PODCAST · business
Beyond the BEO
by Shanondoah Nicholson
An event planner podcast. Learn about the latest trends, how to improve attendee experience, stay on budget, and make your events better.
Episodes
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94. Human-Centered Event Strategy with Hannah Collins
This week, my guest Hannah Collins digs into how event marketers can design experiences that people actually want to attend, not just endure. We break down how to balance business goals with attendee needs, build real community, and create more intentional trade show activations. About Hannah...
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93. Event Content Attendees Actually Use with Kara Dickerson
Kara Dickerson, founder of Content with Impact and former head of content strategy for CES, shares how event content has shifted from overloaded slide decks and one-size-fits-all sessions to audience-first, community-based programming. This conversation breaks down how to design content that...
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92. Using AI in Events Without Losing the Human Touch
This week, Ashley Young, founder of Ascension Impact, joins the show to talk about how AI is actually being used in travel and event planning. We break down practical use cases for AI in venue research, timelines, content creation, and editing, while also calling out the risks of over-relying on...
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91. What I Did On My Summer Vacation
It's the day after Labour Day so that means summer is unofficially over for another year. While that makes me terribly sad, I'm reflecting on some of the amazing things I did this summer and how I'm bringing some of that fun to my fall events. About the Host: Follow Shanondoah on...
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90. Mastering Event Design and Branding: Tips from Alicia DiSantis
In this episode, Alicia Disantis discusses the critical role of design in event marketing, from trade shows to small gatherings, emphasizing how visual elements influence perception and engagement. Dive into actionable insights on creating compelling visuals, avoiding outdated aesthetics, and...
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89. The Live Event + Webinar Formula for Bigger Results
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Timothy Calder from Achievers about how webinars fit into a broader event and marketing ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of strategy, timing, and content repurposing. He shares insights on aligning webinars with sales goals, optimizing follow-up, and...
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88. The Surprising Way Wellness is Reshaping How We Experience Corporate Events
In this episode, Joanna Lean from Hivergy shares the transformative power of integrating wellness into event design. She shares her journey from traditional event planning to incorporating positive psychology and wellness, emphasizing the shift from content-heavy agendas to engaging, interactive...
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87. Working with a Travel Partner for Better Events
In this episode, I'm sharing my journey from in-house planner to freelancing and why I incorporated travel services into my services. Event management is already stressful enough, requiring many balls in the air at all times. I share how working with a travel partner (especially one with an…
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86. The Human Edge in Personal Branding with Shaun Bernstein
Discover how personal branding and authenticity remain essential despite the rise of AI tools, and learn practical steps to build and maintain a genuine presence online. On this week's episode of Beyond the BEO, Shaun Bernstein of The Write Stuff Agency shares insights on leveraging human...
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85. The One Thing Every New Event Planner Needs to Start Now for Long-Term Success
Are you a recent graduate entering the vibrant and demanding world of event planning? In this episode, industry veterans share practical advice on how to kickstart and nurture a thriving career in events, emphasizing personal branding, networking, role exploration, and professionalism. About the...
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84. The Hidden Power of Internal Events to Transform Company Culture
In this episode, I'm talking about how companies can effectively plan and execute internal events that foster culture, enhance employee connections, and deliver measurable business results. Discover common pitfalls and practical strategies for creating memorable, inclusive gatherings. About the...
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83. Working Remotely but Staying Connected with Stephanie Hiltz
This week, I'm chatting with Stephanie Hiltz of TA Speaker Management about working in the events industry and living abroad. She shares lessons on networking, cultural differences can improve your events, and what to consider if you're thinking of working abroad. About Stephanie Hiltz Connect on...
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82. Year One as a Solopreneur: Lessons & Reflections, and What's Next
Celebrating one year of full-time freelancing under the Beyond the BEO brand, I'm sharing lessons learned, industry insights, and personal growth experiences from year one as a a solo-preneur in the events industry. Whether you're just starting out or contemplating a similar path, hear how...
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81. The New Normal: Shorter Lead Times, Higher Expectations, and What Planners Must Do About It
This week, I'm chatting with Andrew Roby who shares his over two decades of expertise in event production, exploring how experience, relationship-building, and strategic KPIs elevate event success, even amid global uncertainties. We talk about how we can push for industry, not just for our…
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80. The Unexpected Role of Personalization in Creating Sticky Event Experiences
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Sam Eitzen, CEO of Snapbar on how experiential activations can use AI to create a more human experience. We chat about how experiential marketing is evolving with AI, virtual activations, and innovative engagement strategies. Discover how brands are...
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79. The Secret to Making Your Event Memorable: Authenticity, Interactivity, and Human Moments
In this episode, I'm chatting with Tami Adams, founder of TA Speakers Management, about human-centric, engaging speaking experiences that foster connections before, during, and after the event. Discover strategies for making your events memorable, interactive, and impactful through storytelling,...
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78. What Q1 Tells Us About The Rest of 2026 and Beyond
We're a week into Q2 already and Q1 was a busy one. In this solo episode, I'm sharing the trends that shaped Q1 and how those trends will continue through the rest of the year and beyond. I talk about shifts in event timing, wellness integration, exclusivity, and the importance of adaptability in…
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77. Transforming Event Sponsorship with Celebrities: From Logo Placements to Revenue Generation
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with David Petro from Celebrity Capital about innovative ways to leverage celebrities beyond traditional endorsement roles—turning them into powerful revenue drivers for events and brands. We talk about how to determine if a celebrity is right for your event,...
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76. From Paper to Practice: Making Accessibility a Core Part of Event Planning with Lakesha Moore
Designing for accessibility isn't just a legal obligation - it's a way to create truly inclusive experiences that benefit all attendees. It starts with asking the right questions early and collaborating with all stakeholders to make your events more welcoming and accessible. In this week's…
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75. What Event Planners Miss When Booking Speakers with Suzanne Knight
You spend hours researching, vetting, pitching your stakeholders on a speaker. They think the speaker sounds great, you sign the contract, have a prep call a couple of days before, review their rider, and then get on-site. But what if there was more you could do before, during, and after your…
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74. Selling the Value with Annemarie Allain
This week, I'm chatting with Annemarie Allain about the evolving nature of events communications. We explore how communication and marketing strategies have shifted, with attendees expecting more personalization and a real understanding of if an event is worth their time. The rise of…
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73. Navigating the New Era of Events with Gabriella Robuccio
This week, I'm chatting with Gabriella Robuccio as we explore the evolving landscape of the events industry. An expert in relationship management, Gabriella tells us how we can master human connection to make our experiences better. We also chat about the shift towards micro events, the impact of...
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72. The Human Side of AI with Trevor Sookraj
This week, I'm chatting with Trevor Sookraj about the intersection of AI and event planning, exploring how technology is reshaping the industry. He emphasizes the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, the challenges of technology adoption among event planners, and the...
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71. More of the Most Magical Events on Earth
This week, I'm going back to the most Magical Place on Earth as I share insights from my recent visit to Disney World. I talk about elements event planners can learn from Disney's approach including more ways to surprise and delight attendees, setting clear expectations for a better experience…
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Why Event Tech Fails with Jen Santos
In this episode, I'm chatting with Jen Santos, an expert in event technology with nearly 15 years of experience in the events industry. Event tech can be overwhelming, but often times it's not the tech that is the problem, it's the resources needed to properly train users to ensure they're able…
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69. Turning Average Events into Experiences that Drive Results with Phil Mershon
In this episode, I'm chatting with Phil Mershon, who shares insights on creating Unforgettable Events. We talk about the importance of understanding the audience, setting clear goals, and creating memorable moments that lead to impactful outcomes. We discuss the balance between entertainment and...
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68. Feeling Worthy: The Heart of Event Planning with Kayla Worthy
In this week's episode, Kayla Worthy shares her extensive experience in the events industry, discussing the importance of feeling worthy as an event professional. We talk about the unique challenges faced by event planners, especially during on-site events, and the need for effective…
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67. Unlocking the Power of Incentive Events with Ashley Ronkowski
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Ashley Ronkowski from Arrange and Engage about the world of incentive events, discussing their importance in employee engagement and corporate culture. We explore the nuances of measuring ROI in internal events, the significance of in-person connections,...
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66. Event Tech Evolution: Insights with Jonathan Kazarian
In this week's episode, I'm chatting with Jonathan Kazarian, CEO of Accelevents about the evolution of event management technology and the importance of understanding the needs of all stakeholders to ensure a seamless attendee experience. He shares registration trends, why post-event analysis is…
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65. The 3 Es of 2026
In this episode, I'm talking about trends in corporate events for 2026, focusing on the three Es: Engagement, Exclusivity, and Emotional Support. I talk about the importance of creating engaging experiences for attendees, the shift towards more exclusive and personalized events, and the need for...
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64. Global Networks: The Event Planner's Secret Weapon
In the season finale of season seven, I've got not one, but two great guests. Evan Babins, Rich Rodrigues, and I discuss the critical role of networking in the events industry. We share personal stories and insights on how building genuine relationships can lead to professional growth and…
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63. Transforming B2B Events with B2C Strategies with MK Granados
In this episode, MK Granados and Shanondoah discuss the valuable lessons that B2B events can learn from B2C events. They explore how consumer-focused strategies can enhance sponsorships, attendee experiences, and overall event success. The conversation highlights the importance of humanizing...
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62. Mastering the Economy of Scale for Events with Steph Couch
This week, I'm chatting with Steph Couch strategic thinking and building a cohesive message. We talk about how the economies of scale can enhance efficiency and reduce costs, while also emphasizing the need for consistent themes across events while also being mindful of the pitfalls of trend...
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61. Navigating Chaos as an Event Planner with Nelia Nunes
This week I'm talking to Nelia Nunes about the challenges and stressors that come with being an event planner. We chat about perspective, resilience, and the ability to let go of control in order to manage stress effectively. We also talk about setting boundaries for mental health, the…
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60. The Future of Experiential Activations with Arianna Lebed
This week, I'm chatting with Arianna Lebed about the evolving landscape of experiential activations in the events industry. We talk the importance of engaging audiences, the role of personalization in B2B events, and how AI can enhance attendee experiences. We also touch on innovative activation...
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59. Navigating Career Changes in the Events Industry
This week I'm chatting with Julia Danmeri, Founder and CEO of TranslateAble, where she shares her insights on navigating career changes within the events industry. We talk about the importance of being prepared for change, the value of networking, and the significance of personal branding. Julia...
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58. Transforming Vendors into Trusted Event Allies with Marc Ghafoori
This week I'm joined by Marc Ghafoori, CEO of AlphaTooth, as we discuss the challenges faced in the event planning industry and the importance of building strong vendor relationships. Marc emphasizes the need for effective communication and collaboration between planners and vendors, highlighting...
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57. The Benefits of Hiring an External Planner
This week, I'm sharing the importance of external planners in the event planning industry. From my years of experience as an in-house event planner, I highlight the challenges faced by internal teams and the benefits of bringing in external support. External planners can enhance the overall…
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56. The Power of Storytelling in Experiential Events with Monica Birrenkott
In this episode, Monica Birrenkott discusses the importance of storytelling in experiential events, emphasizing how a strong narrative can engage audiences and create memorable experiences. We talk about the need for brand alignment and understanding the audience to design effective activations....
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55. The Art of Event Measurement with Dax Callner
In this episode of Beyond the BEO, Dax Callner shares his extensive experience in the events industry, emphasizing the importance of strategy, measurement, and customer engagement. He discusses the role of a strategist as a truth teller, the need for realistic expectations in event planning, and...
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54. Innovative Strategies in Event Marketing
This week, I'm chatting with Emily Dilbeck, the Global Field Marketing Manager at Unbound B2B, as she shares her journey in the events industry, the importance of community engagement, and innovative strategies for creating memorable attendee experiences. She shares insights on the evolution of...
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53. The Impact of Education on Career Growth
In this minisode, MK Granados and I talk about the value of pursuing an MBA for events professionals. MK shares her personal journey of deciding to further her education during the pandemic, the importance of having professional experience before entering an MBA program, and the challenges faced…
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52. Beyond the Booze with Marisa Cali
In this episode, Marisa Cali and I discuss the shift in alcohol-centred events in the industry. We talk about importance of creating inclusive non-alcoholic options and reimagining traditional networking events to enhance attendee experience. Marisa shares her insights on innovative branding for...
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51. Reimaging Incentive Events
In this minisode, I'm talking about incentive events, encouraging you to think outside extravagant trips. I talk about unique local experiences that can host incentives for teams, such as exclusive concerts and sporting events, and other creative ideas for memorable experiences that can engage...
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50. Navigating the Event Marketing Landscape
In this episode I'm chatting with Jennie Plumlee, a seasoned professional in corporate events about the challenges and opportunities in the event marketing industry. We talk about the lack of education around field marketing, the importance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of corporate...
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49. Strategic Funding: Fueling Your Business Journey
In this conversation, Erin Sisko and I discuss the challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing capital. She highlights the misconceptions surrounding women's willingness to seek funding and emphasizes the importance of understanding the funding landscape, including grants, loans, and private...
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48. The Evolution of Nonprofit Fundraising Events
This week we explore the journey of nonprofit fundraising events with Roger Devine from School Auction. Discover how grassroots organizations have adapted from traditional pen-and-paper methods to innovative digital platforms. Roger shares insights on the importance of community-based…
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47. Strategizing for Success
In this conversation, Marisa Nebosky shares her insights on the importance of strategic thinking in the events industry. We talk about the need for event professionals to focus on creating engaging experiences that resonate with audiences, rather than just managing logistics. About Marisa…
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46. Better for Everyone - How to Improve Accessibility at Your Events
In this episode, I'm chatting with Anthony Lue, Accessibility Consultant, about the importance of accessibility in event planning. We talk about accommodating various accessibility needs, the role of universal design, and the significance of empathy in creating inclusive environments. We also...
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45. Your Event Community
In this episode, I'm chatting with Megan Martin, VP of Marketing and Innovation for EMC Meetings and Events. We talk about the importance of building a support network in the event planning industry. We cover associations, online communities, and actively engaging with peers to foster...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
An event planner podcast. Learn about the latest trends, how to improve attendee experience, stay on budget, and make your events better.
HOSTED BY
Shanondoah Nicholson
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Beyond the BEO have?
Beyond the BEO currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Beyond the BEO about?
An event planner podcast. Learn about the latest trends, how to improve attendee experience, stay on budget, and make your events better.
How often does Beyond the BEO release new episodes?
Beyond the BEO has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Beyond the BEO?
You can listen to Beyond the BEO on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Beyond the BEO?
Beyond the BEO is created and hosted by Shanondoah Nicholson.
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