Afleveringen

  • Title:

    IMEX Wonder Walks and Tough Talks (ft. Tahira Endean | Head of Program | IMEX)

    Bio:

    Currently head of programming for IMEX, Tahira is an event designer and curator of education for the MICE industry. She is passionate about global travel, intentional event design, and the integration of technology into our lives and events to enhance the human experience. Deeply committed to the industry, Tahira has been recognized for a range of contributions, including 2022 Influencers with Northstar Meetings and many more.

    Opening Quote:

    "Intentional event design is all about being people-centric and purpose-driven, knowing exactly who your audience is, and designing around their needs. So you need to know why you're doing something, and you need to know who you're doing it for. And then you need to bring those things together and then design in a way that is going to help you achieve whatever your objectives are, that success doesn't happen by accident.”

    Summary:

    In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott chats with Tahira Endean about the evolving events industry and the significance of attending IMEX, a major industry gathering. While IMEX is discussed in detail, Tahira also addresses why events fail. And in light of the No More Bad Events mission, this is particularly interesting. She shares stories of what failed events have looked like and how event collectives are studying the reasons why and then, based on their learnings, are developing methodologies to mitigate epic fails 
 methodologies like empathy mapping and prototyping design.

    To further ensure nothing but the best events— events that inspire, motivate, and educate like IMEX— Scott and Tahira discuss the complexities of organizing inclusive and sustainable events, the need for upskilling and reskilling post-Covid, the integration of AI as well as incorporating innovative trends and activations based on attendee feedback 
 things like Intentional Design, Event Profs Unplugged, Wonder Walks and Tough Talks... The latter two activations uncovered the use of nature in trade show booths via a walking tour format, as well as access to private chat rooms for talks about issues like social anxiety and men and mental health.

    Finally, Tahira whets our appetites for what’s coming up at IMEX America in October. And there’s a lot to consider. So grab your headsets and get ready for a preview of IMEX, the Mothership of event trade shows, and much, much more.

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with Tahira Endean: Tahira's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote, and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title:

    Gutsy and Groundbreaking by Design (ft. Kathryn Frankson | Global Director of Marketing | Money20/20)

    Bio:

    Kathryn Frankson is the Global Director of Marketing at Money20/20, the disruptive leader in fintech events. After many years of selling exhibition space and sponsorships, Kathryn held a 15-year tenure with event juggernauts UBM and Informa as Director of Event Marketing. Kathryn now leads the global marketing efforts for Money20/20 with a focus on best-in-class brand campaigns and experiential storytelling.

    Opening Quote:

    "So that really, that culture of ideation and safe space and, yes, the end has unlocked huge ideas that are in a year ahead or a five-year roadmap or things. You know, the show is happening in three weeks, and we're like, oh, my God, that is such a cool build. Let's add that in there. We can totally do that."

    Summary:

    In another engaging episode of No More Bad Events, Scott chats with Kathryn Frankson, Director of Global Events for Money 20/20 - the world’s biggest and most influential gathering of the global money ecosystem. Sounds serious, right? Well, that is it, but when you have Kathryn at the helm, things can get quite unconventional.

    Kathryn and her team take every opportunity to underscore the value of genuine conversations and every opportunity to include diverse ideas in marketing campaigns. Innovative and integrated approaches are critical to delivering meaningful value to attendees and sponsors. And with that in mind, she never fails to entertain concepts that seem out of the ordinary. As long as they align with the objectives and needs of the audience, she is all in. Campaigns like Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll, and Who the F Knows, and Be Like Drew get noticed.

    Her team thrives on a culture of collaboration, ideation, and innovation. And she does none of that without embedding herself in the industry to understand what's needed so that she can formulate the story and help curate it with the right voices and devices.

    Her gutsy and thorough strategies foster vibrant environments where groundbreaking approaches come to life to generate success. Bottom line
 it’s got to be human-centric. It’s got to start with a conversation. Going full circle
 next up on Kathryn’s docket is Human X Machine. It's the Money 20/20 USA Conference concept that recognizes our increasingly intelligent machine counterparts. Of which the world is all abuzz.

    Tune in today for great insights, great stories, and great fun. All are intently designed to produce nothing but the best events. So grab your headsets and get cozy cause this is a great listen.

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with Kathryn Frankson: Kathryn's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

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  • Title: JT & AI: It’s All About the Prompts (ft. JT Long | Vice President and Content Director | Smart Meetings)

    Bio:

    JT Long is vice president and content director at the leading events industry publication Smart Meetings. She leads a team that supports an engaged community of event organizers with multimedia content that shares innovative ideas, enables authentic connections and elevates events. She was named a Folio Women in Media Changemaker Award winner in 2021.

    Opening Quote:

    “I think the term is garbage in, garbage out, right? If you put in really thoughtful prompts, you're going to get thoughtful things back. And if you put in very basic ones, you're going to get basic things back. And whatever you want, that's fine. But try it and experiment with it and take some chances.”

    Summary:

    JT is a driving force at Smart Meetings, helping to shore up the helm since the unfortunate passing of Marin Bright, former CEO and Founder of Smart Meetings.

    But the late Marin Bright mentored her well and now JT— with a background in fostering the growth of startups, spotlighting individuals and their achievements through various awards programs and magazine articles— is bringing the best stories to the forefront. And in this case, it’s AI.

    She dives right into the pivotal role AI is beginning to play in the events industry. She touches on a variety of aspects of AI—its current perception, potential benefits, and inevitable concerns and ethical considerations. JT shares insights from webinars, personal stories of AI's practical uses, and highlights from their work at Smart Meetings Media company. She also shares a lot about engineered prompting, which, according to JT, is the key to using AI effectively. Sounds complicated, right? But it’s really only a matter of asking AI the right questions.

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with JT Long: JT's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title:

    Mental Health, Cope Notes and Calm-Down Playlists (ft. Johnny Crowder | Keynote Speaker | Founder & CEO, Cope Notes)

    Guest Bio:

    A self-proclaimed brain changer and keynote, Johnny is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support. Since his first keynote in 2011, Johnny's refreshingly candid perspective has attracted praise from hundreds of outlets, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Forbes, and CNN World.

    Opening Quote:

    "If you don't address the individual pain points of the attendees, they will still leave hungry."

    Summary:

    In this episode, Johnny Crowder, a highly popular keynote speaker and mental health care advocate, discusses the crucial role of addressing mental health openly, particularly in the workplace. Crowder, who has a personal history of mental health challenges, emphasizes how vulnerability can foster stronger connections and understanding within professional settings. The episode delves into ways event professionals can integrate mental health into their programs, underscoring the positive impact it can have on both attendees and organizers.

    Scott and Johnny explore the shifting attitudes among executives towards more authentic discussions on mental health, reflecting a broader trend of embracing personal stories within professional spaces. Crowder shares insights into practical strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout, such as using physical loci of control and creating music playlists to foster calm.

    Furthermore, they discuss the Cope Notes program, founded by Crowder, which aims to provide ongoing support beyond his speaking engagements. This episode highlights the importance of introducing and normalizing mental health talks in various professional environments to facilitate not only individual well-being but also collective improvement in workplace culture.

    Whether leading corporate wellness training or touring with his Billboard-charting heavy metal band, Prison, his infectious positivity and firsthand experience with multiple diagnoses uniquely equip him to provide realistic insight and inspiration amidst the pains of hardship with care, levity, and unconventional wit. You gotta hear this to believe it!

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with Johnny Crowder: Johnny's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title: Chase Scenes and Conversation Machines (ft. Russell Reich | Chief Creative Officer | ADM Creative Group

    Guest Bio:

    An award-winning leader in experiential and event marketing, Russell has an extensive background in both digital and theatrical development and has directed major events and experiences for many of the world’s best-known brands. Russell has served as a Chief Strategy Officer, a Chief Creative Officer, and a Visiting Artist in Residence at Harvard University.

    Opening Quote

    "We do advocate for communications beyond what happens at the event because we've all seen the studies, we've all seen the science about the drop off in what people remember, and there's a lot of energy, there's a lot of effort, there's a lot of investment that goes into events, and it's important to support that and continue the results that you achieve."

    Summary:

    In this insightful episode, host Scott Bloom welcomes Russell Reich, a seasoned expert in the event industry and creative extraordinaire. They begin with a look at how ADM Creative Group crafts epic conversation starters that keep the chit-chat going long after the event. ADM calls those starters “conversation machines” for client engagement. He explains that these machines have one output, and that is to prompt, generate, and support a particular kind of conversation over an extended period of time
 otherwise known as sustainable events.

    As the conversation deepens, Reich remarks on the stifling effects of corporate influences on event storytelling. He encourages embracing tension and conflict to create more engaging narratives within the corporate structure. He refers to those moments as “chase scenes,” which, of course, further prompts an exploratory discussion about how this approach enhances client relationships and produces solid results.

    There’s more. Emphasizing the importance of emotional leadership, Reich shares insights on helping executives overcome their fear of vulnerability during presentations, noting the audience's appreciation for speakers who step out of their comfort zones. On that note, Reich delves into the art of presentation, offering methods to make executives more at ease on stage and maintaining audience engagement through innovative formats.

    He also underscores active listening and theme-centered messaging as pivotal to creating memorable and impactful events.

    Wrapping up, leadership principles are broached, with Russell underscoring the value of empowering others through curiosity and open collaboration, rounding off a comprehensive episode that fuses the best of event creativity, organizational strategy, and leadership philosophy 
 leading, of course, to 
 No More Bad Events.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Russell Reich:

    Russell's Linkedin Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom:

    eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers:

    eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title

    Superheroes. Sledgehammers. And Sharks, Oh My! (ft., Dietmar Dahmen | Global Keynote Speaker and Founder | Brainkicks GmbH

    Bio

    Founder of Brainkicks GmbH, Dietmar started his career in advertising, working for some of the biggest agencies in the world. Today, he’s a global speaker, author, coach, and motivator and a top business expert on innovation, disruption, and future trends. He helps bring change to global clients, is involved with various start-ups, and is the expert on future marketing and disruptive technology.

    Summary

    In this fun-filled episode of "No More Bad Events,” host Scott Bloom is joined by guest Dietmar Dahmen, an internationally renowned keynote speaker known for his dramatic flair and presentations, as well as interactive storytelling. Dahmen shares his philosophy on creating memorable events that engage audiences at a deeper emotional level, emphasizing the importance of theatrical elements and pop culture references to captivate attendees.

    Dahmen’s background in advertising and marketing guides his unique approach, aiming to transform the audience's knowledge and inspire action through bold and straightforward communication. He believes that while information leads to conclusions, it’s the emotional experiences that drive actions. He argues passionately— and advises event professionals accordingly— that in this world of events, it's all about creating a lasting emotional journey. A journey that people are willing to invest in enthusiastically, time and again.

    Dahmen also discusses his use of unusual and fun metaphors – from superheroes to sledgehammers and sharks — to drive messaging home. His stories and insights will not only entertain you but provide a masterclass in what truly drives action in our audiences.

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with Dietmar Dahmen: Dietmar's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • TITLE

    No Clients. Just Partners. (ft. Rob Bezdjian | President, Zaven Global)

    BIO

    Founder & President of Zaven Global, a third-party planner focusing on corporate meetings and incentives, Rob prides himself on his company's mantra of 'No Clients – Just Partners' and believes that providing win-wins is essential for success. Rob was recognized as a 2018 Connect Corporate 40 Under 40 recipient, and has had his ideas and innovations featured in Travel Weekly.

    SUMMARY

    In this episode of "No More Bad Events," host Scott Bloom interviews guest Rob Bezdjian, the founder of Zaven Global, an independent third-party event planner. Rob explains that his company provides a range of services, including securing room blocks, arranging discount airfare codes, managing event operations, and consulting for large corporate clients with internal event teams. He emphasizes his company's focus on partnerships rather than client relationships, striving to add value and facilitate fabulous experiences for event participants.

    As the conversation progresses, Rob discusses the concept of continually improving and disrupting the norm to meet evolving needs, the importance of adapting to market changes, and the potential impact of technology on the event industry. He delves into innovative concepts such as "fancations" and "brandcations," which involve leveraging the influence of social media personalities and brands to create unique, engaging experiences for attendees and promote brand loyalty. He talks about the power of brands for marketing initiatives and the potential to create unique events that enhance brand loyalty.

    Lastly, the interview also touches on the significance of being a generalist in one's career and the value of networking in the hospitality industry.

    Overall, the episode provides insightful perspectives on event planning, collaboration, and the future of the industry, offering valuable advice and thought-provoking ideas for young professionals and established industry experts alike.

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with Rob Bezdjian: Rob's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title:

    Question. Rethink. And Redefine Greatness. (ft. Anna Mader & Matt Schrader | Heads of Creative and Client Experiences, XD Agency)

    Bio:

    XDA is an award-winning creative agency that takes brand stories and produces personal, insights-fueled experiences that deeply resonate with audiences. Anna Mader and Matt Schrader, Heads of Creative and Client Experiences, respectively, create brand-defining moments for the humans at the center of it all, who have the power to shift culture.

    Opening Quote:

    I think it starts with trust
 building that collaborative relationship where we're almost on the same team, right? We have an amazing strategy team, and if we don't have that open line of communication with our clients to be like, hey, this is what we're seeing. Is this right? Or, hey, can we push you here? How does this feel? Can we challenge you? Can we continually look at and redefine greatness? Right? Like, what is that? Building that trust and those relationships is what, at the end of the day, makes the idea so much better.

    Summary:

    This episode of No More Bad Events explores the cutting-edge approach of XDA in revolutionizing event experiences. Alongside guests Anna Mader and Matt Schrader, host Scott Bloom probes into XDA's ethos of "redefining greatness," which Anna articulates as a commitment to continual improvement, creative risks, and solving problems. Matt reinforces this ethos, advocating for challenging the status quo to yield superior outcomes. They reflect on heightened audience expectations post-COVID, underlying the need for engaging and surpassing these anticipations. The conversation also delves into the philosophy of balancing kindness with boldness and how client relationships are formed based on shared values.

    There’s more. The agency's approach to creating a sense of community and belonging through experiences is also discussed, as well as the value of integrating elements from fan events such as Comic Con into the corporate events. Leadership support, client collaboration, and shifting audience culture are also recognized as essential factors in successful event design.

    Lastly, storytelling is amplified, with a nod to the hero's journey as a compelling structure for audience engagement. This episode promises to be an engaging deep dive into the innovative strategies XDA employs to deliver events that are not just enjoyable but make an indelible mark on attendees' lives.

    CONNECT WITH THEM:

    Connect with Anna Mader: Anna's LinkedIn Profile

    Connect with Matt Schrader: Matt's LinkedIn Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title

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

    Bio

    Rob Ferre has spent most of his career getting people engaged in an experience as a speaker, host, and entertainer. He founded his company, Life of the Party Entertainment, after spending 3 years in the family entertainment capital of the world, Orlando, FL. Today, Rob emcees for organizations, conferences, associations, and community events.

    Opening Quote

    "I think it's all about reframing it. And let them see, like this game, the purpose of it is just to engage your audience. That's really what we're trying to do, is bring them back into the meeting because people are going to check out on their own ways. People are going to take out their phones, they're going to take out their laptops, and they're not going to pay attention. But if I create an engagement activity, their focus is still on the stage. And still in that meeting."

    Summary

    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.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Hire Rob Ferre: Rob's eSpeakers Profile

    Hire Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. And as a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title

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

    Bio

    Kate Patay, CPCE, vice president of engagement at Terramar, a DMC Network Company, is a prominent industry professional known globally for unique events, strategic partnerships, and impactful experiences. She speaks internationally on an array of topics, serves as the chair of the SEARCH Foundation, and is obsessed with Taylor Swift and getting a poodle.

    Opening Quote

    “We need to make sure every event is inclusive for anyone and their learning style and just what makes them comfortable, so they have the best attendee journey.”

    Summary

    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.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Kate Petay: LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title

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

    Guest Bio

    Michael Cerbelli | CEO and President | Cerbelli Creative

    Founder of Cerbelli Creative, an industry-leading, NYC-based events & entertainment company, Michael is known for producing wildly imaginative and successful events for over four decades. He’s also known for generously sharing his knowledge of event trends and insights via his now-famous Hot Listℱ. And it’s been said that how ‘The Hot Listℱ’ goes, so goes the industry.

    Opening Quote

    “I'm going to keep my eye on the ball and watch what's going on and be able to not only bring it into my client’s events, but I hope to bring it to the world with a hot list and my postings and just new ideas that I get out there.”

    Summary

    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 Listℱ,” Michael’s proprietary idea-sharing method that offers transparency to all in the business, “The “Hot Listℱ” 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 Listℱ" 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.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Micahel Cerbelli: LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title

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

    Bio

    Gail Davis is the president and founder of GDA Speakers, one of the top speaker bureaus in the world, representing more than 3,500 speakers in business, politics, government, entertainment, and media. With more than 25 years in the speaker space and with Gail at the helm, GDA is known to exceed expectations by working with both clients and speakers to create and deliver the ultimate speaker experience.

    Opening Quote

    [33:11- 33:56]:

    “Another tip because you're talking about that arc, and all of a sudden, I'm like, I have to say this, and of course, this is going to be music to your ears, but event planners need to consider a professional MC. It is so important, and they need to be realistic. Do their internal leadership members, is that really their expertise? Because it's pretty unusual that it is and it's a hard sell sometimes because sometimes the ego wants to be on the stage. But I have never recommended you Civillico any of the professional MCs that I've had a client come back and say that was wasted money. I mean, they're all like, oh my goodness. We're never going back. We're never going back.”

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Gail Davis: LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title

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

    Bio

    Kristina McCoobery (CEO) and Paul Blurton (Chief Creative Officer) of INVNT, an NYC-based live brand storytelling agency, stand on the belief that “live is where we live.” They believe that Live events are the most potent form of marketing today. They use the art and science of live brand storytelling to launch products, build brand allegiance, create demand, align the organization, and strengthen relationships with a broad spectrum of constituents.

    Opening Quote

    So being able to shape that is kind of what we do, which then brings us to sort of our own agency and our own brand. And you mentioned that we'd like to sort of do things differently or at least explore what different might look like. Which leads us to Bowie Badger, right? He's the personality of INVNT and of INVNT Group.

    Summary

    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.

    They also address the agency's unique approach to redefining brand narratives, embodied by their company mascot, Bowie Badger, and their exceptional work with client partnerships, are also discussed, showcasing their prowess in transforming the events landscape.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Kristina McCoobery: LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Paul Blurton: LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

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

    Opening Quote:

    “Anybody can book, as I said, a talent, but we pride ourselves on getting so much more out of the talent. We pride ourselves on delivering more than just a general session. We're not just going to bring in a stage with some lighting and some sound. It's got to be more than that. I mean, the reason we're in business for so long and have been successful for so long is that we give so much more to our clients.”

    Summary

    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.

    Guest Bio:

    As Director of Entertainment Services for Drury Design Dynamics, Mark Felix recommends and produces unique, creative, and exciting entertainment and speaker ideas for a wide range of corporate communications programs. He serves as a resource to clients nationwide and is especially regarded for his ability to fit entertainment and speaker recommendations with specific communications challenges.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Ross Bernstein: Mark's LinkedIn Profile

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • Title:

    The Voice of Meetings and Events (ft. Glenn Thayer | Conference Moderator & Master of Ceremonies)

    Opening Quote:

    Why do people go to conferences? Why do people go to award shows? They're there to meet people and build relationships, and solidify relationships. Well, how is that done? That's done over breaking bread. So you're having a meal with them, or it's at the bar, or it's a hallway conversation when you're leaving a keynote or leaving a breakout, and you go, well, what did you think about that? Yeah, I disagreed with them. I think there's a better way to execute this and roll this out. And now you have a conversation, and you're building relationships.

    Summary

    Known as “The Voice of Meetings and Events,” Glen Thayer is a professional master of ceremonies, conference moderator, corporate spokesperson, and live announcer. But what differentiates Glenn from others in that space is that he draws from his experience as a producer and brings all that knowledge to the event table. And it’s priceless.

    By way of background, Glenn ran an entertainment production company for 20 years and in the process, learned that what he liked most was focusing on content and creation. And he speaks to that aspect of event design in this episode of No More Bad Events.

    Glenn talks about aligning goals and objectives and the importance of considering the business metrics, stakeholder needs, and attendee expectations. He addresses the need to create engaging formats, from panel discussions to fireside chats. And he talks about balancing content and connection. To that end, he advocates for creating opportunities for relationship building by designing event schedules that provide ample time for attendees to network, engage in conversations, and digest the information they've learned. Glenn believes that people attend events not only to learn but also to connect with others in their industry.

    And there’s so much more, including utilizing event apps and AI-generated content, the role of an emcee and moderator, dealing with unexpected moments, and the need to be spontaneous. Glenn certainly has the chops to be the voice of meetings and events. He’s got great stories to tell, and he delivers them so smoothly. Have a listen; you’ll see why.

    Guest Bio:

    Known as The Voice of Meetings and Events, Glenn Thayer, CMP, is a professional conference moderator and master of ceremonies. He has over two decades of experience facilitating corporate and association conferences. Specializing in creating dynamic general sessions, Glenn works with his clients to enhance the audience experience through the use of technology, compelling content, and open, interactive dialogue and interviews.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Glenn Thayer: Glenn Thayer, LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • OPENING QUOTE:

    “One of the most innovative things that we have embraced is diversity. Diversity in background and diversity in culture and diversity in thought really is what creates this most incredible product, like this blend of thinking and people and ultimately ways of engaging audiences that we've never really thought about before, and that truly is exciting to me.”

    SUMMARY

    A content-focused episode, No More Bad Events takes a look at the hardcore, brass tack, foundational elements that are essential to producing nothing but a great event.

    Guests DJ Hanson and John Sideris, founders of Blueprint NYC-- a prestigious live, digital, and hybrid events production company-- discuss the power of immersive learning experiences.

    From self-led experiences to choose-your-own-adventure approaches, they are advocates for having attendees help in the content selection. They no doubt believe that it encourages engagement simply because they’ve had a hand in it.

    They’re also big advocates for extending the reach of the meeting beyond the actual meeting. These fierce digital and engagement experts have developed a proprietary platform called Bluebird, which utilizes interactive features to keep internal audiences engaged after and between events. It’s got the ability to facilitate two-way conversations, push live updates, and provide training. It’s a perfect tool for connecting teams and ensuring consistent messaging across touchpoints
 and across time.

    And there’s so much more, including strategies for kick-ass experiences. We invite you to listen to this thought-provoking episode, especially if you’re looking for innovative ways to engage your audience and make your next project the best one yet. It’s a blueprint, courtesy of Blueprint NYC, for success. Check it out.

    GUEST BIO:

    BlueprintNYC is an esteemed live event, digital, and hybrid production company. DJ Hanson and John Sideris are the founders, and together, they strive to create kick-ass experiences for their clients. They pride themselves in keeping their ears to the ground, following what’s trending, and then pushing everything beyond what’s expected. They don’t just generate excitement; they actively seek to move audiences physically and emotionally.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow DJ Hanson DJ Hanson, LinkedIn Bio

    Follow John Sideris: John Sideris, LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • OPENING QUOTE:

    “That last mile is about standing there with the CEO, with the Chief Marketing Officer, with the product people that are on stage, and saying how can we take this script that we have right now, these pieces of content, and just create a bigger bond with the audience over those things.”

    SUMMARY:

    Chris Janese is the CEO and head of client strategy at The Green Room, an extraordinary event production agency with roots in the entertainment industry. And it’s from that perspective that we learn more about what it takes to produce the best events.

    Chris believes in the power of entertainment. He believes that by incorporating elements of surprise, emotion, and performance, you can create a profound and lasting impact on your audience. And one other thing. He believes that by going beyond what clients initially want, you can push boundaries and create events that truly exceed expectations. He calls it-- albeit tongue-in-cheek-- violating expectations!

    He also addresses the importance of the “last mile,” that final stage of any event where true magic happens. The place where you keep yourself open to creativity and make a tweak at the last moment that changes everything for the better.

    And Chris also talks about trust. That attribute allows the boundaries to be pushed and magic to happen. Chris says it takes an abundant amount of patience, understanding, negotiation, and a push towards a process-driven approach that yields trust. Still, once you get there, exceptional events that leave lasting impressions will follow.

    So, if you're looking to create extraordinary, unforgettable events, then you will want to catch this episode. Tune in and be amazed!

    GUEST BIO:

    Co-CEO and head of client strategy at The Green Room (TGR), an event production company, Chris has been at the forefront of some of the largest and most intricate productions in the industry over the past 30 years, including events for such globally recognized companies as CA Technologies, Juniper Networks, Intel, SAP, Allergan, Acura, and Starbucks and Ariel Investments.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Chris Janese: Chris Janese, LinkedIn Bio.

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • TITLE:

    Picking the Perfect Speaker | (ft. Rich Gibbons | President, SpeakInc)

    OPENING QUOTE:

    “There are so many. I don't want to say horror stories, but there have been lots of selections over the years where corporate leaders and middle-level managers have seen what a train wreck it can be if you don't pick the right talent. And it's misaligned for whatever reason, and getting it right is a lot easier than trying to mop up afterwards.”

    SUMMARY:

    Selecting the right speaker is an art form. It requires an understanding of your audience's preferences, the ability to read the room, and a commitment to providing an unforgettable experience. And with those parameters in mind, Rich addresses how a speaker could make or break an event. And how, as a broker of speakers, he needs to understand every nuance of a client’s request or risk misfortune.

    And on that note, Rich leans into some relevant and memorable quotes from a few of his esteemed colleagues. For example, “Prescription before diagnosis is malpractice” and “In a time of infinite choice, the power of curation skyrockets.”

    And it all makes sense as Rich gets specific about the need to deeply understand a conference or program slot's ethos, profile, demographic, and DNA. He talks about the growing focus on diversity in gender and race in speaker selections, new trends in subject matter, assessing the track records of speakers (celebrity and otherwise), and
 this is big 
being an advocate for the event owner.

    If keynotes are an integral part of your program, and producing great events is your goal, this episode of No More Bad Events is a must!

    GUEST BIO:

    With an extensive client following in both the corporate and trade association realms, Rich Gibbons advises on speakers and platform talent that aligns with event goals. He has held board positions with the International Association of Speakers Bureaus (IASB), the Corporate Event Marketing Association (CEMA), and the IASB/NSA Council.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Rich Gibbons: Rich Gibbons eSpeakers Bio, LinkedIn Bio.

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • TITLE:

    Scoring Big in the Event World | (ft. Ross Bernstein | Author and Keynote Speaker)

    OPENING QUOTE:

    “And I guess the trend now that we're fully back in person, I mean, there's obviously some hybrid, and there's some virtual, and that serves a purpose for some events, but for the bigger stuff, people realize that to really have a great conference, it's about the camaraderie. It's about having a beer, a glass of wine, a steak, sitting next to someone, looking them in the eye, shaking their hand, breaking bread. That's what it's all about.”

    SUMMARY:

    An award-winning Hall of Fame keynote speaker and best-selling author of 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein’s program is all about the DNA of what makes champions unique. And in the event world, that translates to individuals who create a positive culture and contribute to keeping peace and making things fun. And it gets better.

    He believes in karma, camaraderie, and the importance of being a good person just to have around. And he believes that a blend of good people is necessary for a successful team. And a successful event.

    And wow! He acknowledges the central role event professionals play in making events successful, comparing them to offensive linemen in football, often going unnoticed unless something goes wrong. He’s a pronounced cheerleader for planners and producers.

    Ross affirms that point and his belief that the industry is healthier than ever, with people recognizing the value of in-person gatherings and investing more in quality events. That said, Ross calls a very good game. Not to mention, tells great stories. He’s animated and engaging. So sit back, team, and prepare to be enthralled. Ross is about to score big in our world of No More Bad Events.

    GUEST BIO:

    The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein, is an award-winning peak performance business speaker who has keynoted conferences for Fortune 500 companies on all seven continents and has been featured on CNN, ESPN, Fox News, and “CBS This Morning,” as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Ross Bernstein: Ross Bernstein’s eSpeakers Bio, LinkedIn Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]

  • TITLE:

    Laughter and the Lightness of Being | (ft. Melinda Buckley | Executive Coach and Creative Director)

    OPENING QUOTE:

    “Humor is a tool, just like anything else. So it's not something that's dominant. We're not going to necessarily lead with it unless it's appropriate. But first you want to land your message. You want to focus on your audience, you want to be able to articulate your objectives, and then you want to use humor to engage your audience. So it's like the tail. It doesn't wag the dog, but it makes the dog happy.”

    SUMMARY:

    In this lively and funny episode of "No More Bad Events," host Scott Bloom and guest Melinda Buckley, executive coach, and creative director, discuss the importance of laughter and humor in bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging.

    They explore the benefits of infusing humor into business conferences, debunk common misconceptions about it, and address the obstacles and pushback that may arise. Melinda also shares examples of successful humor integration in corporate environments and provides tips for individuals who want to incorporate a little wit into their presentations.

    As an example, and for those who don't consider themselves naturally funny, she believes the key is to approach humor organically and focus on bringing out the best presentation that’s already inside them. It's about finding ways to add context, metaphors, and memes that enhance the message and create a lightness in the room.

    But it doesn’t stop there. Melinda talks about persona, being human, and the perfection of imperfection. She’s engaging, funny, and light, not to mention that she tells a great story. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the impact of humor, laughter, and the lightness of being in creating unforgettable events.

    GUEST BIO:

    Melinda’s extensive stage, film, and storytelling background informs everything she does. Her diverse clients include Fortune 500 companies, non-profits and associations. Melinda has also developed an interactive program entitled The Power Story to help executives identify and incorporate compelling, business-appropriate stories that authentically engage audiences.

    HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:

    Follow Melinda Buckley: Linkedin Bio

    Follow Scott Bloom: Scott's eSpeakers Bio

    Follow eSpeakers: eSpeakers Marketplace

    ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:

    Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.

    Learn more at: nomorebadevents.com

    ABOUT THE HOST:

    A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.

    As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs as a comedian. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?

    Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com

    PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:

    When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.

    eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.

    The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements.

    Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.

    Learn more at: eSpeakers.com

    SHOW CREDITS:

    Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com

    Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | [email protected]