SEAS Backstage

Hosted by SEAS Productions

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Oct 2025

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About the show

SEAS Backstage podcast is your all-access pass to everything production and AV related for live events. Serving as a one-stop shop for industry news, production tips and tricks. From cutting-edge AV innovations to behind-the-scenes strategies, each episode is a step towards mastering the art of crafting experience focused events. Let's navigate the event landscape together, one insight at a time as we help you Design, Produce and Inspire with your next event.

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41 recent

October 2, 202525 min

Networking, ROI, and Real Connections with Elizabeth Carlson

In this episode of SEAS Backstage, host Troy Peters sits down with Elizabeth Carlson, Events & Programs Specialist at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce. From selling Girl Scout cookies as an eighth grader to leading some of the region’s most impactful community events, Elizabeth shares her story of networking, leadership, and passion for building connections. Together, they discuss the Chamber’s signature events, the power of in-person relationships, and why showing up is always the first step to success.

August 23, 202525 min

Bridging the Gap: Helping STEM Experts Speak with Impact

In this episode of SEAS Backstage, host Troy Peters sits down with Neil Thompson—engineer turned communication coach and founder of Teach the Geek. Neil shares his journey from sweating through early presentations to empowering STEM professionals with the skills to speak confidently and connect with any audience. Together, they explore the challenges of translating complex technical knowledge into clear, engaging communication, the role of public speaking in career growth, and practical strategies for both technical and non-technical professionals to communicate more effectively.Whether you’re an engineer, event professional, or business leader, this conversation offers insights on breaking down jargon, conquering stage fright, and making your message resonate where it matters most.

July 17, 202518 min

Hospitality Over Service: How Thoughtful Moments Create Lifelong Clients

In this solo episode of CS Backstage, SEAS Productions' Chief Experience Officer Troy Peters shares how the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara has deeply influenced his leadership style and vision for the live event industry. Drawing inspiration from Guidara’s philosophy of going beyond great service to deliver unforgettable experiences, Troy explores how the principles of hospitality apply not just to restaurants, but to AV teams, client relationships, and internal culture. From hot dog moments to the 95/5 rule, and why saying hello to everyone matters—this episode is a personal and powerful look at how we can all bring more heart into what we do.

June 12, 202531 min

Finding Authentic Connection Through Improv

In this episode of SEAS Backstage, Troy sits down with executive coach, improv facilitator, and founder of The Olivine Project, Jerry Beers. Together, they explore the power of improv in unlocking authentic communication, bridging left- and right-brain thinking, and helping professionals—from creatives to CEOs—shed self-doubt and connect with audiences in a real, meaningful way.From Jerry’s early days at the Federal Reserve to his transformative pivot into advertising and comedy, this conversation is filled with stories, strategies, and unexpected laughs. Whether you're crafting a keynote, managing a leadership team, or producing live events, this episode offers a compelling look at how vulnerability and creativity are key to true engagement.

May 19, 202533 min

The Power of Presence: Emotional Intelligence and Immersive Storytelling with Sylvie di Giusto

In this episode of SEAS Backstage, host Troy sits down with international speaker Sylvie di Giusto, a trailblazer in immersive, holographic presentations and an expert in emotional intelligence for leadership and sales. Sylvie shares insights from her journey. Starting with her early career on the client side of corporate events to becoming a globally recognized keynote speaker. She dives deep into the importance of creating unforgettable experiences, leveraging technology without letting it overshadow the message, and maintaining humility and authenticity as a speaker. Whether you're an event professional, a speaker, or simply curious about the future of live experiences, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration.

April 3, 202519 min

“More Than Just a Keynote: The Future of Events” with Sylvie DiGiusto

In this dynamic episode of SEAS Backstage, our Chief Experience Officer, Troy Peters, sits down with international keynote speaker Sylvie di Giusto, moments after her unique hologram presentation. They dive into the art of making unforgettable first impressions, the role of authenticity in personal and professional branding, and why confidence is built through preparation—not just innate charisma.Whether you're an event professional, corporate leader, or someone looking to elevate your presence, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways you can apply immediately. Tune in for an insightful discussion on mastering the subtle yet powerful nuances of influence and perception in the world of live events.

March 20, 202529 min

Stronger Together: The Power of Partnership in Event Production

Success in event production isn’t just about having the right equipment or creative vision—it’s about strong partnerships that bring it all together. In this episode of SEAS Backstage, we sit down with Dana Nitti and Shannon McQuade, co-owners of SD Event Production, to discuss how collaboration leads to seamless, impactful events.From corporate retreats to large-scale productions, Dana and Shannon share how they work with partners like us to deliver exceptional results. Topics include:The key elements of a strong event partnershipHow trust and communication create better client experiencesThe impact of reliable vendors on event successThe evolving role of collaboration in the industryWhether you're an event planner, producer, or vendor, this conversation offers valuable insights on the importance of working together.

March 6, 202520 min

Setting the Stage with Scenic

Troy is joined this week by Ben Palmer from Expressive Structures, a company focused on using modular scenic to elevate live events. Ben shares how his lighting design background led him to revolutionize scenic solutions for events, trade shows, and conferences. From modular scenic designs to seamless integration with lighting and video, Expressive Structures makes event production easier, more dynamic, and visually stunning.

February 21, 202516 min

Foundation Series - Vol 1. Ep. 5: Creative

Great events don’t just happen—they tell a story. In the final episode of our Foundation Series, we explore how creative and storytelling elevate live productions from standard to spectacular.Join Troy Peters, Chief Experience Officer at SEAS Productions, as he unpacks the essential role of narrative structure in AV production. Learn how to seamlessly blend audio, video, lighting, and staging to create an immersive experience that captivates audiences and drives engagement.Whether you're producing corporate events, conferences, or live productions, this episode will give you the tools to craft a compelling story that resonates long after the event ends.

January 16, 202514 min

Foundation Series - Vol 1. EP. 4: Staging

Welcome to episode 4 of our Foundation Series, where we explore the "who, what, why, when, and where" of live event production. This week, we dive into staging—not just the physical platform but the transformative art of creating environments that captivate and immerse your audience. Host Troy Peters, Chief Experience Officer at SEAS Productions, guides you through the evolution of staging, from its theatrical origins to its modern applications in live events. Discover how thoughtful stage design—combined with audio, video, and lighting—can evoke emotion, enhance storytelling, and bring your event's vision to life. Whether you’re planning a corporate meeting, a trade show, or an immersive experience, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your next event.