Event About It

Megan Martin
  • 5.0 (10)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Step into the world of events with *Event About It*, the podcast for everything event-led growth. Hosted by Megan, a sharp-witted industry leader, this show is your backstage pass to candid conversations about events. Dive into strategies behind successful events that drive business growth and create unforgettable experiences. But it’s not just about the metrics—get ready for wild, unexpected, and downright crazy behind-the-scenes stories. Join us for raw truths, practical takeaways, and a fresh perspective. Want more? Subscribe for exclusive bonus content!

  1. 3D AGO · BONUS

    15 AFTER SHOW - Do You Really Need a CMP to Level Up in the Events Industry? with Jessie Smith

    If you’ve ever wondered how your early event jobs shaped the way you plan today, this one’s for you. In this “Dynamic Dialogue After Show”, host Megan Martin and guest Jessie Smith rewind to where it all began. Starting on the venue side, learning the ropes from restaurant sales offices to full-scale corporate programs, and how those “learn-it-on-the-fly” lessons built a 20-year career in events for Jessie. Jessie opens up about what earning two degrees in event management really taught her, and how living at a slower pace has reshaped her approach to work, leadership, and burnout. From hospitality roots to managing high-stakes global programs, this “After Show” is a refreshing reminder that success looks different for everyone. It’s okay to define it on your own terms. 🔥 What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How starting on the venue side shapes the way planners think Why formal education in event management still matters The difference between big-city hustle and small-town balance Whether earning your CMP is truly worth it — and what it actually changes How Jessie defines “success” after two decades in events About the Guest: Jessie Smith is an Event Manager at Enterprise Events Group and a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Virtual Event Producer, and Event Strategist. She’s an industry enthusiast who brings heart, humor, and hands-on experience to every production she manages. Have a Vent of the Week? Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content! Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media @eventaboutit https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit Work with Megan Martin https://msquareddynamics.com/ Connect with the Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmith1031/

    26 min

  2. NOV 7

    15 What Happens When the Sprinklers Crash the Party? with Jessie Smith

    If you’ve ever had an event day spiral into chaos and somehow still pulled off magic, this one’s for you. Host Megan Martin sits down with Jessie Smith, Event Manager at Enterprise Events Group, who’s known for delivering high-stakes programs with poise, precision, and serious production chops. Together they laugh about the real life chaos of event planning like sprinklers going off in the middle of an event gala dinner and discuss why the post-COVID event timeline still gives planners nightmares. Plus, they play Run of Showdown. The rapid-fire game of planner instincts that’ll have you shouting your own answers out loud. What you'll learn in this episode: How Jessie accidentally launched her career running a hotel sales office in college Why she went back to school for both undergrad and grad degrees in event management The event that went off the rails when a key team member ended up in jail (yes, really) Murphy’s Law in action: mud pits, busted sprinklers, and keeping guests calm The “tight timeline trap” and how the industry still hasn’t recovered from it The Run of Showdown game: VIP seating vs. GA, selfie stations vs. step-and-repeats, and more About the Guest: Jessie Smith is an Event Manager at Enterprise Events Group, known for her ability to keep cool under pressure and execute global programs seamlessly. She’s a Certified Meeting Professional, Virtual Event Producer, Event Strategist, and lifelong events enthusiast. Have a Vent of the Week? Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content! Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media @eventaboutit https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit Work with Megan Martin https://msquareddynamics.com/ Connect with the Guest https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmith1031/

    20 min

  3. OCT 31 · BONUS

    14 AFTER SHOW Is Your Event Too Safe to Succeed? with Marc Ghafoori

    If you’ve ever felt like running your business feels more like chasing cars than driving them, then you’ll relate to this episode. This week on the Event About It Dynamic Dialogue After Show, Megan Martin sits down with Marc Ghafoori, CEO and founder of AlphaTooth, for a real and raw conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, and what it means to build something that lasts in the events world. They dive into the unglamorous side of starting up, the evolution of personal vs. business brands, and the power of advocacy in an industry that often operates behind the curtain. Marc shares what launching his company taught him about pivoting, self-discovery, and redefining success on his own terms. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This After Show Episode: What starting AlphaTooth really looks like behind the scenes—and what no book or mentor tells you How to reevaluate your business every 90 days to stay aligned and inspired Why event entrepreneurs must separate their brand from their business The truth about advocacy work and how it’s shaping our future How to find inspiration and community through connection (and why Club Ichi might just be the blueprint for industry evolution) It’s honest, insightful, and a must-listen for every event professional reimagining what leadership and innovation look like today. About the Guest: Marc Ghafoori is the CEO and founder of AlphaTooth, a creative strategy and production consultancy helping event organizations design smarter, bolder, more impactful experiences. With 15+ years in the events industry and a background in architecture, Marc is known for fusing design-thinking with advocacy to move the industry forward. Have a Vent of the Week? Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the Week”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content! Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media @eventaboutit https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit Work with Megan Martin https://msquareddynamics.com/ Connect with the Guest https://www.alphatooth.com/marc-ghafoori

    53 min

  4. OCT 27

    14 Can You Survive an Event Move-Out When the Only Elevator Breaks? With Marc Ghafoori

    If you’ve ever felt like your event lineup is running on repeat, this episode is your wake-up call. Megan Martin sits down with Marc Ghafoori, a creative event strategist who’s built a career helping brands transform tired conference formats into experiences that actually inspire people to care.  Together, they talk about the all-too-familiar chaos that happens when plans go sideways and how to bring the energy back when your keynote—or your client—loses the plot. From what makes a good event actually “good” to the creative burnout so many producers face, this episode gives the honest, funny, and sometimes painfully relatable truths about being the one everyone looks at when the lights flicker. They also play a round of Tooth or Dare, where Marc shares which event buzzwords make him cringe and the one industry peer he’d love to trade jobs with (spoiler: he might bend the rules on that one). 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to reset the room when a keynote (or an event) derails Why creativity doesn’t survive in constant chaos What makes event producers secretly love the adrenaline rush The buzzword Marc thinks should be permanently banned Which event pro he’d swap roles with for a week—and why About the Guest: ⁠Marc Ghafoori ⁠is an award-winning event strategist and creative producer known for turning traditional conferences into high-impact, story-driven experiences that connect audiences and brands. His work blends design, direction, and innovation to help clients deliver events that resonate long after the lights go down. Have a Vent of the Week? Head to ⁠eventaboutitpodcast.com⁠ to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content! Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media @eventaboutit ⁠https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit⁠ Work with Megan Martin ⁠https://msquareddynamics.com/⁠ Connect with the Guest ⁠https://www.alphatooth.com/marc-ghafoori⁠

    29 min

  5. OCT 27

    14 Can You Survive an Event Move-Out When the Only Elevator Breaks? With Marc Ghafoori

    If you’ve ever felt like your event lineup is running on repeat, this episode is your wake-up call. Megan Martin sits down with Marc Ghafoori, a creative event strategist who’s built a career helping brands transform tired conference formats into experiences that actually inspire people to care.  Together, they talk about the all-too-familiar chaos that happens when plans go sideways and how to bring the energy back when your keynote—or your client—loses the plot. From what makes a good event actually “good” to the creative burnout so many producers face, this episode gives the honest, funny, and sometimes painfully relatable truths about being the one everyone looks at when the lights flicker. They also play a round of Tooth or Dare, where Marc shares which event buzzwords make him cringe and the one industry peer he’d love to trade jobs with (spoiler: he might bend the rules on that one). 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to reset the room when a keynote (or an event) derails Why creativity doesn’t survive in constant chaos What makes event producers secretly love the adrenaline rush The buzzword Marc thinks should be permanently banned Which event pro he’d swap roles with for a week—and why About the Guest: Marc Ghafoori is an award-winning event strategist and creative producer known for turning traditional conferences into high-impact, story-driven experiences that connect audiences and brands. His work blends design, direction, and innovation to help clients deliver events that resonate long after the lights go down. Have a Vent of the Week? Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK”, it can be anonymous, and join the Squared Squad for bonus content! Connect with Us! Follow the show on social media @eventaboutit https://www.instagram.com/eventaboutit Work with Megan Martin https://msquareddynamics.com/ Connect with the Guest https://www.alphatooth.com/marc-ghafoori

    29 min

  6. OCT 10 · BONUS

    13 AFTER SHOW Can You Deliver a VIP Event on a General Admission Budget? With Neen James

    Behind the disco-ball energy and champagne sparkle, Neen James is on a mission to prove that luxury is a mindset, not a price tag. In this After Show, Megan Martin and Neen James dig deeper into Exceptional Experiences. What does that mean? It means exploring how to create personalization at scale, giving attendees behind-the-scenes access, and how contagious confidence can elevate your event culture. They also swap stories about luxury hotel dogs, knife sommeliers, and why hot pink has become Neen’s ultimate power move in every boardroom. And of course, they get into guilty pleasures, leadership trends that need to die, and how event profs can protect their energy while showing up 100% for clients. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This After Show: How to spot and create daily champagne moments for your team and clients Why behind-the-scenes access is one of the most powerful luxury levers The mindset shift every middle manager can use to sell leadership on luxury experiences How to care for employees as much as attendees—front of house and back of house The real story behind Neen’s pink power brand and how to own your presence in any room About the Guest: Neen James is a leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of three books including Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, sharp wit, and a signature pink style, she’s been called the “Energizer Bunny” of the speaking world and works with Fortune 500 leaders, associations, and even the FBI to help them elevate experiences and influence. Have your own “Vent of Week?” Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com  and tell it to us so we can play it on an upcoming episode! Want to support the show? Share this episode with an event prof who would love to hear these tips. Follow on Instagram @EventAboutIt Connect with Megan⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠ Connect with Neen HERE

    39 min

  7. OCT 3

    13 Would Your Speaker Survive a Fire Alarm Mid-Event? with Neen James

    If your attendee check-in feels more like standing in line at the DMV than stepping onto a red carpet, you NEED this episode. Host Megan Martin sits down with Neen James, leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and author of her brand-new book Exceptional Experiences.  Neen is known for teaching the world that attention pays and that pink goes with everything. She spills her luxury mindset secrets for creating champagne moments that make attendees feel seen, heard, and valued. From turning service fails into brand-building opportunities to rethinking swag bags, registration emails, and lunch breaks, Neen shows event profs how to elevate everyday touchpoints into unforgettable experiences. 🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why “luxury” is not about money but rather mindset The difference between a concierge vs. a bellhop approach to event planning How to create personalized speaker gifts that don’t end up in the hotel trash Easy upgrades to check-in, confirmation emails, and attendee lunches The Experience Elevation Model—and how to apply it at any budget About the Guest:  Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and Exceptional Experiences. She consults with Fortune 500 executives, sits on the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, and is known for helping leaders deliver experiences that drive revenue, results, and lasting connections. Want to hear more from the guest? Listen to the Dynamic Dialogue After Show dropping next week.  Have a wild event story you want to share? Tell it to us at eventaboutitpodcast.com so we can play it on an upcoming episode. Connect with Megan⁠ https://msquareddynamics.com/ Connect with Neen https://neenjames.com/

    30 min

  8. SEP 19 · BONUS

    12 AFTER SHOW What Data Do CEOs Actually Care About from Event Planners? with Johnnie White

    What do CEOs really want from event professionals—and how do you stay sane when you’re the one delivering it? In this After Show, host Megan and Johnnie White dig into the unfiltered truth: why planners need to show up with strategy (not just logistics), what data leaders actually care about, and how to balance vision with daily operations. You’ll hear what Johnnie learned as the only man on the Association for Women in Events board, how a “brilliant” idea to give away 10,000 tablets backfired, and why storytelling with data is the ultimate skill for event pros who want a seat at the table. What You’ll Learn in This After Show: The financial and strategic data CEOs actually need from planners Why event leaders must bring strategy—not just logistics—to the C-suite How long-term vision and daily operations can (and must) co-exist What Johnnie learned from serving as the sole male board member in AWE Why that 10,000-tablet giveaway turned into a cautionary tale About the Guest: Johnnie White is the CEO of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, with 30+ years of leadership across associations. He’s served as PCMA Board Chair, sits on the ASAE board, and is an award-winning association executive dedicated to elevating events and the professionals behind them Want More? Head to eventaboutitpodcast.com to share YOUR “Vent of the WeeK” and join the Squared Squad for bonus content, guest Q&As, and our exclusive After Show. Share this with a fellow industry friend who needs to hear this! Connect with Megan HERE: https://msquareddynamics.com/ Connect with Johnnie HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnniewhiteceo/

    25 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Step into the world of events with *Event About It*, the podcast for everything event-led growth. Hosted by Megan, a sharp-witted industry leader, this show is your backstage pass to candid conversations about events. Dive into strategies behind successful events that drive business growth and create unforgettable experiences. But it’s not just about the metrics—get ready for wild, unexpected, and downright crazy behind-the-scenes stories. Join us for raw truths, practical takeaways, and a fresh perspective. Want more? Subscribe for exclusive bonus content!

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Martin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Megan Martin
  • Show Website
    Event About It

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