#eventicons by Endless Events

Today's #EventIcons guests recently launched a conference in 90 days, growing their attendance from 0 to 5,000 people. That event was a fantastic PLX conference focused on partner marketing. 

The pandemic put a strain on everyone in the events industry, and it’s pushed some of our longest-serving professionals into other careers or even retirement, leaving a vacuum for other professionals to fill. It’s this need for experienced and knowledgeable event professionals, along with the revitalization of events, that led today’s guest, Bradley Cocks, to transition from doing to educating. 

Ashley Lawson is a big name in the travel meetings and incentives industry. Recently featured on the SITE Global and IMEX Instagram accounts, she’s also been featured closer to home. In a recent Event Brew episode on event inspiration, Deanna named Ashley as someone she goes to for inspiration and to bounce ideas off. Eager to learn more about Ashley, we’ve decided to bring her on for today’s #EventIcon episode!

Throughout 2022, we discussed how event professionals could talk business and engage with the C-suite. We also talked about trends we witnessed and expected to see in 2023. That’s why we’ve brought Jim Kelley on today’s episode of the #EventIcons.

Attendee arrival has changed in recent years. Before the pandemic, attendees would have booked hotels and made transportation arrangements in the days or weeks leading up to the event. With online events, they’ve cut that time down to a few minutes, and no one understands this better than today’s #EventIcons guest, Arianna Black.

The events industry is on the cusp of change. As we exit the pandemic era, companies are looking to understand how they can drive event growth and how events can, in turn, drive growth for their business; that’s why we’ve brought on a special guest for this episode of #EventIcons, Mark Kilens. 

Event planners and organizers are always considering how to push the envelope of event design. But with progress comes risk, the risk of failure. C2 Montreal is an event known for pushing the boundaries of events and inspiring industry-wide progress. #EventIcons has invited Anick Beaulieu of C2 International to chat with us.

On the last episode of #EventIcons, Erica Bishaf said, “A lot of organizations put about 60 - 80% of financial risk into one live event.” Unsurprisingly, companies are heavily invested in attendee satisfaction. Often, event planners turn to metrics and engagement as a measure of an event's success. That's why we've brought on an expert on all things attendee engagement, Ryan Costello. 

Community is the hot new buzzword in the events industry, and for a good reason. The ROI of building a community is staggeringly high. A thriving and engaged community can grow your revenue by hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s why this #EventIcons podcast has a very special guest, Erica Bishaf. 

Endless Events has recently celebrated its 15th birthday and we’ve decided to mark the occasion by hosting a very special #EventIcons episode in which our listeners could ask us any questions they want about Endless’ past, present, and future.

The #EventIcons podcast is back with a very special guest: Hubilo's CEO Vaibhav Jain. Hubilo is the leading global virtual and hybrid event technology company. Under Vaibhav's leadership, Hubilo has raised over 150 million in less than a year from leading hedge fund and venture capital firms globally. And it still continues to grow exponentially internationally. 

After a month-long break, the #EventIcons podcast is back in all its glory! This week's iconic guest is the knowledgeable Gianna Gaudini, an event marketing strategist who understands events inside and out. She worked as Marketing Events Lead at Google for nine years and Head of Events at AWS for nearly two years.

It’s been nearly two years since event planners first witnessed mass event cancelations and scrambled to plan virtual events. Since then, we have seen the landscape of the events industry change dramatically. But just as we thought that we were getting through the worst of the pandemic-related uncertainty, the Omicron variant came and took over the world.

This week, the #EventIcons podcast comes with a three-day delay, but we’re so excited about this amazing episode that we couldn’t wait any longer to share it with the world! First, let’s get the most exciting part out of the way. Will is joined by a brand new host: the fabulous and inquisitive Karmen Jericevic, AKA the Event Opportunity Creator at Endless Events. Some of you might remember her from the episode we did with the Endless team about managing virtual fatigue. As she constantly talks directly to event planners, she knows exactly how they think, what they want to know, and what their main pain points are. And alongside her bubbly personality, that makes her an exceptional interviewer!

We’re back today with a very special episode of the #EventIcons podcast. Will’s guest is Isaac Holt, the Master of Technimagic at Endless Events. This week, he put on the shoes of the podcast’s host and did quite an amazing job.

New week, new guest, new host! #EventIcons is back with a very special episode! Recorded at Event Tech Live, Will had a great conversation about the evolution of SXSW with none other than their former Chief Innovation Officer, Scott Wilcox. Today, Scott has a new consulting venture, Here and Tomorrow.

Do you consider yourself an entrepreneur? Today’s iconic guest, Deanna Nwosu, thinks that all event and meeting planners should nurture an entrepreneurial spirit. She joins Sarah to talk about her vast experience in the events industry, what the future holds for event organizers, and the importance of community engagement.

When we talk about movement at events, our minds might go to walking around the venue at in-person events or walking to the fridge if we’re attending a virtual experience. But what if we told you that a little movement goes a long way even before or during speaker presentations? Taking care of the health of the attendees is a growing trend in the events industry – and we’re not just talking about COVID-19 compliance at events. PCMA EduCon 2021, for example, hosted a gamified health challenge and encouraged attendees to move their bodies. So, we brought on an iconic guest to explain to us what movement at events is all about.

Planning a safe event is by no means something that is new in the world of event planners, but it has definitely gained new meaning in the last 18 months. When we think of staying safe and sound at events these days, our minds first go to COVID-compliance officers, screening procedures, and hand sanitizers. And since the #EventIcons podcast is all about talking about the hottest topics in the events industry, we brought on a special guest who specializes in all things event safety and security.

There is only one thing that seems to be certain in these trying times in the events industry: virtual events are here to stay, no matter the state of the pandemic and our personal preferences. And that’s why it’s time to talk about virtual event production -again. The #EventIcons podcast strives to talk to the very best in the events world. And wow, did we deliver this week!

The year 2020 has established itself as the year of the pivot in the events industry. Since then, countless #EventIcons guests were brought on the podcast to talk about how they turned their in-person events into virtual ones and the importance of their community in these trying times. And because no two stories are the same, we’re back this week with another one!

Before the pandemic hit us, we took genuine human interactions at events for granted. Attendees mingled, networked, formed everlasting bonds, and had a great time while doing all of that. As the industry pivoted to virtual events, virtual audience engagement became one of the most talked-about challenges. How do we replicate genuine interpersonal dynamics in the virtual world? Is it even possible? Today’s #EventIcons guest thinks that it definitely is.

Last year, the virtual revolution completely transformed the events industry. We shifted our focus from venues to online platforms and brainstormed all kinds of ways to keep the audiences glued to the screens. And even though in-person events are making a glorious comeback, virtual events are here to stay. Moreover, they need to keep evolving! That's why on today's episode of #EventIcons, we will talk about reimagining the virtual experience. One size certainly doesn't fit all: when planning a virtual event, you have to talk to your community.

Event platforms took the events industry by the storm. So much so that they can be considered as the new venues! There's more of them each year and some of them are even attracting huge investments. We've had countless enthusiastic guests talk about them on #EventIcons before, but today's guest is a little bit different. He says: down with third-party event platforms!

We don’t mean to beat a dead horse, yet we’re saying it again: the pandemic has drastically changed the events industry and sped up the evolution of virtual and hybrid events. The process is not over, either. On the contrary: we have just begun! The future of the events industry is uncertain, but today’s #EventIcons guest thinks that it’s going to split into two huge chunks: one belonging to the digital event planner and the other one to the in-person event planner.

We’ve all been through a lot in this past year. Health and wellness in the events industry have never mattered more than now, which is why today, Sarah welcomes not one, but three iconic guests to share what they’ve worked on since the pandemic started.

This week’s #EventIcons guest is one of the most respected figures in digital media. He has a 20-year history in thought leadership, experiential events, and technology. Got your attention? Read on!

#EventIcons podcast is all about talking to the cream of the events industry and getting to know what they do, how they do it, and what the current event trends are. Today’s guest is somebody with years of experience and a lot of charisma. Meet Kristin Horstman, the senior director at Salesforce!

Hybrid events are the perfect synergy between virtual and in-person events, but it can be quite challenging for event planners to put them together. That’s why in this week’s episode of #EventIcons, Sarah welcomes Kelly Knowlen to talk about the most important hybrid event tips and tricks.

It's been a while since the industry made a tectonic shift to virtual events, and so far, we have covered the topic from nearly every angle imaginable. From choosing the right platform to delivering the best virtual content, we always first need to think about what kind of an experience we are providing for our virtual attendees. And who better to talk about experiential virtual events than today's event icon, AJ Williams from AJ Events who has been in the industry for over 25 years!

In today’s episode of #EventIcons, we fix our eyes on the future and talk about post-COVID events. But let’s not leap headlong into how things used to be. After all, we’ve all grown, learned, and changed so much in the past year. Now, it’s time to put all that knowledge to use! Virtual, hybrid, or in-person – it doesn’t matter what type of an event we are talking about – the fact of the matter is that the attendees’ priorities have dramatically shifted.

This week's #EventIcons episode is particularly special because Sarah welcomes four of her amazing coworkers from Endless Events to the podcast. They are here to talk about virtual fatigue, one of the first and most talked about challenges of going virtual. As the first point of contact for event planners, Syd Griffith, Karmen Jericevic, John Pistotti, and Ambre Wade know how to decipher what their needs are and how to create solutions for better virtual audience engagement.

It's Tuesday, which means it's time for #EventIcons! For weeks, we have been discussing virtual and hybrid events, engagement strategies, and all kinds of other pandemic-related issues. Today, it's time for something different, but just as relevant: we will talk about diversity in events as of 2021. The conversations around diversity are quickly gaining traction, but it's important we implement the changes rather than disregard them when they're not hot anymore. And we found just the speaker to talk about it!

Virtual events were all the rage last year, whether we liked it or not. While some adapted fast and organized extraordinary virtual events in 2020, many are still grappling with the new reality. But according to today’s #EventIcons guest, it’s high time we stop reminiscing about the past and start planning for the future!

Many of us would give our right arm just to attend a live concert right now. The energy, the connection, the music – to feel like a part of something bigger than ourselves. Song Division knows all about the science of music. And they have good news for us: music for virtual events can be just as compelling as an arena concert.

How many times have you heard the expression “content is king”? Probably enough that you roll your eyes every time someone utters it. But that’s the thing about clichés – they exist for a reason. And when it comes to the exciting world of digital experiences, this particular saying still applies. Of course, crafting amazing content for virtual events comes with its own set of challenges. Not only is this particular slice of the experience more important than ever, but it can also get tricky.

New year, new trends! That’s right, Endless Events is back at it with the best content to help you navigate the 2021 landscape. And to kick things off, we have a brand new episode of #EventIcons. Now that the new year has rolled in, event profs are eager to know the trends that will shape the months to come. And while there’s a lot to cover, we figured that there’s no best way to start January than by outlining the 2021 event design trends that will define the industry.

How does industry advocacy during a pandemic even look like? For as long as it has existed, the events industry has struggled with unity. And it's not because we don't want to come together as one. But rather because we're such a complex mix of professionals that span everything from production to catering, venues, planning, and more. Trying to define the events industry has always been a challenge. And consequently, finding unity during tough times has proven to be particularly exhausting.

Just yesterday, we once again tackled the topic of virtual audience engagement. And one of the points we stressed was the importance of entertainment. The world is always starving for entertainment, and remote attendees are not an exception to this rule! On the contrary - one could even argue that keeping audiences amused is even more crucial in a virtual setting. Plus, with hybrid on an almost certain path to become the norm, it becomes crucial to learn the ropes of entertainment in this new world.

It’s time for another incredible episode of #EventIcons! Over the past few weeks, we’ve been focusing on bringing to the limelight the incredible stories of event profs who fought the pandemic and came out stronger on the other side. And this week, the adventure continues – with a little spin on the approach to virtual and the role of technology.

Another week, another inspiring story about pivoting to virtual events! Now that the industry has come to terms with the so-called “new normal”, we want to bring the best stories to the forefront. All across the nation, event planners have been learning the ropes of virtual events. And they’ve been doing so in order to deliver high-quality experiences with the tools they have at their disposal. So there’s no shortage of success stories out there.

We’re back for another week with another exciting episode of #EventIcons! And we’re excited to be discussing how small event companies can pivot in order to survive the pandemic. Because this has probably been the craziest time ever in our industry. Thousands of event profs saw their projects canceled or postponed within days. But while we’re all still adapting to the new normal, small event companies had to act faster than anyone else.

In a chaotic world where the industry sees itself turned upside down at every turn, learning about year-long sponsorships becomes crucial. And while events have always been about creating meaningful and lasting connections, our rush to find sponsors every year somewhat goes against this ideal. The focus is less on establishing a beneficial partnership and more on just getting someone as fast as possible. And this causes planners to not be as creative, forward-thinking, or successful as they could be within the scope of event sponsorships. But what if there was a better way?

Another week, another episode of #EventIcons! And since hybrid is one everyone’s mind lately, we thought we’d bring you something exciting. This week, we’ll be talking about interactive gaming experiences for hybrid and virtual events. Yes – because even during a hybrid experience, you still have the virtual aspect! So it seems only fitting that we dive into a conversation about entertainment. After all, who doesn’t love games? It’s one of the best ways for people to connect, engage, and network.

Over the past year, sustainability has become top of mind for planners. And the events industry as a whole has doubled down on efforts to become greener. It's up to us as an industry that tends to create so much waste to improve. Part of this sustainability trend also refers to food waste in the events industry. And this is an issue that doesn't get addressed nearly as much as it should. So what can we, as event professionals, do to end this practice? How can we contribute towards a better world that uses food in a better, more sustainable way?

Today we’re introducing a success story about a virtual product launch. Socio managed to elevate their virtual event and turn it into a full-scale virtual hackathon. Their goal was to create a collaborative environment and move the community forward as a whole. And not only did they manage to do that, but they became such a success, that the levels of engagement are still up over a month after the event. So how did Socio do it? How did they come up with creative ways to engage sponsors and engage the community at such a high level?

Last week, we offered some pretty good ideas within the scope of entertainment for virtual events. And today, we’re diving even deeper! While virtual happy hours allow you to get extremely creative, they’re not the only way you can get attendees to have fun. There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding virtual events. But that’s completely normal – we’re all learning as we go and everyone is trying hard to navigate the new state of the industry. Still, there are some notions you should dismiss entirely. And one of these notions is the idea that a virtual event simply can’t be exciting for those attending.

Even though most events are now going virtual, designing events for introverts still remains a relevant topic. And arguably, it becomes even more important. It’s a matter of fact that virtual events make the experience more accessible to a larger number of people. For those who can’t travel due to disability, for those who are all the way across the world and, in this case, for introverts. Plus, another thing to keep in mind is the fact that in-person events will come back eventually. And when that time comes, we as planners can’t forget about all of these people. So discussing the best practices involved in designing events for introverts is not only pertinent but also necessary, Which is why we’re dedicating this week’s #EventIcons to the topic!

This week's #EventIcons is all about Remote Design Week. Because now that everyone is jumping into the virtual event bandwagon, this is something we had to talk about. Remote Design Week managed to do exactly what planners everywhere want to do. It was a massive virtual event with over 50 speakers and a whopping 3,000 attendees! And with such a successful event being planned in six weeks, we wanted to know more. More about the planning process. And more about everything it took to make it happen, so you could take some notes.

Have you been looking everywhere for tips on engaging virtual experiences? And do you feel a bit lost in the midst of all the craziness? Well, you’re not alone! With everything going on in the industry, planners are facing several challenges. But thankfully, not everything is lost. Because thanks to virtual events, planners everywhere can keep on doing what they do best. And that is, of course, bring people together and create amazing experiences. The paradigm might have changed, but if there is something industry professionals know how to do, it’s keeping up with the motions.

Working with committees is something many event planners are familiar with. And anyone who’s been a part of one knows just how complex things can get. So on this week’s episode of #EventIcons, we’ll be providing you with some tactical tips to work inside a committee, on a board, and everything in between. No more miscommunication, no more frustrations, and no more second-guessing yourself. Because after this edition of the podcast, you’ll be left with all the best practices you need to be successful at working with committees as an event prof.

Today we’re talking about sponsorships for virtual events! Because sponsorships and exhibitions are a huge source of revenue in the industry. But now that planners are trying to figure out how to turn in-person events into virtual ones, things get a little bit confusing. How can they replicate this? What are the best strategies? Overall, is it even possible to create such a thing as sponsorships for virtual events? Well, the short answer is – yes, it is.

Canceling an event is never pleasant. However, considering the current state of things, it’s necessary. And while a lot of planners’ attention is focused on virtual events, a part is also concerned with cancellation. So, what do you have to do? Can you simply send out a mass email? And is that even advisable? Is there any way you can repurpose the costs of your in-person event? These are only some of the questions that have been floating around in the events industry.

Now that virtual events are the talk of the town, it’s time to consider a virtual emcee. Especially because one of the biggest concerns with virtual events is audience engagement. So considering a virtual emcee is definitely something you want to do. Not only will one keep your event interesting, but it will also make your audience happier and eager for more. But where to start? And why should you really consider hiring one? What are the tangible benefits brought to the table?

The talk of the town in the events industry is converting in-person events to virtual. But where to even begin? Should you choose a platform first? And how do you even figure out pricing? Because this is relatively new, planners everywhere are scrambling to make it work. And we just so happen to have been lucky enough to sit down with Mark Hillenburg. Mark is the VP of Marketing of Digital Monitoring Products (DMP). And boy, does he have some things to teach us!

Have you heard about the Sustainable Event Awards? It’s probably old news to you that sustainability is a topic we love discussing. Because we’ve covered it several times here at Endless! And today we’ll be dabbling on it again but in a more exciting way. It’s not just about how to plan sustainable events. But rather, how to push the trend forward and make sure everyone jumps on the bandwagon. And that’s exactly where the Sustainable Event Awards come in.

This week we’re diving into the dozy topic of how to plan a virtual event. And we’re not strangers to futuristic events here at Endless! We’ve covered topics such as how to plan an event without visiting the venue, how Virtual Reality can impact the events industry, and much more. So today, we’re diving deeper. Because we figured it’s high time to actually get into tactical tips related to events that don’t adhere to the in-person model. And learn how to plan a successful virtual event that your attendees will never forget!

It's the episode you've been waiting for, the one packed with remote work tips! Because as event professionals, we spend a good chunk of our time on the road. And in the case of Endless, the entire company is remote. So learning how to balance work with life, fighting isolation, making sure we do our best without working too much are all key aspects to master. And that's exactly what we bring you on this week's edition of #eventicons!

We're very happy to announce that today we're talking about the SEARCH Foundation. And if you've been following us for a while, you've probably heard of it. But even if you haven't, this is definitely an episode you want to watch. Because the SEARCH Foundation showcases event profs at its best - by getting together and being there for each other. By providing financial aid to events, meetings and catering professionals who are battling very complex illnesses.

Welcome to this week's #eventicons, where we'll discuss the topic of diversity and inclusion in events. And if you've been following us for a while, you know this isn't new. Because we find this to be such an important conversation, we've covered it a few times already. However, things like diversity and inclusion in events will always remain extremely important. Plus, we're happy to have as many perspectives as we possibly can on the matter.

Get your green smoothie ready to go, because it’s time to talk about staying healthy in 2020! So, it’s no secret to anyone that event planners have one of the most stressful jobs in the world. And it’s not uncommon for the events industry to be considered one of the most draining. But our health is something we should always prioritize. So much so that we’ve even done an episode in the past tackling the topic of burnout. And is there a better time than the year 2020 to start getting serious about your health goals?

Welcome to another episode of #eventicons, and this time around we’re talking 2020 event tech trends! If you know Endless, you know we love talking about event tech. So much so, we have another podcast entirely dedicated to the topic. And we thought this would be a great opportunity to bring you a crossover episode. In recent past episodes, we covered several 2020 trends in the industry, including marketing and design. So now it’s time for the 2020 event tech trends to shine!

Welcome to today’s exciting conversation about MCs for events! And more precisely, how they can make or break your event. Before you join us on this wild ride, make sure you check out one of our previous episodes. It’s all about panels and moderation, and it will serve as a nice prequel for today’s show. Because this week, we’re diving even deeper into the topic of MCs for events. And how you can ensure you choose the absolute best that will help your event be remembered as incredible.

It’s a very special day because it’s an #EventIcons special! That’s right everyone, we are proud to be here today, celebrating 200 episodes of the show. And if you’ve been following us for a while, you know we’ve recently celebrated four years on the air. But because one celebration simply isn’t enough, we’re taking it one step further. There’s cake, confetti, a live concert…okay, maybe not all of that. But you know what? The stuff we have in store for you is even better than all of that!

This week's edition of #EventIcons comes to you from PCMA Convening Leaders 2020! It all happened in San Francisco between the 5th and 8th of January. And it was the perfect melting pot of event professionals and industry leaders. Networking was the defining word of the event that saw all sorts of people getting together, discussing ideas, and gaining new insights.

It's time for an exciting #EventIcons 2020 sneak peek! Because we're not only diving into a new year, but also a new decade, we decided to give you a taste for what's to come. So, you already know that #EventIcons is the show to pay attention to if you want to know what the icons of the events industry are up to. And we've covered some incredible topics the past year, from crisis communication to event planner burnout, women in events, and many, many more.

The trends keep on coming, and today we’re tackling 2020 event design trends! Ahead of the new year, the #EventIcons team is laying down the foundation for what’s to come. And we’ve already covered business and marketing trends, so it’s time to get a little more creative. Design is always one of the most exciting topics we cover on the show. And we can guarantee you that the conversation about the future of design in the industry will keep up that pace.

It's time to dive deep into the world of 2020 event marketing trends! Because it's December, the next episodes of #eventicons will focus on what's to come. And, of course, what these trends mean for our industry. So today, we kickstart this series of episodes with 2020 event marketing trends. As event professionals, marketing is an enormous part of what we do. And being on top of what will change and what will remain the same puts us one step ahead in the game.

We talk a lot about trends this time of year. And in today’s episode of #EventIcons we’re covering 2020 business trends and how they impact our industry. 2020 is the start of a new year, new decade AND an election year. It’s safe to say 2020 is going to be a big year with new trends and we are covering all that and more today on #EventIcons.

And here goes one, here goes two, here goes…auctions at events! Yes, that’s right. In this week’s episode of #eventicons we’re covering this exciting topic. Because event planners can actually learn a lot from expert auctioneers. And especially when it comes to charity events and fundraisers, auctions are experiences the whole industry can extract plenty of ideas from. So sit tight, we’re breaking down everything you should know about auctions at events.

It's time for the coolest conversation ever about AR and VR for events! This topic isn't new for us here at Endless. And the reason we enjoy it so much is because it's slowly but steadily revolutionizing the industry. As event planners, we need to make sure we're always paying attention to the hottest trends out there. And especially those that have the power to improve the attendee experience. So on this week's episode of #EventIcons, we're breaking down all things AR and VR for events.

On a bit of a different note, today we're exploring body language in events! Because at its core, the events industry is all about people, and relationships between people. Attendees, suppliers, planners - everybody has a part to play. And everybody is, at the end of the day, human. Which is why we're very excited to have a conversation about the power of body language in events, and how it can be used for networking and interviewing.

It's time to learn the ho-ho-ho-hottest holiday party trends of the year! So, Halloween has come and gone. Which means that the holiday season is fast approaching. And as event professionals, we're already thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. But we're sure we're not alone in this, and you're also wondering how you can take the holidays to the next level. It's a time for celebration, love, and happiness. So on this week's #EventIcons, we're super excited to let you know all about the absolute best holiday party trends!

On today's episode of #Eventicons, we're tackling the topic of alcohol in events. As we all know, this is a very hot conversation in the events industry. And since we want nothing but to keep you up to date, we decided to get things going! Many people will agree that this is a serious issue within the industry. But with all the new trends popping up around the world, there are more than enough ways to ensure things change for the better.

Put your entrepreneur hats on, it's time to discuss best business practices! As event professionals, it's important to understand business. And it's important to understand this intricate world at its most fundamental level. Because at the end of the day, whether you're a planner or owner of a third-party company, these things apply to you. It can get boring easily - after all, we want to create great experiences, not look at the return of investment and bottom lines! However, it matters. And because we're all about helping you with all the ins and outs of the events industry, we have a brand new #Eventicons! This time around, we're going deep into best business practices for event professionals. Joining our amazing hosts Brandt Krueger and Lindsay Martin is Shelagh Cummins. Shelagh runs a coaching and training company that supports women entrepreneurs to launch, grow and scale their business. Press play, it's time to get iconic!

On this week's edition of #Eventicons, we're tackling ageism in events. There was not a single point in time that different generations didn't butt heads. And today more than ever, ageism is a constant in our society. Whether it's Generation Z against Millenials or Milllenials versus Baby Boomers, everyone thinks they know best. But how exactly does ageism in events manifest itself? And more importantly, how can we ensure we're fighting this problem and give everyone a voice? Particularly the age 50+ crowd, that still has a lot to offer to the event industry.

You might want to put your best suit on because today we're talking about hotel contract negotiations! There are many things that can make or break an event. And being a planner is stressful enough as it is, so when you add choosing a venue for your event to the equation, there's a high probability your heart rate goes up. It might sound like a pretty easy endeavor. But anyone who's ever had to go through it knows there's more to the story than just signing a contract.

We always make a point to propel forward the conversation about inclusion in the event industry. And that's why this week we have a very interesting edition of #Eventicons. The Americans With Disabilities Act has been around for around 30 years. But recently, it was changed so that bodily functions are accounted for. So this includes food allergies and other specifics that people in the event industry need to be aware of. As event professionals, this is something that we need to take into account, in order to both foster inclusion in the industry, and prevent major disasters. For resources, click here.

On a more serious note, today we’re talking about ethics in events. As event professionals, we’re probably one of the industries that mostly deals with people. And as an industry that holds so much power, the discussion about ethics becomes crucial. Having the ability to influence and impact the world demands that we pause and think about our actions. How can we be more compassionate? How can we be kinder and live an honorable life? And most importantly, how can we translate this into our line of work, in a way that we help make the world a better place?

First things first, we’re proud to introduce this week’s episode of #EventIcons. From familiar faces to brand new guests, this IMEX America 2019 roundup is filled with some of the hottest topics that made their way through the show floor. Join us for a few snippets of the iconic event that was IMEX America. Introducing Desi Whitney, KiKi L’Italien, John Ehlenfeldt, and Amine Ouadahi. Plus, all the wonderful hosts of our shows that you’ve grown to know and love – Will Curran, Lindsay Martin-Bilbrey, Brandt Krueger, Alex Plaxen, Nick Borelli, Dustin Westling, and Thuy Diep. Press play, this is going to be a wild IMEX America ride! For resources, head to the blog!

Event planner burnout is a very real problem, particularly in the day and age we live in. And when it comes to an industry as convoluted and restless as the event industry, planners can feel like they’re in constant turmoil. There is always a million things to do, dozens of flights to take, and minor details to worry about. With so much going on, it’s no wonder the stress ends up accumulating and before you know it, you’re completely burnt out.

Live from Connect Marketplace 2019, it’s #EventIcons! You already know that we love nothing more but keep you up to date will all the hottest trends in the industry. And what better way to do it than take you with us to one of the most interesting events in the country? So this week’s episode is coming to you all the way from the one place where some of the brightest and most exciting people from several industries congregate – Connect Marketplace! For resources and more info, click here.

It’s Event Tech Podcast time! Oh wait…no, sorry, our bad. It’s actually time for a brand new episode of #EventIcons. But this week, we’re keeping it all in the family. For those of you familiar with the #EventIcons podcast, you already know the icons of the week. The glorious Brandt Krueger and the phenomenal Will Curran are taking a backseat on the host role and stepping up to the icon level they undoubtedly deserve. And they’re being guided by one and only Lindsey Martin-Bilbrey! For resources and more info, head to the blog!

Get your planners out everybody, because we’re talking Crisis Communication! As event planners, there are a million things we have to keep in mind. And amongst all of that, there is always the consideration of what might go wrong. Because let’s face it, what are the odds everything will go according to plan? Something will always escape our control, which is exactly why having a plan for crisis communication is so important. It might sound a bit alarming at first, but it will save you a lot of trouble! And especially within the paradigm we operate in today, being prepared is an absolute must! Click here for more info and resources.

For the third year in a row, live from ILEA 2019, it’s #EventIcons! You already know that this is the place to go when it comes to getting the best tips from the icons of the industry. And this week, we bring you a particularly delicious episode. Well, delicious for your ears, at least! Directly from the International Live Events Association, today’s episode is the perfect mix of small nuggets of precious information. All of them collected during ILEA 2019, and all of them from seriously iconic guests!For resources and more info, click here.

Here at Endless, we figured it was more than time we talked about planning sustainable events. As an industry, it’s extremely important that we are involved in the discussion of topics that matter for the world. And it’s even more significant that we choose to look at the bigger picture and think globally. Both as human beings and event professionals, we must be aware that our actions have a certain impact in the world. And we also have the responsibility of trying to improve it through planning sustainable events! For resources, click here.

Let’s get those event ideas muscles working, shall we? To all the nay-sayers, and all the non-believers out there, take note! Because today’s episode of #EventIcons is all about keeping it weird and making it awesome in the process. We’re exploring the amazing things that can come out of thinking outside the box, growing, and constantly learning in our industry. And while we know change can be scary, it tends to be for the best. Nothing can provide an extra kick to your event ideas quite like keeping it just a little weird…and you’re about to find out how. For resource, click here.

Another week, another iconic event prof! And for today’s episode, we’re proud to welcome our two amazing hosts, Lindsay Martin-Bilbrey and Brandt Krueger, and a very special guest. Ashley Strachovsky is an event prof and a 2019 Bizbash Rising Star. She was selected for her dedication to detail and her willingness to go above and beyond for every client. Additionally, Ashley has executed high-profile events including the MTV Music Awards, The US Open, Tribeca Film festival, Raise the Macallan tours, Thanksgiving Day Parade. Head to the blog for resources and additional info.

Hackathons for events might sound a bit strange at first. Even the most creative and out of the box event planners out there can frown at the thought of it. But the truth is, as professionals of the industry, it’s our job to consistently push forward in the idea department. And especially when it comes to the ideas that ensure the attendee experience goes from good to amazing. This is exactly where hackathons for events come in!For resources and additional info, click here.

Life on the road for event planners can be quite the hassle. Just ask our phenomenal hosts Brandt Krueger and Lindsay Martin-Bilbrey! The two have been on the road since early May, and boy, do they have a lot to share! Anyone who works in the event industry knows that traveling is an inevitable part of the job description. And even if you are more of the stay at home type, if you want in, you have to learn how to adapt. Living off of a suitcase isn’t exactly glamorous, but it can be rather fun. Plus, there is always something to learn with each new trip, and with each new event. For resources and more info, head to the blog!

It’s time for a brand new #EventIcons, and this time around, we’re exploring event marketing. More precisely, we’re going to walk you through the nitty and gritty of how we do marketing here at Endless Events! We take pride in always providing you with the best content out there when it comes to all things events. But what exactly goes down behind the scenes? How does our awesome remote team manage to create a foolproof event marketing strategy? That’s exactly what we’re disclosing today!

All the way from Toronto, we bring you the World Education Congress! Everybody loves a little surprise, right? And because here at Endless we like to keep things fresh, it’s time for a different #EventIcons. This week, we are coming to you live from the EventMobi offices in Canada. If you’ve been paying attention, you know the World Education Congress just took place. Bringing together opportunities for networking and education, the MPI WEC is a perfect nest for industry professionals.

How much of a headache is finding the best value for an event venue? Every single event planner out there knows the importance of choosing the right place to host an event. And more often than not, you're met with endless (pun intended) conflict and worries. Is this the best possible venue? Does it convey everything the event is about? Does it fit the budget, or do we need to consider a different direction? Yes, it can get quite complicated. But we're all about making your life easier! So on today's episode of #eventicons, we're talking about how to source and find the best value for the destination for a venue.

Today we’re tackling luxury experiences and events all the way from…a luxury location! This week’s #EventIcons looks even better than usual, coming directly from The Resort at Pelican Hill. This wonderful place is the epitome of the word lavish. Surrounded by the most beautiful views, imposing villas, and quite a bit to teach when it comes to luxury experiences and events.

Today on a more serious note, we’re talking about physical safety and security at events. This is one of the most important topics to cover, and especially nowadays. There’s always so much to think about when you’re playing an event, right? It’s a rollercoaster, it seems like everything might go wrong, and there’s not enough room space in your brain to worry about every single detail. But there’s one thing that event planners must always keep in mind! And that’s exactly the safety of their attendees.

Endless has been out and about lately – more precisely, around IMEX Frankfurt. This week, we’ve already brought you a very special edition of Event Tech Podcast. But there are so many cool new things to go over, one episode simply wouldn’t cut it! With that in mind, today we bring you an extra spicy edition of #EventIcons.