PODCAST · business
Not The Same As Last Year
by Clare Forestier
Hi, I'm Clare Forestier, your guide to shaking up business events. Welcome to Not the Same as Last Year, where we ditch the predictable to focus on attendee-first experiences. Every week, we challenge the norm, offering tips to create events your attendees will love, alongside insights from event rebels. Ready to make your corporate events unforgettable? Join the movement. Let's transform audiences together!
Episodes
-
Making Events Neuro-Inclusive
Most event organisers aren’t trying to exclude people. But when it comes to neurodivergent attendees, that’s exactly what’s happening – unless you're planning with inclusion in mind from the very beginning. In this episode, Clare chats with Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain, about what a...
-
Behind The Mic: Fixing On-Stage Roles
Why do so many B2B panels fall flat? Why do keynote sessions sometimes miss the mark—despite having great speakers? And why is no one quite sure who’s in charge on stage? In this episode, Clare Forestier is joined by Richard John—COO of Realize and co-author of the new white paper Behind the Mic…
more -
Rethinking Swag for Better Attendee Experience
Swag isn’t the enemy — badly thought-out swag is. In this short but punchy episode, Clare Forestier asks event organisers to rethink their approach to giveaways. Instead of cluttering up attendees’ lives (and landfills) with throwaway items, what if we used swag to enhance the attendee experience...
-
Sponsor-Friendly AND Audience-First? It IS Possible
In this episode of Not the Same as Last Year, Clare is joined by seasoned event sales and sponsorship expert Richard Morris, who’s been transforming how sponsors show up at events for over 25 years. From tired sponsorship packages to cringeworthy on-stage moments, Clare and Richard explore the…
more -
Gamification: Gimmick or Game-Changer for Events?
Gamification at events, it’s everywhere. But does it actually work? Or is it just another buzzword slapped onto an event with no real impact? In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I break down what gamification should actually do and how to make it meaningful rather than just sticking...
-
The Next Generation Event Goer: What They Really Want
After an unplanned (and chaotic) two-month break, I’m back with episode 32 of Not the Same as Last Year! This one’s all about Next Generation Event Goers and the shifts they’re driving in the B2B events world. These changes aren’t just for them – they make events better for everyone. In this...
-
Mastering Short Lead Times in Events
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, Clare Forestier discusses one of the biggest challenges in event planning today: short lead times. Whether it’s due to budget constraints, economic uncertainty, or the trend of late bookings, planners and suppliers are increasingly having to adapt to...
-
Reinventing Event Sessions
In Episode 29 of Not The Same As Last Year, Clare is on a mission to shake up predictable event formats. Sick of the rinse-and-repeat style that keeps sessions safe but stale? Clare introduces a range of alternative formats that foster real interaction and keep energy levels high. Here’s what’s...
-
The Power of Storytelling in Events
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, we’re talking about the magic of storytelling and its crucial role in event design. Clare discusses how to use storytelling to create a cohesive, engaging, and memorable attendee experience. Whether it’s weaving the theme into every session…
more -
The Double-Edged Sword of FOMO
Let's talk about FOMO — the Fear of Missing Out — and how it can quickly become dangerous at events if not handled with care. While FOMO can be a powerful marketing tool, if you lean too heavily on it, your attendees could leave feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and dissatisfied. We explore the fine...
-
Rethinking Trade Shows for Real Connection
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I'm looking at the world of trade shows and exhibitions to explore why they so often miss the mark when it comes to genuine attendee engagement. Joining me is Lee Ali, from Expo Stars Interactive, who shares his insight on how exhibitors can stop...
-
Attendee-Centric Content is RECORDED Content
This episode of Not The Same As Last Year explains why repurposing event content is essential for making the most of your efforts. We’ll cover why the old excuses for not capturing and reusing content don’t hold up anymore, how repurposing can boost attendee satisfaction and make your job easier,...
-
Rocking The Emotion at B2B Events
In this episode Clare investigates why certain experiences, like a rock concert, keep people coming back despite the challenges — and it’s all about emotion, community, and connection. Clare breaks down how to capture that same emotional engagement and sense of community in business events. It’s...
-
Who's Not In The Room & How Do We Get Them There?
In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, emcee Clare Forestier takes a closer look at who might be missing from your events — and why it matters. Clare reveals the often overlooked audiences who choose not to attend traditional B2B events, such as introverts, neurodiverse individuals, or…
more -
Putting Wellness First with David T Stevens
In this episode, we chat with David T Stevens, a seasoned event professional and six-time Fittest Male #EventProf, who has dedicated his career to integrating wellness into events. David shares his journey from traditional event planning to a wellness-first approach that puts the attendee...
-
Putting Attendees First in Multigenerational Events
In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the impact of different generations on event planning and attendee experiences. She explores the breakdown of the five generations in the workplace and highlights the importance of considering the needs and preferences of each generation. Clare provides...
-
How Emcees Make Events Attendee-First
In this episode of Not the Same As Last Year, we look into the pivotal role an emcee plays in transforming your event from just another gathering to a truly Attendee-First experience. Clare, an experienced emcee herself, shares why an emcee is much more than a stage host—they’re the event's…
more -
When Event Attendees Just Won't Engage
In this episode of Not the Same As Last Year, Clare looks into one of the biggest challenges event planners face: getting attendees to engage, especially when they seem reluctant. Drawing from her own experiences, Clare shares the reasons why attendees might hold back, from past experiences at…
more -
When Shit Happens in Events
In this candid episode of Not the Same as Last Year, Clare Forestier dives into the chaos that sometimes comes with running events and how to turn those moments into wins for your attendees. Drawing from her own experience as an emcee, Clare shares practical tips on managing the unexpected with...
-
Brain-Friendly Events: Small Changes, Big Impact
The conversation with host Clare Forestier and guest, Event Psychologist, Victoria Matey explores how to change the status quo in event planning by incorporating brain-friendly strategies. It discusses the mistakes organisers make - including not optimising content delivery and not providing...
-
Is It Time To Retire the Event Panel?
Panels are a classic event format, but are they still fit for purpose? In the latest episode of Not The Same As Last Year, Clare Forestier discusses the effectiveness of event panels and suggests ways to make them more attendee-centric. She highlights the common structure of panels, where…
more -
How AI Helps Streamline Events and Delight Attendees
Today's conversation explores the use of AI in event planning and management. I'm joined by AI Event Prof, Anca Platan Trifan to discuss the benefits of using AI tools like ChatGPT to save time, improve productivity, and enhance the attendee experience. Anca emphasizes the importance of learning...
-
The 3 Cs of Events: Content, Collaboration and Contribution
Content matters at events, but not at the expense of collaboration and contribution. In this episode we talk about adjusting the balance so that your attendees aren't just learning but also contributing to your event. Summary In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the three Cs of events:...
-
The Art of Asking for Attendee Advice
Feedback is crucial to attendee satisfaction and improving your events. In this episode, we explore how to ask for attendee advice (not feedback!), the right questions to ask, and how to implement the insights you gain to create attendee-centric events. Ready to dive deeper? Download your free...
-
How to Add Time & Space to Your B2B Events
In this episode, Clare discusses the importance of giving attendees time and space at events. She highlights the problem of jam-packed agendas and the need for attendees to have time to think and absorb information. Clare emphasizes the importance of self-care and creating inclusive spaces for…
more -
From Cringe to Connection: Effective Networking at Events
In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the importance of effective and enjoyable networking at events. She emphasizes the need to create an environment where attendees feel comfortable and empowered to make genuine connections. Clare suggests understanding the preferences and networking goals...
-
Design Events That Let Your Attendees Feel Seen and Heard
Have you ever left an event feeling like you didn't quite belong? In this episode of Not the Same As Last Year I chat with Kelly McCormack, an event psychologist, about the fundamental human need to be seen and heard. Kelly reveals how a focus on attendee psychology can transform events from...
-
Convincing Event Stakeholders to Go Attendee-First
Struggling to get your team and stakeholders excited about attendee-centric events? You're not alone! In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I tackle the challenge of building a compelling case for prioritizing the attendee experience. We'll explore the benefits of attendee-centric events,...
-
Event Speakers: From One Way Lecturers to Engaging Facilitators
In this episode, we discuss how to help event speakers become more engaging and interactive. I emphasise the importance of pre-event meetings with speakers to align goals and expectations, as well as to understand their expertise and presentation preferences. I highlight the need for event...
-
FOMO to Freedom, Is Hybrid the Attendee-First Solution?
This episode discusses the benefits of hybrid events and how they prioritise the attendee experience. Clare explains that hybrid events combine the best of both worlds, in-person and virtual, to create a truly inclusive and engaging experience. she emphasizes the importance of offering options to...
-
Let Your Event Attendee Take The Wheel
In this episode I look at ways to transform attendees from passive spectators to active contributors. Discover how letting attendees shape the agenda through session submissions, voting, and 'unconference' sessions can create a more dynamic and engaging event experience. I suggest various ways to...
-
Building Engaging Events and Communities with Liz Lathan
A big part of making an event successful is building a community. You can do this before, during, or after an event. Giving attendees the opportunity to be part of one can make them feel connected and valued. My guest today has a background in creating engaging events. Liz Lathan is the…
more -
The Human Ticket: Events Where Every Attendee Counts
In episode 4 we talk about the human experience at events and the need for better event design. We also touch on the topic of EDI (Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion) in events and how it is often treated as a tick-box exercise and emphasise the importance of creating inclusive events that...
-
The Power of a Clear Objective
In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the importance of having a clear objective for successful events. She highlights how unclear objectives can lead to events falling flat and the needs of attendees not being prioritised. Clare emphasises the need for a clear objective to guide every...
-
The Supplier Hive Mind Advantage
In this episode, Clare Forestier discusses the importance of securing wider event team buy-in for the attendee-first concept. She emphasises the need to involve suppliers, speakers, and the emcee early in the event planning process to create a truly attendee-first event. Clare shares a story…
more -
The Attendee-First Revolution:Future Proofed Events
Welcome to episode one of Not The Same As Last Year! I’m Clare Forestier, a professional business host, media trainer, and presentation coach. I’ve been an event host for years now, covering webinars, trade shows, conferences, engagement dinner parties, in-person association meetings, and much...
-
Trailer
Hi, I'm Clare Forestier, your guide to shaking up business events. Welcome to Not the Same as Last Year, where we ditch the predictable to focus on attendee-first experiences. Every week, we challenge the norm, offering tips to create events your attendees will love, alongside insights from event...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hi, I'm Clare Forestier, your guide to shaking up business events. Welcome to Not the Same as Last Year, where we ditch the predictable to focus on attendee-first experiences. Every week, we challenge the norm, offering tips to create events your attendees will love, alongside insights from event rebels. Ready to make your corporate events unforgettable? Join the movement. Let's transform audiences together!
HOSTED BY
Clare Forestier
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Not The Same As Last Year have?
Not The Same As Last Year currently has 37 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Not The Same As Last Year about?
Hi, I'm Clare Forestier, your guide to shaking up business events. Welcome to Not the Same as Last Year, where we ditch the predictable to focus on attendee-first experiences. Every week, we challenge the norm, offering tips to create events your attendees will love, alongside insights from event...
How often does Not The Same As Last Year release new episodes?
Not The Same As Last Year has 37 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Not The Same As Last Year?
You can listen to Not The Same As Last Year 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 Not The Same As Last Year?
Not The Same As Last Year is created and hosted by Clare Forestier.
URL copied to clipboard!