40 episodes

From locking in tech vendors to booking high-impact speakers to ensuring the cocktail hour goes off without a hitch, planning meetings or events can be a daunting task, and the likelihood of something going sideways is inevitable. No matter your experience level or the number of events you've planned.

Brought to you by eSpeakers, No More Bad Events is the professional event planner's best resource for navigating this tenuous universe towards event perfection every time.

Hosted by Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events provides an inside look into the world of flawless event execution, insider secrets, non-traditional approaches, and must-have tactics, as shared by legendary event organizers and contributors. Each episode also provides key insights to ensure your next event is met with rave reviews and resounding success.

Tune into No More Bad Events on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

No More Bad Events is produced and presented by eSpeakers.

No More Bad Events Scott Bloom, eSpeakers

    • Business
    • 5.0 • 3 Ratings

From locking in tech vendors to booking high-impact speakers to ensuring the cocktail hour goes off without a hitch, planning meetings or events can be a daunting task, and the likelihood of something going sideways is inevitable. No matter your experience level or the number of events you've planned.

Brought to you by eSpeakers, No More Bad Events is the professional event planner's best resource for navigating this tenuous universe towards event perfection every time.

Hosted by Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events provides an inside look into the world of flawless event execution, insider secrets, non-traditional approaches, and must-have tactics, as shared by legendary event organizers and contributors. Each episode also provides key insights to ensure your next event is met with rave reviews and resounding success.

Tune into No More Bad Events on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

No More Bad Events is produced and presented by eSpeakers.

    Level Up with Gamification (ft. Rob Ferre, CSP | Speaker, Game Show Host, Master of Ceremonies)

    Level Up with Gamification (ft. Rob Ferre, CSP | Speaker, Game Show Host, Master of Ceremonies)

    In this engaging episode, host Scott Bloom talks with gamification and engagement expert Rob Ferre, who shares his insights on using games to elevate events.

    A veteran game show host, Ferre’s journey started as a theme park DJ and quickly evolved into the broader corporate market. In that role, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and aligning games with client objectives. Over time, he's crafted a variety of customized interactive, audience-engaging games for events of all kinds.

    From clever icebreakers to full-fledged game shows, Rob talks about ways to incorporate prizes, technology, and that all-important laughter into any event. He also shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes and the secrets to keeping an audience hooked with bite-sized entertainment.


    Rob and Scott explore the strategy behind short, dynamic games, leveraging technology like audience response systems to refresh classics like Jeopardy and Family Feud. Trivia, team-building, and the use of digital tools like Mentimeter and Kahoot are highlighted as key tactics for involving the audience and fostering camaraderie.


    This episode of "No More Bad Events" reveals how gamification can level up and transform an average gathering into an unforgettable experience.

    • 35 min
    Shake It Off with a Self-Proclaimed Swiftie (ft. Kate Patay | VP of Engagement | Terramar DMC)

    Shake It Off with a Self-Proclaimed Swiftie (ft. Kate Patay | VP of Engagement | Terramar DMC)

    You're tuning in to a great episode of No More Bad Events with the remarkable Kate Patay, VP of Engagement at Terramar DMC, a full-service event, destination, conference, and meeting services company. In today's conversation, Kate and Scott mix it up and explore a broad brush of hot topics.
    They chat about the essence of inclusivity and diversity in event planning and the undeniable value they bring to creating successful events. They chat about the magic of bringing people together to forge a genuine sense of community as well as the magic of fresh perspectives brought into the industry by enthusiastic newcomers.
    With a keen eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Kate takes us behind the scenes of world-class events, from navigating through unexpected challenges to her personal strategies in dealing with high-pressure situations. Kate discusses the crucial role of emergency preparedness, designing with purpose, and creating lasting partnerships.
    And you’ll get to hear Kate's firsthand insights from spectacular productions, particularly her attendance at three back-to-back Taylor Swift concerts, and what that experience can teach us about event management.
    So yeah, lots of good insider fun and material to help you deliver the best experiences.
    Stay tuned as we listen to Kate's extraordinary experiences and Scott's astute observations on what it truly takes to orchestrate an event with the precision, heart, and resilience that defines the best in the business. Let's get ready to say "no more" to bad events and "yes" to Kate Patay's remarkable insights.

    • 39 min
    From the Firehouse to the Hot List (ft. Michael Cerbelli, CEO & President | Cerbelli Creative)

    From the Firehouse to the Hot List (ft. Michael Cerbelli, CEO & President | Cerbelli Creative)

    There’s no other way to put it. Today’s guest is an event industry GOAT. For four decades, he’s been a powerhouse of creative events and an industry philanthropist, so to speak. Via “The Hot List™,” Michael’s proprietary idea-sharing method that offers transparency to all in the business, “The “Hot List™” event showcases top industry insights and trends.
    This is Michael’s second appearance on No More Bad Events. And this time, it gets personal. Scott and Michael start the conversation at the firehouse – the Cerbelli corporate headquarters, which also doubles as an event venue, and as Michael puts it, a venue with a heartbeat to it; and it’s from there that Michael tells heartfelt stories about his marriage, strategic work relationships, work-life balance and about stepping down as CEO to become Creative Director. It's a surprising turn of events, but Cerbelli says it all makes sense. He’s ready to let go and let his sensational team of employees run the show so that he can better manage his time, fully embrace his creative side, and find the next great ideas. All of which honors both his professional ambitions and his cherished family life. His story is evocative and compelling.
    Scott and Michael also unpack 21 years of “The Hot List™" and how it has become an essential cutting-edge resource to event professionals. They talk about the upcoming “Hot List” event, which promises to be awesome. After a two-year hiatus, it returns bigger and brighter than ever to the Catersource + The Special Event conference on February 15 in Austin. And there’s so much more.
    So stay tuned to this episode. It’s filled with heart, transformation, and the kind of industry expertise that only Michael Cerbelli can provide… ensuring your next event burns bright and is anything but ordinary.

    • 39 min
    Pulling the Red Thread (ft. Gail Davis | President and Founder | GDA Speakers)

    Pulling the Red Thread (ft. Gail Davis | President and Founder | GDA Speakers)

    Today’s guest, Gail Davis, Founder and President of GDA Speakers, is a true titan in the events and speaking industry. She brings a wealth of entrepreneurial insights and lessons in leadership from her 25-year journey. There is no doubt that Gail has seen—and shaped—it all.

    To that end, Scott and Gail dive deep into the world of speaker bureaus and the magic behind curating exceptional experiences.
    Gail shares her take on the critical role of integrity and ethics in partnerships between speakers, bureaus, and event planners, ultimately revealing the secrets to fostering trusted relationships between the parties and remarkable events.

    Gail also addresses the need to create a story arc as well as the “red thread” principle that pulls the narrative together. She talks about the challenges of managing high-profile engagements, striking a balance between organizer expectations and speaker needs, as well as the evolution of diversity on the speaking circuit and the sparkle of celebrity speakers.

    • 36 min
    Who is Bowie Badger? (ft. Kristina McCoobery and Paul Blurton | CEO & Chief Creative Officer, INVNT)

    Who is Bowie Badger? (ft. Kristina McCoobery and Paul Blurton | CEO & Chief Creative Officer, INVNT)

    In this episode of "No More Bad Events," guests Kristina McCoobery (CEO) and Paul Blurton (Chief Creative Officer) of INVNT, a NYC-based live brand storytelling agency, share their expert insights on revolutionizing brand perception through innovative creativity and strategic risk-taking.

    They detail their "wow plus what" and "INVNTion" methodologies, address the “stacking hands” principal, define the event story arc, talk about Austin’s creative motto, i.e.,” keep it weird, inventive and unique,” celebrate their agency's recent Hermes Creative awards, emphasize the power of storytelling and emotional connections in creating live brand experiences, and how technology in storytelling is unfolding.

    The conversation delves into the delicate balance of using immersive technologies like VR and AR while preserving the irreplaceable value of in-person events. Actually, McCoobery and Blurton bet big on tech-enhancing real experiences, not replacing them in order to preserve the soul of performances.

    • 36 min
    There’s No Business Like Show Business (ft. Mark Felix | Director of Entertainment Services, Drury Design Dynamics)

    There’s No Business Like Show Business (ft. Mark Felix | Director of Entertainment Services, Drury Design Dynamics)

    If you like stories about celebrities, in particular stories about celebrities at corporate events, this is the best podcast ever. Because today, the incomparable Mark Felix, Director of Entertainment Services at Drury Design Dynamics, a legendary NYC production company, talks about wrangling top-tier entertainment like Tom Hanks, Stephen Tyler, and Elton John, to name a few. He also talks about handling high-stakes hiccups with grace and speed. Like the time he replaced Michael Phelps with Magic Johnson in a stunning 11th-hour replacement. Mark’s stories are undoubtedly a masterclass in delivering event excellence every time.

    But you can’t do that without a guiding light. Mark highlights the value of creativity, personalization, and strong industry relationships. Whether securing AI speakers or big-name bands, Mark works hard to have his talent add that undefinable personal touch that takes corporate events over the top.

    His journey from the William Morris mailroom to a pivotal player at Drury shows that passion, fairness, and a deep understanding of talent can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Making moments that matter. Be prepared to be captivated in this very entertaining episode of No More Bad Events.

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
3 Ratings

3 Ratings

Scott Tillema ,

Great value

Love the host and the guests. I’m getting value as a listener and would recommend it to others in this space!

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