The Neon Lounge

Hosted by Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to The Neon Lounge! Get inspired by Event Industry and Marketing trailblazers from Electric Cat Productions. Episodes cover all things working in the events industry, starting your own company, becoming self-employed along with great tips and tricks on how to maintain a healthy work / life balance and prioritise your wellbeing. Whether you're just starting your career or a true industry expert, there's something for you!

Listen to episodes

30 recent

November 9, 202619 min

EP 29: Million-pound events aren’t impulse buys, and Jesse Marber at Event Concept knows exactly how to market them.

Welcome back to The Neon Lounge! This week we’re joined by Jessica “Jesse” Marber, Senior Marketing Manager at Event Concept. Event Concept is a creative event agency and production company that started in London over 30 years ago and has since gone global. Their work spans everything from huge tech conferences and the BAFTAs to museum receptions with Naomi Campbell and Lily Allen on the guest list. Jesse’s route into events is anything but linear. But it’s a background that comes in handy more often than you’d think, and it gives her a sharp view on what agency marketing is really for: building trust, staying top of mind and making your clients look good in front of their bosses. In this episode, we cover:- Why selling a two million pound event is a world away from selling a bag of plant-based sausages- How agencies are shifting from supplier to partner, and why client retention is everyone’s job- Why marketing should report as part of the team, not as a separate department- How running monthly marketing onboarding turns every new starter into a brand ambassador- Going sector specific with new business, and why one campaign for everyone rarely works- Why real event photos and videos will always beat a pretty graphic Jesse also gets candid about what’s stopped working, including the trap of trying to appeal to everyone, and why more inquiries isn’t always a good thing when half of them aren’t a fit. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Jessica Marber and see more about Event Concept here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge. 00:00 Meet Jesse Marber, Senior Marketing Manager at Event Concept 00:58 From law to vegan meat to events: Jesse’s career journey 02:06 The challenges of agency marketing in 2026 05:45 From supplier to partner: why client retention matters 06:26 Reporting as a team, not just a department 08:07 Making your clients look good 08:44 Inside EC Group, from kit hire to florals 09:35 Explaining what you actually do (to your mum and your colleagues) 11:53 Why internal marketing onboarding creates brand ambassadors 12:53 Going sector specific with new business 15:55 Why real event photos and videos beat graphics 17:10 What’s no longer working: trying to appeal to everyone 18:48 Wrap-up and key takeaways

October 26, 202622 min

EP 28: Your customers are your best marketers, and Younas from vFairs has the referrals to prove it.

Welcome back to The Neon Lounge. This week we're joined by Muhammad Younas, Founder and CEO of vFairs, the end-to-end event management platform behind in-person, virtual, and hybrid events for thousands of companies across fifty countries. Since founding vFairs in 2016, Younas has built a business where more than half of all new revenue comes from customer referrals. And in 2026, he's tearing up the old playbook. SEO and paid search used to eat the biggest slice of the budget. Now, leads from AI search have jumped sixfold, the events calendar has gone from a handful of shows to more than twelve, and those three or four client dinners a year? Try 16 to 18. In this episode, we cover: How AI has raised customer expectations, and what that means for event tech Why less website traffic can actually mean more sales How to show up in AI search when you've never done PR Why face-to-face is winning back the trust that digital has lost Marketing on a smaller budget: customer referrals, content that reads well, and video testimonials Why every marketer needs to master an AI tool, and build a shared knowledge layer for their team Younas also opens up about how much the Gartner Magic Quadrant matters to enterprise buyers, why awards add up over time even if they won't magically fix your pipeline, and why he's a famously hard person to sell to (unless you get him at a dinner). Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Muhammad Younas and see more about vFairs here. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge. 00:13 Meet Younas, Founder and CEO of vFairs 00:47 The highs and lows of marketing event tech in 2026 02:12 AI, Lovable and rising customer expectations 02:40 Inside the vFairs marketing mix: from SEO to AI search and events 04:36 How to show up in AI search results 06:45 Why customers, not PR, drive AI visibility 08:20 Why in-person events are back on top 10:50 Ditching the vanity metrics 11:44 Do awards really matter? The Gartner effect 13:20 Where to focus when the budget is tight 16:37 The AI tools every marketer should master this year 19:21 Debunking the "trade shows don't work" myth 20:37 Why so many trade show stands are wasted money 22:09 Wrapping up

October 12, 202628 min

EP 27: Getting seen is half the battle, and Ellie Cashmore knows how to make people remember your brand name

Welcome back to The Neon Lounge. This week we're joined by Ellie Cashmore, Freelance Marketing and Sustainability Manager at BlackBerry Events. BlackBerry Events has spent 15 years delivering purposeful events, from the National Teaching Awards on BBC One to the national Get Into Teaching Roadshow, and is now taking that expertise into the corporate sector. Ellie's role sits right in the middle of it all, marketing the agency brand one day and working on creative concepts for client events the next. It's Ellie's first ever podcast, and she opens with a frustration every event industry marketer will recognise. In the space of one week, her granddad asked if she manages the events, and a mortgage broker put "event manager" on her insurance quote. Why does no one understand what we do? In a crowded market where most agencies offer similar services, Ellie has a very clear view of what sets a brand apart: being seen, being human, and making sure your values are more than just words in a pitch document. In this episode, we cover: Why low conversion rates are an industry-wide challenge, and how leading with your people, culture and values helps you win Why PR and awards build reputation, and how a regional shortlisting meant a stranger at a networking event already knew exactly who BlackBerry were How to write an award entry that makes the judges feel something, not just read facts and figures Why so much content is becoming a sea of the same, and where AI genuinely earns its place Ellie also talks about personal LinkedIn profiles and why your team are your best brand ambassadors, why local suppliers are winning work on emissions as well as convenience, and why you should be shouting about the impact your events have on communities. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Ellie Cashmore and see more about BlackBerry Events here. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge. 00:00 Meet Ellie Cashmore, Marketing and Sustainability Manager at BlackBerry Events 01:15 Inside BlackBerry Events 02:28 "Do you manage the events, then?": explaining marketing in an events agency 04:12 Lists, planners and the art of prioritisation 06:53 Juggling logins and platforms across client accounts 07:21 The Instagram Edits storage hack 09:32 Low conversion rates and standing out in a crowded market 11:13 Personal LinkedIn profiles and your team as brand ambassadors 13:55 Canva, templates and when to call in a designer 16:08 AI and the sea of the same 17:27 Where AI genuinely earns its place 20:52 Why awards matter, and how to write a winning entry 22:49 The power of local and regional awards 24:44 Why local suppliers are winning work 27:04 PR that tells the story beyond the event

September 28, 202624 min

EP 26: Marketing belongs in the boardroom, and Beccs Lott has the numbers to prove it.

Welcome to the new season The Neon Lounge, where we're handing the mic to the marketers. We're kicking things off with Rebecca Lott (known to everyone as Beccs) Marketing Director at Co-op Live. It's the UK's biggest indoor arena at 23,500 capacity, and Beccs’ remit stretches way past what most people picture when they hear "venue marketing": ticketing, partnerships, fan experience, merchandise, and even the sexy stuff like parking. Twenty years into her career, from small music venues in Leeds during the Indie scene hype, to landing a dream role at Ticketmaster, then landing a second dream role with Co-op Live, Beccs has a very clear view of what marketing is for. Conversion, customer lifetime value, and a seat at the table where the commercial decisions get made. In this episode, we cover: How to prove marketing's commercial value, and which KPIs land with a board Why turning an arena into a full destination changes the game How a raw, phone-shot clip from a fan will often beat your beautifully produced brand content Where AI genuinely saves time in a marketing team, and where it absolutely shouldn't go near Beccs also talks all things mentoring through NOWIE, why awards celebrating women and LGBTQ+ talent matter more than people give them credit for, and how third-party voices and thought leadership sit at the heart of Co-op Live's 2026 PR strategy. Plus a few teasers about what's coming to Manchester, including Barack Obama, the NBA and a whole new entertainment district. Oh, and a mega Billie Eilish story. Sadly not enough Harry Styles chat for Eloise’s liking. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Rebecca Lott and see more about Co-op Live here. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge. 00:00 Meet Beccs Lott, Marketing Director at Co-op Live 01:19 From South Wales to Co-op Live: Becc’s career journey 05:49 Why marketing is central to business growth 08:07 Making the case for marketing through business impact 08:46 The opportunities and challenges of running a major venue 11:02 Creating destination experiences beyond the main event 12:39 Building B2B partnerships and promoter relationships 14:29 The value of fan content and social proof 15:36 Using AI without losing authenticity 16:47 Awards, sustainability and celebrating industry talent 19:17 Mentoring the next generation in live events 20:58 Co-op Live’s PR and content strategy 22:40 What’s next for Co-op Live

April 15, 2025Episode 1237 min

S2.EP11: Chloe’s episode is energetic, and full of so many actionable takeaways to improve your events

Get ready to take notes - this episode is packed with golden takeaways! We’re joined by the brilliant Chloe, Head of Content at ELX, for a fast-paced and insight-rich chat about all things communication, content, and creating unforgettable events. From the power of language to the science behind what makes experiences stick, Chloe shares practical advice that you can put into action right away - whether you’re building events, hosting them, or thinking about stepping into the spotlight yourself. In this episode, we cover: 5 evidence-based tips to make your events more memorable Why communication and language play a vital role in the events world LinkedIn tips that actually work - how to grow your profile and show up with purpose This episode is bursting with energy, inspiration, and real, research-backed advice. Pen and paper at the ready, you’ll want to remember this one. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Chloe here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

April 8, 2025Episode 1144 min

S2.EP11: Rob’s episode is one of our most heartwarming yet. Open, honest and full of passion and insight to the event staffing world

We’re joined by Rob, Director at Ethical Staffing, who shares the incredible story behind My Cause UK, a game-changing initiative that allows people to gain events experience, meet new people, and donate to charity all at the same time. But that’s just the start. Rob also dives into the realities of event staffing and why fair wages, inclusivity, and ethical treatment should be the foundation of every event, and how the volunteering and staffing landscape is evolving. Together, we explore: - The genius idea behind My Cause UK, and a fresh approach to event staffing with a charitable twist - Why treating event staff well matters and the case for inclusivity, fair wages, and respect in the industry - How the event staffing and volunteering world is changing, and what it means for the future of events If you care about the people who make events happen, then this is an episode you can’t miss. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Rob here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

April 1, 2025Episode 1035 min

S2.EP10: Katie’s episode is honest, insightful and full of incredible tips from the experiential marketing world

We’ve got a refreshing episode for you this week on The Neon Lounge! We’re joined by Katie Kenward from White Claw at Mark Anthony Brands, who gives us an insider’s look at how experiential marketing is driving the success of one of the biggest names in the drinks industry. Katie shares how innovation in the UK’s drinks and nightlife scene is shaping consumer habits, and why supporting mental health in the workplace is just as important as physical health. Together, we explore: The power of experiential marketing and creating memorable moments that build brand loyalty Innovation in the UK drinks and nightlife industry. The rise of RTDs, seltzers, and healthier alternatives Mental health first aid training, and why treating mental health like physical health is crucial for a strong team Katie’s insights into brand strategy, industry trends, and team wellbeing are invaluable for anyone working in events. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve and create meaningful brand experiences, this is an episode you can’t miss. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Katie here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

March 25, 2025Episode 939 min

S2.EP9: Kashif’s episode uncovers the tips and tricks to growing a business to an international scale while keeping that close-knit, small-business feel

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an inspiring episode about what it really takes to grow a business from the ground up, and take it global without losing that small-business magic. This week, we’re joined by a guest who knows exactly how to scale a business internationally while staying true to its core values. Kashif Din, CEO at One World Rental dives deep into the mindset of a successful entrepreneur and the importance of having the right influences along the way. Together, we explore: 🌍 Growing a business to an international scale while keeping that close-knit, small-business feel 💼 The traits of a classic entrepreneur, and what separates success from failure 🌟 The power of strong role models! Why learning from others is key to sustainable growth Whether you're building a business or leading a team, this episode is packed with valuable insights on scaling with purpose and staying grounded. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Kashif here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

March 18, 2025Episode 837 min

S2.EP8: Louisa’s episode explores the highs and lows of the pitching process, tips for managing a successful team, and growing a business from scratch

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an episode packed with insider knowledge on what it really takes to grow a successful business in the events industry. This week, we’re joined by Louisa O’Connor, Managing Director at Seen Presents, who shares her journey of building a business from the ground up and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Together, we explore: The highs and lows of the pitching process, and how to handle rejection and turn setbacks into wins Top tips for managing a successful team and creating a culture where people thrive Growing a business from scratch! The challenges, the breakthroughs, and what Louisa wishes she’d known earlier Louisa’s candid insights offer invaluable advice for event professionals and business owners looking to take their business, and their leadership, to the next level. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Louisa here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where real stories and expert insights drive the events industry forward.

March 12, 2025Episode 738 min

S2.EP7: Nathan’s episode explores the difficulties and realities of leadership, working with family and surviving a global pandemic

We’re back in The Neon Lounge with an episode that goes deep into the realities of running a family-owned business in the events industry. This week, we’re joined by Nathan, Co-founder and Managing Director at Wildfire Agency, who shares his candid experiences of navigating family dynamics in business, making tough decisions, and adapting in times of crisis. Together, we explore:- The challenges of family-run businesses. Managing disputes, maintaining relationships, and the struggle to switch off- Making difficult leadership decisions including what happens when you have to fire your own best friend- Adapting for success during Covid, and how Wildfire Agency reacted to the crisis and came out stronger Nathan’s journey is full of lessons for business owners, leaders, and event professionals looking to balance ambition with personal relationships while staying resilient in an unpredictable industry. Connect with our hosts Cat Kevern and Eloise Newing from Electric Cat Productions . And you can connect with our brilliant guest Nathan here. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Neon Lounge - where we celebrate the stories and strategies that drive the events industry forward!