Corralling the Chaos

Hosted by Angela Alea

Business Management News

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Mar 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Corralling the Chaos, the podcast where we round up the world of event management. Each episode, we'll unravel the complexities of managing events, from staffing and scheduling to embracing technology and adapting to industry trends. Explore success stories, learn from challenges, and discover the strategies that keep live events running like well-oiled machines. So, saddle up as we wrangle the chaos and find the order within. This podcast is hosted by Angela Alea, President and Chief Revenue Officer at LASSO.

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60 recent

March 11, 2026Episode 7013 min

Episode 70: Event Organizer or Event Operator? The Distinction Matters More Than You Think

Why has the live events production industry been so chronically underserved by technology? The answer starts somewhere most people have never thought to look: a government database.In this episode, guest host Dani Porter-Condon, VP of Marketing at LASSO, breaks down the foundational reasons production companies keep ending up with software that wasn't built for them — and what it actually takes to close that gap.You'll learn:Why live events production doesn't have its own industry classification, and why that matters more than you'd thinkThe critical difference between an event organizer and an event operator — and why confusing the two has cost this industry decades of operational clarityHow production companies can identify whether they have a headcount problem or a systems problem (hint: it's almost always the systems)What operational maturity actually looks like on the other side of the chaosIf you're running an AV house, production company, or crew staffing firm and you've ever felt like every tool you try was built for someone else — this one's for you.👉 See what a purpose-built event operating system looks like: lasso.io/demo

December 23, 2024Episode 694 min

Minisode: Reflections from the Road

In this special year-end minisode, Corralling the Chaos host Angela Alea reflects on the journey of 2024, shining a spotlight on the dedication, creativity, and resilience of event professionals. With heartfelt gratitude, Angela explores the impact these individuals make, the teams and families who support them, and the importance of self-care as the industry transitions into 2025.

December 9, 2024Episode 6823 min

The Power of a Professional Village: Growth in Community with The Loop

This episode of Corralling the Chaos explores the transformative power of professional networks and community building in the event industry. Host Angela Alea and guest John Barron, LASSO’s Community Manager, dive into the importance of creating a “professional village” for career growth, the evolution of LASSO’s community platform The Loop, and its role in fostering connections among event professionals.

November 18, 2024Episode 6713 min

The Ultimate Checklist for Choosing Event Software

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela presents a comprehensive checklist for businesses navigating the complex process of choosing new software solutions. Designed for event professionals and tech decision-makers, the episode dives into the crucial factors that make or break a successful software choice. Angela covers essential topics, from evaluating product depth, understanding the provider’s industry experience, assessing security standards, mobile accessibility, and onboarding timelines, to ensuring ongoing product development and customer support. By the end of this episode, listeners will have a clearer roadmap for selecting the right software partner to empower their teams and streamline operations.

November 4, 2024Episode 6628 min

Event Logistics Uncovered: Niche Solutions, Tech Innovations, & Success Strategies

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela Alea, President & CRO of LASSO, sits down with Josh Klebanoff, Co-Founder and COO of Yoke Logistics, to explore the vital role logistics plays in event planning. From understanding the unique needs of the events and entertainment industry to leveraging technology for seamless operations, Josh shares insights on why an industry-specific logistics provider can make all the difference. They discuss the importance of clear communication, preparing ahead, and how the right tech tools can mitigate common challenges in logistics, ultimately ensuring the success of every event. Discover essential tips and strategies for optimizing logistics in this engaging discussion.

October 21, 2024Episode 6531 min

Women in Events: Breaking Barriers & Leading the Way with Anca Trifan

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, Angela Alea, President & CRO of LASSO, sits down with Anca Trifan, CEO and Founder of Tree-Fan Events, to discuss the unique challenges women face in the events industry and explore practical solutions. Anca shares her inspiring journey from hands-on technical roles to founding her own company, emphasizing the importance of advocating for oneself and embracing leadership opportunities. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of events, the need for work-life integration, and strategies for attracting younger generations into the industry. Tune in to discover actionable insights on personal growth, mentorship, and creating inclusive work environments.

October 8, 2024Episode 6424 min

Event Industry Insurance: Avoiding Common Mistakes with Expert Tips from NFP

In this episode of "Corralling the Chaos," Angela Alea and Jason Packham, an entertainment insurance expert from NFP, discuss the critical importance of understanding and managing insurance coverage in the event industry. From common misconceptions to the nuances of adequate coverage, the conversation highlights key insights to help event companies avoid costly mistakes and ensure they are properly protected.

September 26, 202418 min

LASSO Fest Rewind: Ask Us Anything!

In this special bonus episode of Corralling the Chaos, we revisit the popular "Ask Us Anything" session from LASSO Fest, where key LASSO leaders—Angela Alea (President & CRO), Clay Sifford (Founder & CEO), and Jay Bredenberg (Chief Product Officer)—dive into audience questions about the company’s rapid development, customer feedback process, mobile app enhancements, and future product plans. Learn how LASSO is scaling quickly, incorporating real-time customer insights, and evolving its mobile app to serve as a central hub for live event professionals. This episode also unveils exciting new features on the horizon, including information about LASSO Payments.

September 24, 2024Episode 6322 min

The Keys to Successful Software Implementation: Time, Teamwork, and Training

In this episode of Corralling the Chaos, host Angela Alea and Thomas Hudson, LASSO’s Director of Implementation, dive into the complexities of software implementation. They explore why companies often struggle to fully leverage systems like CRMs and ERPs, despite heavy investments. The discussion highlights the importance of setting clear goals, ensuring effective communication, and involving key stakeholders from the start.Key insights include overcoming common pitfalls, establishing regular checkpoints, and the critical role of a dedicated support team. Whether you’re adopting a SaaS platform or transitioning to new software, this episode offers practical advice to help companies achieve a smooth and successful implementation.

September 9, 2024Episode 6221 min

The Talent vs. Labor Debate

In this compelling episode of "Corralling the Chaos," host Angela Alea, President & CRO of LASSO, sits down with Anthony McCoy to discuss a pivotal shift needed in the live events industry—the shift from viewing workers as mere 'labor' to recognizing them as 'talent.' They explore the profound impact this mindset change can have on the industry, including elevating work quality, increasing respect for workers, and boosting professionalism.