Beyond the BEO
Shanondoah Nicholson
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An event planner podcast. Helping you have the most impact in your corporate events career.
Available episodes
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Nov 14, 2023
22. Implementing Trends in 2024 and Beyond
Staying on top of trends can be so difficult. How do you ensure that you're on trend while staying true to your event and attendees? In this episode, I'm chatting with Annie and Marissa of 15|40 Productions, two women who have worked on some of the trendiest events and activations of the year (um, Barbie, hello!). They share their insights in making an impact, while staying on trend and even their tips for staying ahead of the game.
About the Guests:
15|40 Productions
ANNIE MCALLISTER - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Annie brings 15+ years of event production experience to her role in the 15|40 family. Her tenure includes large scale to intimate projects at some of today's most sought after live events and premieres. Annie's background in broadcast, streaming and music festivals has helped her build long standing relationships in a multitude of spaces including conferences, award shows, fundraisers, experiential activations, brand launches, hospitality design and large scale live events; all with an emphasis on overarching project management, design and client relations. MARISSA KIERSCH - VP, BRAND + EXPERIENTIAL
Marissa joined the 15|40 team after spending six years at Legendary Entertainment overseeing and working on global large-scale experiential tours for film campaigns, movie premieres and more. As a prior client, she became part of the family quickly, even though she abstains from simple forms of physical affection, such as hugs — the team loves to make her sweat. Her prior background in corporate PR has helped her build strong relationships with a large range of clientele including non-profit foundations, film studios and tech companies. Marissa's client relationships along with her wealth of knowledge are only some of the many attributes that make her a strong producer at 15|40.
Learn more about Beyond the BEO:
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Join the #EventProfs Community
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Oct 17, 2023
21. Improving Your Social Media Strategy
Social media can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to keep up with the changing platforms, appeasing the algorithms and creating content. On this week’s episode, I’m chatting with Tom McMahon of MCM. He shares his best practices for executing an effective social media strategy as it relates to your events.
Learn more about Tom McMahon:
Tom has worked both agency and client side across many international brands including FT Live, Xeim, NBC Universal Studios and Sky. These roles have allowed for global exposure working across local territories as well as EMEA and the US. Tom is well versed on the latest and most effective platforms and channels, and is passionate about showing his event sector clients how they can utilize them to stay ahead of the competition.
Connect on LinkedIn
MCM on LinkedIn
MCM
Learn more about Beyond the BEO:
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Learn more about our sponsors:
The Write Stuff Agency blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
Join the #EventProfs Community
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Oct 3, 2023
20. The Future of Experience Creators with Luke Whalin
The future of events is in the experience, and the why behind it. In this week's episode, Luke Whalin from HopSkip and I discuss the future of events as meaningful experiences that drives the goals of an organization.
Luke Whalin is a Co-Founder of HopSkip, a hotel sourcing platform for event creators, along with his brother Sean, and is based in Philadelphia, PA. His background is in tech sales in the Startup and Fortune 100 worlds. Luke works closely with onboarding hoteliers and DMOs onto the platform and implementing their feedback.
About Luke Whalin and HopSkip
Luke Whalin on LinkedIn
HopSkip on LinkedIn
HopSkip on Facebook
HopSkip
Learn more about Beyond the BEO:
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Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
The Write Stuff Agency blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
Join the #EventProfs Community
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Sep 12, 2023
19. Harnessing Emotions for Your Events
Live events have the power to motivate, inspire and persuade. The way planners use music, decor, video, content, lighting (and more) can impact your attendees and help you reach your event goals. This week, my guest is Thomas Serrano, the President of Exclamation Group, a luxury boutique agency comprised of designers, makers, and doers who are passionate about meaningful and memorable events. We chat about creating unique experiences that use emotions to host impactful events.
About Thomas Serrano:
Exclamation’s Founder and CEO, Thomas Serrano, was raised, educated and began his professional career in product promotion and events production in the heart of the French centers of culture, style and luxury. Graduating from EDHEC Business School in Nice in 1998, he honed his talents at several experiential agencies in Paris working with leading brands from Chanel and Cartier to Citroën, Nespresso, and Microsoft.
In 2008, Thomas relocated to New York and launched Havas Luxe within Havas Worldwide. In 2017, Thomas created a new Havas offering: Havas Events North America. Focusing on corporate events, the agency produced innovative experiences for major brands including the Wall Street Journal, KPMG, Lazard, ExxonMobil and L’Oréal.
Looking to create a one-stop shop for corporate and luxury events, cultural and sports partnerships, Thomas launched Exclamation – "Events That Make A Point" – in January 2020. Thomas has been a guest lecturer at NYU, Columbia Business School, Parsons School of Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as ESSEC Business School in Paris. He is often invited to speak in conferences, such as South by Southwest (SXSW).
After years of serving and working with nonprofit organizations, including LuxuryEducation Foundation (LEF), Thomas created his own foundation I.N.E.S (Initiatives for New Education and Socialization), an organization encouraging underprivileged teenagers in France to achieve their dreams.
LinkedIn
Exclamation Group
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May 2, 2023
18. The #EventProfs Community
I’ve often said events are a team sport. No one can manage and execute an event entirely alone and that’s why community is so important. As event planners, we rely on our community for insight, conversation and to bounce ideas around. That’s why Will Curran created the #EventProfs Community. He saw an opportunity to create a robust online community where event professionals can connect and learn. He’s back on the podcast to share what planners can find in the community, how it differs from associations and social media, and how planners can get involved.
Join the #EventProfs Community (#afflink)
Learn more about Will Curran:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Learn more about Beyond the BEO:
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Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
The Write Stuff Agency blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
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Mar 28, 2023
17. Using a Travel and Events Agency to Support Your Events with Lauren Smith
Event planning is all about working together as a team. This episode, I’m chatting with Lauren Smith from Modern Collective, a travel and event planning agency. We talk about how an agency can help support your events, why it’s important to find the right vendors, and why the customer might not always be right….
About Lauren Smith
Meet Lauren Smith a passionate event planner, connection creating expert, and lover of all thing’s events + travel. Lauren helps busy entrepreneurs create in person connection with their online community so they can strengthen their relationships, provide incredible value and turn their community into raving fans.
With over 10 years of event planning experience working with Canada’s largest financial institutions, Lauren brings countless unique and innovative ideas, and an impressive tool-box of skills to the table for her clients, spanning from an unmatched ability to pivot on the spot, to killer negotiation skills and the creative ability to think outside the box.
Dubbed “the future of the events industry” by Meetings + Incentive Travel Magazine and featured in CMP Magazine’s Women of Influence Issue, Lauren’s signature approach to the planning process and stress-free execution puts her clients at ease with every step of the process. Lauren’s community loves her because of her ability to think outside the box, create true and authentic connection and truly go above and beyond to create a WOW factor experience that helps turn their attendees into raving fans.
Modern Collective
Modern Collective on Instagram
Learn more about Beyond the BEO:
Follow on Instagram @beyondthebeo
Rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support Beyond the BEO:
Join the #EventProfs Community
The Write Stuff Agency blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
Buy me a coffee ☕
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Mar 14, 2023
16. Building an Events Career with Sara Gorlick
So many people “fall into event planning”. Many people don’t realize there’s a career path in event planning outside wedding planning. That’s where Sara Gorlick’s new book Lucky Boxcutter comes in. In her book, she shares her experiences getting started in the industry and guides readers through building a career in events. In this episode, we chat about lessons learned, what we wish we knew when we got started, and how the industry can do a better job of bringing top talent into the industry.
_About Sara Gorlick_:
Sara Gorlick, CMP kicked off her corporate event planning career over a decade ago with a 1,500 person Health Care Summit. After being thrown into the fire of logistics, floor plans, programming, and solving on-site crises she was hooked. She then went global to learn the hotel side of the business at the InterContinental Hotel in Tel Aviv. For the last ten years, she has been directing events for a global ecommerce company. Sara has a passion for corporate events and lives by her event planner code to keep positive, productive, calm and kind. She has won a number of event planning awards including the BizBash Corporate Planner of the Year Award and the Event Solutions Spotlight Award for Corporate Event Planner of the Year.
Get the book: _Lucky Boxcutter_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
_Follow on Instagram @beyondthebeo__
_Rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support Beyond the BEO:
Join the _#EventProfs Community__
__The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
_Buy me a coffee ☕_
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Feb 28, 2023
15. Finding the Right Vendor Partners with Evan Babins
Event planning is a team sport, so it's so important to have the right people and partners on your team. Evan Babins is back and we're talking about vendor management in 2023 (and beyond!). Tune in to learn how to find the right vendors for your programs to ensure your attendees have a great experience on-site.
Evan Babins is a trendsetting event producer with over a decade of corporate and private event experience working on events around the world.He works on events for cutting edge global brands. Evan has worked in both agency and client side roles making him an incredibly well-rounded event professional. When Evan isn't producing events, you can find him DJing or spending time with his wife and 2.5 year old son. He loves hockey, The Bachelor, and watering his lawn to keep it looking *extra* fresh.
Connect with Evan Babins:
_LinkedIn__
__Instagram_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
_Follow on Instagram @beyondthebeo__
__Follow on TikTok @beyondthebeo__
_Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
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Feb 14, 2023
14. Using Video to Improve Your Event Experience
Video is more than having a moment. TikTok has captured the attention of millions, Instagram is favouring reels, so it's a no-brainer to incorporate video into your programs but it can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m excited for this week’s episode. This week, I’m chatting with Michael Hoffman from Gather Voices. We chat about how to enhance your events using video, before, during, and after programs.
About Michael Hoffman:
Michael Hoffman is the co-founder and CEO of Gather Voices, a technology company that automates the creation, management and publishing of video content. He is also the founder of See3 Communications, a digital marketing agency in Chicago and founder of the DoGooder Video Awards which honors the best social cause video on YouTube each year. Hoffman teaches marketing at the University of Chicago and is an internationally sought-after speaker and trainer who is a trusted advisor to business leaders on engagement strategy.
_Connect with Michael on LinkedIn__
__Gather Voices_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
_Follow on Instagram @beyondthebeo__
_Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support Beyond the BEO:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
_Buy me a coffee ☕_
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Jan 31, 2023
13. Mental Health in the Events Industry
We all know event planning can be stressful and in our busiest seasons, sometimes it feels like we can’t stop for a breath. But that is why our mental health is so important. In order to do our best work, we have to be sure we are taking care of ourselves.
This week’s episode, I’m chatting with Anika Ved, a freelance events consultant and mental health advocate. We discuss mental health in the events industry including why it’s important to take care of our mental health as much as our physical health, how we can find ways to take care of our mental health and industry-specific resources.
About Anika Ved:
Anika is a passionate events professional and a mental health advocate. She has a passion for creating experiences with a purpose and for improving the lives of others. She has experience managing events in the commercial and not for profit sectors from various industries including sporting, aerospace and tech, specializing in conferences. She currently freelances for several companies providing event consultancy, project management and event tech consultancy. She has worked both in house and in agencies and has a full service holistic view of the events industry. Mental health is an incredibly important topic to Anika and she seeks to educate her peers on looking after their mental health to create a good work / life balance.
_Connect with Anika on LinkedIn__
__Follow Anika on Instagram_
Resources:
_https://mhfainternational.org/ _
_https://eventwell.org/_
_https://stressmatters.org.uk/_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:_
__Follow on Instagram @beyondthebeo__
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Support Beyond the BEO:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
_Buy me a coffee ☕__
_Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Jan 17, 2023
12. Virtual and Hybrid Events in 2023 and Beyond
It’s been nearly three years since the events industry got flipped on its head and had to move virtual, what seemed like overnight. We’ve come a long way from makeshift set ups and two-dimensional virtual events. Although we are excited to be back in-person, virtual and hybrid still serve a purpose in the events landscape.
This week, I’m chatting with Stephen Handisides from V-Unite. V-Unite empowers businesses with the virtual tools to enhance engagement, education and outcomes. We talk about the evolution of virtual and hybrid events and how to make the most out of them to engage and connect with your attendees.
About Stephen Handisides:
Stephen Handisides is the mastermind behind _V-Unite.com_, specializing in bringing large groups together in virtual themed spaces.
Stephen and his team have designed an event solution that makes setting up hybrid events seamless. A solution built for event planners, where they can set up their events in three easy steps. From choosing even…
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Jan 3, 2023
11. The Events Industry in 2023
We made it, event profs! 2022 was a whirlwind. After a challenging 2 years, we started to see hope in our industry. Although, not without its challenges, many of us were busier than we have ever been. In this week’s solo episode, I’m talking about what I think is coming next for our industry including how health and safety will continue to be a factor, how content and connections will shape events next year and how I believe this is the year event planners will really begin to be seen as a strategic partner within an organization.
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
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Rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
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May 17, 2022
10. Volunteering in the Events Industry
Volunteering in the events industry is a great way to build your profile as an events professional. It also allows you to network with other committed industry professionals and try out new skills. This week, I chat with Élodie Lortal of the National Arts Centre about her experience volunteering with Meeting Planners International and how it helped her in her career, including throughout the pandemic.
Please note, this episode is not eligible for CMP clock hours.
Connect with Élodie Lortal:
_LinkedIn__
__National Arts Centre_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
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Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, making your business sound as good as it looks.
_GateCheck_ - the subscription box built for travelers. Use code BEOdiscount for $5 off your subscriptio…
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May 3, 2022
09. Leveraging Your Vendor Network to Design Great Events
Events help our attendees build meaningful relationships to meet their goals, but how do planners and vendors use relationships to create great events? In this episode, I chat with Evan Babins, an experienced events professional who is passionate about developing a strong network of vendors. We chat about the benefits of using your venue’s preferred vendors, how a DMC can help you execute on an event, how associations can help you if you’re planning an event in a new city, and more.
Looking for your CMP credit? _Take this short quiz to receive your certificate._ You can submit the certificate to the EIC as proof of participation.
Connect with Evan Babins:
_LinkedIn__
__Instagram_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
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Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting serv…
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Apr 19, 2022
08. The Future of Hybrid Events
The Future of Hybrid Events
The events industry has undergone a transformation over the last two years. During this time, we’ve seen more and more organizations attempt to turn their once in-person-only events into virtual or hybrid experiences. Will Curran of Endless Events has experience executing meaningful virtual, hybrid, and in-person events and is passionate about what’s next for the industry. In this episode, we talk about things to consider when planning a hybrid event, why you will likely need more budget and time to execute effectively, and when to avoid hybrid or virtual, simply because they aren’t the right fit for the event.
Looking for your CMP credit? _Take this short quiz to receive your certificate._ You can submit the certificate to the EIC as proof of participation.
Learn more about Will Curran:
_Endless Events__
__Personal Website__
__LinkedIn__
__Instagram_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
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Apr 5, 2022
07. Why Mentorship is So Important in Event Planning
Mentorship can be transformational in your career, but sometimes there are misconceptions about what mentorship is and isn’t. Also, it can be hard to know if you need a mentor, or if you’re ready to take on a mentee. In this episode, I chat with experienced event planner and Fast Forward 15 mentor, Kelly Frew. We discuss common myths about mentorship, how mentorship can benefit mentors and mentees, how to get the most out of a mentor-mentee relationship, and more.
Looking for your CMP credit? _Take this short quiz to receive your certificate_.
Learn more about Kelly Frew:
_Follow them on LinkedIn__
__Kelly Frew hosts Events for Breakfast Podcast__
__Fast Forward 15_
Learn more about _Beyond the BEO_:
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_Please rate, review, subscribe to Beyond the BEO wherever you listen to podcasts.
Learn more about our sponsors:
_The Write Stuff Agency_ blogging and copywriting services, makin…
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Mar 22, 2022
06. Using Advocacy Events to Promote Your Organization's Goals
If you’re a mission-driven organization, events can be a great way to spread your message and get people on-board. That’s what Julie and Jacob of Julie & Co. help their clients do in Ottawa. Many causes and organizations need political support. It can be difficult to make a meaningful connection with those in office, that’s where lobbying events can come in.
In this episode, we discuss:
How event experience can help attendees remember your organization’s mission
The reality when it comes to replacing in-person events with a virtual-only experience
The role of a PR person in the events industry
Looking for your CMP credit? Take this short quiz to receive your certificate.
Learn more about Julie McNamara:
Julie is an award-winning event planner and communicator. Drawing from her experience working on Parliament Hill early in her career, Julie knew she wanted to combine her formal education in public relations, and her experience in event planning to form her own firm. Slowly…
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Mar 8, 2022
05. Working with Catering Partners to Enhance Event Experience
A great event experience is usually linked to the food, and a catering partner can help you elevate your event to the next level. In this episode, I chat with Jonathan Preskow, founder of JP Fine Foods about how the right caterer can work with you to create an unforgettable experience.
In this episode, we discuss:
How to use the seasonality of food to create a great menu
How an off-site caterer can help you build a flexible menu
How to use catering to enhance virtual and hybrid experiences
Looking for your CMP credit? Take this short quiz to receive your certificate.
Learn more about Jonathan Preskow:
Jonathan was born in South Africa and moved to Canada as a child. Throughout his education, he excelled in the creative arts, which led to an Industrial Design diploma from the Ontario College of Arts and Design in 2004. In his final thesis year at OCAD, while working on a design concept for a kitchen appliance, he realized his real passion was food and cooking.
Jonathan enrolled int…
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Feb 22, 2022
04. Working with Speaker Bureaus for Better Events
Finding the right speaker for your event can be a challenge. You need to make sure they’re engaging and entertaining but also that they align with the purpose of your event. Using a speaker bureau is a great way to source event speakers that will ensure event success.
In this episode, we discuss:
The 3 Es of speaking
How a speaker bureau can help, even on a budget
How to ensure there are no *cringe* moments when hiring a speaker
Looking for your CMP credit? Take this short quiz to receive your certificate. Complete the quiz before March 30 to automatically have your information uploaded to the EIC.
Learn more about Tami Adams:
Tami Adams is a dedicated and passionate Speaker Agent, Manager, Coach & Events Professional who thrives in bringing people together for engaging and life-changing experiences. She believes that when people come together, that is where the magic truly happens! She loves using her voice to help raise others.
Tami started her own Speaker Management & Booking…
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Feb 8, 2022
03. Employee Engagement Through Meaningful Events
The internet is talking about “The Great Resignation”? Companies are trying to figure out how to attract new employees and retain great talent. Join me as I chat with Cat McGuire of WholeHearted about employee engagement with heart.
In this episode, we discuss:
* How to engage remote employees
* How to ensure your event has a real social impact
* Budget considerations for team building events
Looking for your CMP credit? _Take this short quiz to receive your certificate_. Complete the quiz before March 8th to automatically have your information uploaded to the EIC.
Learn more about Cat McGuire:
Catherine McGuire is a female entrepreneur; founder and creator at WholeHearted; an agency dedicated to enriching the employee experience through strategic programs that align with corporate values and community needs. She is best described as full of heart and action-obsessed. A true implementer, she fearlessly brings ideas to life with no detail left behind.
With 10+ years expe…
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Jan 25, 2022
02. Intentional Event Design with Malak Sidky
Digital and hybrid events are here to stay, so how do we engage our attendees, regardless of where they are? Join me as I chat with Malak Sidky, founder and president of Health Care Event Planning. We chat about ways to include attendees that may not be on-site. We also discuss how an event purpose can help shape your contracts going forward, making it easier for planners and suppliers alike.
In this episode, we discuss:
* How to engage off-site employees
* How to use dress rehearsals for virtual events
* How to use insurance and escrow companies to de-risk your events
Looking for your CMP credit? _Take this short quiz to receive your certificate_. Complete the quiz before February 28th to automatically have your information uploaded to the EIC.
Learn more about Malak Sidky:
Malak Sidky has her DES and HMCC certification and is the founder and president of Health Care Event Planning. She has a BSc in Biochemistry from McGill University and a Master’s degree in Health Admin…
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Jan 8, 2022
01. It’s Easy Being Green with Romina Kwong of Eco-Friendly Events
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword, it is a critical aspect of events. But, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. This week’s guest is Romina Kwong, a sustainability consultant, environmental expert, and is the owner of _Eco-Friendly Events_. She helps event planners craft sustainable events without breaking the bank, all while ensuring a great attendee experience.
In this episode, we discuss:
* How to avoid “greenwashing” your events
* How to incorporate sustainable event practices while staying on budget
* The fundamentals of the 3 Rs - reduce, reuse, and recycle
* How to use carbon offsets
* How to incorporate charitable giving into your event practices
Learn more about Romina and Eco-Friendly Events:
_Eco-Friendly Events__
_Email: romina (at) ecofriendlyevents.ca
_Follow Eco-Friendly Events on LinkedIn__
__Follow Eco-Friendly Events on Instagram_
Learn more about Beyond the BEO:
_Follow us on Facebook__
__Follow us on Instagram @beyondthe…
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