The Michael Coombs Show – Details, episodes & analysis

In this debut episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Meghan Ely, an award-winning wedding industry speaker and founder of OFD Consulting. With over 15 years of experience, Meghan discusses the essential role of PR in the event industry, its intersection with social media, and the benefits it brings even in the digital age. They dive into topics like SEO, styled shoots, vendor credits, and pay-to-play editorials. Meghan also shares insights on how she uses PR to elevate her own business and provides advice for wedding and event professionals at various stages of their careers. The episode wraps up with a fun rapid-fire segment where Meghan reveals her favorite books, movies, and quotes.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:44 The Importance of PR in the Social Media Era

03:41 SEO and Its Relevance Today

04:44 Exploring OFD Consulting's Services

07:13 Advice for Wedding and Event Professionals

09:50 The Role and Relevance of Style Shoots

19:18 Caught in the Act: The Importance of Disclosure

20:33 Measuring ROI in PR: Challenges and Strategies

22:43 Understanding Moz and Domain Authority

23:50 The Relevance of Print Publications in Today's Market

25:35 Personal Branding: Walking the Walk

28:07 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Meghan Ely

33:07 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Links:
OFD Consulting
Michael Coombs Entertainment

Welcome to The Michael Coombs Show, where we'll be having conversations with tastemakers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in the wedding and event industry. So sit back and enjoy The Michael Coombs Show. 

In this episode, host Michael Coombs sits down with Melissa Baum, who transitioned from a wedding blogger to a full-time wedding and event producer. Melissa shares her unconventional journey into the wedding industry, starting with a blog that led to planning small parties, and eventually taking her passion full-time. They discuss the importance of assembling the right team, staying calm under pressure, and the role of collaboration in creating memorable events. Melissa provides insights on maintaining creativity, handling unexpected challenges, and balancing the emotional aspects of wedding planning. She also touches on her experiences planning mitzvahs and the significance of personalization and customization in her work.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:23 Melissa Baum's Journey into Wedding Planning
02:10 The Role of Creativity and Collaboration
05:35 Building the Dream Team
08:20 Managing Emotions and Client Relationships
16:00 Balancing Weddings and Mitzvahs
19:14 Problem Solving in Event Planning
23:42 Staying Innovative in a Rapidly Changing Industry
24:52 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links :

Melissa Baum | Instagram | Facebook

Michael Coombs

In this episode, Michael Coombs chats with Becky De Oliveira from Blush & Bloom about her journey into floral design, her unique approach to creativity, and the evolution of her career from delivering flowers in a small town to running a successful business in Toronto. Becky shares insights on collaboration with planners, adapting to economic challenges, and how her personal transformation, including losing over 100 pounds, has impacted her life and business. Additionally, Becky discusses Bloom School, her educational platform for floral enthusiasts and professionals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:31 Becky's Journey into Floral Design
02:40 From Maritimes to Toronto
06:22 Starting Blush and Bloom
07:22 Developing a Unique Style
09:23 Creative Process with Clients
15:15 Collaboration with Planners and Designers
16:35 Finding the Right Event Planners
16:50 Collaborative Event Design Process
19:35 Navigating Economic Challenges
21:43 Reinventing During Slow Periods
25:15 Personal Milestones and Health Transformation
32:11 Introduction to Bloom School

Links :

Blush & Bloom

Michael Coombs

In this episode, Michael Coombs speaks with Nayri, Wedding Fashion Expert, about the importance of establishing a personal brand on social media, and how AI is transforming marketing. Nayri shares her journey to becoming a wedding fashion expert, including how she overcame her shyness and took the leap to put herself out there. She discusses the challenges and highlights of building her career, the significance of consistency, and how gratitude plays a vital role in her life. Nayri also touches upon leveraging AI for marketing and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive team members and like-minded entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topics
00:16 Meet the Wedding Fashion Expert: Nayri
00:35 The Birth of the Wedding Fashion Expert
03:04 Overcoming Introversion and Embracing Social Media
04:15 The Power of Personal Connection and Consistency
08:32 Balancing Personal Life and Professional Success
15:50 The Role at Novella and Team Dynamics
17:53 The Multifaceted Role at Novella
19:02 Balancing Social Media and Business
20:18 Managing Team Dynamics
22:29 Building a Personal Brand
23:50 Consistency is Key
27:06 Leveraging AI in Business
31:11 The Importance of Gratitude
33:51 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Links: 

Nayri | Instagram | TikTok | You Tube | Facebook

Michael Coombs Entertainment 

In this episode, host Michael Coombs sits down with internationally renowned event designer Beth Helmstetter to discuss her journey from the nonprofit sector to becoming a high-profile event planner. Beth shares insights into her distinct style, the importance of understanding client visions, and the complexities of planning destination weddings. She also talks about The Good Beginning, a platform for couples who want to incorporate charitable donations into their wedding registry. Additionally, Beth emphasizes the importance of anticipating and solving problems, mastering the art of hospitality, and establishing a business structure that ensures sustainability and growth.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
00:27 Meet Beth Helmstetter: From Nonprofit to Event Design
01:16 Finding Passion in Wedding Planning
01:53 Journey to Los Angeles and Destination Weddings
03:09 Defining a Distinct Style
04:13 Creating Immersive Experiences
07:13 Overcoming Obstacles in Event Planning
08:51 Balancing Client Vision and Creative Integrity
11:51 Restructuring for Success Post-Covid
21:55 The Good Beginning: Giving Back
24:45 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Beth

Links:

Beth Helmstetter | Instagram

Michael Coombs Entertainment 

In this episode, Michael Coombs interviews Natalie Stanbra, the National Director of Event Sales for Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality (O&B). Natalie shares insights on the history and growth of O&B from a startup restaurant in 1993 to a significant player in the hospitality and events industry across Canada. She discusses her 20-year journey within the company, rising from restaurant staff to a leadership position. They delve into topics such as the process of creating and managing event venues, the importance of partnerships, and the challenges of staying relevant in a competitive market. Natalie also highlights a major event she organized in Halifax, showcasing the logistical challenges and triumphs of large-scale event planning. The episode wraps up with Natalie’s advice for building strong industry relationships and staying committed to the event industry.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:28 History of Oliver and Bonacini

02:10 Natalie's Journey at O&B

03:51 Leadership and Team Dynamics

07:46 Partnerships and Venue Creation

08:54 The Process of Opening a Venue

17:54 Staying Relevant and Top of Mind

22:25 Career Highlights and Lessons Learned

26:36 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links:

Oliver and Bonancini | Instagram | Facebook | You Tube | Linkedin

Michael Coombs Entertainment |  Doc

In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews 4Korners, the official DJ of the Toronto Raptors. They discuss 4Korners' experience performing in front of thousands of fans, the evolution of his role over 20 years, and the importance of incorporating diverse music genres. 4Korners shares details about his creative processes, both for game-day performances and music production, including his first album release. They also talk about the impact of social media engagement on fan interaction and the innovative 'OTW' social events series. The conversation delves into the emotional connections created through music and the significance of choosing the right gigs for personal fulfillment.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:28 Reconnecting and Reminiscing
00:58 Becoming the Raptors' DJ
02:09 Evolution of the DJ Role
03:57 Music Production for Dance Teams
05:18 Integrating Diverse Music Genres
08:14 The Joy of Digging for Music
13:30 Choosing the Right Gigs
16:42 Scripted Elements and DJ Autonomy
17:26 Leveraging Social Media for Music Discovery
18:16 The Role of Social Media in a DJ's Career
20:16 Memorable Performances and Global Experiences
22:09 Music Production and DJ Brain
24:42 Emotional Connection Through Music
28:26 The Raptors' NBA Championship Win
29:42 Innovative Social Events with OTW
33:45 Conclusion and Where to Find 4 Korners

Links:

4Korners | Instagram | You Tube | TikTok

Michael Coombs

Michael Coombs interviews Rebecca Chan, who shares her transition from wedding planning to corporate events, how her graphic design background contributed to her success, differences in designing weddings vs. corporate events, and how she manages a highly talented team. Rebecca explains the creative challenges faced and insights into maintaining work-life balance while delivering exceptional event experiences. She emphasizes transparency, fair pay, and ongoing development as keys to keeping her team motivated.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Rebecca Chan's Journey from Graphic Design to Event Planning
06:22 Transitioning from Weddings to Corporate Events
10:38 Designing Corporate Events vs. Weddings
14:11 Creative Challenges and Lunar New Year Events
19:54 Managing a Talented Team
26:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

Links :

Rebecca Chan | Instagram | Facebook

Michael Coombs

In this episode, host Michael Coombs interviews Samantha Clarke, a wedding photographer who transitioned from being a solopreneur in Toronto to managing a team in Atlanta. Samantha shares her experiences navigating cultural differences in the wedding industry between Canada and the US, her background in law, and how it contributes to her business acumen. She emphasizes the importance of building personal connections with clients, managing a team effectively, and balancing her professional life with motherhood. Samantha also talks about her photogenic brand courses aimed at helping aspiring photographers elevate their craft and service.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 Moving from Toronto to Atlanta
03:28 Differences in Wedding Photography: Canada vs. USA
06:42 From Lawyer to Wedding Photographer
15:26 Balancing Motherhood and Business
18:48 Building and Managing a Photography Team
23:38 Creating Trust and Comfort with Clients
26:54 The Photogenic Brand Courses
27:52 Conclusion and Where to Find Samantha

Links:

Samantha Clarke | Instagram

Michael Coombs Entertainment