Better Events

In this episode, Logan and Mary finally do the episode they should have done a long time ago: they talk catering. They sit down with Matt Haggerty and Adam Purkey from Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes to get the insider perspective on what great catering actually looks like from the people executing it. Matt and Adam share what they notice about catering when they attend events as guests, what they wish every event planner understood before the planning process begins, and the small upgrades that have a disproportionately big impact on the guest experience. If you have ever wondered what your caterer is thinking, this episode is your chance to find out.
SHOW NOTES:

Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration
Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest
Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free
THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!
——

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this episode, Logan and Mary are back with one of their favorite recurring episodes: what is saving their lives right now. Inspired by a practice from the Lazy Genius Podcast, they each come prepared with the tools, products, habits, and resources that have been making their lives easier this season. From protein bars and blazers to travel printers, sleep sprays, and AI tools they are actually using, this episode is part show-and-tell and part permission slip to try something new. Some of it is event related, some of it is not, and all of it is worth hearing.

SHOW NOTES:
Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration
Logan's List:
Barebell : https://shop.barebells.com/products/barebells-peanut-butter?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21485303754&gbraid=0AAAAAoJgM8RldlJpMsuOGM7vx5dHo8rnB&gclid=CjwKCAjwrbfWBhAeEiwAc2e6PiH31U22W3783CYf3q5rtY50cSukEC8_okhnB3BJvYhXWVSyY9_UPhoCDg0QAvD_BwE
Wildfang Blazer: https://www.wildfang.com/products/empower-tux-blazer
Emergency Tote Bag: https://outofthewoods.com/products/out-of-the-ocean-pocket-tote
Travel Printer: https://link.amazon/B0cCiw3JG

Mary's List:
Protein Balls: https://simplyfuel.com/?srsltid=AU7gw4Wp34CWSN47NZ1bcbNHDZ2h8NbeHTFvwwo46KgfR1AshFononWo
Cozy Fall Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2LbLDHH3673EOdvuyVHb3E?si=4NSeiUwbTreReAEZNTsWJQ&utm_source=copy-link&pi=YfQraCFdSCmLF
Moleskin: https://www.drscholls.com/products/moleskin-plus-padding-strips?srsltid=AU7gw4VRj3MAZBFhzpEcBEzxr4oeeaRFJvxYuUUIsb2a80f7KdAIH25P
Dr. Teal's Sleep Spray: https://www.drteals.com/product/dr-teals-sleep-spray-chamomile-lavender-melatonin/
Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free
THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!
——
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this episode, Logan and Mary tackle one of the hardest skills in the event business: saying no to a client. They get honest about why event professionals are wired to say yes, share real examples of times they held the line and times they wish they had, and talk through what actually happens when you say yes to something your team can’t deliver. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or still early in your career, this episode will give you both the permission and the language to start protecting your time, your team, and your work.
SHOW NOTES:
Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration

Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!
——
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this episode, Logan and Mary sit down with Cynthia Mikimoto, a strategic advisor with experience in nonprofit galas, to talk about what it actually takes for small- and mid-sized nonprofits to pull off large-scale events. Cynthia walks through the biggest mistakes nonprofits make when trying to scale up, how to prioritize when you're working with limited staff and a volunteer-heavy team, and what high-impact, low-cost changes can immediately improve the guest experience. From nailing check-in to making sponsors and VIPs feel genuinely valued, this episode is a tactical playbook for any nonprofit looking to execute a better gala without a bigger budget.

SHOW NOTES:
Register for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://app.swapcard.com/login/event/2026-better-events-conference/registration

Connect with Cynthia Mikimoto:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiamikimoto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withjoyeveryday/
Website: http://www.nortora.com/

Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest

Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free

THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!
——
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)

In this episode, Logan and Mary are back with a follow-up to one of their most popular episodes: Speaker Management 101. This time they go deeper, tackling the situations that don't show up in the basics. From setting tech check and rehearsal expectations to managing speaker nerves, egos, and last-minute changes, they cover what actually happens when speakers go off script, over time, or off the rails entirely. They also get into how to handle high-profile and VIP speakers differently and the systems and tools that make the whole process smoother. If you produce events with speakers, this one belongs in your rotation.
SHOW NOTES:
Link to Speaker Management 101 - Episode 251
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ziiFRedmdL3tI6d1HdrPc?si=535abf91aa364a15
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok1N8jYqULU
Purchase our template, including a speaker management tab: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/better-events-conferencemeeting-event-planning-workbook-template-excel

Purchase tickets for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://bettereventspod.com/conference
Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest
Want our updated free run of show template? Download it here: https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/run-of-show-template-free
THANKS FOR THE LOVE! Love this podcast? Please share with your event friends, tag us, and leave a review!
——
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
@bettereventspod
@loganstrategygroup_events (Logan)
@epeventsllc (Mary)