Why Leaders Should Stop Running Their Own Events

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, and flexibility can transform ordinary gatherings into meaningful employee experiences.

 

The conversation dives into the nuances of engaging diverse personalities from introverted engineers to competitive team players while balancing logistics, budgets, and evolving expectations. Brenda also offers practical insights on learning from challenges, knowing when to ask for outside help, and why preparation and timing are often the difference between stress and success.

 

Key Takeaways

• Leadership buy-in drives engagement. When leaders actively participate and support the event vision, employees are far more likely to engage and step outside their comfort zones.
  
  

• Purpose matters more than the venue. A clear event objective, paired with creative production, lighting, décor, and music, can transform even modest venues into memorable experiences.
  
  

• Organization is the foundation of success. Brenda’s “event bible”, a detailed, portable planning notebook, keeps vendors, contacts, schedules, and contingencies in one place.
  
  

• Flexibility is essential. Late changes, such as adding plus-ones or adjusting timing, are inevitable. The ability to adapt calmly is key to successful execution.
  
  

• Outside expertise adds value. Bringing in professional event partners or an external MC helps keep events moving, maintains energy, and allows internal leaders to stay in their lane.
  
  

• Timing reduces stress. Backward planning, early preparation, and avoiding last-minute decisions lead to smoother events and a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
  
  

• Know when to ask for help. As organizations grow, event complexity increases. Recognizing when to bring in additional support can dramatically improve outcomes.
  
  

 

Guest Bio: Brenda Biggers

Brenda Biggers is a highly experienced administrative leader with over 20 years of operational, organizational, and executive support experience. She has been with Setpoint Medical since 2014, where she plays a central role in managing day-to-day office operations and planning a wide range of internal and external company events.

Her responsibilities span venue selection, logistics, vendor coordination, budgeting, hospitality, and onsite execution, ensuring events align with company culture and strategic goals. Brenda’s strength lies in her ability to bring structure, creativity, and calm execution to complex environments, helping teams celebrate milestones and successes while keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.