GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast (BizBash Media)

Host: David Adler
Guest: Todd Fiscus

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with Todd Fiscus, founder of Todd Events, whose clients include Tom Ford, the Dallas Cowboys, Audi, and Neiman Marcus. In this interview, Fiscus discusses navigating the waters of a post-pandemic world, his definition of the new VIP experience, strategies on how to think like a guest when walking into a room, differences between social and corporate events, and the state of gifting.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Cindy Brewer, Michael Dalton, Jon Brown

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler welcomes three guests from LEO Events to explore the value of versatility, diversity, and determination as we all navigate these turbulent times. Principal Cindy Brewer, senior vice president of strategy Michael Dalton, and manager of event operations Jon Brown reflect on the past six months, including concrete steps they're taking to enhance the firm's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; how they've learned to listen more effectively; and the methods they chose to revamp their services and solutions for their Fortune 500 clients.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Colin Cowie

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with event industry icon Colin Cowie to discuss his new book, The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted. Through compelling anecdotal-style stories, Cowie's new book is a must-read to make sure your business stands out in this ever-changing world, diving into ways to up your game to think about the intangibles that separate you from your competition. This episode is a one-man masterclass on doing it right, explaining how Cowie is using event thinking in all aspects of the hospitality, retail and service industries. He and Adler also explore themes of passion, elegance, failure, style, conflict resolution and the power of proactive customer service.

Click here to order Cowie's new book. 

Sponsored by Ticketbud. Running time 40:00.

Hosts: David Adler, David Becker
Guests: Chloé Reuter, J.B. Miller, Silvia Negri Firman

In this virtual discussion, David Becker, co-founder and C.E.O. of Zkipster, and David Adler, chairman and founder of BizBash, talk to a group of event leaders from all around the globe to help us unpack what’s happening now with the COVID-19 crisis, prepare for what’s ahead, and help each other get through this even stronger than before. Panelists include Chloé Reuter in Hong Kong, J.B. Miller in New York, and Silvia Negri Firman in Milan.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Meera Somji, Andrew Carney

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Meera Somji and Andrew Carney, the co-founders of Clusivity, a consultancy that helps organizations take a data-driven approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The duo recently gave a presentation at the 2023 SISO CEO Summit in Las Vegas and used a powerful storytelling style that masterfully combined hard facts and compelling narratives. In this candid conversation, Somji and Carney discuss how they crafted that presentation for the SISO audience (comprising global show organizers), as well as how their company is breaking new ground and addressing DEI in the events industry in unique ways. This episode also explores the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing DEI strategies—plus the impact these efforts can have on both the industry and the world at large.

Host: David Adler
Guest: David Tutera

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with celebrity event designer and lifestyle guru David Tutera. The globally known event expert and television personality shares personal anecdotes, discussing his first-ever job and what he learned for it, how he fell in love with the event industry and more. He also discusses the importance of asking questions, why leading with positivity is crucial, what works and what doesn’t in a post-COVID world and how the industry has changed, and much more.

Sponsored by Social Hour. 

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen
Guest: Tom Kehoe

In this episode of GatherGeeks, we’re kicking off our “Royal CORT” series, sponsored by CORT Events, which focuses on experience designers. BizBash founder and CEO David Adler and CORT Events’ director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with powerhouse designer Tom Kehoe, the owner of Kehoe Designs in Chicago, who has completely refreshed his outlook on events over the last two years. Kehoe discusses how his company has survived and thrived through experimentation and core fundamentals; he also shares his design philosophy, insights into his company culture and passion for collaboration, his approach to sustainability, future trends he's excited about and much more.

Sponsored by CORT Events. Running time: 36:34.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman
Guest: Vaibhav Jain

In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash’s senior contributing editor) sit down with Vaibhav Jain, CEO of event technology solution Hubilo, to discuss how he took the company from a local in-person event solution to a global behemoth. He also touches on how he realized events could be life-changing, how he raised money and pivoted strategy, and how he knew the platform had to involve agile, fast development to meet client needs.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman
Guests: Jaclyn Bernstein, Liron David, Jessica Rothstein Berman Simon Miller

In this new BizBash digital series dubbed "Conversations from the Inside"—which will give industry leaders in local markets a voice amid the COVID-19 outbreak—BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and editor Claire Hoffman begin with the New York market, chatting with event professionals Jaclyn Bernstein of Access New York Metro, Liron David of Eventique, Jessica Rothstein Berman of Manhattan Center, and Simon Miller of Brand Activation Services. The panel discusses the impact of the coronavirus in the New York market, the almighty force majeure clause, the importance of putting trust in your team while working remotely, staying in contact with clients, how they've found the good in the bad, what the future holds, and much more. 

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with BizBash’s editorial team—interim editorial director Shannon Thaler, managing editor Sarah Kloepple, and senior contributing editor Claire Hoffman—to discuss how events fared in 2022. The trio answer questions about what gave them “goosebump moments” this year, their favorite BizBash stories they worked on in 2022, and what they predict is in store for the industry in 2023. 

Hosts: David Adler, Ashton Pike
Guests: Anthony Vade, Natasha Mytnowych, Qasim Virjee, Marc Dorfman. 

In this virtual discussion that marks the final part to a BizBash digital series, dubbed "Conversations from the Inside"—which gives industry leaders in local markets a voice amid the COVID-19 outbreak—BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and senior editor Ashton Pike take to the Toronto market, chatting with local event professionals Anthony Vade of FMAV, Natasha Mytnowych of The Globe and Mail Centre, Qasim Virjee of StartWell, and Marc Dorfman of CN Tower. The panel discusses how they're keeping in touch with their team remotely, what live events could look like with social distancing policies involved, and more.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen
Guest: Larry Abel

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events’ director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with Larry Abel, CEO and “dreamer in chief” at Abel McCallister Abel, a full-service experiential agency. In this interview, Abel talks about how the industry is rebuilding back better than ever and taking more risks, and how he strives to create a journey with his events. He also touches on the importance of surprise-and-delight moments with recent examples—edible glitter! a surprise bounce house!—and why he moved his 17-year-old company from LA to Nashville.

Since March 2020, the business of events has been rattled like never before, and the disruption of the pandemic has changed the industry forever. As we adapt and evolve, everyone wants to know: What strategies and solutions are helping event professionals survive, and for some, even thrive in this challenging time? What can event producers count on as they prepare their event budgets and design their plans for 2021? What best practices will help us safely reopen venues for in-person and hybrid experiences?

Join David Adler, chairman and founder of BizBash, as he sits down with Amber Guild of The New York Times and David Macy and Philip Himberg of MacDowell for interviews about how these two iconic organizations are reimagining their in-person gatherings. Then, Adler welcomes Fred Dixon of NYC & Company and Kelly Easterling of Quantum Creative Studios and #WeMakeEvents, as well as Carmen Jones of ESSENCE Communications, Glenn Rabbach of Duggal Visual Solutions, and Shaun Roberts of Great Performances for panel discussions about the state and future of the event industry during a special broadcast of the BizBash podcast GatherGeeks, from TheTimesCenter. 

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik
Guest: Dan Mannix

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman David Adler and special projects editor Beth Kormanik chat with Dan Mannix, C.E.O. of CSM North America. Mannix shares tricks of the trade for large-scale fan experiences such as sporting events, diving into details on security, transportation, and line control. He also shares tips for standout brand activations at larger festivals like South by Southwest, plus how to hire strong temporary staffers, the event trends he's most excited about, and much more.

Download or subscribe to the show at bizbash.com/gathergeeks. Running time: 49:56

Host: David Adler
Guests: Jeff Youngs, VP Production and Operations, GES Events; Betty Bergeron, Executive Producer, GES Events

In part three of our three-part sponsored podcast series on hybrid events, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with GES Events' Jeff Youngs, VP Production and Operations, and Betty Bergeron, Executive Producer. The group dives into the myths and realities of planning and budgeting for hybrid events—and how the process has changed from previous in-person events. They take us step-by-step through their budget-planning process, sharing how they stay organized for virtual versus in-person components, the most important places to spend your money, and other smart insights and strategies.

To learn more about GES Events' hybrid event capabilities, go to ges.com.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Christopher Felts, Wayne Fernandez

If you’re looking to geek out on venues, budgeting, and AV, this episode is for you. Joining BizBash chairman and founder David Adler this week are two experts who understand the intricacies of how having great venue partners can make or break you: Christopher Felts, director of operations for AES NYC, and Wayne Fernandez, the general manager of Magic Box Event Center in Los Angeles. Although located on different coasts, these venues both provide raw, blank canvas spaces to planners. In this conversation, expect the trio to get honest about how quickly partner relationships can go sour, budgeting prowess, and insights into what they’re seeing firsthand in events today. And they see everything.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Sam Kolbert-Hyle

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Sam Kolbert-Hyle, the president and CEO of Brandlive, who shares how his company has helped major corporations add the right polish to their live and virtual presentations. He explains how his team has developed the sense of a high-end television studio in a very accessible Greenroom product, and also shares a wide variety of tech and engagement tips for virtual events—including why you should over-prepare for big production moments, why you should never start your event on time, what the most important part of a virtual event is, how he stays calm during high-stress moments and more. An added bonus? Listen for some fun, behind-the-scenes insights from Brandlive’s work on the Biden campaign in 2020. 

Running time: 51:29

In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded live at Connect Marketplace 2023 in Minneapolis—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Deesha Dyer, 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 events held at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Dawn Penfold

In this episode of GatherGeeks, we're bringing you a live conversation that took place at BizBash's recent conference in Las Vegas, held in late May. BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sat down with event and meeting hiring guru Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs. The pair discusses the event industry's job landscape post-COVID, sharing tips for both job-seekers and employers about the most in-demand roles right now, the skillsets and personality traits most needed, best practices for virtual interviews and more. Penfold also explains where and how employers can find good talent right now, the challenges businesses are facing in terms of hiring, her predictions for the future and much more.

Running time: 29:49. Sponsored by iVent.

Hosts: David Adler, Ashton Pike
Guests: Susan Lacz, Cory Ryan Frank, Rebecca Linder, Joe Schwinger, Susan Saville

In this new BizBash digital series dubbed "Conversations from the Inside"—which gives industry leaders in local markets a voice amid the COVID-19 outbreak—BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and senior editor Ashton Pike take to the Washington, D.C. market, chatting with local event professionals Susan Lacz of Ridgewells Catering, Cory Ryan Frank of Design Foundry, Rebecca Linder of Linder Global Events, Joe Schwinger of MeetingPlay, and Susan Saville of Hello! Washington DC. The panel discusses the future of events as a hybrid of live and virtual, the safety and health precautions their teams are planning to take when events are back up and running, the importance of staying optimistic, best practices for holding a virtual event, and much more.

Welcome to part two of our podcast with Head Table Talks. (Missed part one? Listen here.) In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrand of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer 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 industry's latest trends and challenges. 

The group touches on topics that are shaping the fate of the industry and candidly discusses everything from the pros and cons of new technology advancements, the legacy impacts of COVID-19 on the events sector, to rising security concerns. These event profs also share their own experiences of juggling personal and professional lives. Take a listen, and keep scrolling to read more about our distinguished guests.

Melva LaJoy Legrand
As a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the live event industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race and identity, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community leader, and storyteller. As the founder and CEO of LaJoy Plans, an event planning firm she relaunched in 2019, Legrand has been recognized as a trailblazer in the event industry, receiving the BizBash Top Event Industry Innovator Award and the Events Industry Council Global Social Impact Award in 2022. As of 2023, Legrand has spearheaded two new initiatives: Mondays With Melva, exclusive monthly content for her subscribers, offering career guidance as well as event planning tips, and Head Table Talks, an annual luncheon she co-created as a safe space for event planners.

Margo Fischer
Margo Fischer is the owner of Bright Occasions, a full-service event planning company specializing in bespoke weddings and milestone occasions. Fischer brings a wealth of industry knowledge and hands-on experience to her clients, from previous roles in corporate event planning and private event catering. She has a passion for curating unforgettable events. With a strong foundation in event planning and an impressive career in some of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious venues, Fischer boasts over 14 years of expertise in the event industry. In addition to helping couples and families, Fischer has worked on community events such as the annual Art in Bloom museum experience and gala reception at Anderson House. She also co-produced the Beyond the Blackout series to highlight diversity and inclusivity within the event industry and is currently co-producing Head Table Talks networking luncheons to create a space for event planners to gather, mingle, and learn from one another.

Kawania Wooten
Kawania Wooten, CMP, brings a unique mix of experience and skills to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and The Enlightened Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality world includes hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30 years as a professional meeting and event planner for Washington, D.C.'s elite. Wooten strives for professionalism, creativity, and impeccable organization within every function planned by the Howerton+Wooten Events team. She is an adjunct instructor in the hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts department at Prince George's Community College. 

Aisha Malik Rodriguez
Aisha Malik Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Aim Aro Logistics LLC, a dynamic company specializing in production and event management on a global scale. With a career spanning over 25 years in the event and hospitality industry, Malik Rodriguez has become a true expert in her field. Born and raised in Fairfax County, Va., and hailing from a rich Pakistani cultural background, Malik Rodriquez brings a unique blend of experiences and perspectives to her work. Her family, which is large and spread around the world, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Malik Rodriguez's company, Aim Aro Logistics LLC, excels in a wide range of services, including vendor management, event permitting, and emergency response management. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, she and her team are dedicated to helping clients navigate the entire event process from start to finish. Whether it's a festival, a government or military event, a corporate gathering, a nonprofit initiative, or a private celebration, Malik Rodriguez's expertise shines through.

Jennifer Charles
Jennifer Charles is a co-founder and the chief creative officer at Something Fabulous. Charles' specialty is in designing experience and storytelling marketing. She has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Charles began her career in radio, television, and film. From interning at theToday show and Good Morning America to working in production with The Food Network and New Line Cinema, she has experienced storytelling from many different angles and industries.

Becca Mai
Becca Mai is a West Virginia native who transplanted to the D.C. area shortly after launching a career in hospitality. She has been in the wedding industry for over 10 years specializing in planning for LGBTQ+, multicultural, and fusion weddings and events. While the majority of her career has been geared toward wedding operations, she has spent a lengthy portion of it building out platforms, training programs, and more. She is now a business strategist for wedding professionals and an inclusive wedding planner, assisting wedding business owners on the back of the business to streamline, automate, and organize with hospitality 100% in mind. 

Host: David Adler
Guest: Julius Solaris

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Julius Solaris, vice president of marketing strategy, events, for digital and in-person event platform Hopin. The duo traces Solaris’ journey in the event industry, discussing why he left the media sphere to join the massively popular tech platform. They also explore how the new event platforms are empowering the participant and are influencing post-COVID event design in dramatic ways. Solaris shares why he thinks technology will continue to be where major investments are made that enable connections both online and in-person—and why the future belongs to the flexible visionaries who want to keep up with the latest tech tools for events of all types.

Sponsored by Hopin. Running time 37:00.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Deesha Dyer

Imagine orchestrating a visit from the pope and a Chinese state dinner… within days of each other. In this episode of GatherGeeks, recorded live at Connect Winter Marketplace in Washington, D.C, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Deesha Dyer, who served as the White House social secretary—the person responsible for planning and coordinating official social events at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.—for the last two years of the Obama administration. Dyer is also the founder and CEO of Hook & Fasten, a social impact agency that specializes in transformational relationships between corporations and communities, diversity and inclusion, and executive operations. In this conversation, Dyers gets candid on navigating stressful moments in a high-stakes environment, working with Michelle Obama, how she started as an intern at the White House, lessons she’s learned, and insights on serving the country.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Chris Detert

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Chris Detert, chief communications officer for Influential, dubbed as the largest influencer marketing company in the world. The company recently wrapped work for Possible, a new marketing conference that brought brands and tech and media companies—plus big-name speakers like A-Rod, Elon Musk, and LL Cool J—to Miami last month. In this lively convo, Detert discusses Influential’s nail-biting approach to helping make this inaugural conference successful, curating celebrity speakers, how the company completed a big land grab for the upcoming Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity by taking over Twitter Beach, and the promising future of AI.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Doug Emslie

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Doug Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group (one of the largest exhibition companies in the world), to get a global perspective on trade shows and exhibitions. How have things changed since the pandemic? How do they differ culturally between markets like Europe, the Middle East, and North America? Emslie also discusses how to bring back attendees each year, how the global structure of events is becoming more regional, the rise of bleisure travel, and why technology and sustainability will be positive disruptors to the industry.

Hosts: Claire Hoffman, Ashton Pike
Guests: Tom Kehoe, Megan Williams, Lanie Hartman, Jack Scafide

In this virtual discussion that marks the fifth part to a new BizBash digital series, dubbed "Conversations from the Inside"—which gives industry leaders in local markets a voice amid the COVID-19 outbreak—BizBash editors Claire Hoffman and Ashton Pike take to the Chicago market, chatting with local event professionals Tom Kehoe of Kehoe Designs, The Geraghty, BlackOak Technical Productions, and Floral Exhibits; Megan Williams of Field Museum; Lanie Hartman of BBJ Linen; and Jack Scafide of CORT Events. The panel discusses how they're using their resources to provide PPE and help healthcare workers, the importance of breaking down barriers with competitors, virtual events, what they're doing to stay optimistic and inspired, and more.

Hosts: David Adler, BizBash & Stephanie Cheung, Marketing Challenges International

Guests: Oscar Nobre, McVeigh Global Meetings and Events; Juri Seo, Korea Tourism Organization; Dora An, Goyang CVB; David Ko, Jeju Island CVB; Minji Kang, Busan CVB

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash Chairman and Founder David Adler once again teams up with Stephanie Cheung, Director of Strategy and Insights at Marketing Challenges International, to explore Korea from a business events perspective. First, Oscar Nobre, Senior Project Manager at McVeigh Global Meetings and Events, shares why he chose to host a 700-person conference in Korea and what he learned in the sourcing process with Juri Seo, Manager of Meetings and Incentives at Korea Tourism Organization. The two discuss everything from contract negotiations to local traditions to appropriate speaker gifts. Then, representatives from three different cities around the country—Goyang, Jeju, and Busan—highlight the culture, people, and customs that international event professionals need to know. All the fun and informative trivia kicks off an upcoming virtual trivia night in December 2020! For more details, contact Stephanie Cheung at scheung@mcintl.com.

Hosts: David Adler, Cathy Song Novelli
Guest: Cliff Rigano

In this special sponsored edition of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler is joined by Cathy Song Novelli, SVP of marketing and communications at virtual and hybrid events software platform Hubilo, to chat with Cliff Rigano, creative director and head of culture, content and experiential marketing for Mast-Jägermeister US. Rigano shares how he brings mosh pit-inspired energy, enthusiasm and a unique ethos to Jägermeister’s events and activations. He also discusses how he leads his team, outlining why he thinks of them as an indie band on the verge of making it and why every activation is just another song on the album. Don’t miss these literal “Cliff Notes” for effective team management and innovation.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Amy Calvert

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Amy Calvert, CEO of the Events Industry Council (EIC), which oversees more than 30 member organizations in the events industry. The EIC is a global champion of event profs and event industry excellence, offering professional standards and recognition and certification programs that take the industry to new heights. In this podcast, Calvert divulges what keeps her up at night representing this industry, discusses why inspiring young people to enter the industry is more important than ever, and how the CMP—considered the gold standard for planners—is changing as a result of the pandemic.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BIzBash founder and chairman David Adler chats with Connor Stewart, the director of social media at mdg, a marketing and public relations agency specializing in audience acquisition for live and online events. Stewart offers case studies of the influencer marketing strategy for B-to-B events like FabTech, a trade show for the welding industry—proving that the practice isn’t just for consumer brands and big-level celebrities. The duo gives an overview of why tapping into paid influencers and micro-influencers is so effective for events, and how to find the right partners for your brand. They also do deep dive into how to execute these new must-use marketing strategies—sharing the processes, tools and measurements needed to justify the expense.

Sponsored by Ticketbud. Running time 43:22.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Denzil Rankine, Marco Giberti

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Denzil Rankine, founder of AMR International, and Marco Giberti, founder of Vesuvio Ventures, to discuss their new book, Reinventing Live: The Always-On Future of Live Events. The duo dives into their thought process behind the book, which focuses on the shift from one-off, in-person events to year-round marketing strategies. They also discuss ways to be a strong entrepreneur and leader in times of crisis, why event organizers should consider themselves community catalysts, the best ways to learn what the customer wants, how to balance gut instinct with data, the winners and losers of this new world, the future of the exhibition and trade show industry, and much more. 

Sponsored by Brandlive. Running time: 51:21

Host: David Adler
Guests: John Woo, SVP Creative and Design, GES Events; Jeff Youngs, VP Production and Operations, GES Events

In part two of our three-part sponsored podcast series on hybrid events, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with GES Events’ John Woo, SVP Creative and Design, and Jeff Youngs, VP Production and Operations. The trio discusses how to most effectively craft the attendee journey for hybrid events, from initial marketing strategies to post-event engagement. They also discuss ways to identify and engage your target demographic, how to facilitate effective networking and education, how speakers should be approaching hybrid events, the power of face-to-face connections, and much more. 

To learn more about GES Events' hybrid event capabilities, go to ges.com.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with David Allison, 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 experiences. He also discusses why it's time to apply this concept to the world of event planning to create programs that truly resonate. This is an episode definitely worth a listen for anyone seeking to take their events to the next level.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Kelly Roe, 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 inspiration—take a listen.

Host: David Adler
Guests: David Landgraf, Allison Pieter

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with industry veterans David Landgraf, the founder and chief experience officer of Make It Happen Management in New York, and Allison Pieter, the founder and president of Cassis Productions in Los Angeles. The group shares real-world pain points—and solutions—for the event industry, diving into topics like the impact of new technology, whether traditional events have given way to unproven experimentation, the frustration of supply chain issues and labor shortages, and more. They also discuss whether the so-called “great resignation” is having an impact, how budgets and costs have changed, their insights into the future and much more.

Sponsored by Hopin. Running time: 43:33.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Jonathan Steffert

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Jonathan Steffert, the cultural attaché of public diplomacy and public affairs for the New Zealand Embassy in Washington, D.C. Steffert represents a new generation of diplomats who understand the importance of developing soft power in ways that engage and promote the values of their country. He's a great believer in using storytelling in every part of his job, especially when hosting events at the embassy. (Pro tip: This includes mowing the lawn ahead of every event to get that great cut-grass smell, and handing out friendship pins off his own suit when other people show an interest.) Steffert is one of the most strategic thinkers on soft power. And as the epitome of New Zealand love for the environment, diversity, and kindness, his lessons are as important for an experiential marketer, to a meeting planner, to an event designer, and everything in between. Take a listen, and take notes.

Host: 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.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Matthew Byrne, CSEP

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Matthew Byrne, CSEP, the founder of Toronto-based Byrne Production Services. Byrne discusses how he's upping the game of virtual events through a no-contact Studio-in-a-Box concept, which easily helps speakers generate high-quality, television-style broadcasts. He also dives into techniques for increasing attendee engagement, why good storytelling will always be the most important thing, smart tips for looking good on camera, why he thinks virtual components are here to stay, and much more. 

Host: David Adler
Guests: Dawn Penfold, Travis Pham

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with recruiting veteran Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs, a Cadre Company, and up-and-coming event professional Travis Pham, global business director for 360 Destination Group. The group discusses why passion is the defining characteristic for career success, and why we’re in an employee market where staffers are reexamining their purposes and goals—plus, what that means for hiring managers right now. They also share their thoughts on corporate outsourcing solutions, how employers are attracting talent right now, how technology is changing the game and much more.

Sponsored by Hopin. Running time: 34:15.

Hosts: David Adler, RD Whitney
Guests: Liz Irving, Paul Treanor

This episode of GatherGeeks is a collaborative show between BizBash, the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and Event Relief 2021, Dan Assor’s 24-hour vodcast that raised funds for the nonprofit EventWell in March. BizBash chairman and founder David Adler teams up with RD Whitney, the founder of 365 Media, to host an event producers’ roundtable featuring Liz Irving, executive vice president and head of marketing at Clarion Events North America, and Paul Treanor, senior manager of content and community at Informa.

The group of industry veterans discusses the evolving world of virtual and hybrid events, sharing the unvarnished truth about what they’ve learned about events and exhibitions over the last 13 months. They also share why event producers should consider themselves community-builders, discussing how to understand your customer’s needs and motivators, ways to foster connections online or in-person, what works and what doesn’t work when building new communities, and much more. Finally, they chat about their own experiences with virtual and hybrid events, sharing insights on attendee engagement, the hub-and-spoke method, why Clubhouse is so popular in the event industry and much more. 

Running time: 51:40. Sponsored by iVent.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman
Guest: Keyana Kashfi

In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash’s senior contributing editor) sit down with Keyana Kashfi, the global senior director of experiential and content production at Spotify. Kashfi, who is also a BizBash Event Master, was in charge of the creation of Spotify Beach at this year’s festival. She brought in some of the world’s top musical talent not only to grab attention at Cannes, but to prove that live experiences are critical to Spotify. In this podcast she also discusses the daytime/nighttime approach her and her team took to create Spotify Beach, differences she’s seeing in audiences post-2020, and advice for event pros just starting out.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Brendan Brown, Sohini Mitra

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with Brendan Brown, vice president of strategy for George P. Johnson, and Sohini Mitra, the vice president of experiential at ImpactXM, to tackle the ever-relevant question of engagement at virtual, hybrid and face-to-face events. The group discusses what keeps the attention of attendees at events of all types right now, exploring whether it’s true that attendees pay attention to novelty, and if entertainment is the cost of entry for engagement. The world is changing rapidly, and this episode offers key ways to understand the audience, brand and context of any assignment—and to challenge all your prepandemic assumptions about engagement.

Sponsored by Hopin. 

Host: David Adler
Guest: Vince Thompson

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Vince Thompson, the CEO, founder, and chairman of MELT, an Atlanta-based sports marketing and event agency. In addition to sharing how marketing best practices have evolved during the pandemic, Thompson discusses MELT U, his training program for the next generation of event organizers. He shares how the program—which now accommodates 1,500 young adults—has grown and actually improved after a shift to virtual. He also discusses why more entrepreneurs should invest in the millennials and Gen Z, what older generations can learn from them, what has surprised him most during COVID-19, and much more.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Mike Sokoloff, 6Connex & Adam Rosen, University of Southern California

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler chats with Mike Sokoloff, director of sales for 6Connex, and Adam Rosen, associate vice president of cultural relations and university events for the University of Southern California (USC). The group digs into the future to understand how the integration of IRL and virtual platforms work in a hybrid world and shares practical, real-life solutions on how to use virtual and live events separately and together, as well as how clients and suppliers can work together to experiment and create experiences that generate a sense of belonging. They also discuss how 6Connex’s platform offers smart strategies for engagement, sponsor integration, multiscreen engagement and more for virtual, live and hybrid events like USC’s commencement ceremonies, which included an immersive and interactive "virtual campus." 

Host: David Adler
Guest: Steve Clemons

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Steve Clemons, who has begun a role as a senior executive in charge of events at Semafor, a new global news organization launching this fall. Clemons was previously editor at large of The Hill. He also served as the Washington editor at large of The Atlantic, where he was the editor-in-chief of AtlanticLIVE, the brand’s live event series. He specializes in high-stakes gatherings, and in this episode, he gives a master class on connecting people. Clemons also discusses why he believes the best events reach people’s hearts and not just their minds, embracing uncomfortable conversations, and how event pros can engineer moments that bring about change.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Nir Eyal

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with behavioral design and time management expert Nir Eyal, the author of the books Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. The duo discusses why event professionals are masters of designing distractions, especially when trying to monetize events, and give some insights into the science of distraction both for personal growth and professional use. Eyal shares tips for fighting attendee distraction at events and trade shows, why focus is not the opposite of distraction, how speakers can grab attention (and why they should always ask audiences for feedback), the future of events in a post-pandemic world and much more.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Christina Matteucci

In this episode of GatherGeeks, we're bringing you another live presentation from BizBash's hybrid conference in Las Vegas. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler introduces Christina Matteucci, executive director of David Beahm Experiences, who discusses how number-twos will lead the post-COVID bounce back. Like celebrity event designer David Beahm, successful entrepreneurs have become veritable superheroes in American culture. However, data suggests that society’s obsession with entrepreneurship as the vehicle for professional recognition could spell disaster for the future of the U.S. workforce in a post-COVID landscape—if the struggle for acknowledgment continues to wipe out the value of collaboration.

From unifying the political divide to healing race relations to solving our global climate crisis, solutions for our world’s biggest problems won’t come from one hero—they’ll be the product of many minds working together. The prototype for that alliance begins in the workplace; it begins with the “number twos.” In this educational discussion, Matteucci, aka "TeucciMama," will show us why we should be giving a second thought to our second in command.

Running time: 50:50. Sponsored by Evolution Event Solutions.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Paul Bulencea, Claus Raasted, Tahira Endean

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder sits down with the founders of the College of Extraordinary Experiences, a five-day conference held inside a 13th-century Polish castle that uses an immersive education method to study experience design. We also hear from “graduates” of the conference—including IMEX's head of programming Tahira Endean—on the life-changing learning that impacts how they plan events and conduct their lives. Founders Paul Bulencea and Claus Raasted come from the world of LARP (live-action role playing)—could that be the ticket to entice this next generation of eventgoers? We also hear from our returning “Ask the Experts.” Wine and spirits specialist Vanessa Cominsky delves into wine myths, and hiring pro Dawn Penfold of Meetingjobs discusses what hiring managers in the meeting and event industry are looking for today.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Kris Coratti

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Kris Coratti, the vice president of communications for The Washington Post. Coratti explains how the publication is hosting four to five virtual events per week, some drawing as many as 600,000 viewers. She shares best practices for this new normal, discussing everything from the power of great lighting and sound to the nuts and bolts of content creation, marketing, and speaker partnerships. Coratti also discusses sponsorship models for virtual events, ways to engage the audience, viewership patterns, and much more.

Download or subscribe to the show at bizbash.com/gathergeeks

Host: David Adler
Guest: Gianna Gaudini

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Gianna Gaudini, head of events for Airtable, for a master class in planning events and experiences—whether you’re an old pro or just starting out. The pair discusses Gaudini’s work for companies like Amazon Web Services, Google, and Softbank Vision Fund, along with what went into creating her best-selling book and e-learning course. Gaudini believes that people want to attend events to experience some sort of catharsis or transformation—and she shares tips for how to accomplish that, along with insights into driving global event strategy, brand awareness, diversity and inclusion, and more.

Sponsored by Hopin.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen
Guest: Shelly Tolo

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with Shelly Tolo, president of Tolo Events LLC in Seattle. The group traces Tolo's history in the industry, ranging from her high-school days as a synchronized swimmer to her time as a development officer for nonprofits. She shares what works in nonprofit events and gala fundraisers now, particularly in terms of design and decor—and why she's on a mission to end the 10-top table format. This episode is a must-listen for anyone hoping to reinvent the traditional gala fundraiser in a post-COVID world.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Carla Ruben, Joseph Cozza, Thomas Whelan, Kasha Mackelprang, Ezekiel Bronfman

In this episode of GatherGeeks, we're bringing you another live conversation that took place at BizBash's hybrid conference in Las Vegas. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler hosts an informative discussion on how the industry is collectively curating new ideas to make meetings and events memorable and safe. He's joined virtually by Creative Edge Catering's Carla Ruben, and in-person by JVC Catering & Event Consulting's Joseph Cozza, Levy Convention Centers' Thomas Whelan, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa's Kasha Mackelprang, and XED Beverage Company founder Ezekiel Bronfman. The group traces the history of event catering, followed by what's hot now (and how they're accomplishing it with COVID-related restrictions) and what trends will take over in the future. 

Sponsored by Ticketbud.

Hosts: David Adler, Christian Conner
Guest: Daniel Johnnes

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and writer Christian Conner explore the world of high-end wine tastings with Daniel Johnnes, the proprietor of the weeklong wine event La Paulée Mondiale. It’s been described as the “world’s greatest wine event,” with ticket prices as high as $10,000. Here, Johnnes describes the event’s shift to virtual this year, discussing what aspects of the online event did and didn’t work and what will carry over into future in-person gatherings. He also shares the history of the event, discussing how it has grown over two decades, how ticket prices are set, why choosing the right winemakers is crucial and much more. 

Host: David Adler
Guests: Sue Sung, Philip Dufour

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler hosts an important conversation about the future of the event industry. Recorded last week, Adler was joined by Sue Sung, SVP of corporate strategy for The Freeman Company who is representing Go LIVE Together, and Philip Dufour, president and creative director of The Dufour Collaborative who is representing the Live Events Coalition. The group discusses how the two new coalitions are fighting for federal support for the 12 million people in the event industry's eco-system, sharing practical ways you can help right now. They also share what methods have been most effective when appealing to politicians, as well as their thoughts and predictions on the future of safety precautions at events. 

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen
Guest: John Fuhr

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with business development expert John Fuhr of CenterCircle Creative in Phoenix. With his acute awareness of emerging trends and market conditions, Fuhr offers up a host of insights into his own observational research. He talks using white space to spread out and escape the prison of the cubicle, feeding people’s desires to connect at events, what should be included in every event strategy and more.

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik
Guest: Gianna Gaudini

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash C.E.O. David Adler chats with Gianna Gaudini, author of The Art of Event Planning: Pro Tips From an Industry Insider. Gaudini discusses what she learned in a decade of planning events for Google, why she says that "everyone is an event planner," and tips for creating a cohesive event narrative from start to finish. She also shares tips for staying healthy and focused on event day, why personalization is crucial for attendees, learning to trust your team, and much more.

Download or subscribe to the show at bizbash.com/gathergeeks. Running time: 1:01:26

Hosts: David Adler
Guests: Erica Boeke, Austin Johnston, Nancy Shaffer

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with a powerhouse panel of event industry professionals: Nancy Shaffer, chief creative officer at RJ Whyte Event Production and the president of the Live Events Coalition; Austin Johnston, CEO of AKJOHNSTON and president of the Experiential Guild of America; and Erica Boeke, the founder and CEO of Liberty & Co. The group dives deep into how partnerships of all kinds have impacted their event businesses and shares key learnings on how to collaborate effectively. They give practical tips and takeaways for using partnerships—with both internal and external teams, with brands and artists, with the industry as a whole and even with event guests—as one of the most important principles of our post-COVID era.

Sponsored by Hopin.

Hosts: David Adler, Stephanie Cheung
Guests: Juri Seo, Dr. Richard Arriviello

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler teams up with Stephanie Cheung, director of strategy and insights for Marketing Challenges International, to interview Juri Seo, an executive for Korea Tourism Organization, and Dr. Richard Arriviello, chief medical officer for InHouse Physicians. Seo shares case studies of large-scale events and trade shows that have been held successfully in South Korea, and discusses how the country effectively curbed the spread of COVID-19 through the smart safety practices, while Dr. Arriviello gives his perspective on how those practices can be implemented in the United States. The group also dives into how to communicate safety protocols to attendees, the future of domestic and international travel, the future of meetings and events in Korea, and much more.

Host: David Adler
Guest: David Beahm

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with David Beahm, founder of event design firm David Beahm Experiences, who has designed weddings for high-profile clients like Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, as well as Fortune 500 corporate events for clients like Target, Victoria’s Secret, Christian Dior, and McDonald’s. In this conversation, Beahm discusses supply chain issues, the importance of budgets to help constrain your creativity to actually be more creative, how luxury is about aspiration and scarcity, must-haves for luxury events, and more.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman
Guest: Damien Baines

In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash’s senior contributing editor) sit down with Damien Baines, the experiential marketing lead at Instagram. They go behind the scenes at Meta Beach where, for the first time, the company has used Meta branding at the festival. Baines also discusses what inspired many of the elements for this year’s beach, planning a superbloom-themed dinner for the event, and how Instagram aims to highlight all types of creativity and passion on the platform.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Kristin Banta

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of season two of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with award-winning celebrity event designer Kristin Banta, owner and creative director at Kristin Banta Events. A teacher and mentor to the industry, Banta’s clients have included Justin Bieber and Oprah Winfrey. In this conversation, Banta touches on how everyone is craving tactile experiences—but warns event pros not to overstimulate the senses—how multiculturalism and aspirational travel is having a huge impact on events, the art of hosting and how to make guests feel special, and designing for introverts.

Hosts: David Adler, Ashton Pike
Guests: Dan Cormany, Latoya Lewis, Lynn Minnaert, John Niser, Briana Stewart, Aruzhan Toleubay

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and editorial director Ashton Pike chat with a diverse group of students and professors in the event and hospitality industry. Hosted during Dan Assor’s 24-hour vodcast to benefit EventWell, the conversation features Briana Stewart and Aruzhan Toleubay, two students finding their way in the industry during COVID-19, as well as Florida International University professor Dan Cormany, New York University professor Lynn Minnaert, Farleigh Dickinson University professor John Niser and EnventU founder Latoya Lewis. The group discusses how COVID-19 has reshaped the industry, outlining what works now and how the next generation can face the challenges of today. This vodcast is a must-watch for anyone trying to adapt and thrive in this ever-changing industry.

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 days of torrential rainfall. In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Bentley Meeker, 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 30-foot clitoris (yes, you read that correctly), and his past work lighting the famous Temple at Burning Man. This episode is bound to ignite your senses and expand your horizons. Take a listen.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman
Guest: Jim Louderback

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and BizBash executive editor Claire Hoffman chat with Jim Louderback, the general manager of VidCon, a massive trade show for digital creators. The group discusses how the show shifted to virtual this year, including what worked and what didn't, his favorite tech platforms, why he stretched it into a summerlong event series, and future plans. He also discusses how to engage the next generation of event attendees, the power of influencer marketing, why he takes an editorial approach to programming content, his predictions for hybrid events and much more.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Adrian Segar

In this episode of GatherGeeks, listen in on a keynote session from BizBash chairman and founder David Adler and meetings expert and author Adrian Segar, delivered virtually during the Untethered Conference on May 21. The duo offers key leadership tips and survival strategies based on lessons learned from Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton and Outward Bound. They also discuss why leaders today need to be "collaboration artists," why future events need to be more valuable than ever, the value of risk-taking, why it's important to celebrate everything, and much more. 

Download or subscribe to the show at bizbash.com/gathergeeks. Running time: 29:37

Host: David Adler
Guests: Rebecca de Freitas, Danny Hardman

On this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Rebecca de Freitas—an event producer who recently completed a master’s degree with a thesis on Esports—and Danny Hardman, director of business development for PRG and a lifelong gamer. The group discusses the world of Esports from an event and marketing perspective, sharing why event producers should care, how these gamified hybrid events are uniquely positioned to reach younger generations, and how brands can use Esports to engage their communities in effective ways. They also dissect the challenges and logistics of planning an Esports tournament, ways gaming can help build brand loyalty, how venues are getting business from gaming tournaments, tips for learning the ins and outs of the industry, what to expect in the future, and much more.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Capricia Penavic Marshall

In this episode of GatherGeeks—the first of a three-part interview series—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Capricia Penavic Marshall, former Obama administration chief of protocol and former Clinton administration social secretary. Marshall gives an up-close-and-personal look at her time in the administrations, sharing what it was like to have a front-row seat to history for over a dozen years. She also discusses the importance of finding a mentor, how she stays focused on event day, her first "goosebumps" moment, the best advice she got from Jackie Kennedy, and much more.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen
Guest: André Wells

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with André Wells, founder and CEO of Events by André Wells in Washington, D.C. In this candid interview, Wells talks about everything from how the management of his 19-year-old event company has completely changed as a result of the pandemic, to how he’s designing events for audiences that want to be reached where they are. He also shares why our newfound craving for intimacy is calling for new strategies and the changes he’s seeing in his event and design consulting business. This episode is a must-listen for any event entrepreneur.

Hosts: David Adler, Ashton Pike
Guests: Greg Zalkin, Gary Ressler, Kelly Murphy, Shai Tertner, Richard Curran, Dan Cormany

In this virtual discussion that marks the fourth part to a new BizBash digital series, dubbed "Conversations from the Inside"—which gives industry leaders in local markets a voice amid the COVID-19 outbreak—BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and senior editor Ashton Pike take to the Miami/South Florida market, chatting with local event professionals Greg Zalkin of Creative State Marketing, Gary Ressler of Tilia Companies, Kelly Murphy of Events on the Loose, Shai Tertner of Shiraz Creative, Richard Curran of Expo Convention Contractors, and Dan Cormany, PhD, of Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management. The panel discusses how they're staying connected with their team, the difficulty of layoffs, how they're staying inspired and planning for the future, and more.

Hosts: David Adler, Lilian Shen
Guest: Mo Husseini

Sponsored by CORT Events, this episode of GatherGeeks is part of our “Royal CORT” podcast series, which includes insightful convos with top event and experience designers. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler and CORT Events' director of marketing Lilian Shen sit down with creative mastermind Mo Husseini, senior vice president of design at Freeman Company based in Portland, Ore. Husseini reveals how his design-led thinking helps him successfully manage the complex ecosystem at Freeman, the world’s largest event producer. He also divulges details on understanding the needs of audiences, employing segmentation and utilizing data in order to create smart strategies and execute events at the highest level.

In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded live at Connect Marketplace 2023 in Minneapolis—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Michael Schaiman, CEO of creative technology studio GenCity Labs. 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 test out, and more. Take a listen.

Hosts: David Adler, Claire Hoffman
Guest: Judy Lee

In this special edition of GatherGeeks—recorded live at the 2022 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—hosts David Adler and Claire Hoffman (BizBash’s senior contributing editor) sit down with Judy Lee, head of global brand experiences and programs at Pinterest. She breaks down her team's strategy and execution of Pinterest Beach, which put creatives front and center. She also discusses being a jury member for this year's festival, Pinterest's approach to face-to-face marketing, and creating spaces that reflect a multitude of different communities.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Nick Simonette

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Nick Simonette, vice president of sales for full-service exhibit and event company Czarnowski. He discusses how Czarnowski teamed up with two competitors—George P. Johnson and Exploring—to launch the LiveForLife coalition, which encompasses more than 200 event production companies that can build, ship, and install temporary structures such as patient rooms and testing or vaccine centers. Simonette also shares predictions for how live events will return, discussing the rise of gesture-based technology, what trade show booths of the future will look like, how future live events will merge virtual elements, the main ingredients to engage people today, and much more.

Download or subscribe to the show at bizbash.com/gathergeeks

Host: David Adler
Guest: Glenn Haussman

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Glenn Haussman, a 25-year hotel industry veteran, professional speaker and the host of popular hospitality podcast "No Vacancy." During this high-energy conversation, the duo discusses all things hospitality and events, including what they both miss and don’t miss from in-person gatherings, the good and bad of virtual, tips for training speakers and exciting changes that have been accelerated by the pandemic. Haussman also shares what he’s hearing from hotel organizers about the future, including labor shortages and automation tools, and gives some behind-the-scenes details from his new book, The Adapters.

Sponsored by Brandlive. Running time: 44:35.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Jennifer Savica, Sophie Ahmed

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with longtime event pros Jennifer Savica, vice president and head of corporate events for New York Life Insurance Company, and Sophie Ahmed, senior vice president of market strategy for Hubilo. The trio discusses the newfound clout of corporate event organizers and how C-suite executives’ perception of events is changing. They also touch on the pain points of engagement strategies, navigating new formats for producing events, the inclusivity of event technology, and building upon the momentum created by the return of live events.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Antonio Trincao

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Antonio Trincao, the co-founder and CEO of Youcanevent, a global virtual events platform with clients including United Airlines and Microsoft. The pair talks all things virtual and hybrid events, discussing what sets Youcanevents' platform apart—including its interactive, avatar-style environment, the unique ability to light the virtual event like an in-person one, and more. Trincao also shares his own best practices for virtual events, how his company can help usher in the new "hybrid standard" for gatherings, why great content is more crucial than ever, why he considers himself an "event" person rather than a "tech" person, and much more. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wondering how creative technology can help the events industry move forward in the time of COVID-19.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Ronnie Yoked

In this episode of GatherGeeks, we're bringing you another live conversation that took place at BizBash's hybrid conference in Las Vegas. BizBash founder and chairman David Adler sits down with Ronnie Yoked, head of experiential for Anheuser-Busch, named one of BizBash’s Most Innovative Brands in Events in 2020. Yoked offers an in-depth look at how the mega brand thinks about marketing and events, including how that strategy has changed during the pandemic, work the team has done to support struggling businesses, ways they’ve parlayed existing programs into digital in addition to creating new ones, and much more. Yoked also discusses her shift in focus from experiential marketing to “experience marketing,” how she measures the success of a virtual program, the shifts she predicts for the future and much more.

Sponsored by Ticketbud. Running time: 32:33.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Michael Cirino

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Michael Cirino, the mastermind behind the 100-Course Meal and founder of creative studio House of Attention. Cirino knows that events have the power to evoke emotions and leave lasting impressions, and his storytelling prowess is sure to leave you inspired. In this episode, he shares the secrets behind that groundbreaking dinner event, discusses the inner workings of House of Attention and his concept of “big ideas,” and reveals his remarkable perspective on event experiences. This conversation is sure to challenge your perceptions and ignite your imagination. 

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 Jennifer Savica, head of corporate events at New York Life Insurance Company, and Michael Weiss, 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 importance of belonging and community. Get ready for a deep dive into the new frontier of events.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with two of the best in the event lighting biz: Billy Butchkavitz of Billy Butchkavitz Design and Curt Stahl of Images by Lighting. 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 hopes to light the Olympics one day). Take a listen.

Host: David Adler
Guests: John Knightly, Amanda Segar

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with John Knightly and Amanda Segar, the chief marketing officer and the director of global field marketing and events, respectively, for BlueJeans by Verizon. The group discusses how the video conferencing platform has expanded to accommodate events of all types, offering high-quality, scalable experiences for groups of all sizes. They share how BlueJeans makes the process easy for attendees, presenters, and moderators; ways that live polling, hand raising, and other smart features can increase audience engagement; how the technology can evoke emotion and bring together attendees from around the world; and much more. Finally, the team discusses unique ways event organizers have used the platform, from 20,000-person festivals to trade shows and exhibits to corporate events and marketing activations.  

Host: David Adler
Guests: Chris and Jill Drury

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Chris and Jill Drury, the husband-and-wife team behind event agency Drury Design. The two are involved in just about every aspect of group dynamics for both virtual and in-person events. They are the go-to couple for updates on what’s really going on in the world of large corporate events. They collaborate on all aspects of their business—whether it’s with clients like IBM and Microsoft, their teams, and especially with attendees. In this episode, they discuss the biggest changes in the events industry in recent years ("people want more meaning out of these events," Chris said), plus how to create an atmosphere of openness, piggybacking private events around major trade shows, and an exercise they do internally called “idea jams.” If you want a sense of what’s going on in the industry right now, take a listen.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Hugh Forrest, Cindy Lo

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with two key event profs behind South by Southwest (SXSW), the buzzy annual festival in Austin that attracts emerging talent, iconic performances, and groundbreaking ideas in the realms of music, TV/film, tech, and culture. We first hear from Hugh Forrest, SXSW’s co-president and chief programming officer, who delves into the festival’s 30-plus-year history, how it’s evolved and thrived in those decades, why AI will be a big topic this year, and what else he’s most looking forward to at the 2023 festival. Cindy Lo, CEO of full-service events agency RED VELVET, then joins the pod. She’s been producing brand events and activations for years with SXSW, and here she discusses what both planners and attendees want most out of these experiences, how brands are measuring ROI, and how the fest is attracting younger generations. This is a preview episode you won’t want to miss.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Anika Grant, Cara Kleinhaut, Dan Mannix

Welcome to part two of our exploration of the event and experiential agency world. (Missed part one? Listen here.) Last week, these three agency leaders—Anika Grant of Idlewild Experiential, Cara Kleinhaut of AGENC Experiential + Digital Marketing, and Dan Mannix of underdog venture team—gave us their insights on the pulse of the industry. This week, they'll discuss their own journeys navigating the waves of experiential marketing like seasoned sailors. Expect real stories, heartfelt emotions, and hard-earned lessons. This episode will leave you enlightened on the power of vulnerability and leadership, the art of navigating transition, and what it truly means to be a good boss. 

Host: David Adler
Guest: Kudzi Chikumbu, Brian Feit

In this episode of GatherGeeks, we're bringing you another live conversation that took place at BizBash's recent conference in Las Vegas. BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sat down with Kudzi Chikumbu, the director of creator community at TikTok, and Brian Feit, founder of New York-based creative marketing agency BMF. The pair has partnered over the last year to discover what the next generation of attendees and users really want, and they shared their insights during this captivating session. They also share case studies of TikTok events they've produced, why authenticity is everything, why music is so powerful in event creation, how TikTok has impacted event engagement and much more.

Sponsored by Ticketbud. 

Host: David Adler
Guests: Tim Groot, Natasha Wood, Carolyn Dawson

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Tim Groot, CEO and founder of AI-powered event success platform Grip; Natasha Wood, head of strategy for FT Live at the Financial Times; and Carolyn Dawson, CEO of Founders Forum. This powerhouse panel sets out to define what event success means today—and quickly realizes there are no clear answers, and that we continue to be in an era of experimentation and growth. In this candid conversation, the group asks the hard questions about what we have learned, how we can form smart strategies based on data and how we can reimagine what’s next. 

Sponsored by Grip. Running time: 42:48.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Jennifer Savica, Maria Donado, Trey Moynihan

In this episode of GatherGeeks—recorded during a July 15 panel discussion hosted by EventFluence—BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Jennifer Savica, head of corporate events at New York Life Insurance Company; Maria Donado, director of events at Greystone & Co.; and Trey Moynihan, special events manager at Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The group discusses the relevancy of event organizers at big corporations today, diving into how they've become more strategic, ways their jobs have both narrowed and expanded, how to help the C-suite understand the value of live events, their plans for this year's holiday parties, and much more.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Dan Hilbert, EVP GES Events Worldwide; Jen Beindorf, VP Global Strategy, GES Events

In part one of our three-part sponsored podcast series on hybrid events, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler is joined by Dan Hilbert, EVP of GES Events Worldwide, and Jen Beindorf, VP Global Strategy for GES Events, for a big-picture conversation on what hybrid events can and should look like in the future. The group discusses best practices for structure, strategy, and execution, diving into how hybrid differs from virtual, how to make it feel like one cohesive event, creating a-ha moments in a digital space, and more. They also discuss why content is more crucial than ever, the pros and cons of pre-recorded videos, strategies for keeping attendees engaged and interested, how long events should last, and how to create human connections at a hybrid event.

To learn more about GES Events' hybrid event capabilities, go to ges.com.

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler has assembled a powerhouse panel of experiential agency leaders to get the pulse of what's happening in the world of experiential marketing—what do clients want now? He's joined by Anika Grant, the founder and CEO of Idlewild Experiential; Cara Kleinhaut, the founder and CEO of AGENC Experiential + Digital Marketing; and Dan Mannix, the co-founder of underdog venture team. Join them as they navigate the intricate laboratory of the experiential marketing world, exploring the aspirations of its key players and understanding how they can harmonize these diverse needs to create exceptional experiences.

Whether you're an industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode promises to be a wealth of insights that will help you stay ahead in this dynamic field. Also, stay tuned for part two next week, where they will discuss the joys and pitfalls of being an agency entrepreneur and fostering a culture of curiosity. 

Host: David Adler
Guests: Carla Ruben, Chap Gage, Dawn Penfold, Vanessa Cominsky

In this episode of GatherGeeks, along with the main interviews, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler has added two new “Ask the Expert” features. One is with career and hiring pro Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs, who will discuss salary transparency and where the job market is today. Our second expert is Vanessa Cominsky, wine and spirits specialist for Prestige-Ledroit Distributing Co., who will touch on how the wine and beverage industry has changed because of the pandemic. In the main interviews, our two speakers give us a sense of the state of the catering industry. Carla Ruben, owner of Creative Edge Parties, dishes on a new generation of guests at events, and how clients are moving away from comfort food and leaning into clean, luxurious offerings. Then, Chap Gage, CEO of Susan Gage Caterers, discusses how the building blocks of a great company include taking care of coworkers and building meaningful relationships with clients and the community, and how aspects of his military training have become a benchmark for service.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Jennifer Kellogg, Debbie Seabloom

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Debbie Seabloom, vice president of strategic accounts for Type A Events, and Jennifer Kellogg, executive director of MeetingPlay. The group discusses the biggest challenges and solutions to keeping attendees engaged online, sharing tips on what works and what doesn't work. They also examine the new style of partnerships between the end client, the agency and the virtual platform, plus the importance of teamwork in this new era, what makes a successful event today, their predictions for the future of virtual and hybrid events, and much more.

Sponsored by MeetingPlay. Running time: 37:14

Host: David Adler
Guest: Luigi Romaniello

In this episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Luigi Romaniello, the new managing director of New York’s iconic The Plaza Hotel. Like the famous book series Eloise, the 30-year industry veteran actually lives at The Plaza where he oversees all aspects of the luxury hotel, including daily operations, guest experiences, and continued growth strategies. He comes to New York after years managing other iconic properties in The Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Dallas, and Abu Dhabi. He's the first one to tell us that no one really owns The Plaza except for the people of New York. And in this interview, he also touches on his management philosophy, what hospitality looks like today, and how hotels can become epicenters of community. In addition, you’ll hear from three new “Ask the Expert” guests: Tim Groot, CEO and founder of Grip, an AI-powered event platform; and renowned event designers David Beahm of David Beahm Experiences and Todd Fiscus of Todd Events.

Host: David Adler
Guest: Joe Schwinger

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Joe Schwinger, the co-founder and CEO of MeetingPlay, a virtual and hybrid platform that powers some of the largest virtual events in the world for clients like Marriott, Slack, PepsiCo and many more. Adler and Schwinger preview BizBash's upcoming Event Style Awards, a virtual event powered by MeetingPlay that's taking place Feb. 17, and chat about best practices for hosting a virtual award show. They also dive deep into other aspects of our new virtual and hybrid world, discussing why you should gamify your swag store, why content is more important than ever, why analyzing analytics is key to creating an effective gathering and more. 

Host: David Adler, Cathy Song Novelli
Guests: Dahlia El Gazzar, Sara Gorlick, Robert Thompson

In this special sponsored edition of GatherGeeks, BizBash founder and chairman David Adler teams up with Cathy Song Novelli, SVP of marketing and communications at virtual and hybrid events software platform Hubilo, to host an in-depth discussion on the new strategies for events and meetings. The pair chats with Dahlia El Gazzar, an event industry veteran and tech expert; Sara Gorlick, vice president of events at Rakuten Americas; and Robert Thompson, VP of sales at AV Canada. This international group of planners and vendors takes off their gloves to frankly discuss the new purpose for events and how that's changed and evolved in the virtual and hybrid world and again with the rise of the Delta variant. They also dive into the importance of merging content, contact, community, intimacy and activism from all participants, as well as why event organizing is about managing feelings more than anything else. This episode is a must-listen for anyone planning events and meetings in our new normal.  

Running time: 53:54. Sponsored by Hubilo. 

Host: David Adler
Guests: Brittany H. Anderson, Bella Day, Dr. Stuart Levy, Latoya Lewis, Gwen Loeber

This special episode of GatherGeeks was recorded live on Nov. 30 at Connect DC, where BizBash chairman and founder David Adler conducted an insightful focus group to find out what's really next in the world of events and meetings. He’s joined by a variety of students, professors and other leaders from George Washington University and the local Washington, D.C. school system. Guests include Dr. Stuart Levy—who has nearly two decades of experience in management, teaching, consulting and research within a range of organizations like PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Hospitality and Leisure Practice—as well as Latoya Lewis, the executive director of EnventU, and Brittany H. Anderson, coordinator of the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism at Frank W. Ballou Senior High School. This discussion offers an in-depth look into how the event world has changed during the pandemic, and the insights and lessons the next generation of event leaders can teach the industry as a whole.

Sponsored by Brandlive. Running time: 36:09.

Host: David Adler
Guests: Tony Wagner, Sara Meyer

Meeting professionals are constantly multitasking. The last thing they want to do is spend time on manual, tedious processes that should just be easy—including cross-checking spreadsheets to track down commissions and payments. This is where Onyx CenterSource’s GroupPay™ can help. This holistic solution is an industry-first payments automation platform that provides hotels and meeting professionals with unparalleled transparency and efficiency to track and proactively manage their event commissions—which, in turn, enables easy reconciliation and faster payments. In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits down with Onyx’s Tony Wagner and Sara Meyer to discuss the company’s expansion into the meetings and events payments sector of the hospitality industry, how GroupPay™ can help when planners feel like they’re “flying blind,” and what fast, easy commissions can look like with the right technology in place.

Do you manage the meetings and events commission payments process? Tell us your thoughts on how we can streamline and simplify this process for a chance to win an Apple Watch Series 8! Take the survey here.

Sponsored by Onyx CenterSource.

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 Michael Cirino, chief experience officer at House of Attention; Chelsey Lavere, senior sales manager of meetings and conventions at Turning Stone Resort Casino; and Mary Giuliani, 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 culinary innovation and event experiences, from drone cocktail bars to deconstructed chicken dinners, and even an avant-garde 100-course dining experience. In addition, the group explores how technology intertwines with the dining experience and, even more importantly, how event profs can engage their catering partners to be as much a marketing partner as their internal teams and agency partners. Listen in on a discussion that's sure to tantalize your taste buds and inspire your event planning endeavors.

In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrend of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer 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 you learn from it?

This is just part one of this thought-provoking discussion. Part two, to be released next week, will shift its focus to the latest happenings in the event business and provide valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges. These are two episodes you don't want to miss. 

In this special episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler sits in on a special event planners' luncheon—co-hosted by Melva LaJoy Legrend of LaJoy Plans and Margo Fischer 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 you learn from it?

This is just part one of this thought-provoking discussion. Part two, to be released next week, will shift its focus to the latest happenings in the event business and provide valuable insights into the industry's latest trends and challenges. These are two episodes you don't want to miss. Keep scrolling to learn more about our distinguished guests.

Melva LaJoy Legrand
As a self-made entrepreneur recognized for her work in the live events industry, as well as causes rooted in social equality as it pertains to women, health, and race and identity, Melva LaJoy Legrand is a public speaker, event producer/director, community leader, and storyteller. As the founder/CEO of LaJoy Plans, an event planning firm she re-launched in 2019, Melva has been recognized as a trailblazer in the events industry receiving the BizBash Top Event Industry Innovator Award and the Events Industry Council, Global Social Impact Award in 2022. As of 2023, Melva has spearheaded two new initiatives: Mondays With Melva, exclusive monthly content for her subscribers, offering career guidance as well as event planning tips, and Head Table Talks, an annual luncheon that she co-created as a safe space for event planners.

Margo Fischer
Margo Fischer is the owner of Bright Occasions, a full-service event planning company specializing in bespoke weddings and milestone occasions. Margo brings a wealth of industry knowledge and hands-on experience to her clients, from previous roles in corporate event planning and private event catering. She has a passion for curating unforgettable events. With a strong foundation in event planning and an impressive career in some of Washington, D.C.'s most prestigious venues, Margo boasts over 14 years of expertise in the event industry. In addition to helping couples and families, Margo has worked on community events such as the annual Art in Bloom museum experience and gala reception at Anderson House. And she co-produced the Beyond the Blackout series to highlight diversity and inclusivity within the event industry and is currently co-producing Head Table Talks networking luncheons to create a space for event planners to gather, mingle, and learn from one another.

Kawania Wooten
Kawania Wooten, CMP, brings a unique mix of experience and skills to her businesses, Howerton+Wooten Events and the Enlightened Creative. Her vast experience in the hospitality world includes hotel management, casino and gaming, the culinary industry, and 30 years as a professional meeting and event planner for the Washington D.C. elite. Kawania strives for professionalism, creativity, and impeccable organization within every function planned by the Howerton+Wooten Events team. She is an adjunct instructor in the Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts Department at Prince George's Community College. 

Aisha Malik Rodriguez
Aisha Malik Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Aim Aro Logistics LLC, a dynamic company specializing in production and event management on a global scale. With a career spanning over 25 years in the event and hospitality industry, Aisha has become a true expert in her field. Born and raised in Fairfax County, Va., and hailing from a rich Pakistani cultural background, Aisha brings a unique blend of experiences and perspectives to her work. Her family, which is large and spread across the world, has instilled in her a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions. Aisha's company, Aim Aro Logistics LLC, excels in a wide range of services, including vendor management, event permitting, and emergency response management. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, she and her team are dedicated to helping clients navigate the entire event process, from start to finish. Whether it's a festival, a government or military event, a corporate gathering, a nonprofit initiative, or a private celebration, Aisha's expertise shines through.

Jennifer Charles
Jennifer Charles is a co-founder and the chief creative officer at Something Fabulous. Jennifer’s specialty is in designing experience and storytelling marketing. Jennifer has a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She began her career in radio, television, and film. From interning at The Today Show and Good Morning America to working in production with The Food Network and New Line Cinema, she has experienced storytelling from many different angles and industries.

Becca Mai
Becca Mai is a West Virginia native who transplanted to the D.C. area shortly after launching a career in hospitality. She has been in the wedding industry for over 10 years specializing in planning for LBGTQ+, multicultural, and fusion weddings and events. While the majority of her career has been geared toward wedding operations, she has spent a lengthy portion of it building out platforms, training programs, and more. She is now a business strategist for wedding professionals and an inclusive wedding planner, assisting wedding business owners on the back of the business to streamline, automate, and organize with hospitality 100% in mind. 

Host: David Adler
Guests: Steve Gottlieb, Natalie Jones

In this special sponsored episode of GatherGeeks, BizBash chairman and founder David Adler chats with Steve Gottlieb, founder and CEO of the virtual event platform Shindig, and Natalie Jones, the senior vice president of external affairs and diplomatic engagement for the nonpartisan diplomacy center Meridian House. The group discusses the challenges of—and best practices for—emulating high-touch events like the G-8 world leader summit virtually, and how other tools of diplomacy can work in the digital world. They also talk about the importance of making technology almost invisible during online events, as well as the future of hybrid, whether on-demand conversation hubs like Clubhouse will have an impact on traditional events, the future of collaboration and much more. 

Sponsored by Shindig. Running time 41:42.