Production Value Matters: The Business Event Podcast

Byrne Production Services

Want to learn how to create exceptional B2B events that leave a lasting impression and deliver real results? Whether you’re tackling event planning, AV production, or the finer details of event management, we’ve got you covered. Brought to you by Byrne Production Services, Production Value Matters: The Business Event Podcast dives into the world of B2B events with candid conversations and insights from top industry experts. From event trends and planning tips to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re here to answer your biggest questions and help you take your events to the next level. Tune in for actionable advice, fresh perspectives, and a little inspiration to make your events unforgettable! Audience Question and Answer form: https://forms.gle/rVmNEPvtB8A3kort9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. The Truth About AV Monopolies:  Do Event Planners Really Have a Choice? with Tim Lang, President of Proshow AV

    5 DAYS AGO

    The Truth About AV Monopolies: Do Event Planners Really Have a Choice? with Tim Lang, President of Proshow AV

    Is your AV partner really your choice or your venue’s? Event technology is no longer just background. It's the very fabric of how audiences experience events. In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne speaks with Tim Lang, President of Proshow Audiovisual and President of the Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association (CAVPA), about the transformation of AV, industry advocacy, and the critical issues shaping Canada’s event landscape. Tim brings over 30 years of experience in Canada’s AV and live events industry, with a career that spans technician work, operations, executive leadership, and now advocacy for Canadian-owned AV providers nationwide. Together, Matthew and Tim dig into everything from client expectations to venue monopolies, sustainability, and what keeps AV pros inspired. What You’ll Learn:How AV has evolved from overhead projectors to LED walls and immersive videoWhy today’s AV technicians must also be network engineersThe challenges and consequences of near-monopoly in-house AV contracts at venuesHow CAVPA is giving Canada’s AV industry a long-overdue voice with governmentThe importance of transparency in venue contracts and RFPsLessons from pandemic-era advocacy and the risks of future policy blind spotsStrategies for Canadian AV companies to stay competitive in a global marketAdvice for young professionals entering the AV and live events industryThe biggest wastes (poor pre-event planning) and greatest values (video technology and sustainability) in event productionAbout the Guest: Tim Lang is President of Proshow Audiovisual, leading a team that produces over 1,500 events annually, and President of the Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association (CAVPA). With more than three decades of experience, Tim has led thousands of high-profile productions for corporate, government, and non-profit clients. At CAVPA, he champions fair competition, workforce growth, and collaboration among Canadian-owned AV providers to ensure the industry continues to thrive. Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timlang-bc/ For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min
  2. The Evolution Of The Event Team: How To Thrive On Tighter Budgets in 2025 with Dr. David Burkus

    2 SEPT

    The Evolution Of The Event Team: How To Thrive On Tighter Budgets in 2025 with Dr. David Burkus

    How can event teams keep pace with AI, without losing the human connection audiences crave? In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne is joined by world-renowned leadership and teamwork expert Dr. David Burkus to unpack the real drivers of event transformation in 2025. Together they dive into why in-person events will matter more than ever in an AI-saturated world, how to treat every event as a new team, and why constraints can actually unlock creativity. Burkus shares bold takes on surprise-and-delight moments, smarter ROI measurement, and how event pros can build meaningful connection without massive budgets, gimmicks..or celebrity speakers. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to use AI as “the world’s smartest intern” to bridge collaboration between event stakeholdersWhy surprise and delight must go beyond gimmicks like photo boothsHow in-person connection is more valuable than ever in an AI-driven eraWhy every event is a new team (and how that mindset transforms collaboration)Why constraints spark creativity and lead to more innovative event designWhy celebrity speakers don’t deliver ROI—and what audiences really want insteadHow to measure event impact beyond surveys by capturing long-term outcomes and stories About the Guest: Dr. David Burkus is one of the world’s leading business thinkers, a 5X bestselling author, and an internationally renowned keynote speaker on leadership and teamwork. His ideas have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, CNN, BBC, and NPR. A former business school professor, he now works with organizations like Adobe, PepsiCo, Fidelity, and NASA to help leaders and teams unlock their full potential. Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidburkus/ For additional resources for #eventprofs, or to submit your event production question visit www.productionvaluematters.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  3. Fixing a $3.6 Trillion Industry: Why Event Pros Must Unite with Stacy Wyatt

    26 AUG

    Fixing a $3.6 Trillion Industry: Why Event Pros Must Unite with Stacy Wyatt

    Why does one of the world’s most powerful industries still struggle with fragmentation, burnout, and undervaluation?  In this powerful episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne sits down with Stacy Wyatt—publisher, producer, and founder of Canadian Special Events (CSE). Together, they unpack the urgent challenges facing the events industry and why now is the time to act. From unpaid overtime to the broken RFP process, Stacy explains why the Business of Events initiative is mobilizing professionals across Canada to finally push for unified standards and real accountability.  Listeners will hear why she believes peer pressure and FOMO may be the key drivers of reform, how Canadian collaboration stands out on the global stage, and what event professionals can do right now to push for authenticity and purpose in their work. Stacy also reflects on her passion for events, the unique power of live connection, and the lessons learned from building Canada’s largest event professional community.  What You’ll Learn:  Why the industry must unify around standards to move forward The hidden costs of burnout and overtime in corporate events How RFP reform could transform fairness and transparency Why collective adoption, not associations alone, will create change The role of authenticity, purpose, and connection in event design How Canadian event practices compare to global markets The dangers of tokenism in cultural representation Why “festivalization” and AI are shaping the future of events  About the Guest:  Stacy Wyatt is a Canadian event professional, marketing strategist, publisher, and producer known for designing innovative conferences, trade shows, and brand experiences. As the force behind Canadian Special Events, she has built Canada’s largest community of event professionals and founded hallmark events like CSE Live and the Canadian Event Awards. Her career includes over a decade at the University of Manitoba leading 900+ events, including the opening of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Stacy is a passionate advocate for elevating the industry through innovation, education, and equity.  Add your voice to the conversation about the future of events and take the Business of Events Survery HERE. You can also join The LinkedIn Group Here.   Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep  Follow Stacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-wyatt-canada/  For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  4. On Show Floor at CMEE: ROI vs. Regrets in Event Production

    19 AUG

    On Show Floor at CMEE: ROI vs. Regrets in Event Production

    In this special on-site edition of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne takes the mic straight to the show floor at CMEE 2025 to ask one question: What’s truly valuable in event production and what’s just a waste of time, money, or energy?  Event pros from across the industry share candid, rapid-fire takes on what they’d keep, what they’d cut, and what actually makes an event memorable. From collaboration mindsets and intentional stage design to overpriced coffee, pointless apps, and tired entertainment trends, nothing is off-limits.  What you’ll hear:  • The most valuable elements event pros won’t compromise on  • Budget-busting wastes they’d cut tomorrow  • Why connection beats décor every time  • The role of collaboration in modern events  • What’s next for creating meaningful attendee experiences  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  Host LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep  For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com  Matthew Byrne is the Founder of Byrne Production Services and host of the Production Value Matters podcast. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale AV and event production, Matthew helps event leaders bring strategy, technology, and storytelling together to create unforgettable experiences.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here.  Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep  For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com  For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min
  5. How to Build Ethical and Effective RFPs That Vendors Actually Want to Answer

    12 AUG

    How to Build Ethical and Effective RFPs That Vendors Actually Want to Answer

    Is your RFP helping you find the right partner—or just the best guesser? In this solo episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most misunderstood—and misused—tools in event planning: the RFP. With decades of experience on the receiving end of these requests, Matthew unpacks why so many RFPs fall short and how to write ones that actually work. From budget transparency to submission ethics, this episode is a must-listen for anyone sending or responding to RFPs. You’ll learn why withholding information doesn’t create leverage—it creates confusion—and how sharing your objectives and constraints sets the foundation for real, impactful collaboration. Matthew also outlines a simple, seven-part RFP structure that will help event professionals get better proposals, build better relationships, and ultimately deliver better events. What You’ll Learn: Why most RFPs are built for control, not collaborationWhat to include in your RFP to get strategic responsesHow to clearly define event objectives, audience, and technical needsWhy budget transparency saves time and moneyWhat NOT to ask for in an RFP (like unpaid creative work)How to avoid legal and ethical RFP pitfallsA practical 7-section template for your next RFPWhy events aren’t commodities—and your RFP shouldn’t treat them like one Matthew Byrne is the Founder of Byrne Production Services and host of the Production Value Matters podcast. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale AV and event production, Matthew helps event leaders bring strategy, technology, and storytelling together to create unforgettable experiences. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here. Download our FREE RFP Template Here! Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min
  6. The Collapse of Colbert: Can Your Event Survive the Attention Economy?

    5 AUG

    The Collapse of Colbert: Can Your Event Survive the Attention Economy?

    Colbert couldn’t survive the attention economy. Can your next event? Stephen Colbert’s Late Show once pulled in millions of viewers. But recently, CBS canceled it after losing $40 million a year. Why? Not because the content was bad, but because the format no longer fit how people consume content today. In this solo episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne explains why this isn’t just a broadcast TV problem, it’s a wake-up call for anyone producing business events. Matthew unpacks how the same outdated model that led to Colbert’s decline is still being used in boardrooms and ballrooms—and why that has to change. He introduces the concept of the attention economy, where audience engagement is more valuable (and more fragile) than ever. You’ll learn how to modernize your event strategy to meet today’s viewing habits and expectations, using flexible, data-driven formats like virtual, hybrid, and micro events. Whether you're producing a global summit or a private roundtable, this episode is your guide to creating events that are leaner, more engaging, and built for today’s reality. What you’ll learn: How the cancellation of Colbert’s show mirrors the struggles of traditional event formatsWhat the “attention economy” is and why it’s disrupting live eventsThe ROI benefits of virtual, hybrid, and micro eventsHow to reallocate production budgets to what actually drives valueThe importance of data-rich virtual experiences for lead scoring and follow-upWhy hybrid isn’t a fallback—it’s a flexible powerhouseHow micro events deliver deeper connections and stronger engagementWhy event strategy must evolve or risk becoming irrelevant Matthew Byrne is the Founder of Byrne Production Services and host of the Production Value Matters podcast. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale AV and event production, Matthew helps event leaders bring strategy, technology, and storytelling together to create unforgettable experiences. Click here to download the report: Rethinking Event Strategy In A New Attention Economy If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here. Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    10 min
  7. Empathy Will Elevate Your Event Strategy with Award-Winning Event Strategist Beth Lawrence

    29 JUL

    Empathy Will Elevate Your Event Strategy with Award-Winning Event Strategist Beth Lawrence

    According to award-winning strategist Beth Lawrence, it’s not the format, it’s how people feel. In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne sits down with Beth Lawrence, an award-winning event strategist and Chief Experience Officer of Beth Lawrence Meetings & Events, to explore how empathy and personalization can elevate event strategy in a time of uncertainty and pressure. Beth shares candid stories from her 20+ year career in luxury hospitality and event planning, including how she navigated the 2020 pivot with resilience and empathy. She dives into how audience understanding is the key to driving meaningful ROI and long-term community building. From designing with the five senses to rethinking sponsorship logistics, Beth explains why experience and execution aren’t separate, they’re one and the same. What You’ll Learn: Why “anxiety is a superpower” for planners—and how to turn stress into strategyHow to design events that consider how people actually interact, not just consume contentWhat the “five senses of your brand” are and how they deepen memory and impactHow to plan for different personality types (introverts, ambiverts, extroverts)Why audience understanding must come before format (virtual/hybrid/live)How micro-events and intentional design are reshaping B2B event successWhy event logistics = stakeholder experience—especially for sponsors and speakersThe surprising downsides of over-investing in event tech (like apps)How to design with values and create ripple effects beyond the event About the Guest: Beth Lawrence is an award-winning event strategist and the Chief Experience Officer of Beth Lawrence Meetings & Events. With over 20 years in luxury hospitality and a CMP designation, Beth has produced high-impact experiences for clients like Independence Blue Cross, Public Interest Law Center, and the New Jersey Historical Commission. She’s also the former host of The Type A+ Podcast, where she offered tips for balancing life and business. Beth brings a human-first lens to every project, blending empathy, logistics, and brand alignment to create lasting event experiences. Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep Follow Beth on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethlawrencecmp/ For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  8. Why Your Event Fell Apart: The Meeting That Never Happened

    22 JUL

    Why Your Event Fell Apart: The Meeting That Never Happened

    In this solo episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne takes you backstage—before the lights, before the walk-on music, before the chaos. Drawing from two decades of production experience, Matthew breaks down how a missed pre-event meeting can unravel even the most polished event in its first three minutes. This is not a conversation about gear. It’s about leadership, communication, and making sure your AV team isn’t showing up blind. From initial creative downloads to wardrobe strategy, stage walkthroughs, and cue-to-cue rehearsals, Matthew outlines the critical checkpoints that separate seamless shows from show-saving scrambles. Whether you’re a senior planner, executive, or production lead, this episode will reshape how you think about AV and why early alignment is the best insurance policy your event has.  What You’ll Learn:Why show disasters start months before the event, not backstageThe must-have details to include in your initial creative download meetingHow to align the C-suite, speakers, and AV team before the pressure is onWardrobe as a critical (and overlooked) production decisionThe power of paper tech and cue-to-cue rehearsals without talentHow to support presenters for maximum comfort and confidence on stageWhat a “production tie-down” meeting should includeHow strong pre-pro gives your team the flexibility to adapt when things changeWhy your AV team needs to be viewed as experience architects, not tech operators Matthew Byrne is the Founder of Byrne Production Services and host of the Production Value Matters podcast. With over 20 years of experience in large-scale AV and event production, Matthew helps event leaders bring strategy, technology, and storytelling together to create unforgettable experiences. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Instructions on how to do this are here. Follow and Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes: Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    12 min

About

Want to learn how to create exceptional B2B events that leave a lasting impression and deliver real results? Whether you’re tackling event planning, AV production, or the finer details of event management, we’ve got you covered. Brought to you by Byrne Production Services, Production Value Matters: The Business Event Podcast dives into the world of B2B events with candid conversations and insights from top industry experts. From event trends and planning tips to behind-the-scenes stories, we’re here to answer your biggest questions and help you take your events to the next level. Tune in for actionable advice, fresh perspectives, and a little inspiration to make your events unforgettable! Audience Question and Answer form: https://forms.gle/rVmNEPvtB8A3kort9 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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