Turning Weaknesses Into Strengths to Lead an Event Agency
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
Release Date: 03/13/2023
Why Catering Is the Ultimate Event Touchpoint
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
This special edition of GatherGeeks was recorded live at Connect NYC, which took place in late February. In this episode, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with , chief experience officer at House of Attention; , senior sales manager of meetings and conventions at Turning Stone Resort Casino; and , founder and CEO of Mary Giuliani Catering & Events. The panel discusses why and how the catering experience is the final frontier in event marketing—and the ultimate touchpoint where brands can make a lasting impression. They also delve into cutting-edge...
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The New Frontier of Events
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
This special edition of GatherGeeks was recorded live at Connect NYC, which took place in late February. In this episode, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with , head of corporate events at New York Life Insurance Company, and , co-founder of Ai4, to discuss the future of events. Adler calls them two of the brightest minds shaping our industry, and their conversation touches on not only event trends for 2024 but what's on the "trash heap" of event planning, the evolving format of keynotes, the role of AI in events, the shift from virtual to hybrid and back, and the...
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Understanding Attendees Through Their Values—Not Demographics
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with , author of The Death of Demographics and a globally recognized researcher known for coining the term "valuegraphics." This data-informed strategy seeks to unpack human behavior by spotlighting shared human values over outward demographic characteristics. Major companies like Lulu Lemon, PayPal, Google, and the United Nations Foundation have embraced this concept, and here Allison breaks down how it can be used to better understand audiences, sell products, motivate teams, and design user...
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Illuminating the Intricacies of Event Lighting
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with two of the best in the event lighting biz: of and of . Based in Los Angeles, this duo is at the forefront of transforming event spaces into mesmerizing experiences. Here, they discuss various facets of event lighting, how lighting has evolved, its pivotal role in setting the stage, and considerations for different event scenarios. This episode also touches on the impact of social media on lighting design, plus Butchkavitz's and Stahl's dream projects (hint: One of them...
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A Seat at the 'Head Table' (Pt. 2)
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
Welcome to part two of our podcast with Head Table Talks. (Missed part one? Listen .) In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by of LaJoy Plans and of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the event industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. In part two, the focus shifts to the latest happenings in the event business and provides valuable insights into the...
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A Seat at the 'Head Table' (Pt. 1)
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by of LaJoy Plans and of Bright Occasions—in Washington, D.C. These luncheons, known as Head Table Talks, aim to build community within the events industry and provide a safe space for event profs to network and collaborate. At this particular Head Table Talk, held in late October at Dauphine's, Adler brings his Jeffersonian-style of discussion to the six planners gathered and asks each of them: What was your first job? And what did...
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Meet Jack Morton's New Executive Creative Director
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with , the brand-new executive creative director at global experiential powerhouse Jack Morton. At the time of this recording, she’s been at the helm just three weeks. During their enlightening conversation, Adler and Roe discuss her time at The Kitchen, the in-house creative agency at Kraft Heinz; the evolving world of influencers; the art of inspiring teams and extracting their full potential; and the changing nature of what works now in events. This conversation is a wellspring of knowledge and...
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What It Was Like Planning Events for the Obamas
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded live at Connect Marketplace 2023 in Minneapolis—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with , who served as the White House social secretary for the last two years of the Obama administration. Here she recounts the meticulous planning that went into the Pope’s visit, navigating unexpected situations with poise, and how her time as social secretary informed her understanding of the intricate interplay between politics, social customs, and the importance of creating memorable experiences. Listen for a behind-the-scenes look into...
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How AI Can Change the Attendee Experience
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded live at in Minneapolis—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with , CEO of creative technology studio . Schaiman is a powerhouse of knowledge on everything digital. From shaping trailblazing digital experiences to spearheading impactful strategies, his prowess is certain to bring a fresh perspective to our listeners. In this episode, Adler and Schaiman chat about the latter's recent work with the Detroit Lions and Mercedez-Benz, antiquated event tech stacks, how AI can improve an event experience, AI platforms to...
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Escape From Burning Man
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
It's likely you've seen the news from over the weekend: Thousands were trapped at Burning Man—the psychedelic art and music festival that pops up every year in the Nevada desert—after . In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with , a legendary lighting artist and Burning Man attendee for the last 14 years. Meeker takes us through what happened this year and how he got out (trekking through three miles of mud), his work on a massive art installation depicting a (yes, you read that correctly), and his past work lighting the famous...
info_outlineHost: David Adler
Guest: Richard Waddington
In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Richard Waddington, one of the most creative players on the international event scene. He is the co-founder and former CEO of event agency First Protocol, which is now known as FIRST. And he’s been in the news recently as part of PCMA’s acquisition of the U.K.-based Event Marketing Association (following its acquisition of another event marketing body, CEMA, in 2020). Here, Waddington recalls working his way up the hospitality ladder, candidly discusses his struggle with dyslexia, and speaks about trust and the importance of apprenticeship relationships. As a leader and a participant in the huge growth of the events industry over the past 20 years, Waddington is a must-listen guest. The episode concludes with the return of our “Ask the Experts.” Dawn Penfold of Meetingjobs talks dealing with being miserable at work—and how to know when it’s time to leave. And wine and spirits specialist Vanessa Cominsky returns to discuss how wine is no longer a luxury but a must-have at events, plus how cannabis and nonalcoholic beverages are faring now.