- Why eventprofs can lead as consumers by creating demand for sustainable innovations
- How your events can be ‘living labs’ for testing sustainability innovations in the future
- Download the Sustainable Look and Overlay report for free here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MhF5StMayZu-Jn1spv_VlHUn_Qgj_PsA/view
- IOC and UEFA’s LCA Report: https://www.olympic.org/news/new-guide-commissioned-by-ioc-and-uefa-helps-identify-more-sustainable-solutions-for-event-branding-and-signage
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking re-wilding organisations to improve productivity, resilience, and collaboration with Jon Barnes, Adaptive Organisations Consultant.
You’ll take away insights including:
- We speak a lot about learning from nature (it’s out Talking Point!), but exactly how are we putting this into practice at IMEX?
- What does being a gardener have to do with good leadership?!
- What is an adaptive team? And how can being adaptive increase employee freedom and responsibility?
- Why should we move away from “traditional” agile working jargon towards nature metaphors? (Hint: human beings aren’t machines!)
- Why over-structuring an organisation can result in waste of energy, talent and money – and how do we break out of those structures?
- What are the longer-term benefits of “waiting and watching” – nurturing your team to develop their own solutions to problems?
You can reach Jon at his website here: http://jonbarnes.me
We're excited that Jon has allowed us to give his Wilding Organisations book away totally free of charge. It really is the simplest and quickest way to get a flavour of adaptive working and the benefits it could bring to your business: http://jonbarnes.me/books/wilding-organisations
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking about the most important lessons learned from 2020 (!) and the meaning of a new term ‘second generation events’ with Dale Parmenter, CEO, DRPG.
- You’ll take away insights including:
- How to can embrace your virtual event abilities
- What are the most common mistakes event planners still make when producing a virtual event?
- Why it’s vital to look to television for inspiration when planning the audience experience
- Why failing to rehearse is rehearsing to fail – the false economy of trust!
- Why in-person, serendipitous meetings are never going to go away
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking about how nature can bring communities together with Greg DeShields, Executive Director, PHL Diversity.
You’ll take away insights including:
- How and why Philadelphia came to position itself as a leader in diversity
- Why planners choose to take their events to a diverse city and the impact on communities
- Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is five times larger than New York’s Central Park – who knew?!
- How Philadelphia uses its parks to engage nearby communities, underserved groups and youth
- Why natural environments, even those within cities, can be huge assets to destinations as events start their return
Greg DeShields spoke on an expert panel at PlanetIMEX in October 2020, in the session COVID-19 -where are we now? You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/i4hsGet0yJY
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking about the power of nature with Daniel Fox, photographer/philosopher/explorer/entrepreneur/artist and author of Feel The Wild. This is part two in a podcast series with Daniel.
You’ll take away insights including:
- How do we re-connect with nature – is it as simple as leaving your phone behind?
- Why Daniel thinks climate change is about our relationship with the world, both giving and taking.
- What are young peoples’ attitudes towards nature?
- What happens when there is no connection with nature?
- How having ups and downs in life can create a certain kind of peace
- Where will Daniel’s travels take him next? (As soon as the world re-opens!)
Daniel Fox will be speaking at PlanetIMEX, the October edition. Stay tuned here: https://planetimex.com/
Daniel’s book, Feel The Wild, is available now http://danielfox.co/book/
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking about the power of nature with Daniel Fox, photographer/philosopher/explorer/entrepreneur/artist and author of Feel The Wild. Keep an eye out for part two of this podcast, coming soon.
You’ll take away insights including:
- What Daniel has to say about the craft of photography - Budding nature photographers listen up!
- Nature is both teacher and mentor – how do we listen?
- How Daniel’s mantra serves to connect him to nature and himself (and what do snow globes have to do with it?!)
- What is the power of using your voice, in nature and in life?
- Why it’s important to feel our connection with animals, whether in conflict or communion
- Earth, wind, fire, water – which is Daniel’s favourite element?
Daniel Fox will be speaking at PlanetIMEX, the October edition. Stay tuned here: https://planetimex.com/
Daniel’s book, Feel The Wild, is available now http://danielfox.co/book/
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking about putting human nature back into data with David Allison, Founder, The Valuegraphics Database, the first global database built to predict and influence the behavior of entire target audiences. You’ll take away insights including:
- How traditional demographics no longer work for us – as David says, we’re all the same age now!
- Why focussing on values over demographics can save you money
- How crises can impact a person’s values
- What factors can motivate a person who strongly values environmentalism
- How can values-thinking help businesses during the pandemic
David Allison will be speaking at PlanetIMEX, the October edition. Stay tuned here: https://planetimex.com/
David Allison will be presenting “The Breakthrough Power of Shared Values - What Buttons to Push” during MPI’s WEC Grapevine. Learn more: http://wec.mpiweb.org/events/wec-grapevine/event-summary-baa585d4178443e383611e83429edcdf.aspx
The Valuegraphics Database: https://valuegraphics.com/
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking about MGM Resort’s efforts to provide event planners with a handy guide to sustainability with Yalmaz Siddiqui, Vice President, Corporate Sustainability at MGM Resorts International. You’ll take away insights including:
- How a deck of cards is making sustainable event planning between venues and planners easier
- How event planner values have shifted to an increased interest in sustainability
- Which small changes in sustainability strategy (removing plastic bottles) can have huge impact (budget for plant-based meat alternatives)
- What’s the lowdown on the cost of sustainable alternatives? Are they more expensive or is this a myth?
- The ins and outs of MGM’s food donation programme
- What’s a blast chiller? (by the way, it’s now been developed and is in regular use!)
- How do you safely manage the temperature of food to make donations go further – feeding communities in need exactly when they need it?
MGM Resorts’ Sustainable Event Ideas Cards - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfi5PIFEwyc
Year of Imagination report - https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/imagination-imex
MeetGreen, IMEX Group’s sustainability consultants - https://meetgreen.com/
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking UN Sustainable Development Goals with Fiona Pelham, CEO at Positive Impact Events. Gain an understanding of exactly what the UN SDGs are, and how you can integrate them into your event. You’ll take away insights including:
- A beginner’s guide to the goals – what are they and what do they mean to our industry?
- How the goals can help us speak the language of businesses and governments
- What goals did event professionals vote as most important?
- Why events are uniquely positioned to bring the goals to live (we’re talking education, people!)
- What are the positive impacts of events – could we be known as the industry that feeds the world?
- Why we shouldn’t shy away from talking about climate impact in the events industry
- What can YOU do to raise the profile of events in achieving UN SDGs?
Act4SDGs – bring the events community into these discussions by sharing your own examples of achieving the UN SDGs. More info at https://act4sdgs.org/
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking nature-inspired spaces with Roger Lehner, Senior Operations Executive at IMEX Group. As head of the IMEX Green Squad, Roger gives a behind the scenes look at sustainability at IMEX, both in our shows and our office. You’ll take away insights including:
- What the IMEX Green Squad is and how you can form your own
- Which sustainability initiatives worked for us (and which ones didn’t!)
- How you can make your food and beverage offerings more sustainable
- What ‘water-wise’ means and why apples are more sustainable than bananas
- How you can make non-meat food options more visible to attendees
- Why you should work towards your sustainability goals one step (or should that be one bite?) at a time
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our events, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. We’re here to serve and we like to have fun doing so. If that sounds like you, be sure to follow us.
Today in our episode we’re talking nature-inspired spaces with Ed Poland, Co-Founder at Hire Space. This episode is all about unique and interesting venues and planner attitudes towards nature and sustainability. You’ll take away insights including:
- Where nature and sustainability rank on the list of planners’ priorities
- Why outdoor or nature-infused spaces are the perfect place to hold an event
- Why your attendees care about sustainable credentials – and what this means for you
- How technology can be used to recreate the effects of nature at your events
- What the shift in attitude has been towards sustainable suppliers
- Why IMEX chooses to “share what we learn” and believes in the importance of making mistakes
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our shows, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/.
Today in our episode we’re talking the IMEX Group’s approach to sustainability and nature, with Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group. This episode is all about our Talking Point, which for 2020 and 2021 is (you guessed it!) NATURE. You’ll learn some captivating views about Nature and what it means for our industry and the destinations that embrace it, including:
- Why no plastic bags are allowed into Rwanda and what that means for travellers
- The ways that smaller destinations can make BIG changes happen quickly
- Why the Global Destination Sustainability Index has raised the visibility of destinations’ sustainability efforts
- What going ‘beyond a tradeshow’ means to IMEX
- How we REALLY feel about meat-free meals at events
- How planners feel about sustainable trade shows
- Addressing the elephant in the room for the business events community – how can we justify travelling so much?
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our shows, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/.
Today in our episode we’re talking nature-infused meetings with Janet Sperstad, educator, innovator and Director of the Meeting and Event Management Programme at Madison College, USA. This episode is all about human DNA and the hormones of leadership. Who knew there was such a thing? You’ll learn some fascinating facts about DNA and how to change your hormones to give you a leadership edge, including the importance of our innate connection to the natural world:
- Human DNA is only different by 1 – 2% across the world’s entire population – we are all ONE ecosystem and we are all instinctively connected to nature (Biophilic Hypothesis – E O Wilson)
- Why we all need to understand how dopamine, cortisol and oxytocin affect us – and how to control them
- Our brains don’t know and don’t care if we’re in nature OR looking at a representation of nature – great news for event planners!
- What’s the hormone profile of a great leader. Is there a perfect mix?
- Why oxytocin is your secret weapon (women!) and how to manage it for your best advantage
- Leadership is a social game. What does that mean?
- HBR – Podcast 699 – What Great Coaching Looks Like with Richard Boyatzis, Professor at Case Western Reserve University
- The importance of the superman pose plus washing your hands and taking three deep breaths. Ahhhhhhhhhhh
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our shows, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/.
Today in our episode we’re talking human connections with Jonathan Bradshaw, Creator & CEO, Meetology. Among many great science-based tips, in this conversation you’ll learn about ‘human beings and being human’ including:
- That meeting with people ‘on purpose’ is a skill; one that can be practiced and improved
- The power of observing yourself from the 3rd person
- Why talking out loud to yourself can REALLY help (true!)
- The importance of ‘failure’ and learning from experience (hint: there’s no such thing as failure)
- Why nerves are a good thing – and how to use them to your advantage
- How to reframe your thoughts to give yourself an edge
- Why and how social connection is important in societies and groups that are burdened by loneliness (because our brains are psychologically designed for connection)
- How to accept a compliment and why it’s important for your emotional health and wellbeing
- How to transform being authentic and vulnerable into your very own superpower
Seriously, you won’t want to miss out on these precious and transformative 14 minutes. Treat yourself.
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our shows, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/. You can watch Jonathan's Meetology Minutes here: www.youtube.com/user/themeetologygroup
Today in our episode we’re embracing nature in event design with Ruud Janssen, Managing Partner & Co-founder, Event Design Collective GmbH. You'll find out how nature can inform the event design process, how events are shifting to experiences and how event planners can use nature to influence the behaviour of attendees.
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our shows, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/
Today in our launch episode we’re exploring the circular economy with Guy Bigwood, Managing Director, Global Destination Sustainability Index. You'll find out what it means to be 'circular' and how meeting and event planners can minimise their impact on the environment by rethinking the traditional 'make, use, dispose' model.
If you're interested in learning more about IMEX, our shows, our values and why we call our company 'The heartbeat of the global business events community', visit our website: www.imexexhibitions.com. Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMEXGroup/, LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/imex/, Twitter: www.twitter.com/IMEX_Group, Instagram: www.instagram.com/imex_group/
Show notes:
- Global Destination Sustainability Index: https://www.gds-index.com/,
- Ellen McArthur foundation, circular economy explained: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept,
- Adidas ocean shoes: https://www.adidas.co.uk/sustainability-parley-ocean-plastic,
- Interface carpets: https://www.interface.com/EU/en-GB/sustainability/our-journey-en_GB,
- McKinsey report: https://www.mckinsey.com/,
- Events Industry Council Sustainable Event Standards: https://insights.eventscouncil.org/Sustainability/Sustainability-Standards-and-Registry.