The Guest List — EP.1 _Why Most Events Fail Before Anyone Registers

The Guest List Episode #2- From Ambiguity to Impact: How One Shift Changed Everything

Mary Anne Whittle has planned some of the most intentional, high-stakes events in the hospitality industry. As Director of Events at The Prosper Company — home of the annual Prosper Forum, a by-invitation leadership gathering for 700+ C-suite executives — she knows what it takes to design experiences that actually change people's careers. In this episode, Mary Anne breaks down the one specific shift that transformed how she plans and leads events. We go deep on what it really means to lead through ambiguity when stakeholders keep moving, how your professional network becomes your most powerful problem-solving tool, and why the planners who thrive aren't the ones who eliminate uncertainty — they're the ones who anchor to the vision and move anyway. She also takes us inside her journey from event executor to MPI Arizona Chapter President to industry mentor — and shares what she'd tell every planner who wants to grow their voice beyond the day job. If you've ever felt like the unsung hero of your own event — this one's for you.

The Guest List — EP.1 _Why Most Events Fail Before Anyone Registers

Most event planners lose registrants before anyone ever sees their marketing — and they never know it's happening. In Episode 1, we unpack the three registration friction killers quietly killing attendance at events across the industry, and walk through a 3-step audit you can run tonight. The Phone Test. The Field Count. The Stranger Test. Simple, free, and immediately actionable. Powered by RSVPBook.com.