Better Events

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 speaker management, from when it should begin in the planning process to the key deliverables every speaker should have. We share best practices for communication, timelines, and what speakers actually need to be successful both before and onsite. Plus, how to handle missed deadlines and keep things moving when speakers aren’t as responsive as you’d hoped.
SHOW NOTES:
Purchase our on-demand How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop
Purchase our Conference & Meeting Workbook (speaker tab included): https://bettereventspod.com/templates/p/better-events-conferencemeeting-event-planning-workbook-template-excel
Register interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6
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)

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 shaped the podcast, including our top 5 most popular episodes and what we’d say differently today. We also share what 250 episodes have taught us about events, how our perspectives have evolved, and what feels less urgent now than it once did. A reflective, behind-the-scenes conversation — and a big thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey.
SHOW NOTES:
Register for our How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshop
Riverside Podcast Analytics Article: https://riverside.com/blog/podcast-analytics
Top 5 Episodes:
Ep. 74 - How to Start an Event Planning Business: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nu5ut7xSoVjMP8wKTpTGy?si=V9up3CeTQuKuao4JVcj9nQ
Ep. 223 - What Is Day-Of Event Management? A Behind-the-Scenes Deep Dive: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0tBanvW3KYjasVPSmemuxj?si=oOCJWcjxT1y0dlC1tBtGrQ
Ep. 196 - Pre-Event Routines for Event Planners and Event Producers: https://open.spotify.com/episode/748FVGOsYelEDWq3SNTdJ7?si=IBgc9cNfTzeOTRfPzgEExg
Ep. 227 - The Business of Events: Scaling Budgeting and Ownership: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LlVHr2pEkcjIVZncdbTIU?si=sCwYrsHnRlq6rDqcYCKVBg
Top Episode: Ep. 72 - Skills That Every Event Planner or Event Producer Needs: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IZPc59zynDFX6NgKAYvLU?si=Nt9q6V58Tj-ywaV_cvpvOw

Register interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6
Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest
Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected]
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)

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 scenes of her first Winter Games as an Associate Venue Producer, focused on the fan experience inside the venue. From coordinating with sport and broadcast to showcalling her first medal ceremonies, she shares what surprised her most and what this experience taught her about live events at the highest level. A behind-the-scenes look at how these moments actually come together.
SHOW NOTES:
Register for our How to Start an Event Planning Business Workshop: https://bettereventspod.com/workshopRegister interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6

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

Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected]

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)

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 a family — so what does it actually look like to plan for it? In this episode, Mary is joined by event pro Jessica Zimmerman to share their experiences navigating pregnancy while working in events, including how they’re approaching timelines, client communication, and stepping away from work. They get honest about what’s felt easier than expected, what’s been more uncomfortable, and how pregnancy has shifted their mindset around work. This is a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation for anyone thinking about leave — or supporting someone who is.
SHOW NOTES:Connect with Jessica Zimmerman:Instagram: @jessicatatezimmermanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-t-85260379/Register interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latestWant our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected] 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, 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 expertise on managing vendor relationships and how to set your event up for long-term success. She shares how she balances curation with inclusivity, prepares for common onsite challenges, and helps vendors feel genuinely supported, not just managed. A practical, values-driven conversation with lessons that apply far beyond markets to conferences, galas, and festivals.
SHOW NOTES:
Connect with Sarah Frost:
Website: ⁠www.makinglocal.com
Instagram: @makinglocalmarkets / @makinglocal (2 accounts)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakingLocalMarkets
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-frost-5b8254316/
Register interest for the 2026 Better Events Conference: https://forms.gle/caX87sth8DpgyZPi6
Learn more about the pod, Better Events Conference and more: https://bettereventspod.com/the-latest
Want our updated free run of show template? Send us an email at [email protected]
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)