Event Experience

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizabo, host Rachel Moore interviews Sarah Reuter, CEO of Elevate Travel Company, about her experiences and insights in the event industry. Sarah discusses the shift towards providing non-alcoholic options at events and the importance of mindfulness in both professional and personal lives.  Sarah shares her personal journey with alcohol and addiction, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and healthier lifestyle choices at events. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of event planning, where offering a variety of options, including adhering to dietary restrictions and offering non-alcoholic beverages, is becoming increasingly important to cater to diverse attendee needs. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * The events industry is increasingly focusing on providing food and beverage options to cater to healthier lifestyle choices and inclusivity. * Sharing personal experiences with alcohol and addiction can empower others to be open about their own experiences, reducing stigma and promoting inclusivity in event planning. * The industry is evolving to offer more varied food and drink options, allowing attendees with different needs the ability to enjoy social aspects without feeling singled out or pressured to consume alcohol. Mentioned in this episode Sarah Reuter [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-reuter-6b86899/] Elevate Travel Company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/elevate-travel-co/] Jessica Zweig [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicazweig/] The Feminine Frequency Business School [https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-feminine-frequency-business-school-is-here/id1463214827?i=1000664810260] Club Ichi [https://www.weareichi.com/] For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/elevate-travel-company-non-alcoholic-events [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/elevate-travel-company-non-alcoholic-events]

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore interviews Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, about the recent IMEX America event. Carina discusses the unique aspects of the event, including the introduction of a Brand Experience Summit aimed at bridging the gap between marketers and the events industry and the importance of community-led events that enhance the overall experience for attendees. Carina emphasizes the significance of building a network within the events industry and the need for event planners to prioritize their time effectively. She highlights the value of partnerships in delivering specialized programs and the importance of creating personalized experiences for different sectors of attendees. The episode also touches on the long-term strategic goals of IMEX and the importance of innovation and incremental improvement in the events industry. Carina Bauer is passionate about the business events sector and its impact on the world, taking a particular interest in issues around sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow. Carina also takes a keen interest in leadership development, and organizational best practices and culture. Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * Learn the importance of building a network in the events industry to avoid feeling isolated and to gain support from peers. * Hear how IMEX America focuses on creating a community-led event experience, allowing attendees to craft unique micro experiences within the larger event. * Understand the significance of stepping back to prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring time is spent on the most impactful work for event planners. Mentioned in this episode Carina Bauer [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-bauer17/?originalSubdomain=uk] IMEX Group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/imex/] Julius Solaris [https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliussolaris/] Miguel Neves [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguelseven/] Skift [https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift-meetings/] For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/imex-carina-bauer-community-innovation [https://www.bizzabo.com/podcast/imex-carina-bauer-community-innovation]

In this conversation, Rachel Moore and Ashley Casal delve into the intricacies of event planning, focusing on budgeting and financial forecasting. Ashley shares her expertise in managing event logistics, emphasizing the importance of understanding costs, setting realistic budgets, and communicating effectively with stakeholders. The discussion also covers the significance of vendor relationships, the necessity of organization in budgeting, and practical advice for new event planners. Throughout the conversation, Ashley highlights the need for flexibility and creativity in maximizing event experiences while managing costs. Meet our panel Ashley Casal is the Director of In-Person Events at Catalyst, where she excels in crafting immersive event experiences that foster community and drive engagement. Known for her expertise in live event strategy, Ashley brings a creative and results-focused approach to connecting audiences with Catalyst's mission. Her shoes of choice for the all-day events are Cole Haan Oxfords.  Takeaways * Financial Planning: Budget forecasting is essential for estimating financial needs and understanding ROI to make informed budgeting decisions. * Event Management: Setting limits, leveraging sponsors, and investing in technology are crucial for successful event planning and maximization of the event budget. * Attendee Experience: Food and beverage quality and collecting attendee feedback are vital for a positive attendee experience, which can inform future budgeting decisions. * Operational Efficiency: Organization and building strong vendor relationships are key to effective budget management and potential cost savings. Flexibility in budgeting is necessary to adapt to changing costs. Mentioned in this episode Ashley Casal [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-casal-7279627a/]Catalyst [https://www.catalyst.org/] For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/beyond-the-budget-ashley-casal

In this episode of Event Experience by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore discusses tips for effective budgeting in 2025 with Noelle Feist, Senior of Global Strategic Events at Zendesk, Ashley Casal, Director of In-Person Events at Catalyst, and Rachel Burden, Head of Events and Sponsorships at Intuit Canada.  They highlight the importance of contingency planning, how creative thinking is the key to creating exceptional experiences on a tight budget, and how to manage-up when budgets are stretched thin.  Meet our panel Noelle Feist is the Senior of Global Strategic Events at Zendesk. In case you’re not familiar, Zendesk is a service-first CRM company that builds powerful and flexible software to meet the needs of any business. Ashley Casal is the Director of In-Person Events at Catalyst, the go-to resource on advancing gender equity at work, leading women's inclusion and advancement and helping organizations drive systemic change. Rachel Burden is the Head of Events and Sponsorships at Intuit Canada. Serving approximately 100 million customers worldwide with TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, Intuit helps put more money in consumers’ and small businesses’ pockets, saving them time by eliminating work, and ensuring they have confidence in every financial decision they make. Here’s what you’ll learn in this conversation: * How to define your event objective and allocate your budget accordingly * Tips for creating a flexible budget  * Ideas for keeping event costs low Mentioned in this episode Noelle Feist on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/noellefeist/] Zendesk [https://www.zendesk.com/] Ashley Casal on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-casal-7279627a/] Catalyst [https://www.catalyst.org/] Rachel Burden on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbburden/] Intuit Canada [https://www.intuit.com/ca/] For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/tight-budgets-zendesk-catalyst-intuit-canada

In this episode of the Event Experience podcast by Bizzabo, host Rachel Moore welcomes Sarah Gannon, director of corporate events at MathWorks, to discuss key trends and priorities for the year 2025. They cover the importance of strategic measurement, addressing generational considerations in event planning, and incorporating wellness into events. Sarah shares her journey in the events industry and offers valuable insights on how to create impactful and memorable event experiences while also emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and community involvement in the industry. Meet Sarah Gannon, a dynamic force in corporate experiential marketing with over 25 years of expertise in crafting impactful event strategies that leave a lasting impact and fuel company growth. She has worked with global giants like BMW, IBM, and GE, and now leads the Corporate Events Team at MathWorks, a Massachusetts software innovator accelerating the pace of engineering and science. Sarah serves as a Board Director for PCMA New England and has earned accolades like Meeting Professional of the Year from MPI New England.  Here’s what you’ll hear about in this conversation: * How to use events as part of your brand’s broader communication strategy * Where to find volunteering opportunities in industry associations for your career growth * How to define your event’s clear purpose and measurement strategy Mentioned in this episode * Sarah Gannon on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahehamilton/] * Mathworks [https://www.mathworks.com/] * The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo [https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/books/the-seven-husbands-of-evelyn-hugo/] by Taylor Jenkins For the full transcript, mentions, and more, visit www.bizzabo.com/podcast/sarah-gannon-generational-event-trends.