Better Events

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277

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Aug 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

August 19, 2026Episode 26838 min

Earning the Referral: What It Really Takes to Build a Relationship-First Business

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Julianne get into one of the most sustainable — and most misunderstood — growth strategies in the event business: referrals. They talk about what a referral-based business actually looks like in practice, what it takes to stay consistently top of mind with the people who send you work, and how to handle it gracefully when a referral isn't the right fit. If you're earlier in your career and wondering how to build referral equity when your network is still growing, this episode has a roadmap for you too. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Connect with Julianne Read: Website: https://eefundraising.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianneread/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianneread/ Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)

August 12, 2026Episode 26734 min

The Pricing Mistakes Most Planners Don't Know They're Making with Jackie Baker

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Julianne sit down with Jackie Baker, founder of Spark Events and co-founder of Event Pro Suite, for an honest conversation about pricing. Jackie shares the mistakes most event planners make without realizing it, where she landed after years of trial and error across flat-fee, percentage-based, and hourly structures, and what finally made her start charging what her work is actually worth. If you've ever undercharged, over-delivered, or struggled to raise your rates with long-term clients, this one is for you. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Connect with Jackie Baker: Website: https://www.sparkeventshq.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackiewoodbaker/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparkeventshq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkeventshq Related Episodes: Ep. #230 - When and How to Raise Your Event Rates Confidently: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uVLTOY3lqRqxrnxNlWHXx?si=BOFMTQmrQd2cOGKMh0Bb3Q Ep. #211 - Fractional CFO interview with Kelle Thorpe: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0plbiquoAHS5tpbFs0593K?si=Myft59dyQGiTmRNWl8Xukw Ep. #147 with Jackie Baker: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3piq1gn938vKhNK39V4RFL Connect with guest co-host Julianne Read on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianneread/ Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)

July 29, 2026Episode 26635 min

266 - The Anatomy of a Paddle Raise with Julianne Read

In this episode, Logan sits down with Julianne, a fundraiser-turned-event architect who specializes in nonprofit events, to break down one of the most high-stakes moments in any gala: the paddle raise. Julianne walks through how to structure giving levels, write and time the ask, and prep your fundraising host so the moment actually lands. Whether you produce nonprofit galas or just want to understand how to move a room to action, this episode will change how you think about the ask. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Connect with Julianne Read: Website: https://eefundraising.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianneread/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianneread/ Logan's Favorite Vodka Sauce: https://danpelosi.com/recipe/grossys-vodka-sawce/ Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)

July 22, 2026Episode 26539 min

265 - Go Beyond Lectures & Slides with Alternative Session Design

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Lee Gimpel tackle a question that's been nagging at conference organizers for years: why do we keep defaulting to presentations and panels when there are so many better options? Lee walks through alternative session formats that most event professionals have never heard of and pulls cards live from his Conference Engagement Cards deck to show just how practical and fun reimagining your programming can be. If you're designing a conference and want your attendees to actually remember it, this episode is your starting point. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Conference engagement cards: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/ Connect with Lee Gimpel: Website: https://bettermeetings.expert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better_meetings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BetterMeetingsExpert/ LinkedIn for his company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/ Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)

July 15, 2026Episode 26430 min

264 - The Data-Driven Event: Personalization, AI, and What Actually Works with Vinnu Deshetty

In this episode, Logan is joined by guest co-host Lee Gimpel and guest Vinnu Deshetty, the Event ROI Coach, for a conversation about one of the most misunderstood topics in the events industry right now: data. Vinnu breaks down what clean data actually means, where AI is genuinely helping event professionals versus where the hype is outpacing the reality, and what real personalization looks like versus what just looks like it. If you've ever felt intimidated by data or unsure where to start, Vinnu makes it feel human, practical, and worth your attention. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Connect with Vinnu Deshetty: Website: https://www.eventroicoach.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinnudeshetty/ Connect with guest co-host Lee Gimpel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/ Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)

July 8, 2026Episode 26335 min

263 - Peaks and Leaks in Your Event Agenda with Lee Gimpel

In this episode, Logan sits down with Lee Gimpel, conference engagement expert, president of Better Meetings, and creator of the Conference Engagement Cards, to dig into one of the most overlooked aspects of event planning: the agenda. Lee breaks down where attendee energy leaks out of even well-intentioned conferences, why the same tired formats keep showing up, and what a thoughtfully designed agenda actually feels like from an attendee's perspective. If you have an event agenda locking soon, this episode will give you the highest-leverage change you can make before it does. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Conference engagement cards: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/ Connect with Lee Gimpel: Website:https://bettermeetings.expert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better_meetings/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BetterMeetingsExpert/ LinkedIn for his company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/ Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)

July 1, 2026Episode 26244 min

262 - The Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to an Event

This week, Logan shares one of the most important skills she's developed as an event professional: knowing what to ask before saying yes to a project. She shares why she became more intentional about evaluating opportunities, what she needed to learn about scope, budget clarity, and client fit before she could confidently take on new work, and how she uses soft holds as a tool that benefits both her and her clients. If you've ever said yes to something and immediately regretted it, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Logan's Travel Printer - https://amzn.to/4w5i2Dp THANKS 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 24, 2026Episode 26143 min

261 - Grief, Gatherings, and Connection with Dana Pake

In this episode, Logan sits down with Dana Pake, founder of Lalago Experiences and death doula in training, a personal conversation about grief and it's space at events. Dana shares what three decades of lived experience with grief has taught her about connection, why grief shows up in rooms full of people more than we realize, and what most event professionals miss when it does. Logan also opens up about her own experience with loss while running her business, making this an episode that goes far beyond event planning and into what it really means to create authentic connection in the room. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Connect with Dana Pake: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danapake/ Francis Weller, Wild Edge of Sorrow and In the Absence of the Ordinary Pema Chondren, How We Live is How We Die (explaining concept of Bardo) Laura Lynn Jackson, Signs and Guided Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest THANKS 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 17, 2026Episode 26044 min

260 - You Asked, We Answered: Event Bibles, AV Tips, Freelance Advice & More

In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney are back with another listener mailbag, tackling your questions across every corner of the events world. From what an event bible actually looks like to the best questions to ask your AV tech, F&B creativity, and how to celebrate your team without a monetary bonus, they cover it all. They also dig into the business side for freelancers, from raising your rates and marketing yourself to managing contractor friendships and getting a handle on your finances. SHOW NOTES: Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop Connect with Vanessa Loney: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaloney Website: https://www.blueribbon-events.com/ Instagram: @vee_loney Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Logan'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/about Profit First Book: https://amzn.to/3PxXK66 Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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 10, 2026Episode 25940 min

259 - 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/workshop Connect with guest co-host Vanessa on ⁠LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessaloney/ Connect with Brittany Carroll: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-a-carroll Website: www.arkandsol.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyacarroll/ Substack: https://substack.com/@lifebeelifin SAM 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_BwE US Protocol references: https://www.state.gov/protocol-reference Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free THANKS 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)