What would it take to achieve a completely net zero event? Is that even possible amidst the flights, builds and waste streams inherent to large conferences and expos? I brought those questions to Nick Westerman of NHS Confederation. Nick oversees sustainability initiatives for NHS Confed's massive annual expo in the UK. With thousands gathering each year, he's constantly searching for ways to lower the event's environmental impact. He was candid about the obstacles they face and the reality of reaching carbon goals. Nick and the team behind NHS Confed take a holistic approach. From public tran ..read more

Running events can feel like a risky business at times. Between tight budgets, high partner expectations, and strong competition, the odds often seem stacked against us as event organizers. We're forced to pull off minor miracles at times on a strained budget. My guest in this episode, Mads Kjer, bootstrapped Ticketbutler starting with just an idea and sheer determination. We learn how he went from "moonlighting side-hustler" to leading a thriving event ticketing and badge printing company armed only with hustle, smarts and an unwavering commitment to customer experience. If you’ve ever felt o ..read more

Event Tech Live has grown from niche website to global industry phenom in just over a decade. So how’d they do it? This week I talk with Adam Parry. He pulls back the curtain on Event Tech Live's origin story and growth. From kickstarting with an awards program to the first leap into organising... Adam keeps it real about their against-the-odds journey to heavy-hitter status. Along the way, he drops serious knowledge for fellow event organisers looking to step up their game. Like why getting creative on your exhibition stand trumps waiting for serendipity. How to leverage content to drive sust ..read more

Face to face or screen to screen? Which leaves you feeling more connected? In this episode Lisa and I discuss recent research showing that in-person interactions trigger increased neural activity compared to virtual interactions. We explore a study analysing the differences in brain activity and eye contact when people interacted live versus through video chat. The results indicate our minds are wired to be more engaged with physical proximity - but why is that so? Lisa and I unpack the limitations of current virtual platforms, including how camera angles and lack of body language cues play a ..read more

As event organisers, finding partners we can trust is crucial yet daunting. Between flashy marketing and empty promises, how can we cut through the noise to assess what solutions will truly support our event vision? In this revealing episode, I roleplay an event organiser grilling a potential event technology supplier. My guest? Max from Canapii - an all-in-one event management platform. With a conversational approach, I put Max in the hot seat with questions we as organisers need answered before even considering a demo. Full show notes: https://eecast.com/29 ..read more

What if trying to build an engaged, year-round event community was actually detrimental to your event's success? Event organisers are aften advised to create 365 communities around their events, nurturing relationships long after an event wraps. But event strategy expert Dax Callner argues most organisers lack the skills and bandwidth for ongoing community management. In this episode, Dax asserts that overextending resources to force year-round conversations does a disservice to both organizers and attendees. Rather than community, he believes events should prioritise delivering incredible exp ..read more

Would building a year-round community around your event allow you to offer more value? In this episode, I interview Neil Thompson from Delegate Wranglers. He shares his journey growing a Facebook community that exceeded any expectations. We learn how he grew and monetised his platform, starting with just a simple newsletter and expanding to customised campaigns working with global brands. Neil also shares the amazing value he could add during the tough times of the pandemic, quickly pivoting to online content and community support. As you listen, consider what a thriving year-round gathering p ..read more

How do you create unforgettable events that spark meaningful connections and delight attendees year after year? One company has spent decades perfecting their recipe. Since the 1970s, VOK DAMS has pioneered corporate events that spark lasting buzz. In this episode, we trace how current CEO Colija Dams and his family built VOK DAMS' legacy across 50 years of event innovation. From analog to digital transformations, Colija shares insights spanning generations of leadership in creating unforgettable experiences. Join us as Colija peels back the story behind the scenes - how his family built an ic ..read more

Struggling to choose social platforms and create content that sells tickets for your event? In this practical episode, host I chat with marketing veteran Rachael Dines to share social media marketing tactics to boost your next event. Learn how to select platforms strategically based on where your target audience spends time. Get tips on creating engaging content like speaker videos, event teasers, and more. Discover how to educate and collaborate with sponsors to mutually promote participation. Whether you are new to social media marketing or looking to improve your strategy, Rachael lays out ..read more

Does sustainability feel daunting? Are you overwhelmed when trying to work out the most eco friendly way to deliver your in-person event? The good news is you don't have to do everything at once! Starting with a few small wins, you can easily build up to an event that reduces it's impact on the environment, and maximises the experience of your attendees creating memories that will last a lifetime. In this episode, Lee Hird, expert in sustainable event management, shares how to take the first steps on your sustainability journey. Full show notes: https://eventmartech.com/small-changes-more-sust ..read more