Shows / Better Events
Better Events
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…
Episodes
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
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…
- Better Events
258 - Are You Actually Staying Relevant in The Event Industry — Or Just Busy?
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Vanessa Loney tackle a question every event professional should be asking themselves: Are you actually staying…
- Better Events
257 - How to Manage Multiple Events at Once Without Dropping the Ball
This week, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz tackle a question sent in by a listener who asked: how many events can you realistically manage at once? Logan…
- Better Events
256 - What Your Graphics Operator Wishes You Knew with Cassy Albert
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz sit down with presentation designer and graphics operator Cassy Albert to pull back the curtain on one of…
- Better Events
255 - How to Scale Your Event Production for Any Budget — From $10K to the Olympic Games with Peggy Katz
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Peggy Katz, a veteran producer with seven Olympics under her belt, dig into what it really means to scale an event…
- Better Events
254 - Being Good at Events Is Only Half the Job (of Running an Event Business)
In this episode, Logan and guest co-host Ryan Criswell tackle one of the most honest conversations in the event industry: being great at producing and planning…
- Better Events
253 - From Venue Coordinating to Event Curator with Tauti Kimbrough
In this episode, we sit down with Tauti Kimbrough to explore what it really means to wear multiple hats in the event industry — from venue marketer to event…
- Better Events
252 - Designing Public-Facing Events That Actually Engage People
In this episode, Logan sits down with guest co-host Ryan Criswell to explore the unique art of producing public-facing events — and what sets them apart from…
- Better Events
251 - Speaker Management 101: Setting Expectations, Timelines, and Deliverables
Managing speakers can make or break an event — and it starts with setting the right expectations. In this episode, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of…
- Better Events
250 - 250 Episodes Later: What We’ve Learned About Events
We made it to 250 episodes — and we’re taking a moment to reflect on what that really means. In this milestone episode, we look back on the conversations that…
- Better Events
249 -Behind the Scenes of Showcalling and Producing at the Winter Olympics
Working the Olympics looks different depending on where you sit — and this time, Logan was on the in-venue side. In this solo episode, she takes you behind the…
- Better Events
248 - Prepping for Parental Leave as an Event Pro with Jessica Zimmerman
Parental leave in events doesn’t come with a playbook — so you have to build your own.Parental leave can feel overwhelming for event pros considering starting…
- Better Events
247 - Managing Maker Markets and Vendor Relationships with Sarah Frost
In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Frost to unpack what goes into organizing maker markets and what event pros can learn from them. We dive into her…
- Better Events
246 - Being an Event Contractor: How to Get Hired (and Rehired)
In this episode, we flip the perspective from last week's episode and talk about what it really means to be an event contractor — and how to get hired (and…
- Better Events
245 - Hiring Event Contractors: Building the Right Team
In this episode, we’re breaking down how to hire event contractors and build the right team for your events. We talk through which roles are typically…
- Better Events
244 - Behind the Mic: The Art of Live Announcing with Queen Noveen
In this episode, we’re joined by Queen Noveen — an Emmy-nominated live announcer and voice actress whose voice has powered everything from major sports and…
- Better Events
243 - Where Nonprofits Should Spend Their Time When Planning Fundraising Events
In this solo episode, Mary breaks down where nonprofits should actually spend their time when planning fundraising events — and where effort often gets…
- Better Events
242 - The Production Decisions That Matter More Than Your Event Theme
While event themes and visuals get most of the attention, the production decisions behind the scenes are what truly shape how an event feels. In this solo…
- Better Events
241 - Team Management 101 with Alex Martin
Managing a team is one of the biggest shifts many event pros make — and it rarely comes with a manual. In this episode, Owner and Event Strategy Lead of…
- Better Events
240 - Debunking the Boring Side of Events Part 2: Bathrooms, Security, and More
We’re back with Part 2 of the boring side of events — because someone has to talk about bathrooms, signage, and load-in logistics. This episode covers the…
- Better Events
239 - 2026 Goal Setting - Tips & Tricks for Event Professionals
In this episode, we’re doing one of our favorite things — revisiting our goals. We listen back to what we said we wanted to accomplish in 2025, react…
- Better Events
238 - 2025 Better Events Conference Recap & Sustainability Audit
This week, we’re recapping the 2025 Better Events Conference — what worked, what surprised us, and the moments that stuck with us most. We reflect on attendee…
- Better Events
237 - Lessons Learned in Events and Business in 2025
As we kick off Season 6, we’re looking back at the lessons 2025 taught us — both as event professionals and as business owners. We go back and forth on what…
- Better Events
236 - Season 5 Finale: What This Year Meant for Us as Event Pros
As we wrap up Season 5, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what this year really meant for us as event professionals and business owners. We talk honestly…
- Better Events
235 - Event Pro Mailbag: Your Top Questions on Engagement, A/V, and Business Growth
In this special mailbag episode, we're answering your questions — the ones event pros swap in DMs, backstage, and over conference coffees. We’re diving into…
- Better Events
234 - Permits, Power, and Parking: Debunking the Boring Side of Events (Part 1)
Not every part of event planning is glamorous—but ignoring the “boring stuff” can cause big problems. In this episode, we’re shining a light on the unsexy yet…
- Better Events
233 - How to Grow and Differentiate Your Services in the Events Industry
If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a sea of event pros—or when it’s the right time to add something new to your offerings—this episode is for you…
- Better Events
232 - Behind the Scenes of Planning the 2025 Better Events Conference Pt. 2: In-Person Focus
We’re pulling back the curtain on the 2025 Better Events Conference and sharing more about the planning behind the in-person day—and what’s got us most excited…
- Better Events
231 - Breaking into Corporate Events: Tips, Trends & Tangible Advice with Gianna Gaudini
Curious about what it really takes to succeed in the world of corporate events? In this episode, we sit down with Gianna Gaudini, a master corporate planner…
- Better Events
230 - When and How to Raise Your Event Rates Confidently
Talking about money isn’t always easy—but it’s essential, no matter if you're running an event business or navigating your event career. In this episode, we…
- Better Events
229 - Live from BEPCON 2025: The Event Stories That Still Haunt US
What’s an event that still haunts you? In this special live episode from the 2025 Better Events Conference, we’re swapping real-life horror stories from events…
- Better Events
228 - Winning the Game of Events with Libby Sundgren & Alysse Bryson of the Beats Working Podcast
This week on the Better Events Podcast, we’re joined by Alysse Bryson and Libby Sundgren—the dynamic duo behind BEATS WORKING: Winning the Game of Events. From…
- Better Events
227 - The Business of Events: Scaling, Budgeting, and Ownership
Events are more than just great experiences—they’re powerful business tools. In this episode, we explore how adopting a CEO mindset can elevate your event…
- Better Events
226 - Slowing Down & Intentional Reflection as Event Pros with Marisa Cali
Slowing down might sound impossible in the fast-paced world of events, but what if it’s actually the key to doing your best work? In this week’s episode, we…
- Better Events
Thank You from the Virtual Day of the 2025 Better Events Conference!
Wow — what a day! Today’s virtual Better Events Conference was filled with connection, inspiration, and a whole lot of “aha” moments. From DJ Heat’s opening…
- Better Events
225 - The Hardest Things About Being a Business Owner - Part 2
Running a business in the events world isn’t all highlight reels and client wins—sometimes it’s just plain hard. In this week’s episode, Logan and Mary do a…
- Better Events
224 - From Hired to Headset: A Deep Dive into Being a Stage Manager at Events
What does a stage manager actually do at a live event or conference? In this episode, Mary interviews Logan to break down her full process—from the moment…
- Better Events
223 - What Is Day-Of Event Management? A Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive
Ever been hired just for the day of an event, or curious how you can add this service to your toolkit? Mary Davidson takes you behind the scenes of her own…
- Better Events
222 - Knowing When to Let Go of an Event Client with Necoya Tyson
We’re joined by the incredible Necoya Tyson, Founder & CEO of Lightsey Event Solutions, to talk about something every event professional faces eventually…
- Better Events
221 - Smart Strategies for Event Pros: Managing RFPs, Referrals, Client Contracts, and More
This week, we’re tackling a little bit of everything event professionals deal with—from whether money really buys happiness to how formal RFPs are changing…
Better Events220 - Behind the Scenes at One of the World’s Busiest Convention Centers with Jennifer LeMaster
What’s it really like to run one of the country’s top convention centers? In this episode, we chat with Jennifer LeMaster, President and CEO of the Seattle…
Better Events219 - Tough Calls & Sticky Situations: Ethics in the Events Industry
In this week’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s often whispered about behind the scenes—ethics in event planning. From budget transparency and client…
Better Events218 - Behind the Scenes of Planning the 2025 Better Events Conference Part 1
In this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of planning the 2025 Better Events Conference, a conference created for event pros, by event pros. Back for…
Better Events217 - Mastering Event Registration: Tips from the Queen of Reg Leanne Velky
This week, we’re joined by Leanne Velky—better known as the Queen of Registration—to talk all things event registration websites and forms. Leanne shares why a…
Better Events216 - What’s Saving Our Lives Right Now in Events, Business and Life
In this week's episode, we’re sharing what’s saving our lives right now—personally and professionally. From time-saving tools to mindset shifts, books, and…
Better Events215 - Bonus Tips from the Event Pro Community: Advice, Name Badges & More
In this episode of the Better Events Podcast, we’re sharing bonus tips, lessons, and moments of growth from fellow event pros in our community. From practical…
Better EventsIt's Time for the 2025 Better Events Conference!
A conference for event pros, by event pros. Join us virtually on Wednesday, October 1st, and in person in Seattle on Thursday, December 18th, at a secret…
Better Events214 - Behind the Scenes of University-Hosted Conferences with Beline Lafayette
In this week's episode, we go behind the scenes , we’re joined by Beline Lafayette, Event Planner for the UF Florida Semiconductor Institute, to explore the…
Better Events213 - Event Predictions 2025: What Will Events Look Like 1 Year from Now?
This week, we’re brushing off our crystal balls and looking ahead to 2026—and revisiting the predictions we made last year to see what held up (and what…
Better Events212 - Freelancing in Events 201: Boundaries, Burnout, and Building a Sustainable Career
This week, we’re diving deeper into the freelance side of the event world with a real talk conversation about growth, boundaries, and sustainability. We share…
Better Events211 - Beyond Bookkeeping: Fractional CFO for Event Planners with Kellé Thorpe
In this week's episode, we’re joined by Kellé Thorpe, fractional CFO and founder of Kommas with Kellé, to talk all things money—from forecasting profits to…