The power of video content in event success is undeniable, yet crafting the perfect visual experience requires more than just creativity.

In this episode, Alyssa Peltier sits down with Steve Cotroneo and Mark Maguire from SAC Designs to explore how thoughtful video production, innovative design, and strategic use of AI can elevate your events. They discuss the importance of short-form videos that captivate attention, the art of typography and animation, and the role of AI as a creative tool—not a replacement.

Beyond the technical aspects, this episode highlights the value of collaboration between event planners and creative partners, emphasizing how clear communication and shared vision can lead to truly memorable event experiences.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How short-form videos can capture and maintain audience attention: By focusing on brief, impactful content, you can quickly engage your audience and keep them interested, making your event marketing more effective in today’s digital landscape.
• Why AI should complement, not replace, your creative process: AI can be a valuable tool for generating ideas and streamlining production, but it’s your creative vision that brings event content to life. 
• How high-energy visuals can reinforce your brand identity: Typography, animation, and dynamic design elements aren’t just for show—they help create a memorable experience that aligns with your brand and leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

Things to listen for:

(00:00) An introduction to the episode with guests Steve Cotroneo and Mark Maguire

(01:56) How Steve Cotroneo got started in video production

(04:19) The evolution of video and design over the past 25 years

(06:35) The role of AI in creative production

(07:57) Tackling short attention spans with engaging video content

(10:48) The power of video in marketing and events

(13:57) Innovations in video for the biotech and life sciences industries

(16:48) Creating high-energy videos for events

(19:22) Expanding brand identity through creative video

The role of contractors in event success is often overlooked, yet their impact is immense.

In this episode, Rachel Andrews sits down with Matt Kalb, VP of Client Experience at T3 Expo, to discuss how a strong partnership with your vendors, clear communication, and thoughtful activations can take your events to the next level. 

They discuss creating impactful, shareable moments that engage attendees and boost your event’s ROI. Matt also shares insights on aligning activations with your brand’s values and measuring success beyond just numbers.

Beyond logistics, this episode highlights the importance of transparency and collaboration across teams, ensuring everyone—from sales to event planners to contractors—is working towards the same goal.

Matt’s insights reveal how a well-coordinated team and thoughtful activations can lead to more engaging, memorable, and successful events.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How effective collaboration with general service contractors can elevate your event: By working closely with contractors and treating them as extensions of your team, you can streamline event operations and create a seamless experience for attendees.
• Why thoughtful activations are key to attendee engagement: Activations aren’t just about flashy gimmicks; they’re about creating meaningful, shareable moments that resonate with your audience and drive deeper engagement.
• How transparency and clear communication lead to better event outcomes: When you’re open about budgets and goals with your vendors and partners, you enable more effective planning, reduce surprises, and ensure everyone is aligned on delivering a successful event.



Things to listen for:

(00:00) An introduction to the episode with guest Matt Kalb 

(04:55) Introduction to general service contractors

(07:11) Defining and executing activations

(12:02) Measuring the success of activations

(13:18) Transition to sponsorship strategies

(17:35) Balancing attendee experience and sponsorships

(18:47) Addressing sustainability in events

(26:13) The importance of budget transparency

(31:50) Final advice and industry insights

We all know that great events don’t just happen overnight. 

They require collaboration, creativity, and, most importantly, strong partnerships.

In this episode, host Felicia Asiedu is joined by Andrew Perrott, Founder of Chorus Creative Group, and Anita Howard, Strategy Director at ICE (International Corporate Events), to discuss the future of inclusion in events.

They share the fundamentals of collaboration, trust-building, and achieving mutual goals—whether you're managing brand partnerships, coordinating large events, or fostering client relationships.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Honesty and straightforward communication are critical in establishing and maintaining successful partnerships.
• It is vital to have a structured foundation for partnerships, such as detailed marketing activity plans and regular progress meetings, while also allowing space for informal interactions and creative brainstorming.
• Cultivating a reliable network of partners and collaborators who can be leaned on in critical moments is crucial for success. 

Additional Resources:

• https://chorus.london/
• https://www.internationalcorporateevents.com.au/home.htm 

Planning an event, particularly on the scale of a citywide conference like Cvent CONNECT, involves many complex and often overlapping tasks. 

Some of the primary challenges include coordinating volunteers, ensuring ample and engaging signage, and effectively managing unforeseen pop-up costs.

And on this week’s #GreatEvents episode, we’re sharing all the behind-the-scenes magic on how to navigate it all.

Alyssa Peltier and Rachel Andrews explore the unique challenges and triumphs of organizing a citywide event in the heart of San Antonio, Texas. From navigating logistical hurdles to sparking local engagement, we discuss the intricacies of relocating a major conference after ten years in Las Vegas.

Tune in to hear:

- Practical tips on scaling your event operations and handling unexpected costs

- Best practices for fostering community partnerships and local inclusivity

- A detailed look at innovative event elements like the breathtaking drone show

- How effective teamwork and creative problem-solving can elevate any event

Tune in now to walk away with strategies and inspiration to elevate your next event.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of detailed planning when organizing large-scale, citywide events
• How focusing on creating strong relationships with local vendors, authorities, and even city officials can be highly beneficial
• Investing in experiences transforms events from routine gatherings into unforgettable moments that resonate well with attendees long after the event concludes

Have you ever wondered how to cut costs without compromising the wow factor in events?

That’s where leveraging local resources can be a game-changer.

Our guest, Virgil Napier, Area Director for Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, explains how to utilize local resources for everything from coffee to fresh fish—all while making your events a total wow. Plus, Kelly McDonald, Senior Event Sourcing Consultant for Meetings and Events at Wells Fargo, shares her clever tactics for keeping those high-level meetings on-site to cut down on transportation costs. 

These aren't just budget hacks – they’re ways to enhance your attendees' experience without breaking the bank.

And if you’re wondering about planner-supplier relationships – we hear you. Discussing mutual goals, creative solutions, and the art of transparency in planning, our experts highlight how these elements are pivotal for success.

You won’t want to miss it.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Maximize local resources to enhance experiences on a budget: Virgil emphasizes the strategic use of local resources—such as local coffee, fresh fish, and lobsters—not only as a cost-saving measure but also to create memorable and unique experiences. This approach allows event planners to deliver high-quality events without escalating costs.
2. Upfront negotiations and partnerships to offset inflation and service gaps: Kelly McDonald highlights the importance of negotiating upfront to manage cost increases effectively, especially in areas like food, beverages, and AV equipment.
3. Adopt technology and innovation to streamline planning and enhance attendee experience: Kelly and Virgil share insights on how planners and hoteliers navigate the "test and learn" phase of technology adoption. They also discuss the importance of collaboration in successfully implementing these innovations.

Are you getting the most out of trade shows?

We talk a lot about the events that we, as planners, host ourselves. But with the right preparation and tools in place, the trade shows we attend can also be massively valuable.

On this episode of Great Events, Host Alyssa Peltier sits down with Sohil Adyanthaya, Product Marketing Strategist at Cvent, to discuss ideal strategies for squeezing every drop out of your trade show experience. 

Our conversation zeros in on the critical role trade shows play for businesses of all sizes. From enhancing brand exposure to generating quality leads and improving sales conversions, we’ll cover top tips for planning ahead and explore how technological advances can streamline and optimize your trade show experiences. 

So, whether you’re an event newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find actionable insights to help you maximize the impact of your trade show participation.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Collecting quality leads from trade shows requires intentional planning, setting the right meetings with the right people, and utilizing a consistent set of tools. 
2. Choosing the right technologies, such as Jifflenow and iCapture—recently acquired by Cvent—is key to extracting the most success from each trade show. 
3. When it comes to improving the relationship between salespeople and those who manage events, it’s all about communicating in one another’s language. 

Is it true that the louder, brighter, and flashier the event, the greater it will be?

In this episode of Great Events, host Alyssa Peltier is joined by Megan Henshall, Google's Global Events Strategic Solutions Lead. They discuss the powerful intersection of technology and inclusion in the events industry and how to prioritize radical inclusion, ensuring everyone feels valued and safe at your events.

Megan introduces the Neu project, which is focused on creating spaces for neurodivergent individuals, and shares actionable tips for integrating their needs into event planning. 

Here are some key takeaways:

• Incorporate explicit language around neurodivergent needs in your event registration and communication. Educate yourself and your team about the neurodivergent experience to develop empathy and inclusive design strategies.
• Offer quiet spaces, sensory kits, and tailored experiences to create event environments that balance sensory needs and cater to a diverse audience.
• Instead of aiming for universal design, focus on cultivating a range of choices that represent diverse communities. Use tools and resources like those developed by Storycraft Lab and David Allison to design for belonging, and consider piloting these frameworks in your events.

The hybrid set-up has definitely helped individuals with neurodivergent, sensory processing differences, and social anxiety enjoy these events without the added stress of attending them. Megan shares her goals with the Neu Project and the road to a more inclusive events industry.

Additional Resources:

• https://wheelofbelonging.com/
• https://www.theneuproject.com/
• https://wild.community/collaborate/
• https://imexevents.com/media/press-releases/google-xi-colaboratory-brings-design-thinking-sprints-to-imex-frankfurt