Meetings Matter Chatter

Hosted by Jenna Baker

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Industry trends and topics pertaining to the travel and meetings industry

Listen to episodes

41 recent

August 26, 2026Episode 422 min

Measuring What Matters in Meetings

How do you know if a meeting was truly successful? Clients and planners are under growing pressure to measure impact, prove value, and show whether key messages really landed. In this episode, Leilani Heaven, Senior Strategist at BCD Meetings & Events, shares the findings from the latest Client Insights report on Engagement and Measurement. She’ll cover what organizations can measure today, where the gaps still exist, and how this space is likely to evolve in the future.

July 21, 2026Episode 327 min

Safety, Security, and Emergency Response in Meeting Planning

In this podcast episode, guest Christina Filan, Director of Event Management at BCD M&E, discusses the critical role of safety and security protocols in meeting planning onsite, helping internal staff understand how preparation supports a safe, well-managed event experience. The conversation explores why every team member should be familiar with emergency procedures, communication plans, and escalation steps, as well as how to respond quickly and confidently to situations such as medical emergencies or security incidents. Focused on awareness, readiness, and coordination, this episode offers practical guidance to help staff stay calm, informed, and proactive when unexpected issues arise onsite.

June 16, 2026Episode 235 min

Professional Development: Influencing Without Authority

Professional development is the ongoing journey of enhancing your knowledge, skills, and abilities to grow in your career and increase your effectiveness in your role. In this episode, Kathryn Bowling, Director of Client Engagement at BCD M&E helps us delve into the essential skill of influencing without authority. You’ll discover practical strategies to gain buy-in, navigate cross-functional collaboration, and drive results through persuasion rather than position. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a team member aiming to expand your impact, this conversation provides valuable insights for leading effectively at every level.

May 19, 2026Episode 130 min

Small Meetings, Big Insights

In this episode, Leilani Heaven, Senior Strategist at BCD Meetings & Events, unpacks key findings from our latest Client Insights report, featuring feedback from more than 200 clients. This quarter, we explore the evolving world of small and simple meetings — a space that may seem straightforward but is often more complex than it appears. Tune in to hear where clients see the market heading, what they need most, and what it means for the future of meetings at BCD M&E.

November 4, 2025Episode 1140 min

Misstep Management: Essential Don'ts in Event Production

In this episode, John Pistotti, Business Development Director, Production & Content for BCD M&E, shares his wealth of knowledge on event production and content creation. He sheds some light on challenges that can arise and how to navigate them effectively. He also shares his top five production nightmares and easy ways to avoid big blunders. Tune in to gain insights that can help elevate your event outcomes!

October 6, 2025Episode 1032 min

Ghostly Getaways: Exploring Hauntingly Historic Hotels

In this spine-tingling episode of Meetings Matter Chatter, we're thrilled to welcome Nate Childress, Director of Sales at BCD M&E who will delve into the intriguing world of haunted hotels across the United States. Just in time for Halloween, Nate will share chilling tales and some of the most famous haunted locations where guests have reported ghostly encounters. Beyond the eerie experiences, he'll also offer innovative ideas for planning unique meetings and team-building activities at these historic venues, ensuring your group bonds over both business and the supernatural. Join us for a conversation that’s equal parts engaging and scary!

September 2, 2025Episode 930 min

The Hotel Hunter: Inside the World of Sourcing

In this engaging episode, we chat with Michelle Makin, a seasoned purchasing manager at BCD M&E, who sheds light on the intricate world of hotel sourcing. Michelle shares her firsthand experiences that illustrate the challenges and triumphs of the process. Listeners will be captivated as she recounts some chilling stories of potential disasters that could have occurred in her sourcing journey, but thanks to her expertise, turned into fortunate outcomes. Join us for a deep dive into the nuances of hotel procurement and learn how preparation and quick thinking can lead to incredible success!

August 4, 2025Episode 827 min

Market Pulse: Asia Pacific

In this episode recorded at our annual APAC Partner Summit in Bangkok, we bring together influential leaders from the Asia-Pacific markets we serve. We explore dynamic trends, emerging hot topics, and future outlooks shaping their sectors, while highlighting innovative business strategies, social change, and sustainability efforts that reflect the diverse perspectives and collaborative spirit of the region.

July 1, 2025Episode 735 min

Building Connections: The Heart of Hotel Sales

Join us as we chat with Ben Warner, Group Sales Director at the Westin DC Downtown, who will take us behind the scenes of the bustling world of hotel sales. Ben will share his experiences navigating the intricacies of the sales process in the hospitality industry. Whether you’re planning an event or simply curious about what goes into finding the perfect venue, Ben will provide valuable tips and expert advice to help you make informed decisions.

June 3, 2025Episode 625 min

Meeting Leftovers: Sharing the Feast

Join us for a conversation with Thomas Whelan, the Director of Events at Access, a destination management company. Thomas is dedicated to reducing food waste and will share valuable insights about the legal protections that facilitate food donations. He’ll discuss how meeting organizers can easily donate leftover food to support those in need. We’ll explore practical tips and highlight the positive impact of giving back to the community while ensuring that no meal goes to waste. Tune in to find out how you can make a difference one meeting at a time!