This Week In Events, a weekly podcast series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

This edition, for Friday 29th August, features Paul Richardson of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VividInk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Jill Hawkins of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Aniseed PR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Bob Toovey of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Event Planner News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This week the discussion is mainly about venues, and Rickshaw racing in and around London Excel!

• Venues Trend Report 2025 by Kristyna O’Connell
• Tech driven location-based entertainment market to triple by 2034
• Northstar has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by JTB Corp
• London’s Largest Convention Center Unveils Expanded Space, Draws North American Bookings

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed, so please leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with friends and colleagues, and don't forget to subscribe where you prefer to listen to podcasts.

EPN is supported by the event industry community, discover how ⁠⁠⁠⁠you can become a patron⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for listening!

This Week In Events, a weekly podcast series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

This edition, for Friday 22nd August, features Paul Richardson of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠VividInk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Paul Cook, storyteller and creator of specialist content consultancy Planet Planit,  and Bob Toovey of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Event Planner News⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This week we discuss...

• Vendelux is offering event organizers a free way to expand their targeted marketing outreach data, provided they share their own data in exchange
• Gamescom, one of the biggest video game industry trade shows in the world, used AI to book meetings for attending publishers, developers, and media even if they didn’t want them (via LinkedIn)
• Festivals don’t need to have the biggest acts playing in a rented field to be successful. They just need to serve their community

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed, so please leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with friends and colleagues, and don't forget to subscribe where you prefer to listen to podcasts.

EPN is supported by the event industry community, discover how ⁠⁠⁠⁠you can become a patron⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for listening!

With the reopening of the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, event and meetings planners have a new inspiring venue.

I had the pleasure of talking with Clare Arouche, who is the head of hospitality and events at the National Gallery. In this new podcast episode, we explore what the Sainsbury Wing offers event and meeting planners.

• Discover more about the National Gallery
• National Gallery on Instagram
• National Gallery Events on Instagram

Many thanks to our patrons, partners and friends, including Vividink and ShoutOut.

Event Planner News is independent and advert free, supported by our patrons and partners. Become an individual patron or a business patron and get early access to episodes, discover more on our Ko-Fi page.

Thanks for listening!

This episode is part of the EPN Collective series.

Welcome to the May edition of the EPN Journal update, featuring the top news items, this months most popular guest story and we welcome the first article by our new columnist, Claire Drakeley. We also have Richard John, co-founder of realise and IdeasNest, sharing the best advice he’s been given.

The top stories mentioned are...

• Venues Of Excellence Welcomes Yorkshire’s The Royal Armouries
• The National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing Reopens With New Event Spaces
• Caterful Aims To Make It Easier To Match Caterers With Clients

Most popular guest post

• Mamma Consulting: Built On Heart And Driven By Freedom

By new columnist Claire Drakeley

• Building Resilience: Skills Students Need To Thrive Under Pressure

Check out the brand new feature, The EPN Collective.

This episode features Richard John, co-founder of Realise and IdeasNest, who shares the best advice he’s been given.

Huge thanks to our patrons, Vividink and Where.app, our partners ShoutOut and the Power Of Events, and to Gorden Gleniester and all our industry friends. Your support is really appreciated!

Event Planner News is independent and advert free, supported by our patrons and partners. Details of how you can be a patron can be found on the EPN Journal website.

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of the EPN Podcast, the top stories that were published on EPN Journal in April, along with a top wellbeing tip from Sandie McCoubrey, Co-Founder of MESA.

The stories featured are...

• The checklist Businesses Need To Ensure Waste Regulation Compliance
• How St Saviourgate York Hosted A Festive Pop-Up Picturehouse Cinema
• Image Sizes On Instagram, Everything Event Planners Need To Know
• Evolution Dome Delivers 137 Meeting Pods With Only 12 Hours For Set-Up
• TUC’s Congress Centre To Cease Trading At The End Of June

Many thanks to our patrons, partners and friends, including Vividink, ShoutOut, and Membership Strategy Consultant, Gordon Glenister.

Event Planner News is independent and advert free, supported by our patrons and partners. You can support Event Planner News by becoming an individual patron or a business patron.

Thanks for listening!

This episode of the EPN Podcast is based on the article - When It Comes To Sustainability, We’re All Part Of The Problem...

"Booking systems used by hotels to reduce costs and increase efficiency, A.I. platforms that we use to save time, and all those productivity services we access through the Internet, are all hosted in large data centers. They are also used for website hosting, your favourite note taking app and all the other cloud services you enjoy. And let’s not forget, each and every social media app that’s out there lives in a data center.

Here lies our shared problem – each data center needs power for the computer systems, and water for cooling."

Huge thanks to our patrons and partners who support the work of Event Planner News…

• MESA
• The Power Of Events
• VividInk
• There.app

You too can help support Event Planner News by becoming a patron.

Plus special thanks to Influencer Marketing and Membership Strategy Consultant, Gordon Glenister.

At the beginning of November, I attended World Travel Market at ExCel London for the first time, which was quite an experience! One of the reasons I was there, other than finding out what it was like, was to meet Dorothee Anjos - General Manager of Multilem Middle East.

Multilem was the company behind the huge exhibition space for the Saudi Tourism Authority – at an impressive 3,214 sqm. If that’s hard to imagine then this might help – the combined space of just under three Olympic swimming pools.

Once I started talking with Dorothee, I knew I had to invite her on to the podcast, and thankfully she agreed!

In this episode, we talk about how Multilem started with 8 women, the experience of the first male employee, balancing work and family and of course her favourite music track.

Here are the links that are mentioned in the episode...

• Multilem website
• Information on becoming an EPN Patron
• How to become a guest

There are more podcast episodes on our main page, you can also listen to them all on Spotify and on Amazon Music.

Big thanks to our partners and supporters - There.app, MESA and The Power Of Events.

When your team is on location, for example at a large venue for a big event, you need to know where they are. Are they situated in the right place? Is anyone in the team missing? More importantly, when a situation starts developing – who is the closest to deal with it?

Each team member needs to have at hand the most up to date information, and having the ability to message each other really helps everyone to stay organised and keep on top of things. There.app was created to address all these issues.

Founder and President, Seth Kenvin and head of Business Development, Colleen Coll join me for a chat about the app. Seth shares how he was inspired by a ski trip where members of his group became separated and hard to find. Colleen discusses how the app can help event planners and gives a few examples of how it has helped her.

Here are the links that were mentioned in this episode...

• There.app partner program
• Information on becoming a EPN Patron
• How to become a guest

When it comes to recording your podcast, don't get lost choosing which microphone is best. You already have everything you need to start recording.

In this episode, I give examples of using your smartphone, laptop and webcam, to record your audio. If you think your laptop is not up to it, think again.

Considering buying a new and expensive external USB microphone? Make the best of your existing one by knowing the best positions to put it for better audio quality.

Don't let the stress of getting perfect sound quality and choosing the ideal microphone stop you from getting started!

In this episode, I mention...

• Zoom
• Spotify For Podcasters
• Fifine USB Microphone

• Audacity

If you have any questions, or more tips and advice, then please get in touch.

Big thanks to EPN Patrons and supporters - MESA, Power Of Events, Phizzpod, and RAVL.

Discover how you can become a Patron here.

In the first part of this series on starting a podcast,I asked three US based podcasters to share theirthoughts on the subject.

That episode was fun, packed with info and a really great discussion. It went so well, here’s part 2!

This episode has the same question, how do you get started, but this time the views, experiences and stories come from 4 amazing UK based podcasters.

• Jack Saward - ⁠Event Insights podcast⁠

• Clare Forestier – Not The Same As Last Year

• Paul Cook – creative writer and podcaster at Paul Cook Story Teller

• Alexa Martinez – Events Obsessed

Just to let you know, the ‘F’ word is used a couple of time in the discussion, but we’re all grown ups, so I’m sure it’s not going to be a problem.

The range of topics include, how to find and select guests, a real example of what can go wrong during recording and the equipment a beginner should consider

I hope you enjoy this episode, let me know what you think.

If you would like to be a guest or have an idea for a future topic, then ⁠please get in touch⁠.

A huge thank you to our patrons and partners!

If you would like to be a guest then you can ⁠apply here⁠.

Discover more about event planner news...

➡ ⁠EPN Daily⁠

➡ ⁠EPN Journal

I have a question for you, what does it take to start a podcast? There’s a lot to think about. For instance...

• What equipment will you need?
• How do you find the time to record when you have a job & family?
• How do you approach people to be guests?

As a beginner, it can be quite daunting.

To discuss this, I invited three amazing event industry podcasters to share their advice on getting started...

• Naomi Tucker, host of Planners On Purpose
• Anca Trifan, host of Events Demystified
• Victoria Matey, host of What If I Told You…? The Event Psychology Podcast

There’s plenty lots of great advice, top tips and a few interesting stories too.

If you would like to be a guest or have an idea for a future topic, then please get in touch.

A huge thank you to our patrons and partners!

If you would like to be a guest then you can apply here.

Discover more about event planner news...

➡ EPN Daily

➡ EPN Journal

David Harris, also known as Magicman London, started his lifelong passion for magic at the age of 6 when his father showed him a simple trick.

Since then, he has become one of the most popular magicians in London, performing at corporate events, trade shows and conferences – from very small groups to stages with big audiences.

We discuss how his dyspraxia has affected his performances and how he has adapted to the condition, and why a husband jumped off a river boat while David was performing close up magic.

The self confessed wizard also shares what his future holds, including the possibility of live performances from an aeroplane and plans for entertaining on cruise ships.

You can find David on the following

• LinkedIn personal page
• LinkedIn business page
• Instagram
• YouTube
• Website

EPN Patrons get early access to episodes, plus other benefits - ⁠⁠discover more on KoFi⁠⁠.

This Week In Events, a weekly podcast series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

This edition, for Friday 15th August, features Paul Richardson of ⁠⁠⁠⁠VividInk⁠⁠⁠⁠, Jill Hawkins of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aniseed PR⁠⁠⁠⁠ and Bob Toovey of ⁠⁠⁠⁠Event Planner News⁠⁠⁠⁠.

This week we discuss...

• The death of event apps? Presso shares stats and a possible answer to low install rates
• From C & IT - UK event manager job ads went up by 14% in June
• From The Meeting Room - bias, consent and deep fakes in AI (video)

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed, so please leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with friends and colleagues, and don't forget to subscribe where you prefer to listen to podcasts.

EPN is supported by the event industry community, discover how ⁠⁠⁠you can become a patron⁠⁠⁠.

Thanks for listening!

Five years ago, during the Pandemic lockdown – Andrew Perolls decided to make a difference.

Armed with a phone, a laptop and a list of contacts – he created Greengage Solutions.

Since then, Andrew and his team have changed the way venues, hotels, and the event industry as a whole, views and takes action on - sustainability.

I had the pleasure of talking with Andrew, during which he shared how got started, his inspirations and some amazing, yet very troubling statistics.

We also discussed why company culture matters when it comes to sustainability and who is driving the change to do better.

Listen through to the end, as Andrew shares the one simple thing you can do right now to make a difference.

EPN Patrons get early access to episodes, plus other benefits - ⁠discover more on KoFi⁠.

This episode is part of the EPN Collective series.

This Week In Events, a weekly podcast series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

This edition, for Friday 8th August, features Paul Richardson of ⁠⁠⁠VividInk⁠⁠⁠, Jill Hawkins of ⁠⁠⁠Aniseed PR⁠⁠⁠ and Bob Toovey of ⁠⁠⁠Event Planner News⁠⁠⁠.

Topics and stories this week include...

• Rising cost in the industry - C&IT study reveals 95% of planners see costs as top challenge




• Worthy mention - Speakerstacks share their speakers guide, Top Public Speaking Anxiety Tips to Boost Confidence

• Follow up to the TomorrowLand fire, by Andrew Roby on LinkedIn
• A great discussion on speakers paying to appear on stage, should those talks be marked as sponsored content?
• Margaret Reeves at RefTec writes a follow up article to that controversial post, and it's published on Exhibition News

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed, so please leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with friends and colleagues, and don't forget to subscribe where you prefer to listen to podcasts.

This episode, and many others, are also available on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with a friend, and don't forget to subscribe!

EPN is supported by the event industry community, discover how ⁠⁠you can become a patron⁠⁠.

Thanks for listening!

This Week In Events - a weekly series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

This edition, for Friday 1st August, features Paul Richardson of ⁠⁠VividInk⁠⁠, Jill Hawkins of ⁠⁠Aniseed PR⁠⁠ and Bob Toovey of ⁠⁠Event Planner News⁠⁠.

Topics and stories this week are...

• Why are award submissions deadlines packed so close together, and does paying to take part tarnish winning?
• What are the robots reading? A new report suggests 95% of links cited by AI are from non-paid media. Good news for PR professionals...
• And that story from Exhibition News where hotels, restaurants, taxis, stand builders and onsite caterers are said to be not contributing back to events ecosystems.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topics discussed, so please leave a comment.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with a friend, and don't forget to subscribe!

EPN is supported by the event industry community, discover how ⁠you can become a patron⁠.

Thanks for listening!

This Week In Events - a weekly series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

This edition, for Friday 25th July, features Paul Richardson of ⁠VividInk⁠, Jill Hawkins of ⁠Aniseed PR⁠ and Bob Toovey of ⁠Event Planner News⁠.

We discuss, AI and have we had enough? Plus Tomorrowland’s Stage Fire and WeTransfer's revised terms and conditions.

Links to this weeks stories...

• Have we hit peak AI?
• Tomorrowland’s Stage Fire
• WeTransfer terms and conditions, LinkedIn mention and and an explanation of what was actually meant

Please leave a comment with your thoughts on the topics discussed.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with a friend.

EPN is supported by the event industry community. Discover how you can become a patron.

Thanks for listening!

This Week In Events - a weekly series that takes a deeper look at some of the stories and trends from the last 7 days.

We talk about venues outside of London, Christmas in July and the new report from Wyboston Venue Management.

This edition, for Friday 18th July, features Paul Richardson of VividInk, Jill Hawkins of Aniseed PR and Bob Toovey of Event Planner News.

The featured stories for this week are...

• Six venues outside London that are competing for big-brand B2B shows
• The Venues Collection Launches Christmas Party Packages With Low & No Alcohol Options
• Christmas Party Checklist: The Secret to a Stress-Free Corporate Christmas Party
• Celebrate the Festive Season with Unforgettable Christmas Parties at Church House!

• New research report reveals insights into how it complements online learning and AI
  

Please leave a comment with your thoughts on the topics discussed.

If you enjoyed this episode then please share it with a friend.

Thanks for listening!

How has the event industry changed over the years? Have things become better, stayed the same or somehow become worse?

My guest, Richard John, is an industry veteran with more than 30 years experience. He is an author, columnist and considered by many as a ‘go to’ events expert. He’s also written a romantic comedy called, ‘The Tag’. A man of many talents.

Inspired by two of his books, collected articles going back to the early 2000’s, we take a look at early practices and see how things have changed.

We discuss events and exhibiting, why Powerpoint is not as bad as you think, and why registration desks should be renamed.

Richard shares many stories and ideas, and his thoughts on how things could be better. 

So please join us for what is a very interesting episode.

Just to let you know, there is a single four letter swear word mention in this episode.

Books by Richard...

• Exhibitionista: Advice, Guidance, Wisdom and a few Confessions from the Wonderful World of Exhibitions
• A Pain in the Plenary: The very best (or least worst) of over ten years of "Conference News' columns from Richard John
• The Tag

EPN Patrons get can early access to episodes, discover more on KoFi.

This episode is part of the EPN Collective series.