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Adventures In Venueland

Adventures In Venueland

Hosted by Dave Redelberger, Paul Hooper

Episodes

171

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

The EVMC Podcast - Explore the personal journeys and experiences of people in the live entertainment industry. Join hosts Dave Redelberger and Paul Hooper as they talk with guests who work in live entertainment about what they are currently doing, their history in the industry, and the challenges they faced along the way to lead them to where they are today. Adventures In Venueland is a side project of the Event & Venue Marketing Conference, a non-profit conference that brings together diversified events and venue professionals to cultivate inspiration, collaboration, and innovation for the growing entertainment industry. The AIV theme is comprised of elements from the Nine Inch Nails track 16 Ghosts II off the Ghosts I-IV album, and is licensed under a Creative Commons license (BY-NC-SA).

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 12, 202647 min

Hannah Flynn

Join us on the left side of the “Michigan mitten” as we head to Grand Rapids to chat with Hannah Flynn, Communications Manager with Legends Global, which manages Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Place, newly opened Acrisure Amphitheater, and Amway Stadium (opening Spring 2027). As a passionate social media and pop culture guru, we dive into the details of Hannah’s role, the structure of their department, and learn a bit about each of the venues. We talk with her about collaborating with local businesses and hear tips about pitching ideas and some examples of fun promotions. Known for dressing up as artists coming to their venues for TikTok videos, Hannah talks about their approach to following social trends and how to discover new ideas. We talk about how she got into live events as well as the creation of her concert social account (@hangoestoaconcert), which has evolved from providing tips for going to concerts to advice on joining the industry. This is a fun episode that’s sure to spark some ideas, give you some accounts to follow, and (for those of you not already in the industry) may just inspire you to dive in. Hannah Flynn: Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn Van Andel Arena: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

July 29, 202650 min

Barb Saito

Journey with us to the Aloha State as we visit Hawaii and talk with Barb Saito, President of Aloha Group International Inc., who is based in the capital city of Honolulu on the island of O’ahu. Barb, who has 45 years of experience in the industry, supports concert promoters by consulting and assisting with financial and logistical challenges that come with promoting shows in Hawaii. She also works a lot with Asian artists who often do fan club flyaway events in the area. We chat through the many benefits of routing shows to Hawaii and learn about how they navigate challenges in keeping costs low and making adjustments to tours, using local vendors and shipping gear to make the finances work. Barb tells us about her start in live events, stage managing for plays in high school and ultimately getting a job as a book keeper with legendary concert promoter and DJ, Tom Moffatt. She shares memories from early shows and talks about what it was like breaking barriers as a woman handling settlements and production in the 80s and 90s. We also talk about her volunteer work with Hawaii Events Coalition, a group which formed during the pandemic to support overall live event business in the state. Enjoy this fun, fascinating episode filled with aloha, a love of live events, and amazing stories. Barb Saito: LinkedIn | Email Aloha Group International: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

July 15, 202643 min

Adam Straight

We’re off to the Midwest as we visit the city of Omaha, Nebraska and chat with Adam Straight, President & CEO of Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA). Adam tells us all about MECA, which is a venue management company which manages city-owned properties including CHI Health Center Omaha (which includes an arena and convention center), Charles Schwab Field Omaha (which hosts the College World Series), and The RiverFront (72-acre urban green space along the Missouri River). We hear what makes each venue special and how their combined strength makes the city competitive when attracting events. Adam tells us about what makes Omaha special, trends he is seeing in the convention side of the industry, and we discuss the importance of sustainability with venues. We learn about Adam’s history in the industry, which he started unconventionally as an electrician working sporting events at University of Maryland, eventually leading him to working at two of the top five convention centers in the country. Enjoy this episode which provides an interesting perspective of managing a diverse group of venues and is sure to add Omaha to your visit list. Adam Straight: LinkedIn MECA: Facebook | LinkedIn | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

July 1, 202616 min

LIVE at EVMC 2026: Awards Red Carpet Interviews

Live from Sacramento – Join us on the red carpet as we interview award winners at the 11th Annual Event & Venue Marketing Conference Awards. Dave and Paul speak with award recipients in the various categories and get insight into their experience and advice they have for others wanting to be in their shoes. In addition to this audio version, click this link to watch the video version: 🎥 Watch Video Interviews Winners (in order of appearance): Mortgage Matchup Center – Most Creative Artist Gift (Under $500) Intrust Bank Arena – Marketing & Publicity Campaign of the Year Fiserv Forum – Most Creative Artist Gift (Over $500) Fiserv Forum – Most Creative Artist Welcome Paycom Center – Grassroots Campaign of the Year Kaseya Center – Impact Award Alyson Katz – Breakthrough Professional of the Year Jeff Johnson – EVMC Hall of Fame Inductee Kate Bean – Gigi Award of Excellence ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

June 17, 202642 min

LIVE at EVMC 2026: Beyond Venue Walls Panel

Live from Sacramento – Sit in on this 2026 Event & Venue Marketing Conference session as we chat with Vanessa Mancao (Tour Marketing Manager, Red Light Management), Karl Crudup (Director of Event Sales & Production, Sacramento Kings), and Jessica Eckley (Managing Partner, Crackerjack Media) in front of a live audience. In this session, titled "Beyond Venue Walls: Creative Strategies for Marketing Experiences Beyond Traditional Events" we explore how creative marketing and branding can promote activities tied to other events, plaza parties, and unique experiences beyond traditional events inside venue walls. Walk away with actionable ideas to craft fun interactions, boost awareness, maximize assets, create a larger community impact, and build deeper fan connections beyond event night. Hosted by Adventures In Venueland’s Dave Redelberger and Paul Hooper, this episode gives you a taste of this year's sold out conference at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento. If you joined us in-person, this is a great way to re-listen for notes and share this episode with a boss or colleague for them to get a taste of the EVMC experience. Vanessa Mancao: LinkedIn Karl Crudup: LinkedIn Jessica Eckley: LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

June 3, 202645 min

Krystal Gonzalez

Join us as we head to the Sparkling City by the Sea – Corpus Christi, and chat with Krystal Gonzalez, Director of Sales at Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds (RMB Fairgrounds). We learn all about the fairgrounds, which is home to a conference center, two exhibit halls, arena pavilion, and equestrian arena which host a wide mix of social events, expos, rodeos, concerts, and dinner events. We learn about the city, Krystal tells us about her role, and we talk about how they leverage the versatility of all their venues to sell clients and market their spaces. We talk with her about her history in the industry and how all her experience working on different sides in different departments prepared her for her current role where she handles different tasks and collaborates with coworkers to make sure they are meeting their client’s needs. Enjoy this fun, unique episode which includes some nerdy venue talk, great career advice, and interesting perspective. Krystal Gonzalez: LinkedIn RMB Fairgrounds: Facebook | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

May 20, 202629 min

Inside: EVMC 2026

BONUS EPISODE – Warm up your taste buds and meet us in the Farm to Fork Capital because the 2026 Event & Venue Marketing Conference (EVMC) is just around the corner! This bonus episode is filled with everything you need to know as you pack and prepare for this year’s conference in Sacramento, California. Hosts Paul and Dave are joined by a couple special guests which help craft this podcast KBYG — Kim Allen (EVMC President, Director of Arena Marketing at Golden 1 Center) and Brandon Darnell (Director of Marketing at Visit Sacramento). Hear about the agenda, evening events, awards, and top conference advice from each person. If you’re visiting Sacramento for the first time, learn what makes the city special, some restaurant and dish recommendations, and key landmarks to visit on your trip. Whether this is your first time attending EVMC, you’re a seasoned vet, or you’ve never been and are wondering what it’s about – we’ve got you covered! Coming to the conference? 🎙️ Be sure to join us Thursday, June 11 at 9am in the Regency Ballroom for Beyond Venue Walls, an Adventures In Venueland LIVE session! Our hosts will moderate a special, recorded session that explores creative strategies for marketing experiences beyond traditional events. Come say hello, meet our team, and grab a free AIV sticker! We’ll see you in Sactown! Event & Venue Marketing Conference: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

May 6, 202650 min

Jeff Cuellar

Ahoy Venuelanders! 🛳⚓️ Join us for a revelry at sea as we set sail with Jeff Cuellar, CEO of Sixthman, a promoter focused on “tearing down walls” by creating community-inspired festival experiences that use cruise ships as their venue. Celebrating their 25th anniversary as a company, Jeff gives us an overview of Sixthman, their approach to their experiences, and the history of the company. Learn how they bring to life the magic of passionate communities through performances, food and lodging, international destinations, and entertainment while providing a safe space for fans to be together and bond over shared passions. While music is their core business and what started it all, they have expanded to comedy, podcasting, as well as other passionate groups that led to the creation of events such as Chefs Making Waves and The Broadway Cruise.  Additionally, Sixthman has had the pleasure of working with other brands that have extremely tight communities like the Savannah Bananas and Hallmark, providing an opportunity for a more intimate and curated experience for their fans. We also chat nuts and bolts with Jeff about setting up, loading in, and challenges producing a festival at sea – including things like working with naval engineers, accounting for motion and weather, and coordinating production operations. So, grab a Mai Tai and dive into this fascinating episode that gives you an inside look into a wonderfully unique side of live events on the open seas. Jeff Cuellar: LinkedIn Sixthman: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

April 23, 202625 min

Breaking In: Artist Growth | Messina Touring Week

Welcome to Messina Touring Week on Adventures In Venueland! 🎉 As we celebrate 2️⃣5️⃣ years of Messina Touring, we’ve got a couple special episodes dropping this week to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes them one of the top concert promoters today. — For this bonus episode which extends our Breaking In series, we talk with Rachel Powers, VP at Messina Touring Group, about artist growth from clubs to Sphere. We jump right in and talk about Rachel's role with Messina Touring, where she oversees marketing and promotional strategy for some of the biggest names in country music (Eric Church, Blake Shelton, Zac Brown Band and Ty Myers). Using the case study of Ty Myers, she tells us about his growth from a local Austin kid to playing a club tour, growing into an arena artist, and some of their strategies and challenges facing developing artists. We then chat about Zac Brown Band, in which Rachel helped with their Sphere residency. From 500 cap rooms to global stages, hear what things stay consistent, what recommendations she has for emerging artists (and those marketing them) and some great stories as we break in with this fun episode capping off our Messina Touring Week. Rachel Powers: Email | Instagram Messina Touring: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

April 21, 202644 min

Kate McMahon | Messina Touring Week

Welcome to Messina Touring Week on Adventures In Venueland! 🎉 As we celebrate 2️⃣5️⃣ years of Messina Touring, we’ve got a couple special episodes dropping this week to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes them one of the top concert promoters today. — To kick things off, we’re chatting with Kate Des Enfants McMahon, Executive Vice President at Messina Touring Group, who has been with the company since the beginning. One of the most influential forces in live music touring, Kate has helped shape the modern touring business across companies like Pace Concerts, SFX Touring, and Clear Channel Touring before starting Messina Touring with Louis Messina and Rome McMahon 25 years ago. We chat about the history of the company, her current role, and how their “concierge promoter” all-in services have earned them such a great reputation. We learn about her career in the industry, what she thinks makes a good venue, advice she has for women entering the industry, and some landmark moments of her career – such as being involved in one of the first country music stadium shows. Enjoy listening to this five-time Billboard Woman in Music recipient and Pollstar Impact 50 recipient as we talk shop, share stories, and discuss amazing career advice. Kate Des Enfants McMahon: LinkedIn Messina Touring: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

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