Production Value Matters: The Business Event Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this special on-site edition of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne takes the mic straight to the show floor at CMEE 2025 to ask one question: What’s truly valuable in event production and what’s just a waste of time, money, or energy? 

Event pros from across the industry share candid, rapid-fire takes on what they’d keep, what they’d cut, and what actually makes an event memorable. From collaboration mindsets and intentional stage design to overpriced coffee, pointless apps, and tired entertainment trends, nothing is off-limits. 

What you’ll hear: 

• The most valuable elements event pros won’t compromise on 

• Budget-busting wastes they’d cut tomorrow 

• Why connection beats décor every time 

• The role of collaboration in modern events 

• What’s next for creating meaningful attendee experiences 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Host LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

Matthew Byrne is the Founder of Byrne Production Services and host of the Production Value Matters podcast. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale AV and event production, Matthew helps event leaders bring strategy, technology, and storytelling together to create unforgettable experiences. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here. 

Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your RFP helping you find the right partner—or just the best guesser?

In this solo episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most misunderstood—and misused—tools in event planning: the RFP. With decades of experience on the receiving end of these requests, Matthew unpacks why so many RFPs fall short and how to write ones that actually work. From budget transparency to submission ethics, this episode is a must-listen for anyone sending or responding to RFPs.

You’ll learn why withholding information doesn’t create leverage—it creates confusion—and how sharing your objectives and constraints sets the foundation for real, impactful collaboration. Matthew also outlines a simple, seven-part RFP structure that will help event professionals get better proposals, build better relationships, and ultimately deliver better events.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most RFPs are built for control, not collaboration
• What to include in your RFP to get strategic responses
• How to clearly define event objectives, audience, and technical needs
• Why budget transparency saves time and money
• What NOT to ask for in an RFP (like unpaid creative work)
• How to avoid legal and ethical RFP pitfalls
• A practical 7-section template for your next RFP
• Why events aren’t commodities—and your RFP shouldn’t treat them like one

Matthew Byrne is the Founder of Byrne Production Services and host of the Production Value Matters podcast. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale AV and event production, Matthew helps event leaders bring strategy, technology, and storytelling together to create unforgettable experiences.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Download our FREE RFP Template Here!

Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by Candace Davis and Nick Borelli for a panel discussion that gets to the root of what’s really threatening the events industry in 2025: not just economics, but toxic uncertainty. Together, they explore how fear—not just cost—is driving cautious decisions, cancelled plans, and communication breakdowns across associations, agencies, and global brands. 

This is a must-listen for event professionals navigating change and trying to stay creative when confidence is collapsing. 

In this episode, you will learn: 

• Why attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors are all re-evaluating their commitments 
• The return of hybrid events—and what makes them viable again 
• What brands are afraid of in today’s political climate 
• How global travel policy is slashing event participation 
• Why associations are failing to lead—and what needs to change 
• Creative ways to preserve pricing without losing value 

About The Guests: 

Nick Borelli is a seasoned event strategist with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and live experiences. As the founder of Borelli Strategies and a former executive at Allseated, he’s helped shape event strategy for Fortune 500 brands and global organizations. Known for his work on hybrid meeting platforms and future-of-work solutions, Nick is a passionate thought leader driving innovation at the intersection of events, technology, and human connection. 

Candace Davis is an award-winning event professional with 15 years of experience in virtual and in-person event production. From securing high-profile sponsorships early in her career to building successful virtual programs for global associations, Candace brings strategic insight and client-first execution to every project. In her current role at vFairs, she supports enterprise clients in delivering standout virtual, hybrid, and in-person events that drive long-term value. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Host LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep 

Guest LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/francois-fournier-ctsm-cem-15981120 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does your event stage really say about your brand? 

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne dives into one of the most exciting shifts in business events today: the evolution of stage design. What used to be a flat backdrop is now a powerful canvas for storytelling, innovation, and brand identity. Whether you're staging a product launch or a leadership summit, how you design your stage can dramatically affect audience engagement, content value, and brand perception. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

● Why Apple, Samsung, Tesla, and Salesforce are leading stage innovation 

● The biggest trends in modern event staging from minimalist to 360-degree design 

● How immersive LED screens, projection mapping, and holograms are raising the bar 

● Real-world examples of sustainable and modular stage setups that drive ROI 

● How hybrid and AI-driven staging is transforming audience connection 

● What future-focused producers need to know about personalization and digital overlays 

Matthew brings together real brand examples, production trends, and future-forward thinking to help you reimagine what your stage can—and should—do. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Follow Matthew on LinkedIn

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if your best event ROI isn’t in the lead list, but in a breakfast conversation?

Event leaders today face an overwhelming challenge: prove event value, defend the budget, and deliver real business impact, all while expectations rise and resources shrink. If you’re still measuring success by foot traffic or lead scans, this episode will change the way you think.

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne chats with Francois Fournier, Head of Global Events at DTN, about how to move beyond vanity metrics and truly prove event ROI. With 20+ years in the industry and a portfolio of 75+ trade shows annually, Francois breaks down how DTN uses payback ratios, qualified business conversations, and strategic data collection to tie event spend directly to business outcomes. Whether you’re producing incentives or pushing pipeline, this is an ROI masterclass every event pro needs to hear.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Qualified Business Conversations beat lead count every time
• How to use a 10:1 Payback Ratio to prove event value
• A practical way to visualize event performance using the BCG Matrix
• How to evaluate incentive programs through cultural metrics like retention and referrals
• What goes into a post-event report that your CFO will actually read
• How to turn your team into a strategic resource, not just logistics support

Francois Fournier is the Head of Global Events at DTN, a data and technology company supporting industries like energy, agriculture, and weather. With over 20 years of experience in corporate B2B events across financial services, SaaS, and technology, Francois has led global event strategies for major organizations including Fitch Ratings and Assurant. He is a Certified Exhibit Manager (CEM) and Certified Trade Show Marketer (CTSM) at the Gold level, and is known for building measurement-driven programs that drive awareness, convert demand, and prove business value on a global scale.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Connect with Francois Fournier on LinkedIn

Connect with Matthew Byrne on LinkedIn

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by Isabelle Camp, Global Head of Events at Cohere, to break down what it really takes to design events that deliver measurable business impact. 

From strategic planning to post-event automation, Isabelle shares the systems, team alignment strategies, and data practices that transform events into revenue engines. Whether you’re navigating disconnects between sales and marketing or looking to move beyond vanity metrics, this episode offers a playbook for event pros who want real pipeline results in today’s B2B landscape. 

You’ll also hear why creative experiences still matter, how to avoid cookie-cutter formats, and what metrics actually move the needle when it comes to pipeline influence. 

What you’ll learn: 

• How to align event strategy with company-wide business goals 
• Ways to bridge the gap between sales and marketing through events 
• How to track pipeline impact using CRM and automation 
• Why clear pre-event objectives lead to stronger post-event reporting 
• How to balance creativity with data-driven decision-making 
• Strategies for scaling what works—and cutting what doesn’t 

Isabelle Camp brings over a decade of global event marketing experience, from enterprise trade shows to product launches. Now leading the charge at Canada’s top AI company, Cohere, she’s redefining what success looks like in strategic events and how to achieve it at scale. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Connect with Isabelle on LinkedIn

Connect with Matthew Byrne on LinkedIn

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com 

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• Strategies for integrating systems and breaking down data silos
• Common blind spots in operational planning
• The balance between AI innovation and personal touch
• Post-event technology strategies
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• The current state of AI in content creation
• Why audiences are becoming numb to AI-generated marketing
• How live events create trust and memorable experiences
• Case studies of major brands successfully blending AI with in-person experiences
• Practical strategies for incorporating live experiences into your marketing plan
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• The impact of rising costs and budget constraints on event strategies
• How policy shifts are creating uncertainty in the events industry
• Maintaining DEI values in a changing political climate
• The economic risks of rising tariffs on event production costs
• The importance of embracing hybrid event strategies
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• The current challenges facing the events industry, particularly in measuring and communicating true impact
• Why we need to shift from traditional ROI metrics to return on relationships (ROR)
• Practical steps for creating more inclusive and personalized event experiences
• Using innovative approaches like sentiment analysis to measure attendee experiences
• Why, in a world of AI, events are more important than ever
  
  

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen, Director of Meetings and Events at Great Clips
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey of Matey Events

For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi Collen
• Educating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska Weckesser
• The Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.