The Business of Meetings

Eric Rozenberg

If you are an independent business owner in the meeting and event space, this podcast is for you! Your host, Eric Rozenberg has created this show to bring you strategies, tips, and tactics to help your business grow. With more than 20 years in the event industry and planning events for Fortune 100 companies, Eric is prepared to let you in on the insider tactics so you can be successful too!

  1. 4D AGO

    295: Back-of-House Brilliance: Scaling an Event Services Powerhouse with Lisa Gregory

    Today, we are delighted to welcome Lisa Gregory, the founder and CEO of Gregory Event Services. As a dynamic entrepreneur with an impressive career, Lisa understands the highs and challenges of running a business, from sleepless nights to navigating the unexpected with determination and grace. She joins us today to share her journey, insights, and lessons learned along the way. Lisa's Journey Fueled by a passion for purposeful leadership and continuous growth, Lisa built her career in the events and marketing industry. Her company initially focused on events and marketing, but is rapidly evolving into an AI-driven business. Guided by a commitment to innovation, culture, and purposeful service, Lisa has grown her global team across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She balances strategic vision with a hands-on approach, emphasizing culture fit, skill alignment, and sustainable growth. She also founded the Event Professionals Network, a free global community connecting over 900 event professionals to share knowledge and support one another. The Power of Complementary Teams Lisa believes that a successful business requires a team with complementary skill sets rather than one entrepreneur trying to do everything alone. While many entrepreneurs struggle to delegate due to financial or ego-related fears, she stresses that sustainable growth comes from shared responsibility and clear role definitions. Her success grew from learning to focus on her strengths while trusting others to manage daily operations. Transitioning to an AI-Driven Future Lisa's company is transforming from a traditional events firm into one that actively integrates artificial intelligence. She urges professionals to embrace AI responsibly and purposefully to stay relevant. The goal is to use AI to enhance strategy, not replace human creativity or connection.  Why Human Connection Still Matters While AI is revolutionizing workflows, Lisa points out that human connection remains irreplaceable. The most meaningful industry trends are toward smaller, regional events that prioritize face-to-face interaction, shared learning, and relationship building. She views this era as one where people crave authenticity, trusting personal experiences over digital marketing claims. Building a Strong Global Culture Lisa's leadership philosophy centers on culture fit as the foundation of a thriving company. The first step in her hiring process is to continuously assess alignment with company values before evaluating skills. Her employees undergo skill-based training and are carefully matched to clients based on personality and expertise. Continuous feedback and alignment calls keep everyone on track, fostering transparency and mutual respect across diverse teams and time zones. Growth Through Purposeful Leadership Lisa is committed to scaling at a pace that supports both excellence and employee well-being. Her company now includes an operations manager, a chief of staff, and an executive assistant to ensure accountability and maintain quality. She is willing to decline projects if her team cannot deliver 110% and prioritize sustainability over expansion. Elevating Customer Service Customer satisfaction is central to Lisa's business model. Her company uses NPS scores, client surveys, and monthly check-ins to assess performance. Every feedback cycle is built into the client's project schedule to ensure accountability. She views exceptional service and strong client relationships as the most powerful engines for long-term growth. Looking Ahead In the next decade, Lisa envisions stepping back from the center of her company while strengthening middle management and refining internal systems. Her ultimate goal is to remain in the experiential and production side of the business, possibly integrating AI into large-scale creative projects. She hopes to sustain a culture that balances ambition with team health, reducing burnout and promoting longevity in the events industry. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Lisa Gregory Gregory Event Services On LinkedIn

    45 min
  2. OCT 28

    294: Reimagining Events with Digital Twins: Tech, Safety, and Storytelling with Iain Morrison

    We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the incredible Iain Morrison today!  Iain has spent years working behind the scenes to help global superstars bring their spectacular shows to Australian audiences. Several years ago, he launched his company, The Imagination Collaborative. He joins us today to share his journey and insights from his remarkable career in the events industry. Iain's Journey  Iain built his career behind the scenes of the world's biggest concerts, working with global stars like Pink, the Foo Fighters, U2, Taylor Swift, and Adele. After decades of running large-scale productions and managing hundreds of people, he founded The Imagination Collaborative, a company that uses advanced digital technology to plan and visualize major events. His shift from being constantly on the road to leading a remote, tech-driven business reflects both the evolution of the events industry and his own desire for a balanced, meaningful lifestyle. Precision and Planning with Digital Technology Iain's company uses 3D modeling and digital twins to map out event infrastructure with extreme accuracy, reducing costs, saving labor, and improving efficiency, especially for large outdoor venues where terrains vary. Shifting from Onsite Chaos to Remote Work After years of managing massive productions, Iain now relies on digital connectivity, operating primarily from his home. While he appreciates the quiet and flexibility, he sometimes misses the high-energy, in-person collaboration of event sites. To stay connected, he plans to visit more live events this year and reconnect with the colleagues who have been part of his professional life for decades. Balancing Work and Lifestyle Iain designed his business around the life he chose to live, not the other way around. He and his wife have embraced remote work, even traveling across Australia in their caravan while managing operations. For them, success means sustainability, freedom, and presence rather than building the biggest company possible. Life Lessons and Priorities The sudden passing of a colleague prompted Iain to reassess his priorities. He realized that waiting to enjoy life after years of overwork is a dangerous gamble. He now focuses on being fully present, spending time with family —especially his new grandchild —and creating a business that supports a fulfilling life rather than consuming it. Defining Success on His Own Terms The Imagination Collaborative is thriving financially and creatively, but Iain measures his success by its alignment with his values. His goal for the next decade is to collaborate with people who are passionate about technology and purpose-driven event creation. For him, growth is secondary to quality of life, enjoyment, and meaningful relationships. Lessons from a Year of Growth Iain admits that the first year of running his company was exhausting due to global clients and time zone challenges. Yet it taught him valuable lessons about boundaries, clarity, and vision. He and his wife now focus on refining their goals and using what they have learned to make their second year more balanced and efficient. Technology and a Changing Industry Iain credits modern connectivity, particularly innovations like Starlink, for making his lifestyle possible. With advanced processing power, cloud rendering, and real-time visualization tools, remote collaboration has become seamless. Iain believes his generation has been fortunate to witness and adapt to technological revolutions that continually open new opportunities. The Future of The Imagination Collaborative Looking ahead, Iain intends to continue working with top venues and event teams worldwide, helping them visualize and deliver world-class experiences. His priority is helping the right people create the right events while maintaining integrity and staying true to his values of balance and authenticity. Bio: Iain Morrison Iain Morrison is the straight-talking CEO of The Imagination Collaborative and one of the most trusted voices in the global event industry. With over 35 years of experience leading large-scale productions, Iain is known for his humor, honesty, and no-nonsense insights on creativity, leadership, and burnout. Ranked in the Top 1% of LinkedIn creators worldwide, his posts reach thousands who appreciate his blend of real talk, empathy, and practical wisdom. Iain's influence spans brands like Adobe, Canva, and Zoom, making him a leading advocate for authentic, human-centered innovation in event management. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Iain Morrison On LinkedIn The Imagination Collaborative

    46 min
  3. OCT 21

    293: Exceptional Experiences: Where Luxury Meets Loyalty with Neen James

    We are thrilled to welcome Neen James, the expert on luxury experiences, back on the show today!  Neen is currently releasing her fourth book, Exceptional Experiences. She is one of the brightest and most data-driven thinkers in the events business, and everything she does and writes about is grounded in research.   She joins us today to share her insights on luxury experiences and discuss Mark Cuban's thought-provoking notion that AI will encourage people to connect more in-person and enjoy exceptional human experiences more than ever before. Neen's Journey Neen began her career exploring how attention, focus, and productivity impact leadership and influence. Over time, her work expanded to helping leaders design exceptional experiences through intentional thoughtfulness. After years of speaking and consulting around the world, she shifted her focus to understanding what makes interactions unforgettable, drawing inspiration from luxury brands and their mastery of creating value and connection. That research now informs her mission to help organizations and individuals apply those principles to elevate everyday business and leadership. The Power of Attention in Leadership and Business Attention is the new currency of leadership. Intentional focus on people, priorities, and productivity drives engagement and results. Leaders who are fully present notice others, allowing them to build stronger connections and evoke more trust and influence.  Why Focus and Clarity Matter Neen believes that distraction is one of the biggest productivity killers in modern business. She likes to clarify her daily priorities, align her actions with her goals, and remove any unnecessary noise. Her approach to productivity is about doing what matters most rather than doing more. By setting boundaries around attention, professionals can increase both efficiency and fulfillment. The Role of Connection and Belonging People crave genuine connection, whether in business meetings or personal interactions. Neen explains that even small gestures of recognition can have a profound emotional impact. When leaders personalize communication and make individuals feel part of something meaningful, it creates loyalty and emotional investment that no financial incentive can replace. Creativity and Customization in Event Design Neen has observed a growing shift toward personalization and creativity within the meetings and events industry. Instead of over-catering or offering generic experiences, event planners are focusing on customized, high-quality touches.  Rethinking Corporate Gifting Neen challenges traditional corporate gifting practices, urging professionals to move away from branded merchandise and instead offer experiences or gifts that truly delight recipients.  Leveraging AI  Neen describes how artificial intelligence can enhance personalization and streamline business operations. She prefers using AI tools like Claude and Fathom to summarize meetings, craft custom proposals, and gather insights about clients before meetings. By combining AI's analytical capabilities with genuine empathy, professionals can deepen relationships and deliver more meaningful experiences. Systemized Thoughtfulness Neen's concept of systemized thoughtfulness involves using technology to remember and act on the small details that make people feel special. She illustrates how simple, inexpensive gestures can create lifelong loyalty. The key, she says, is using data not to automate relationships, but to enhance human connection. Integrating AI Into the Guest Experience Neen encourages organizations to leverage AI for every phase of guest engagement. Beforehand, AI can help personalize outreach; during, it can enhance service customization; afterward, it can collect insights and generate detailed ROI reports. This full-circle approach can help teams to continually refine their experiences while maintaining the warmth of a personal touch. Embracing Change and Creative Problem Solving Neen calls for boldness and experimentation in the hospitality and events industries. With rising costs and changing expectations, she urges professionals to collaborate across departments, rethink menus, and adopt sustainable, creative solutions.  Humanity as the Ultimate Luxury For Neen, luxury is not about price. It's about care, personalization, and emotional resonance. Whether it's a handwritten note, a remembered detail, or a perfectly timed mocktail, luxury lives in the moments that make guests feel seen and special. While technology can support this, it should never replace it. The goal, she insists, is to use AI to be more human, not less. Bio: Neen James is a leadership strategist, dynamic keynote speaker, and the author of Folding Time, Attention Pays, and the upcoming Exceptional Experiences. With boundless energy, quick wit, and actionable insights, she serves as a confidante to C-suite leaders, helping them elevate experiences and achieve greater focus, communication, and influence. Recently appointed to the board of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, James has been named one of the Top 30 Leadership Speakers by Global Gurus multiple years in a row for her work with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Viacom, Comcast, Virtuoso Travel, Four Seasons, and the FBI. She empowers individuals to prioritize what matters most so they can create exceptional experiences that drive results and foster lasting connections. Originally from Australia, James is now living her best life in Tampa, Florida. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Neen James On her website Instagram LinkedIn

    45 min
  4. OCT 14

    292: From Iran to Inner Freedom: Women's Voices, Breathwork, and Plant Medicine with Sepideh Eivazi

    We are delighted to welcome the inspiring Sepideh Eivazi as our guest today. Sepideh is on a mission to move everyone she encounters, leaving them changed and feeling seen. She is a 2025 inductee of the Smart Meetings Hall of Fame, a Smart Speaker, a 40 Under 40 honoree, and a 2025 Meetings Today Trendsetter. Her powerful TED Talk, Breath as an Act of Rebellion, has inspired audiences around the world.  She joins us today to share her journey and insights. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any plant medicine Sepideh's Journey Sepideh Eivazi grew up in Iran, navigating a life constrained by societal and political limitations. At the age of 20, she moved to the United States with her younger sister in search of freedom and opportunity. Starting from scratch, she worked in hospitality in Las Vegas, learning about the event industry from the ground up, embracing mentorship, and observing inspiring and cautionary examples of leadership. Eventually, she relocated to Los Angeles, where she joined Elevated Meeting Solutions and later launched her own wellness platform, Dawn of the Earth, which integrates tea culture, somatic breathwork, nervous system regulation, and psychedelic integration practices. Her work focuses on conscious leadership, healing trauma, and empowering others, bridging both Eastern and Western wellness traditions. Freedom and Feminism Sepideh shares the challenges Iranian women face under restrictive societal norms, particularly the compulsory wearing of a veil. She emphasizes the importance of personal choice, freedom, and human qualities over appearance or imposed rules.  Singing as Healing and Expression Reclaiming her voice through singing became an emotional and symbolic act of empowerment, connecting Sepideh to her heritage and generations of suppressed women in Iran. She views singing as both a personal healing practice and a form of standing for those who cannot freely express themselves. Mentorship and Community Sepideh credits several mentors and supportive figures for her growth. She emphasizes the importance of showing up for others, paying support forward, and nurturing a sense of community. Leading Beyond Burnout Burnout is a result of prolonged stress, fight, flight, freeze responses, and neglecting emotional and physical health. Sepideh utilizes somatic breathwork to help leaders and employees regulate their nervous systems, process suppressed emotions, and create safe spaces for vulnerability and healing. She explains that burnout is preventable when organizations and individuals prioritize conscious, holistic self-care. Plant Medicine and Integration Sepideh views plant medicine as a tool for mental health and emotional integration, highlighting it as a catalyst for self-awareness rather than a recreational high. She works with clients to integrate insights from plant medicine into daily life, cultivating emotional intelligence, forgiveness, and presence. Her approach combines body awareness, somatic practices, and intentional reflections. Performance, Presence, and Ritual In high-performance industries, constant productivity and measurement can undermine confidence and well-being. Sepideh advocates rituals and presence-based practices, such as mindful breathing, sensory activation, and slowing down during daily activities, to reconnect with oneself and cultivate sustainable performance without anxiety or self-judgment. Future Vision and Celebration Sepideh measures success through progress and the ability to give back to humanity. She values learning, growth, and curiosity over rigid goals or timelines, viewing each step forward as a meaningful achievement for herself and others. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Sepideh Eivazi On her website LinkedIn Sepideh's TED Talk, Breath as an Act of Rebellion

    41 min
  5. OCT 7

    291: Walking the Walk: From Catwalk Model to World-Class Emcee with Shannon Thaler Cherry

    Today, Eric is thrilled to welcome Shannon Thaler Cherry as his guest.  Shannon began her career as a model before pivoting to become a successful journalist, emcee, and host. She now leads content sessions at trade shows, corporate events, webinars, awards shows, and other events.  Tune in as she shares her journey and the nuances and facets of the dynamic career she has built. Bio: Shannon Thaler Cherry At just 26, Shannon Thaler Cherry has already built over a decade of professional experience. Today, she works as a full-time content specialist, out of NYC, contributing to leading outlets including A Media Operator, BizBash, Corporate Event News, Trade Show News Network, and Vendelux, among others. Beyond writing, Shannon is also an experienced moderator, host, and emcee, leading content sessions at trade shows, corporate events, webinars, awards shows, and more.  Shannon's career began on a very different stage: as a model, traveling the world for brands like Reebok, Louis Vuitton, Sally Hansen, and Colgate, and appearing in the pages of Glamour, Teen Vogue, and Seventeen Magazine. She later shifted her creative focus to journalism, sharpening her craft as a breaking news reporter at the Daily Mail and business reporter at The New York Post, before stepping into the specialized world of events media, where she continues to blend storytelling, performance, and industry insight. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Shannon Thaler Cherry LinkedIn Email Shannon: shannonthaler@gmail.com

    35 min
  6. SEP 30

    290: From Ideas to Action: How to Win your Final Quarter with Eric Rozenberg

    When Eric did his very first public speaking experience, he almost became paralyzed with fear. But that moment also taught him a lasting lesson.  Tune in today to hear what happened and how Eric discovered an antidote to fear and procrastination. Taking the First Step When you have done something once, the second time becomes easier. Action is the antidote to fear and procrastination. Procrastination vs. Action Planning and scheduling may feel productive, but without action, nothing changes. Many of us hide behind learning and preparation, but progress only comes when we move from thinking to doing. Accountability as a Success Driver Having someone to keep you accountable helps you to follow through. An accountability partner helps ensure that your goals translate into daily actions. Leading vs. Lagging Indicators Lagging indicators measure outcomes after the fact (like annual revenue), while leading indicators are daily actions that move results forward. Your success lies in identifying and consistently practicing those leading indicators. The Daily Three Each evening, Eric identifies three key tasks for the next day. These are small but meaningful steps that move the needle and ensure his steady progress toward bigger goals. The Urgency of Time Setting two or three main priorities toward the end of each year will help you to finish strong. Narrowing your focus will increase the likelihood of a meaningful achievement before the year closes. Preparing for the Next Year Planning for 2026 begins now, not after the holidays. Writing down your priorities early allows you time for reflection, adjustment, and clarity, and ensures your preparation for the coming year. The Power of Focus Distractions like webinars, AI trends, events, and opportunities will always be there, but results come from focusing on what truly matters. Constantly ask yourself, "Does this action move me closer to my main goals?" Realistic and Optimistic Goal-Setting We often overestimate our short-term capacity but underestimate our long-term potential. Being realistic yet staying optimistic helps you balance pressure with perspective. Doing Over Learning Eric loves learning, but he emphasizes that results come only when knowledge is applied. "Doing" transforms ideas into tangible outcomes. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter

    9 min
  7. SEP 23

    289: Purpose, Passion, and Perseverance: How to Build Purpose-Driven Events with Melva LaJoy Legrand

    Today, Eric is delighted to welcome Melva LaJoy Legrand as his guest. Melva is an icon in our industry, having built an impressive career that spans the US, France, and Europe, earning numerous recognitions along the way. In this episode, she shares her journey and discusses the honors she received within the industry, offering inspiration and insights for solopreneurs and small business owners. Her Journey Melva began her career as a teacher, but her creative spark kept pulling her in a different direction. A volunteering stint at a radio station one summer introduced her to concerts, festivals, and events, and she discovered her true calling. With the unwavering support of her parents, she stepped into event planning, starting at the bottom, and soaking up every lesson she learned along the way. With the help of her mentors, she managed to overcome her fear, learn about leadership, and shape her emotional intelligence. With perseverance, faith, and resilience, Melva built her own business, LaJoy Creative, weaving together her professional achievements and her personal trials.  Her Early Career Melva describes her early years as a "preparation season", where she embraced every small task with humility, absorbing lessons from behind the scenes. That shaped her professional values, helping her decide the kind of leader she wanted to become. Mentorship and Growth Melva had several mentors who were all central to her development. One of her mentors encouraged her toward a leadership position at a major festival, creating a breakthrough moment where she discovered her own capacity to lead. This experience highlighted the importance of humility, teachability, and persistence in building effective mentor relationships. Building Confidence and Starting Over Melva restarted her business in 2019 during a deeply challenging period while caring for her ailing father. His encouragement gave her the courage to relaunch her business, and she also received additional confirmation from her mentors and unexpected encounters, fueling her belief that her business was her purpose. Overcoming Trauma and Anchoring in Faith As a survivor of abuse and trauma, Melva knows that therapy, faith, support groups, and resilience are an essential part of the healing process. Her faith and clarity about her values have shaped her leadership and business decisions, ensuring she only accepts work that aligns with her principles. Awards and Recognition Melva has received numerous honors, including recognition for organizing survivor-focused events, being named a Top Female Founder 500, and winning Silver for International Event Agency of the Year. Those awards affirm her parents' belief that the world would always make room for her. She also takes pride in recent collaborations, including honoring cultural icons at a major beauty and artistry event. Cultural Perspective: US vs France Living between the US and France has given Melva unique insight into the work-life balance. She contrasts the American culture of overwork with the French emphasis on rest and leisure. While she acknowledges higher US salaries, she credits her best creative breakthroughs to the mental clarity she gained during her time abroad. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Melva LaJoy Legrand On LinkedIn Instagram La Joy Creative on LinkedIn La Joy Creative on Instagram

    42 min
  8. SEP 16

    288: Pause to Perform: Breath, Stress & Eventpreneur Resilience with Megan Nolan

    Today, Eric is excited to welcome Megan Nolan, the founder of Vitality Wellness in Maui.  With extensive experience in yoga, mental health, and wellbeing, Megan brings powerful tools to support small business owners and professionals within the meetings and events industry. About Megan Nolan Megan Nolan is a yoga teacher and personal trainer based in Maui. She combines movement, mindfulness, and strength training to help people improve their posture, energy, and mental focus. Beyond individual sessions, she specializes in bringing wellness into the conference and events industry by leading yoga, breathwork, and "power pauses" that energize participants and boost engagement. Her mission is to make healthy habits accessible, fun, and sustainable, whether for individuals, teams, or large audiences. Generational Awareness of Health Younger generations are highly aware of their mental and physical health. They openly communicate about emotions, seek out wellness tools, and tune into their bodies. Older generations, by contrast, often adapt more slowly. Technology and Posture Today's youth are growing up with devices in their hands, and it shows in their posture. Postures previously associated with aging are now common, even in children, driven by extended hours of sitting and screen use. Preventing and Correcting Rounded Posture Megan highlights that a rounded posture is preventable and, to some extent, correctable at any age. Even into the 90s, the body is capable of gaining bone density and muscle strength. Through neuroplasticity, the body can adapt when weak muscles are strengthened and tight tissues are stretched. While skeletal issues may limit the degree of improvement, regular movement and targeted exercises can restore alignment and function. The Toll of Sitting Sitting for eight to ten hours a day quickly reshapes the body. Extended events or workdays often leave people feeling one with the chair, collapsing into poor posture. That reduces energy, focus, and creativity. Megan recommends taking short breaks to stand up, stretch, or strike a power pose to instantly improve attention, boost creative thinking, and sustain productivity. Hot Yoga: Trend or Health Tool? Practiced in rooms heated to about 105°F, hot yoga can help soften tissues and deepen flexibility. However, Megan cautions that most people are dehydrated, and the extreme heat places extra strain on the heart. Without strong body awareness, participants may overstretch tendons and ligaments. For those who are healthy, hydrated, and experienced, hot yoga can be beneficial. For most others, Megan recommends warm yoga as a safer alternative. Power Pauses and Adult Recess Megan has developed the concept of power pauses, short, intentional breaks for breathwork, stretching, or light movement. These re-energize participants during long events, especially after meals. She frames them as "adult recess," making wellness fun, inclusive, and highly effective for engagement and focus. Wellness at Events Megan integrates yoga, breathwork, and energizing breaks into conferences and events, both in Maui and virtually. She often starts mornings with grounding practices, weaves in power pauses throughout the agenda, and closes with mindful exercises. Her keynote, Habits of a Happy Human: Small Shifts for a Chaotic World, adds another layer of impact, helping participants stay engaged, energized, and connected. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Megan Nolan On LinkedIn Book a complementary session with Megan

    40 min
4.9
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

If you are an independent business owner in the meeting and event space, this podcast is for you! Your host, Eric Rozenberg has created this show to bring you strategies, tips, and tactics to help your business grow. With more than 20 years in the event industry and planning events for Fortune 100 companies, Eric is prepared to let you in on the insider tactics so you can be successful too!