Great Events Cvent

Have you made a habit of prioritizing sustainability? 

In the events industry, it’s much-discussed, but action is key. As Great Events host Alyssa Peltier says, “When it comes to sustainability, a zero excuses policy is the best policy.” 

In this episode, Alyssa joins fellow hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu to discuss insights shared by Cassidy Knowles, Group Managing Director of Chorus Creative Group. 

From Chorus's spectacular sustainability efforts to the small steps each individual can take, this conversation is packed with actionable advice. 

Here are a few takeaways:
Ask: How can we reduce first? It’s about the best money-saving strategy for the organization's people and the planet. Start small: With large organizations, one policy change that can be rolled out across that sea of events is significant. Begin to institutionalize things, and that institutionalization becomes a cultural shift. There’s always more to learn, and—to that end—Cassidy suggests visiting the B Corp website and filling out an initial survey. 

Content doesn't have to go to waste. 

Rather, its shelf life and value can increase over time.
In this episode of Great Events, join host Felicia Asiedu and content strategist Victoria Akinsowon as they dive deep into the art of repurposing event content. 

They discuss practical tips for identifying the most resonant event themes/messages and how to repurpose them into various formats––from turning event sessions into engaging blog posts to creating captivating video snippets for social media.

They also tap into the significance of audience feedback and use real-time insights from events to guide your content strategy. They leverage tools like AI for efficient content repurposing and share insights into measuring the success of your repurposed content across different platforms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to utilize your event content to the fullest potential by using real-time audience insights and feedback to create meaningful contentHow to leverage a variety of content formats and channels to extend the lifespan and reach of your event contentHow to stay agile in measuring and adapting your content's impact across different channels

Why does Group Travel matter so much? 

In a world full of Zoom and digital dial-ins, what makes in-person connection so essential? 

Well, in this episode of Great Events, hosts Rachel Andrews and Felicia Asiedu discuss those very questions—and usher in Global Meetings Industry Day— with Ishma Haider, VP of Group Travel at the US Travel Association. 

From defining the whats and whys of the Association to the broader roles of advocacy and in-person global events, it’s the perfect conversation to kick off GMID 2024. 

Here are some key takeaways:
There are a wide variety of resources available to members of the US Travel Association. Take a closer look at all the areas this organization impacts and how it can help you in your corner of the industry.To breathe innovation into events, it’s important to keep a pulse on what the industry wants. Events like IPW are a great way to do just that. When the travel industry thrives, America thrives. In 2023, travelers in the US spent 1.3 trillion, producing an economic footprint of 2.8 trillion and supporting more than 15 million American jobs. And in the meetings and events space, 2023 travel contributed 119 billion in spending to the US economy. 
Additional Resources:
GMID Toolkit to help you engage in the day: Global Meetings Industry Day Toolkit | U.S. Travel Association (ustravel.org). Reach out to your local policymakers (and neighbors) to share about our industry - what it brings, what it means to you, and why meetings matter. 

What are you doing to improve the effectiveness of your SKO event planning?

In this episode of Great Events, join host Alyssa Peltier as she dives into a discussion with Caroline DeCamp and Becca Martinson from Morningstar. They share their insights and experiences in planning and executing Sales Kickoffs (SKOs) and other large-scale events. 

The conversation covers various aspects of SKO planning, including challenges related to attendance, scaling content regionally, engaging stakeholders, measuring event success, and planning for the future. 

Whether you aim to make your events more inclusive, leverage AI for content creation, or effectively measure their impact, this conversation offers the guidance you need. 

Here are a few takeaways:
Implement strategies to accommodate demand to manage scope creep in event attendance effectively. It is essential to maintain exclusivity and relevance throughout the process.To enhance inclusivity in event experiences, implement closed captions and quiet areas for attendeesTo streamline event planning processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate data-driven decision-making, implement AI

It's not just about logistics—it’s about crafting event narratives that truly resonate with your audience.

This is a philosophy that @Traci DePuy, CMO of PCMA, encourages us to follow. 

In this episode of Great Events, @Rachel Andrews and Traci explore crafting impactful experiences and professional growth within the events industry. 

Traci reveals the multifaceted nature of event success, weaving together strategic alignment, technological innovation, and personal development. 

She discusses the critical elements that contribute to the success of impactful events. Using examples like EdgeIcon in Detroit and the SEMA summit in Seattle, she illustrates how aligning objectives, branding, and location can reshape expectations and drive success.

You won’t want to miss it.

Here are a few takeaways:
By embracing AI tools like Spark, you can make your event planning easier and more impactfulBoost attendee engagement and create memorable experiences by aligning your event objectives, branding, and locationTo build a strong support network within the events industry for mentorship, identify key stakeholders, and research existing networks

A rising tide lifts all boats. 

That’s the perspective Cat Kevern, Director of Electric Cat Productions and Chair of NOWIE (The Network of Women in Events), brings to promoting women in the events industry.

Rather than shaming or alienating others, Cat invites everyone to elevate women and strongly believes in the power of allyship.

In this episode, Cat discusses how NOWIE is fostering a supportive community for women and setting industry standards. Cat also shares her journey from starting out as a freelancer to establishing her own business, offering valuable insights into navigating the events industry as a newcomer.

Press play to learn how to build a successful career in events and champion the advancement of women in the industry, no matter who you are.

Here are a few takeaways:
To build a successful career in events, leverage your transferable skills, take initiative to learn what you need to know, and gain experience in a variety of settingsReduce the barrier to entry to create an inclusive and empowering environmentLean into allyship to promote equity and representation