Better Events

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268

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the "Better Events" podcast! Join two event planners and producers, Logan Clements and Mary Davidson, who believe we can all create, host and attend better events. In this podcast you will 1. Learn about event strategy and actions that you can use today as an event host, planner, or manager, 2. Hear directly from the people who are creating innovative and inspiring events today and tomorrow 3. And Grow your business and career along the way! Now let's get started and thanks for listening to the "Better Events" podcast. Support this podcast at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod

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60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 25940 min

Behind the Curtain: What It Really Takes to Plan Events for the U.S. Government with Brittany Carroll

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney sit down with Brittany Carroll, Manager of Event Operations at the Library of Congress and former U.S. diplomat, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to produce events at the highest levels of government. Brittany shares what most event professionals never see: the layers of protocol, the complexity of managing global delegations, and what it takes to source vendors and navigate relationships in countries where the rules and expectations are completely different. If you've ever been curious about government and public sector events, this one will open your eyes.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopConnect with guest co-host Vanessa on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaloney/Connect with Brittany Carroll:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-a-carrollWebsite: www.arkandsol.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyacarroll/Substack: https://substack.com/@lifebeelifinSAM Vendor Database: https://usfcr.com/register-renew/?utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=sam.gov&utm_campaign=SAM&utm_source=adwords&hsa_tgt=kwd-303711204891&hsa_ad=737504210564&hsa_src=g&hsa_mt=b&hsa_ver=3&hsa_cam=122161541&hsa_acc=1449812725&hsa_kw=sam.gov&hsa_grp=5341822301&hsa_net=adwords&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=122161541&gbraid=0AAAAADx-gxsUSU4bel_oTKZe1l74oD5NF&gclid=CjwKCAjw857RBhAgEiwAI-1yKMJwA6sOO3Y5hvJLsnVZFGkeFG2ndoNilWOQBMLoa8rO8gVKwmB_oBoCnNgQAvD_BwEUS Protocol references: https://www.state.gov/protocol-referenceLearn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

June 3, 2026Episode 25844 min

Are You Actually Staying Relevant in The Event Industry — Or Just Busy?

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney tackle a question every event professional should be asking themselves: Are you actually staying relevant, or are you just staying busy? They dig into what relevance really means in an ever-evolving industry — from how you network and which conferences are actually worth your time to how intentional you're being about vendor relationships and your own visibility. Whether you've been in the industry for two years or twenty, this episode is designed to bring intention and awareness to how you show up and grow in the events world.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopConnect with Vanessa Loney:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaloneyWebsite: https://www.blueribbon-events.com/Instagram: @vee_loneyLearn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestLogan's Pasta shape - Radiatori: https://www.mamadepandi.com/product/radiatori-dried-pasta/Google Sites: https://workspace.google.com/products/sites/SCORE Mentoring: https://www.score.org/aboutProfit First Book: https://amzn.to/3PxXK66Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

May 27, 2026Episode 25739 min

How to Manage Multiple Events at Once Without Dropping the Ball

This week, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz tackle a question sent in by a listener who asked: how many events can you realistically manage at once? Logan and Peggy share how many events they're each currently juggling, how their capacity has evolved over the course of their careers, and how to spot scope creep before it derails your workload. They also dig into the systems and habits that help them stay organized across multiple events, and reflect on the moments they learned they had taken on too much.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopConnect with Peggy on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-katz-2864bb/Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

May 20, 2026Episode 25636 min

256 - What Your Graphics Operator Wishes You Knew with Cassy Albert

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz sit down with presentation designer and graphics operator Cassy Albert to pull back the curtain on one of the key roles in live event production - the slides! Cassy breaks down what a graphics operator actually does during a show, the most common mistakes planners and speakers make when preparing decks, and the best way to receive and organize slides across multiple sessions. If you've ever had a slide moment go wrong onsite, this episode will change how you approach graphics management for good.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopConnect with guest co-host Peggy on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-katz-2864bb/Connect with Cassy Albert:LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cassyalbertInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sistersagencyinc/Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

May 13, 2026Episode 25534 min

255 - How to Scale Your Event Production for Any Budget — From $10K to the Olympic Games with Peggy Katz

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz, a veteran producer with seven Olympics under her belt, dig into what it really means to scale an event based on budget, from scrappy under-$10K productions to multi-million dollar international spectacles. They break down how budget impacts your role as a producer or showcaller, the unique pros and cons of working at both ends of the spectrum, and how event resources can shift dramatically depending on what country you're working in. Whether you're producing a local corporate event or dreaming of the Olympic stage, this episode is packed with perspective only experience can bring.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopConnect with Peggy on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-katz-2864bb/Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

May 6, 2026Episode 25445 min

254 - Being Good at Events Is Only Half the Job (of Running an Event Business)

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Ryan Criswell tackle one of the most honest conversations in the event industry: being great at producing and planning events doesn't automatically make you great at running an event business. They explore the gap between event skills and business skills — from the early moments that revealed what they didn't know, to the systems and habits that have helped them grow on the business side. If you're an event planner or event producer who feels more confident behind a run-of-show than a balance sheet, this episode is for you.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopLearn More About Ryan:Website: ⁠www.cutestoryevents.com⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/cutestoryevents⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-c-048216263/kedin.com%2Fin%2Fryan-c-048216263%2F⁠Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/cutestoryeventsLogan's YouTube Video on What to Include on an Invoice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuac6BAwD7o&t=3sRegister interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

April 29, 2026Episode 25336 min

253 - From Venue Coordinating to Event Curator with Tauti Kimbrough

In this episode, we sit down with Tauti Kimbrough to explore what it really means to wear multiple hats in the event industry — from venue marketer to event planner to event host. Joined by guest co-host Ryan Criswell, we discuss how Tauti's unique experience on both sides of an event make her a better host, planner, and venue coordinator.SHOW NOTES:Connect with Tauti Kimbrough:Instagram: @tauti.k (https://www.instagram.com/tauti.k/)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tautiauna-kimbrough/Supper Sociale: https://www.instagram.com/suppersociale/Connect with Ryan (guest co-host):Website: ⁠www.cutestoryevents.com⁠Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/cutestoryevents⁠LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-c-048216263/kedin.com%2Fin%2Fryan-c-048216263%2F⁠Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/cutestoryevents ⁠Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopRegister interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

April 22, 2026Episode 25237 min

252 - Designing Public-Facing Events That Actually Engage People

In this episode, Logan sits down with guest co-host Ryan Criswell to explore the unique art of producing public-facing events — and what sets them apart from ticketed or corporate experiences. They dig into what meaningful engagement actually looks like when your audience didn't plan to be there, and how to measure success beyond a headcount. Plus, Ryan shares lessons from the public-facing world that any event producer can take back to their next project.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopLearn More About Ryan:Website: www.cutestoryevents.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/cutestoryeventsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-c-048216263/kedin.com%2Fin%2Fryan-c-048216263%2FFacebook: www.facebook.com/cutestoryevents Register interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

April 15, 2026Episode 25136 min

251 - Speaker Management 101: Setting Expectations, Timelines, and Deliverables

Managing speakers can make or break an event — and it starts with setting the right expectations. In this episode, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of speaker management, from when it should begin in the planning process to the key deliverables every speaker should have. We share best practices for communication, timelines, and what speakers actually need to be successful both before and onsite. Plus, how to handle missed deadlines and keep things moving when speakers aren’t as responsive as you’d hoped.SHOW NOTES:Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopPurchase our Conference & Meeting Workbook (speaker tab included): https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/better-events-conferencemeeting-event-planning-workbook-template-excelRegister interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-freeTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)

April 8, 2026Episode 25037 min

250 - 250 Episodes Later: What We’ve Learned About Events

We made it to 250 episodes — and we’re taking a moment to reflect on what that really means. In this milestone episode, we look back on the conversations that shaped the podcast, including our top 5 most popular episodes and what we’d say differently today. We also share what 250 episodes have taught us about events, how our perspectives have evolved, and what feels less urgent now than it once did. A reflective, behind-the-scenes conversation — and a big thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey.SHOW NOTES:Register for our How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopRiverside Podcast Analytics Article: https://riverside.com/blog/podcast-analyticsTop 5 Episodes:Ep. 74 - How to Start an Event Planning Business: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nu5ut7xSoVjMP8wKTpTGy?si=V9up3CeTQuKuao4JVcj9nQEp. 223 - What Is Day-Of Event Management? A Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tBanvW3KYjasVPSmemuxj?si=oOCJWcjxT1y0dlC1tBtGrQEp. 196 - Pre-Event Routines for Event Planners and Event Producers: https://open.spotify.com/episode/748FVGOsYelEDWq3SNTdJ7?si=IBgc9cNfTzeOTRfPzgEExgEp. 227 - The Business of Events: Scaling Budgeting and Ownership: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LlVHr2pEkcjIVZncdbTIU?si=sCwYrsHnRlq6rDqcYCKVBg Top Episode: Ep. 72 - Skills That Every Event Planner or Event Producer Needs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IZPc59zynDFX6NgKAYvLU?si=Nt9q6V58Tj-ywaV_cvpvOwRegister interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at bettereventspod@gmail.comTHANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!——FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:@bettereventspod@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)@epeventsllc (Mary)