Better Events – Details, episodes & analysis

We’re joined by the incredible Necoya Tyson, Founder & CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions, to talk about something every event professional faces eventually: knowing when it’s time to walk away from a client. With her deep experience in conference and tradeshow management, Necoya shares the red flags she watches for, mindset shifts needed to protect your business, and her strategies for exiting client relationships professionally and gracefully—even when the brand is high-profile or the paycheck is tempting.If you've ever struggled with a difficult client (or ignored your gut and regretted it), this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

Connect with Necoya Tyson:

Website: ⁠www.lightseyevents.com

Instagram: @lightseyevents (business) and @queenbossplanner (personal)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lightseyevents

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/necoyatyson/

Learn more about the 2025 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Register directly for the conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration

Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspodTHANKS

FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

This week, we’re tackling a little bit of everything event professionals deal with—from whether money really buys happiness to how formal RFPs are changing, tips for asking for and giving referrals, and when you absolutely need a contract. We also answer a listener question about getting booked without a formal agreement and share our go-to strategies for managing workload as event pros.

Whether you’re a planner, producer, or director, this episode is packed with practical insights you can use right away.

SHOW NOTES:

Register for the 2025 Better Events Conference (Oct. 1st & Dec. 18th): https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2025-better-events-conference/registration
Learn more about the conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at bettereventspod@gmail.com

Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/
Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod
THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!
Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V
Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117
——
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

This week, we’re brushing off our crystal balls and looking ahead to 2026—and revisiting the predictions we made last year to see what held up (and what totally missed the mark). From what excites us to what feels a little uncertain, we’re sharing our honest thoughts on what’s coming next in the event industry. Plus, we each make three fresh predictions for 2026 and react to clips of what we said in 2024. Join us for some time-traveling reflection and future-focused fun!

SHOW NOTES: Listen to last year's episode, Episode 165: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/165-event-predictions-2024-what-will-events-look-like/id1561944117?i=1000663192408 Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at bettereventspod@gmail.com Join the paid Better Events Community: https://bettereventspodcast.substack.com/ Register interest for the 2025 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review! Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117 —— FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @bettereventspod @loganstrategygroup_events (Logan) @epeventsllc (Mary)

In this week's episode, Logan & Mary get spoooooky and talk about their horror stories as entrepreneurs and event pros. There's nothing scarier than talking about burnout, scope creep, oversleeping an event, late paying customers, and balancing it all. You'll walk away with lessons learned and how to avoid experiencing these horrors for yourself.

SHOW NOTES:

Register for the Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Listen to Part 1 from 2021 (Episode 28): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Yys3ho2ZmePuU1NymKybZ?si=QRvzh1vATXWhwtOCjBzDPA

Episode #49 - Scope Creep: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2aM3BzleV5vw5ci7cI72Ol?si=Z3vlTYa5QZC5kLefyb1HIg

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this week's episode, Mary shares her list of questions she asks any venue when she's selecting one for an event or starting to execute the planning. She'll walk you through the must-ask and some questions you might have wished you'd asked before your last event.

SHOW NOTES:

Register for the Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Interested in Mary's free venue checklist, send us an email at bettereventspod@gmail.com and we'll send it to you!

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this week's episode, we talk all about different types of events and the niches in the event industry. We explore the differences between what we knew when we first started in events and what niches we're leaning towards now.

This episode is sponsored by Eventeny - Eventeny is a that platform makes it super easy to manage every aspect of your event using one system, from vendor and volunteer management to selling tickets and creating interactive maps.

SHOW NOTES:

Access our exclusive deal with Eventeny of 2 months free or a $200 Visa gift card when you sign up: https://product.eventeny.com/better-events?hs_preview=kmNVdVqX-132716007446

Register for the Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this week's episode, we chat with Denise Glaser of D&K Events about how to set up and execute onsite event check-in. We discuss the differences between onsite check-in and registration, what you need onsite to set yourself up for success, and what common mistakes we see organizers and hosts make.

This episode is sponsored by Eventeny - Eventeny is a that platform makes it super easy to manage every aspect of your event using one system, from vendor and volunteer management to selling tickets and creating interactive maps.

SHOW NOTES:

Access our exclusive deal with Eventeny of 2 months free or a $200 Visa gift card when you sign up: https://product.eventeny.com/better-events?hs_preview=kmNVdVqX-132716007446

Connect with Denise Glaser:

Instagram: @dandkevents

Website: https://www.dandkevents.com/

Email: denise@dandkevents.com

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this week's episode, we sat down with Cat McDevitt from Eventeny, an all-in-one event management software solution. We dive into her go-to tips for managing exhibitors at your next event and she answers the tough questions like can you have too many exhibitors, how to deal with exhibitors who might not be the right fit, and mistakes to avoid with your exhibitor communication.

There's something in here for everyone from managing partners, exhibitors, sponsors, artists, makers, and more.

This episode is sponsored by Eventeny - Eventeny is a that platform makes it super easy to manage every aspect of your event using one system, from vendor and volunteer management to selling tickets and creating interactive maps.

SHOW NOTES:

Access our exclusive deal with Eventeny of 2 months free or a $200 Visa gift card when you sign-up: https://product.eventeny.com/better-events?hs_preview=kmNVdVqX-132716007446

Connect with Cat & the Eventeny Team:

Instagram: @eventenyteam

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eventeny

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/eventeny

Twitter: @eventeny

Website: https://product.eventeny.com/better-events?hs_preview=kmNVdVqX-132716007446

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

Consistency is something that can be a game-changer for your event or business. We dive into what it means to get consistent, examples in our work and personal lives, and how we've bounced back from being inconsistent. We talk about this podcast, content creation, and more so get ready for some ideas on how you can level up your event and business by getting consistent across the board.

SHOW NOTES:

Register Interest for the 2023 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Buy Us a Coffee Link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

Consistency Article on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/11/02/the-power-of-consistency/?sh=7d50c9df28c7

Learn about future Event Pros on the Go retreats: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/11/02/the-power-of-consistency/?sh=7d50c9df28c7

——

Visit our new website at https://www.bettereventspod.com/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this week's episode, Mary and Logan interview Shanondoah Nicholson of the Beyond the BEO podcast about how you can prove value to your event stakeholders. We drill down into the importance of your why, the value of having a planner, and how to handle pushback during the planning process. She shares her experience as an in-house planner and how she interacts with the different stakeholders at her company. Whether you're independent, in-house, or working at an agency, there's something for you that will help you ensure you have buy-in from your team, client, committee, and more!

SHOW NOTES:

Register Interest for the 2023 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference

Beyond the BEO Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0l3OjPoH7xMGc3GRiPfoav

Logan's Panel Bonus Tip video: https://youtu.be/x3xO51WifRI

Connect with Shanondoah

Instagram: @beyondthebeo

Website: www.beyondthebeo.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanondoahnicholson/

Podcast: https://www.beyondthebeo.com/podcast

——

Visit our new website at https://www.bettereventspod.com/

SUPPORT THE PODCAST:

Buy us a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!

Leave us a rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/04ivq77TMgF5HhJHJOMe1V

Leave us a review on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/better-events/id1561944117

——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:

@bettereventspod

@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)

@epeventsllc (Mary)