Secrets to Crafting Seamless Events for High-Stakes Clients
Release Date: 12/22/2025
Why the Smallest Events Often Matter the Most
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, host Jorge Lopez sits down with Bobby Fader, Director of Catering at La Valencia Hotel & Spa in La Jolla, California, to explore a decades-long career built on work ethic, relationships, and genuine care for people. Bobby shares his journey from starting as a dishwasher at age 13 to leading one of Southern California’s most iconic boutique hotel catering programs. The conversation dives into what truly makes events successful, from personal connection and listening to clients to mentoring teams, navigating staffing...
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The New Standard for Luxury Events Isn’t What You Think
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, host Jorge Lopez welcomes Annette Zeller, Director of Catering and Conference Services at 1 Hotel West Hollywood, for a deep dive into the realities of hospitality, luxury events, and the psychology behind high-expectation clients. Annette shares her journey through some of the most iconic luxury hotel brands, including Park Hyatt, Beverly Hills Hotel, Four Seasons, and Beverly Hilton, and how those experiences shaped her approach to service, creativity, and problem-solving. She offers an inside look at what makes 1 Hotel unique,...
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Why Leaders Should Stop Running Their Own Events
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, host Jorge Lopez sits down with Brenda Biggers, a seasoned administrative leader at Setpoint Medical, to explore the realities of planning internal corporate events inside a fast-paced, highly technical organization. Brenda shares her journey into event planning, not through a traditional events background, but through organization, adaptability, and trust earned over time. From leadership offsites and milestone celebrations to company picnics and themed events, she walks through how thoughtful planning, leadership buy-in,...
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The Hidden Reason Some Events Sell Out, and Others Don’t
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary Creativity doesn’t come from chasing the newest platform or piling on more tools; it comes from listening. In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, Jorge Lopez sits down with Josh Weaver, a marketing leader whose career spans Zappos, Exploding Kittens, Amazon-owned brands, and experiential campaigns that connect deeply with audiences. While Josh doesn’t come from the traditional events world, his perspective offers a powerful reset for event professionals feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or pressured to constantly “out-create” expectations. Together,...
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Why Repeating a “Successful” Event Is a Dangerous Move
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode of The Event Solutions Podcast, Jorge Lopez sits down with Dan Reback, Event Strategist for the West Coast and Mountain States at Jewish National Fund USA, to explore what it really takes to design events that deliver meaningful ROI. Dan oversees more than 150 events annually across five states, blending strategy, creativity, and hands-on execution to ensure events aren’t just polished productions, but purposeful experiences. He shares why “strategy” isn’t a buzzword, how ROI goes far beyond dollars raised, and why staying boots-on-the-ground is...
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Secrets to Crafting Seamless Events for High-Stakes Clients
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode, Jorge Lopez speaks with Brooke Erickson of K&L Gates, where she leads sophisticated, high-touch client experiences for one of the world’s largest law firms. Brooke shares how she designs bespoke events ranging from zoo buyouts to multi-day destination programs, all built around relationship-building and strategic engagement. She breaks down the psychology of attendee types, the importance of airtight logistics, and the planning frameworks she uses to create seamless, memorable experiences for high-level corporate clients. Key Takeaways Successful events...
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Secrets from a Veteran Who Has Worked Three Super Bowls
The Events Solutions Podcast
Episode Summary In this episode, Jorge Lopez sits down with hospitality veteran Susan Avery, who brings more than 35 years of hotel and event expertise from Marriott’s flagship property, the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina. Susan shares insights from her work on major citywide events, including three Super Bowls, the 1996 Republican National Convention, and large medical and scientific conferences. She breaks down what it truly takes to manage high-pressure, multi-stakeholder events where hotels, cities, vendors, and national organizations must operate as one team. Key Takeaways ...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this episode, Jorge Lopez speaks with Brooke Erickson of K&L Gates, where she leads sophisticated, high-touch client experiences for one of the world’s largest law firms. Brooke shares how she designs bespoke events ranging from zoo buyouts to multi-day destination programs, all built around relationship-building and strategic engagement. She breaks down the psychology of attendee types, the importance of airtight logistics, and the planning frameworks she uses to create seamless, memorable experiences for high-level corporate clients.
Key Takeaways
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Successful events begin with a clear purpose, relationship growth, thought leadership, or business development.
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Logistics determine the guest experience: clarity, timing, transitions, and communication matter more than spectacle.
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Understanding attendee psychology allows planners to tailor experiences based on personality, interests, and comfort levels.
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Event memos and “guest POV walkthroughs” help identify gaps, friction points, and unrealistic timing long before event day.
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Small surprise-and-delight moments create emotional connection and elevate even simple experiences.
Guest Bio: Brooke Erickson
Brooke Erickson is an event strategist at K&L Gates, where she oversees curated client entertainment and high-impact corporate experiences across diverse sectors. With a background in luxury retail, sales, and operations, plus a degree in History & Warfare, Brooke blends creativity with logistical excellence to design events that strengthen client relationships and elevate brand perception. From intimate VIP gatherings to multi-day destination programs, she is known for her seamless execution, signature surprise-and-delight touches, and hospitality-driven approach.