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Better Events

Better Events Pod
Better Events
Latest episode

275 episodes

  • Better Events

    The Anatomy of a Paddle Raise with Julianne Read

    2026/07/29 | 35 mins.
    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 high-stakes moments in any gala: the paddle raise. Julianne walks through how to structure giving levels, write and time the ask, and prep your fundraising host so the moment actually lands. Whether you produce nonprofit galas or just want to understand how to move a room to action, this episode will change how you think about the ask.

    SHOW NOTES:
    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Connect with Julianne Read:
    Website: https://eefundraising.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianneread/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianneread/

    Logan's Favorite Vodka Sauce: https://danpelosi.com/recipe/grossys-vodka-sawce/

    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)
  • Better Events

    Go Beyond Lectures & Slides with Alternative Session Design

    2026/07/22 | 39 mins.
    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 presentations and panels when there are so many better options? Lee walks through alternative session formats that most event professionals have never heard of and pulls cards live from his Conference Engagement Cards deck to show just how practical and fun reimagining your programming can be. If you're designing a conference and want your attendees to actually remember it, this episode is your starting point.
    SHOW NOTES:
    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop
    Conference engagement cards: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/
    Connect with Lee Gimpel:
    Website: https://bettermeetings.expert/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better_meetings/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BetterMeetingsExpert/
    LinkedIn for his company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    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)
  • Better Events

    The Data-Driven Event: Personalization, AI, and What Actually Works with Vinnu Deshetty

    2026/07/15 | 30 mins.
    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 misunderstood topics in the events industry right now: data. Vinnu breaks down what clean data actually means, where AI is genuinely helping event professionals versus where the hype is outpacing the reality, and what real personalization looks like versus what just looks like it. If you've ever felt intimidated by data or unsure where to start, Vinnu makes it feel human, practical, and worth your attention.

    SHOW NOTES:
    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop
    Connect with Vinnu Deshetty:
    Website: https://www.eventroicoach.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinnudeshetty/

    Connect with guest co-host Lee Gimpel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/
    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)
  • Better Events

    Peaks and Leaks in Your Event Agenda with Lee Gimpel

    2026/07/08 | 35 mins.
    In this episode, Logan sits down with Lee Gimpel, conference engagement expert, president of Better Meetings, and creator of the Conference Engagement Cards, to dig into one of the most overlooked aspects of event planning: the agenda. Lee breaks down where attendee energy leaks out of even well-intentioned conferences, why the same tired formats keep showing up, and what a thoughtfully designed agenda actually feels like from an attendee's perspective. If you have an event agenda locking soon, this episode will give you the highest-leverage change you can make before it does.

    SHOW NOTES:
    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop
    Conference engagement cards: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    Connect with Lee Gimpel:
    Website:https://bettermeetings.expert/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-gimpel/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better_meetings/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/BetterMeetingsExpert/
    LinkedIn for his company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-meetings-expert/

    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)
  • Better Events

    The Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes to an Event

    2026/07/01 | 44 mins.
    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 shares why she became more intentional about evaluating opportunities, what she needed to learn about scope, budget clarity, and client fit before she could confidently take on new work, and how she uses soft holds as a tool that benefits both her and her clients. If you've ever said yes to something and immediately regretted it, this episode is for you.
    SHOW NOTES:
    Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop

    Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest
    Logan's Travel Printer - https://amzn.to/4w5i2Dp

    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)
More Business podcasts
About 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 listening to the "Better Events" podcast. Support this podcast at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bettereventspod
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