The latest from Kennedy Events’ expert production team
Creating the ‘I Was There’ Moment: Inside CodeSignal Beyond 2024
Brenna Lenoir and Katie Fairbank of CodeSignal join the Solution Seekers Podcast with Paige Buck to discuss the journey of producing CodeSignal Beyond 2024, the company's biggest event yet. Tasked with creating a monumental moment, Brenna and Katie focused on curating an experience that would be remembered—starting with a theater venue inspired by Steve Jobs’ iconic iPhone launch. This decision set the tone for the event, reinforcing the gravity of their product launch and helping CodeSignal achieve three key goals: filling the room, engaging the right people, and generating social media buzz.
THE EVOLUTION OF EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING
Arleen Van Londen, founder of Diamond Street Live, brings over two decades of experience in the world of experiential event production, specializing in brand activations and creating immersive, memorable experiences for B2C audiences. On "Solution Seekers" with Paige Buck, Arleen shares her journey from working in hospitality as a teenager in the Netherlands to curating live experiences for multimillion-dollar projects worldwide. Her passion for the emotional impact of live events was sparked during her first music festival, where she saw firsthand the power of music and atmosphere to transform audiences. Today, Arleen leads high-profile events with a focus on connecting brands to consumers in meaningful ways, often through unique, personalized experiences.
Defying Conventions: Mallory Schlossberg on Immersive Event Design and Creative Innovation
Mallory Schlossberg's multi-faceted career spans brand management, theater, and editorial work, positioning her uniquely at the intersection of creativity and experience. Recently, the award-winning creative joined Paige Buck on “Solution Seekers” to discuss her journey, the evolution of marketing, and the magic of mixing music, theater, and brand storytelling. Her vibrant career includes roles with Google Cloud, Google Fiber, Whole Foods Market, and Hearst Digital Media, where she has consistently crafted compelling stories and immersive experiences. This hybrid background allows her to blend theatrical elements into brand storytelling, making her campaigns both innovative and deeply engaging.
Adobe Unveiled: Innovating Product Adoption and Retention Through Events
In the latest episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with Shea Cibulsky, Senior Marketing Manager of Global Adoption and Retention Events at Adobe. The conversation dives into the intricacies of running successful customer learning event programs, focusing on “Experience Makers: The Skill Exchange.” This program emerged as a response to disjointed and ineffective events previously run by various Adobe business units. Through research and direct conversations with Adobe users, the Skill Exchange was designed to offer a seamless and engaging customer experience. One key takeaway is the importance of understanding what the audience truly wants: a blend of peer insights and company knowledge to ensure rich, actionable content.
Unlocking Creative Visions: How Pierce Larick and New Revolution Media Elevate Global Brands
In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers Podcast" hosted by Paige Buck, Pierce Larick, the visionary founder and CEO of New Revolution Media, shares deep insights into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the balance between creative innovation and the nuances of business leadership.
Building Relationships & Finding Joy: A Chat with Marianne Jackson of Kennedy Events
In today’s episode, Paige is excited to sit down with the multi-talented Marianne Jackson, Senior Executive Producer and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kennedy Events. Marianne dives into her colorful world, revealing her journey from producer to business development maestro, highlighting the evolving landscape of team celebrations in a post-COVID era. Expect to hear about her commitment to inclusive event planning and the way she faces challenges head-on with grace and strategy. Beyond event logistics, we'll explore the importance of core values, how they shape client relationships, and how Kennedy Events stands out by infusing delight into their work. It’s a rich conversation filled with insight, laughter, and invaluable tips from one of the industry’s best.
Navigating the Complexities of Corporate Event Planning with Meg Fasy and Sarah Bseiso
In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck dives into the intricacies of event planning with Meg Fasy, founder of fazeFWD, and Sarah Bseiso, Senior Manager of Global Events at Informatica. They tackle the balance between structure and innovation in managing large-scale events and delve into the significance of building strong relationships within the industry. Both Meg and Sarah share their insights on the pivotal role of autonomy in event teams and the art of saying no to unfeasible ideas while remaining open to new trends that are reshaping the event planning landscape.
The Art of Adaptability in Event Planning
In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with guest Carlin Putman, owner and founder of Page-One Meetings and Events, LLC, to navigate the intricate world of event planning and the road to establishing a successful business. Carlin, with an extensive background of over two decades in the industry, shares how she kick-started her career straight out of college where she honed her event-organizing skills in various roles, before bravely navigating through the AIG financial crisis, which prompted her to lay the groundwork for her own enterprise.
Three Critical Mistakes Your Event Team is Making and How to Course Correct
In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” Paige Buck sits down with two of the industry’s top marketing consultants: Neil Wu Becker, co-founder of Nextbound, and Maeve Naughton, from MKN Consulting Group. Becker brings thought-provoking insights into the role of event planning teams; urging them to step beyond people-pleasing into adopting a strategic business mindset. Naughton echoes a similar sentiment, noting that the post-COVID era ushers in a prime opportunity for event planners to reinvent their approach. She foresees a landscape where smaller and more unique events become the norm, creating more engaging and memorable experiences that blend personal enjoyment with business relevance. Learn how to approach events with a strategic lens and why it matters. Tune in for insights on redefining events in the post-COVID era.
Navigate the Ever-Changing Landscape of Events and Beyond—One Solution at a Time
We’re kicking off the new year with a recap of a few of our favorite episodes of “Solution Seekers” from 2023. Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, this podcast strives to empower listeners to become solution seekers themselves, embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. Tune in to our 2023 highlights episode for an exclusive look into the minds of the best in the business and the future of large-scale event planning.
United in Service: Insights on Life and Leadership from Morocco to Atlanta with Nadia Rahali
In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nadia Rahali, General Manager of the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta. Join us as Nadia shares her journey from Morocco to Atlanta, rooted in hospitality and guided by the compassionate examples set by her father and mentors like Lynne Twist. She opens up about her experience in a domestic violence marriage and how it led her to a powerful role within the United Way, embodying the spirit of service and community empowerment.
Rethinking Accessibility in Event Planning
In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck is joined by Earla Jones, Director of Conference Services and Operations at the American Library Association. With more than 20 years of experience as a planning professional, Earla brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Her journey from a psychology major to a renowned event planner showcases the diverse paths leading to success in this industry. She emphasizes the significance of experiential design in events, focusing on creating engagements that resonate with all five senses to leave a lasting impact. Jones also highlights the vital role of accessibility in event planning, discussing how inclusive practices can transform an event's appeal and reach.
Building Community and Connections: Johnice Veals on Fostering Employee Engagement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals
In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” Paige Buck is joined by Johnice Veals, the Associate Director of Events and Employee Engagement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Johnice takes her into the world of pharmaceutical events, sharing her insights and experiences in creating meaningful and impactful experiences for employees globally. From navigating time zones and cultural differences to fostering diversity and inclusion, Johnice discusses the challenges and successes in her role. They also delve into her previous work at Life is Good and how she brings elements of fun and music into the pharmaceutical industry.
Adapting Your Marketing Approach in an Ever-Changing Landscape
In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck engages in an insightful conversation with Megan Hull, the Senior Director of Events at Technology Marketing Toolkit (TMT), a renowned marketing consulting firm in the IT services industry. Megan brings her expertise and years of experience as she discusses the challenges faced by the events industry and how TMT has adapted to the changing market. With over 30 events each year, ranging from small workshops to large-scale conferences, Megan and her team have developed effective strategies for ensuring the success of each event.
Navigating the Intersection of Sales, Marketing, and Operations
In this enlightening episode of The “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck is joined by Michelle Allbon, Fractional CRO and Managing Director of Grounded Advisory. During her interview, Michelle dives deep into the dynamic world of sales, marketing, and operations. Drawing from her diverse career path and wealth of experience, Michelle sheds light on the complexities and challenges of navigating these intersecting domains.
Sustainable Luxury and Biophilic Design: Unveiling the 1 Hotels Experience with Joel Costa
In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Costa, a seasoned hospitality professional and the Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 Hotels. Joel shares his extensive experience working in the industry and his current role with 1 Hotels, a brand focused on minimizing their environmental footprint.
Building Meaningful Relationships: Accelerating an Organization’s Mission with Joshua Steinberger
In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck speaks with Joshua Steinberger, a seasoned professional in the realm of strategy and communications. With an impressive portfolio highlighting his work with organizations such as Tipping Point and the Presidio Trust, Joshua shares his experiences and provides valuable insights into the world of communications, events, and driving impact.
Feedback is Power: How Interactive Sales Materials Transform Enterprise Sales Processes
In this episode of the Solutions Seekers podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with guest Justin Dorfman, Co-Founder and CEO of AssetMule and an experienced sales professional with a passion for enterprise sales. Throughout the episode, Dorfman shares valuable insights on managing the sales process, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored solutions.
Event Photography: Providing a Valuable Service for Clients
In our latest episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Gene Hwang, a seasoned event photographer and co-founder of Orange Photography. With decades of experience in the industry, Gene shared valuable insights and anecdotes about the art and science of event photography, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that make events truly unforgettable.
Beyond Logistics: The Importance of Strategy in Event Management
In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with the remarkable Heather Mason, CEO and Founder of Caspian Agency, for an insightful and inspiring conversation on the importance of strategy in the event management industry. Renowned in the industry for her strategic approach to event management, Heather shares her experiences, expertise, and vision for the future of the events world.