Elevated Eventures with David Sauers

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Elevated Eventure is a podcast that dives into the world of festivals and events, featuring candid conversations with the planners, organizers, and visionaries who bring them to life. Hosted by David Sauers, co-founder of Royal Restrooms, this podcast explores the behind-the-scenes challenges, industry insights, and innovative ideas shaping the event landscape. Whether you’re an event professional or just love the magic of live experiences, join us as we uncover what it takes to create unforgettable moments.

Episodes

  1. 06/13/2025 · VIDEO

    Let’s Talk About Turning Passion into Pop Culture Events

    “We wanted something different—anime, cosplay, video games, and a giant Box of Doom… and we made it happen.” — Emily Zillweger, City of Marietta Special Events Coordinator In Episode 7 of Elevated Eventure, host David Sauers sits down with Emily Zillweger, the visionary behind Marietta the Gathering—a free outdoor celebration of all things geek culture, right in the heart of Marietta, GA. What started as a tribute to her brother’s love for Magic: The Gathering turned into a full-scale festival that brings together cosplayers, artists, anime fans, gamers, and local businesses for a totally unique city-wide experience. It’s not your average arts & crafts fair—it’s a creative, tech-forward, fandom-fueled block party. Emily opens up about her background in hospitality and the arts, how her late mother inspired her creative courage, and why listening to your audience—and adapting to their passions—is key to building events that feel like home. Marietta the Gathering is a free, fall event held in historic downtown Marietta, Georgia. Blending cosplay, anime art, gaming zones, and pop culture vendors, it offers a vibrant, inclusive alternative to the traditional festival. Highlights include the interactive “Box of Doom” prize challenge and themed collaborations with local businesses. Designed for all ages and fandoms, it’s a fresh celebration of creativity, community, and geek culture. Website: mariettaparks.com Social Media: @MariettaGAParksRec (Instagram, Facebook, etc.) Contact: Emily Zillweger – ezillweger@mariettaga.gov Follow: @visitmariettaga for updates Full episode now streaming – Link in bio Connect with Emily Zillweger on LinkedIn for more behind-the-scenes event inspiration Whether you’re into anime, event planning, or just love seeing new ideas take shape—this one’s for you. #MariettaTheGathering #ElevatedEventure #PopCultureFestival #CosplayInThePark #CreativeEvents #GeekCultureIRL #BoxOfDoom #EventPlannerLife #MariettaGA #SmallTownBigIdeas #PodcastClip #EventProfs

    16 min

  2. 05/19/2025 · VIDEO

    Let's Talk About More Than Just Apples!

    🎙️ Episode 5: Let's Talk About More Than Just Apples!    In this heartfelt episode of Elevated Eventure, host David Sauers sits down with Jeremiah Parsons from the Paintsville Tourism Association to celebrate one of Kentucky’s sweetest traditions: the Kentucky Apple Festival.  Recorded live at the 2025 Southeast Festival and Events Association conference in Chattanooga, this conversation peels back the layers of a festival that began over 60 years ago when local farmers gathered at the courthouse steps to share their surplus apples. Today, that humble beginning has blossomed into a multi-day celebration rich with community, culture, and caramel-scented charm. What you'll hear in this episode: • The evolution of the Kentucky Apple Festival—from courthouse steps to full-blown spectacle • Apple pie contests, fun runs, car shows, pageants, and more • How local nonprofits use the festival to fundraise for vital programs • Why Paintsville is a must-visit—featuring gems like Mountain Home Place Farm & the Country Music Highway Museum 🎶 • Jeremiah’s personal story, including how children’s theater and two inspiring mentors shaped his path to community leadership 📅 Save the Date: The Kentucky Apple Festival is happening October 3–4, 2025 in Paintsville, KY! 🔗 Explore More: Festival Website: kyapplefest.org Tourism Info: paintsvilletourism.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyapplefest/ Whether you’re into food, music, heritage, or just good old-fashioned fun—this episode is a warm reminder of the magic that happens when a community comes together around something they love. Don’t forget to like, follow, or subscribe to Elevated Eventure for more behind-the-scenes stories from festivals, events, and the people who make the magic happen.  #KentuckyAppleFestival #PaintsvilleKY #FestivalLife #EventPlanning #SmallTownTraditions #CommunityEvents #ElevatedEventure

    13 min

  3. 05/06/2025 · VIDEO

    Let's Talk About A Santa Beach Run For A Cause

    In this episode of Elevated Eventure, host David Sauers sits down with Stephanie McIntyre, a 27-year event industry powerhouse best known for directing the North Carolina Seafood Festival—the state’s largest three-day festival. From coordinating scuba tanks to managing thousands of attendees, Stephanie has done it all. Now the founder of Staircase Event Sponsorship Consulting, Stephanie shares her journey into consulting, where she helps festivals, races, and charity events thrive through sponsorship strategy, logistics, and fundraising. One of the highlights? Her work with the Carteret County Partnership for Children, where she helped launch the festive and family-friendly Santa Beach Run in Atlantic Beach, NC. Think: sand, sneakers, and hundreds of Santas—all running to support early childhood programs. What you’ll hear in this episode: • How to land meaningful sponsorships (and some wild sponsor requests) • The evolution from event director to consultant • Tips on staying calm under pressure and managing teams effectively • Why aligning sponsor values is key to long-term success • A sneak peek at the Santa Beach Run and what makes it magical 📅 Save the Date: The Santa Beach Run happens every first Saturday of December in Atlantic Beach, NC! 🔗 Connect with Stephanie: Website: staircaseconsult.com Facebook: Staircase Event & Sponsorship Management Instagram: @Staircase_Event_Management LinkedIn: Staircase Event Consulting   Whether you're a seasoned planner or just getting started, this episode is packed with practical gems and inspiring stories from someone who’s been in the trenches—and built the ladder out. Like, follow, or subscribe to Elevated Eventure for more behind-the-scenes stories from the world of festivals and unforgettable experiences. #EventProfs #FestivalPlanning #SponsorshipTips #SantaRun #SeafoodFestival #ElevatedEventure #PodcastSeries

    19 min

  4. 04/08/2025 · VIDEO

    Let’s Talk About Bringing a City to Life!

    🎙️ New Episode Alert – Elevated Eventure Featuring Michelle Turner, Event Coordinator for the City of Greer, SC In the latest episode of Elevated Eventure, host David Sauers goes behind the scenes with Michelle Turner, the passionate and powerhouse event coordinator from the City of Greer, South Carolina. Michelle shares her journey and gives us a front-row seat to how her team brings Greer’s vibrant event calendar to life—including the beloved City of Greer International Festival, which has grown from representing 15 countries to over 40! Learn how Michelle and her team honor diversity, manage multiple city-wide events year-round, and build community through culture, music, and celebration. Hear about: The exciting evolution of the International Festival The City of Greer’s commitment to inclusivity and family-friendly events The teamwork and leadership that fuel these efforts Michelle’s inspirations and the biggest lessons she’s learned along the way 💡 Whether you're an event planner, city leader, or just a fan of community culture, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. 📅 Mark your calendars for April 26, 2025, and don’t miss the next City of Greer International Festival—a celebration of culture, food, music, and unity! 🔗 Learn more about the City of Greer: Website: www.cityofgreer.org Events Page: https://www.cityofgreer.org/164/Events Email: events@cityofgreer.org Phone: (864) 968-7008 📱 Follow the City of Greer on Social Media: Instagram: @cityofgreer Facebook: facebook.com/CityofGreer X (Twitter): @CityofGreer YouTube: City of Greer

    14 min

  5. 04/07/2025 · VIDEO

    Let's Talk About the Pickle Festival!!

    🎧 Dive into the world of pickles with this flavorful episode of Elevated Eventure! Host David Sauers sits down with Julie Beck—affectionately known as the Pickle Queen—as she spills the brine on her 30-year journey leading one of the South’s quirkiest and most beloved events: the North Carolina Pickle Festival. 🥒 🌍 From globe-trotting inspiration to savoring the perfect pickle-themed moments, Julie shares how a small-town festival in Mount Olive became a 60,000-strong sensation, the wild twists of planning community events, and even what it’s like to ride in a Blue Angel jet. ✈️ 🥒 What you’ll hear in this episode: • How the NC Pickle Festival became a big dill with fans nationwide • Julie’s top secrets for creating unforgettable local events • What it takes to keep a festival fresh (hint: a lot of creativity and community love!) • Festival facts, pickle passion, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else! 📅 Mark your calendar: The next North Carolina Pickle Festival is happening April 26, 2025—and trust us, you don’t want to miss it. 🔗 Explore More: Website: ncpicklefest.org Facebook: facebook.com/NCPickleFestival Instagram: @ncpicklefest 📞 Call the festival team: 919-658-3113 🎪 Don’t miss out on this fun, insightful, and delicious conversation that proves even the smallest towns can throw the biggest parties. 👉 Remember to like, follow, or subscribe for more inspiring stories from the world of festivals, overlanding, and unforgettable eventures! #PickleFestival #ElevatedEventure #EventPlanning #SmallTownBigFun #Podcast

    19 min

  6. 03/24/2025 · VIDEO

    Let's Talk About Breaking a Guinness World Record!

    Join host David Sauers at the Southeast Festival and Event Association Conference on the very first episode of "Elevated Edventure" as we chat with Rick Hubbard, a world-traveling entertainer with a knack for kazoos! 🎶 Dive into Rick's remarkable journey from discovering his love for music to becoming America's only full-time professional kazoo player. This episode is packed with laughter, fascinating stories, and even a special segment showing you how to play the kazoo! Rick shares the exciting plans to break the Guinness World Record on March 28th for the largest kazoo band at the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia, where kazoos originated. Learn about the history, the people involved, and how you can be part of this record-breaking event. Plus, find out how Rick's grandmother set him on his musical path, proving that you never know where life's turning points will lead you! Whether you're a festival enthusiast, a music lover, or just curious about the power of a humble kazoo, this episode is for you. Don't forget to like, follow, and subscribe to "Elevated Adventure" for more insights into the world of festivals. 🌟🎉   #ElevatedEventure #RickKazoo #KazooFun #FestivalInsights #EntertainmentJourney #WorldRecordKazoo #CherryBlossomFestival #GuinnessWorldRecords #KazooBand #MaconGA #Kazoobie #MusicInYourLife #RickHubbard #KazooFactory   🎶 Let’s Make Some Noise! 🎶 🌐 Website: www.kazoos.com 🛒 Shop Kazoos: Shop Now 📧 Email: rick@kazoobie.com 📺 Watch the Show: Watch Here 🏆 Guinness World Record Attempt Info: Largest Kazoo Ensemble! 🎤 Book a Live Kazoo Show: Book Here 📚 Learn How to Play: Kazoo Tutorials 📱 Follow on social: Instagram: @kazoobie_kazoos Facebook: @kazoobiekazoos TikTok: @kazoobiekazoos YouTube: @kazoobiekazoos The Web: https://cherryblossom.com   🎉 Join the fun, grab your kazoo, and let’s set a world record together! #KazooCrew #KazoobieKazoos #KazooWorldRecord #KazooFun #JoinTheNoise

    16 min
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Elevated Eventure is a podcast that dives into the world of festivals and events, featuring candid conversations with the planners, organizers, and visionaries who bring them to life. Hosted by David Sauers, co-founder of Royal Restrooms, this podcast explores the behind-the-scenes challenges, industry insights, and innovative ideas shaping the event landscape. Whether you’re an event professional or just love the magic of live experiences, join us as we uncover what it takes to create unforgettable moments.

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