
Show overview
Not The Same As Last Year launched in 2024 and has put out 37 episodes, alongside 1 trailer or bonus episode in the time since. That works out to roughly 10 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes — most land between 12 min and 23 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
There hasn’t been a new episode in the last ninety days; the most recent episode landed 10 months ago. The busiest year was 2024, with 31 episodes published. Published by Clare Forestier.
From the publisher
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!
Latest Episodes
View all 37 episodes
Ep 36Making 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 neuro-inclusive event actually looks like (and what it doesn’t). They talk about why making your event accessible for different types of brains isn’t just ethical – it’s practical. It increases your potential audience, boosts attendee satisfaction, and doesn’t have to blow the budget.Expect honest chat about small changes that make a big difference, why slapping a coloured lanyard on someone isn’t the solution, and how asking for advice (instead of feedback) can go a long way.What we cover:– Why “we’ve never had any neurodivergent attendees” is a self-fulfilling prophecy– The 3-tier checklist that helps you plan better events (even if your budget is zero)– What not to do when trying to be inclusive (hint: don’t out people with a lanyard)– How filming a 15-minute “how to get here” video makes a surprising difference– The real reason your event space might feel like a battery farm– Why including people is, funnily enough, the essence of inclusion– How small acts of empathy boost connection and attendee loyaltyChapters:00:00 – What we mean by neuro-inclusion02:19 – Andy’s background & why Welcome Brain exists04:04 – Personalising events for how adults actually work05:17 – 85% of neurodivergent people are skipping your event – here’s why08:30 – It’s not just ‘them’ – most of us benefit from more human events09:27 – Good intentions that go wrong11:34 – Personalisation, empathy, and how the checklist works13:09 – Ask your attendees: how can we make this better?14:09 – Why lived experience matters in the planning team15:25 – The disability comparison: visible vs invisible needs16:43 – No-budget options: start with the Silver tier18:15 – Tackling scepticism and “we’ve never had anyone ask…”20:08 – Rethinking networking and connection21:56 – Breaking away from warehouse layouts and long-term venue contracts23:16 – Why the events industry is actually well placed to lead on this25:33 – Final thoughts: the small things really do matterFind out more:🧩 The free neuroinclusion checklist: welcomebrain.com📧 Contact Andy: [email protected] eventwell https://eventwell.org/Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 35Behind The Mic: Fixing On-Stage Roles
EWhy 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: A Definitive Guide to On-Stage Roles at Events.Together, they tackle one of the biggest problems in B2B events: role confusion. From misused moderators to misplaced MCs, we discuss why assuming any good speaker can fill any on-stage role is a costly mistake—and how organisers can stop making it.Expect:Some gentle ranting (well, Richard is involved)A breakdown of key on-stage roles and their unique competenciesPractical tips to match the right talent to the right formatAnd an honest look at why getting this right transforms audience experienceWhether you’re an organiser, speaker, or simply someone who's sat through one-too-many awkward panels, this one’s for you.Mentioned in this episode:Behind the Mic: A Definitive Guide to On-Stage Roles at EventsRealize agency – https://realize.me.ukClare’s work as a B2B event MC, moderator and podcast hostElling Hamso and the Event ROI Institute https://eventroi.org/about-us/Guest Bio:Richard John is COO of Realize and an events industry veteran with decades of experience training exhibitors, developing speaker talent, and coaching organisers. He’s known for his blunt honesty, his passion for better event design—and his relentless love of a bad dad joke.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 34Rethinking 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 and leave a meaningful impression?Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to make your event giveaways memorable for the right reasons.What You’ll Learn:Why swag isn’t inherently a problem — bad swag is.How to flip your mindset and use swag to deepen attendee engagement.A simple test to decide whether your giveaway will be a hit or a miss.Perfect For:Event planners, exhibition organisers, marketing teams, and anyone tired of handing out (or receiving) useless tat.check out the other ideas in the comments on my original post here: https://bit.ly/ClareForestierSwagLinkedIncheck out what CrowdComms are up to here: https://www.crowdcomms.com/Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 33Sponsor-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 very real tension between what sponsors want and what audiences need. They share ways to shift the story—from last-minute fixes to building a better approach from the start.This one’s a must-listen for planners tired of hearing “but that’s what we sold them,” and for anyone trying to align commercial goals with a quality attendee experience.What’s Inside:Why "gold/silver/bronze" sponsorship tiers often do more harm than goodHow to avoid the “same as last year” trapTactical ways to tweak sponsor involvement (even if everything’s already been agreed)How content teams and sales can work together, not in silosWhy sponsors need help looking good on stage — and how you can give it to themHorror stories (hello, business card in webcam) and how to avoid becoming oneResources:👉 Connect with Richard Morris on LinkedIn 👉 Want help reworking your sponsor strategy? Drop Clare a message or visit www.clareforestier.comReady to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 32Gamification: 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 points and badges on things.The truth about gamification - why most attempts failHow to use gamification to drive real networking and engagementCreative ways to gamify sessions (without making them cringe)Simple ideas that boost interaction - both digitally and in personHow scavenger hunts, snowball games, and end-of-day bingo can turn passive attendees into active participantsIf you’re tired of gamification that feels like cheesy and pointless, tune in to hear how to make it work properly.I mention my fellow emcee/moderator, Jan-Jaap In Der Maur in this episode. For more info visit his website here: https://mastersinmoderation.com/training-and-coachingReady to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 31The 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 episode, I explore:✅ Why younger audiences are reshaping events✅ The importance of interactivity and storytelling✅ Simple changes that make events more engaging for all generationsLet’s make events less awkward and more effective. Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 30Mastering 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 events that are confirmed last minute. Clare shares insights from her recent planner forum with the Meetings Events Suppliers Association, where industry experts discussed the effects of short lead times on quality, costs, and attendee experience.Key Points Covered:Why Short Lead Times are a Growing Trend: From last-minute budget approvals to clients’ hesitation to commit early, Clare discusses the factors that are driving the shift towards shorter planning timelines.Setting Boundaries and Educating Clients: Clare explores how event professionals can set clear boundaries to maintain quality, even under pressure, and why client education is essential to successful last-minute planning.Smart Technology Solutions: The episode highlights the importance of moving beyond spreadsheets to use cloud-based, event-specific tools that make coordination easier and less stressful.Building Strong Supplier Relationships: Clare emphasises the importance of trusted suppliers who can work effectively under tight timelinesRussell Magnuson https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-magnuson/RD Mobile: https://www.resultsdirect.com/rdmobileDavid O'Coimin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidocoimin/Nook Event PodsAndrew Roby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewrobyeventplanner/The Meetings Event Suppliers Association: https://themesa.community/mesaReady to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 29Reinventing 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 covered:Blending Tradition with Freshness: Easy tweaks to familiar formats without alienating cautious clients.Interactive Keynotes: Turn your keynote into a two-way conversation, with live Q&As and story-driven hooks.Panel Revamps: Opt for fewer, more impactful voices and open the floor to audience questions.Dynamic Formats to Try: World Cafés, Fishbowl discussions, and lightning talks that keep attendees involved and energized.Genuine Engagement: What “interactive” should mean—moving beyond polls to create real connections.If you’re ready to stop wasting time with cookie-cutter sessions, tune in for tips to make your events a cut above.Discover easy, creative tweaks to make your event sessions memorable and exciting for attendees. Let’s get a bit braver and give that sacred cow of “safe formats” a well-deserved kick.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 28The 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, introducing your speakers through compelling narratives, or getting your audience involved by asking them to share their own stories, this episode is packed with practical tips you can apply right away.Key Takeaways:Weaving the theme: Your event theme shouldn’t just be mentioned in the keynote – it should be the golden thread running through every session.Speaker introductions: Forget boring bios! Introduce your speakers with a story to make them more relatable and engaging.Attendee stories: Encourage attendees to share their stories during Q&A or workshops to build connection and create a dynamic experience.Sponsor involvement: Get your sponsors involved with storytelling to personalise their presence and add value to attendees.Promotion & follow-up: Use storytelling in your event marketing and post-event communication to keep the journey alive.Tune in to learn how storytelling can transform your events from a series of disconnected sessions into a seamless journey that resonates with your audience long after the event is over.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 27The 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 line between using FOMO effectively and letting it spiral out of control, ensuring your events engage, excite, and never alienate your attendees.In this episode, we discuss the risks of relying too much on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in your event strategy:The Double-Edged Sword of FOMO: How FOMO can drive engagement but also create stress and anxiety for your attendees if not managed properly.The Danger of Decision Paralysis: Why too many options at events can lead to overwhelm, disengagement, and a poor experience.Avoiding Burnout: Tips on how to create balance in your event, offering engaging content without overloading your audience.Practical Solutions: Using event tech, personalised schedules, and real-time updates to make FOMO a positive experience instead of a stressful one.The Long-Term Impact: How unchecked FOMO can harm your event’s reputation and decrease attendee loyalty in the future.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 26Rethinking 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 chasing the same outdated tactics and start creating real human connections that lead to genuine business opportunities. While Lee speaks from the exhibitor's perspective, there's a huge crossover in how we can make these events more meaningful for attendees. If you're tired of the frenetic, sales-driven approach of trade shows and want to learn how to make them more impactful, this episode is for you.To find out more about Expostars Interactive - https://expostars.com/To find out more about Lee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeali5Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 25Attendee-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, and the steps you can take to turn every session into months of valuable material.With insights from industry expert Julius Solaris and research from Boldpush, we’ll show you the real impact of repurposing content and why it’s a game-changer for event planners.What You’ll Learn:How to turn one hour of event content into multiple pieces of engaging material.Why making content available doesn’t hurt attendance but actually enhances it.Practical tips to extend the life and reach of your event content.How repurposing content benefits both attendees and event planners.Don’t miss this episode—it’s time to stop wasting what you’ve got and start using it to its full potential!Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 24Rocking 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 not about the flashy lights or celebrity speakers but about creating moments that resonate deeply with attendees. She offers practical tips on building emotional connections, fostering a sense of belonging, and designing events that people will talk about long after they end.Key Takeaways:How to make attendees emotionally invested in your event.The power of community and shared experiences in driving engagement.Ways to create memorable events that go beyond the ordinary.Don’t settle for just another event; learn how to make yours truly unforgettable.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 23Who'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 those with sensory sensitivities.Clare shares practical strategies to make events more inclusive and welcoming for these potential attendees. She highlights the importance of promoting inclusive features, like quiet spaces, varied networking opportunities, and thoughtful agenda design, to attract a broader audience. Discover how your event can stand out by reaching the people who wouldn’t normally consider attending.Key Takeaways:Why considering who isn’t attending your event is crucial.Actionable changes to make events more inclusive.How to market these inclusive features to reach a broader audience.Tune in to find out how you can tap into this untapped pool of potential attendees and create events that appeal to everyone.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 22Putting 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 experience at the heart of every decision.Discover how wellness is more than just a trend; it's an essential part of creating sustainable, impactful events that attendees will love. David shares the four pillars of his wellness approach: mindfulness, movement, meals, and meaning. Learn how simple, cost-effective changes can transform your event's success, improve attendee satisfaction, and enhance ROI.Key Takeaways:Why wellness is becoming a crucial element in event planning.Practical tips to incorporate wellness into your agenda without breaking the bank.How a focus on wellness can increase attendee engagement and satisfaction.Join us to find out how you can create events that leave attendees feeling energized, valued, and ready to come back for more.LinkedIn Post for Episode 25: "Integrating Wellness into Events with David T Stevens"🌟 New Episode Alert! 🌟In the latest episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I had the pleasure of speaking with David T Stevens, a 20-year event planning veteran and six-time Fittest Male #EventProf! 💪David has dedicated his career to making wellness a priority in events — and the results speak for themselves. From increasing attendee satisfaction to boosting ROI, his approach to integrating health and well-being into event planning is a game-changer.We dive into:🔹 Why wellness is more than just a trend.🔹 Simple, cost-effective ways to incorporate wellness elements.🔹 How to create events that energize and engage attendees.If you want to learn how to make your events truly impactful, this is the episode for you! Connect with David T Stevens on LinkedIn and Instagram: @davidTstevensWatch his YouTube series: @ReturnOnWellnessFollow Olympian Meeting on Instagram and LinkedIn: @OlympianMeetingReady to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 21Putting 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 insights into how to cater to different generations at events, including networking styles, technology usage, content delivery, and personalisation. She emphasises the importance of inclusivity and creating meaningful experiences for all attendees.keywordsgenerations, workplace, events, attendees, networking, technology, content delivery, personalization, inclusivitytakeawaysUnderstanding the breakdown of different generations in the workplace is crucial for event planningEach generation has different needs and preferences, and it's important to cater to themConsider networking styles, technology usage, content delivery, and personalization for different generationsInclusivity and creating meaningful experiences for all attendees is keytitlesCatering to Different Generations at EventsThe Impact of Generations on Event PlanningSound Bites"Is this what these things are like? Are they all this boring and crappy where the only way we can get people to come to us is to offer them free coffee or give them sweets or something?""Attendees are getting younger, and of course, at the other end, attendees are getting older.""It's dangerous to stereotype to that degree, but it is an easy way to make sure that you are considering lots of different needs within your event if you do that."Chapters00:00Introduction and Overview02:24The Impact of Generations in the Workplace06:59Considering Different Generational Needs10:36Finding the Right Balance with Technology13:03The Power of Personalization and Accessibility14:35Podcast OUTRO Image Mixdown.mp4Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 20How 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 guiding light, ensuring every attendee feels seen, heard, and valued.From setting the tone at the very beginning to keeping the energy up, an emcee is the key to creating a warm, engaging atmosphere that adapts to the needs of your audience. Clare discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in virtual and hybrid events, where the emcee’s role becomes even more crucial. Whether handling unexpected hiccups or facilitating meaningful connections, an emcee makes sure your event flows seamlessly and leaves a lasting impression on attendees.If you’ve ever questioned the ROI of hiring an emcee, Clare makes a compelling case for why it’s a no-brainer investment for any event planner who truly prioritises the attendee experience.Key Takeaways:An emcee is essential for creating an Attendee-First event.They set the tone, engage the audience, and make everyone feel included.In virtual and hybrid events, emcees are vital for maintaining engagement and connecting digital and physical spaces.A skilled emcee ensures a seamless flow, handles hiccups gracefully, and maximises audience involvement.Investing in a professional emcee delivers value by enhancing the overall attendee experience and leaving a positive impression of your brand.Keywords: emcee, event planning, Attendee-First, event experience, virtual events, hybrid events, audience engagement, seamless flow, ROI, brand experience.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 19When Event Attendees Just Won't Engage
EIn 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 poor events to the fear of vulnerability in front of competitors.But it’s not all doom and gloom! Clare offers practical strategies to turn even the most passive attendees into active participants. From easing them in with fun icebreakers to creating safe spaces for open dialogue, she covers it all. Plus, she discusses the importance of persistence, patience, and the ripple effect of peer encouragement.Whether you're an event planner facing low engagement or just looking for fresh ideas to liven up your sessions, this episode is packed with insights to help you create events where everyone feels safe, heard, and excited to participate.Key Takeaways:Understanding Reluctance: Why some attendees are hesitant to engage.Easing Attendees In: Using low-pressure interactions and icebreakers.Setting the Tone: Educating contributors and attendees on the "Attendee-First" mindset.Creating Safe Spaces: Designing areas for open dialogue and using skilled facilitators.Incentivizing Interaction: Using recognition and rewards to encourage participation.Peer Encouragement: Leveraging engaged attendees to inspire others.Persistence Pays Off: Building a culture of engagement over time.Tune in now to discover how you can transform your events into experiences where everyone feels included and excited to contribute.Ready to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 18When Shit Happens in Events
EIn 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 grace and resilience. She explores strategies to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and ensure that your audience remains at the forefront, no matter what challenges arise. Whether it’s a last-minute venue cancellation or an unexpected guest no-show, this episode offers actionable advice on how to empower your team, implement contingency plans, and transform setbacks into opportunities for growth and community building.Key Takeaways:Stay Cool Under Pressure: When things go wrong, the first step is to remain calm and assess the situation objectively.Be Flexible and Adapt Quickly: Fast thinking and flexibility are crucial in finding alternative solutions that keep the event on track.Prioritise the Attendees: Always focus on delivering a positive experience for your attendees, even amidst chaos.Empower Your Team: Equip your team to make decisions on the fly and handle problems as they arise.Document Contingency Plans: Having pre-planned backup strategies can save time and reduce stress in high-pressure situations.Reflect and Learn: After the event, debrief with your team to identify what went well and what can be improved for future events.Embrace Challenges: Treat challenges as opportunities to create a stronger, more engaged community.Keywords:Event management, handling challenges, attendee experience, problem-solving, flexibility, team empowerment, contingency plans, reflection, learning.Episode Titles:"Adapting and Problem-Solving in Event Management""Empowering Your Team to Handle Event Disruptions"Sound Bites:"First of all, you've got to think on your feet.""You adapt at speed.""Maintain a really positive experience for everyone."Chapter Breakdown:00:00 - Introduction: Dealing with Unexpected Challenges03:20 - Handling Venue Cancellations and Curveballs04:46 - Thinking on Your Feet and Adapting Quickly06:08 - Prioritising the Attendee Experience07:31 - Empowering Your Team in a Crisis08:24 - Documenting Contingency Plans for Event Management10:43 - Reflecting and Learning from Event Setbacks13:37 - Conclusion: Turning Setbacks into OpportunitiesReady to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE

Ep 17Brain-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 guidance to speakers on how to engage the audience. Building connections between speakers and facilitating networking opportunities are crucial for creating a cohesive event experience. The loop of engagement can be established by treating attendees as human beings, asking for their advice, and maintaining communication before, during, and after the event. Other brain-friendly strategies include creating a comfortable environment, providing natural light, reducing noise, and incorporating wellness breaks.Victoria Matey is an event psychology advisor and co-founder of Matey Events, event consultancy and the author of the 'Event Psychology Lab' online course and '10 Principles of Strategic Event Planning' book. She leads the Event Psychology club, a community and the top resource for eventprofs looking to transform events with brain science insights, and hosts the podcast What If I Told You, the Event Psychology podcast. Victoria has been recognized by Smart Meetings as a Top100 Smart Women in Meetings, a ChangeMaker by MeetingsNet, and in 2022 she was named the Meeting Professional of the Year.https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriamatey/Sign up for Victoria's newsletter here: https://eventpsychology.gumroad.com/l/membershipTwitter: @MateyEventswebsite: matey.eventsReady to dive deeper? Download your free guide, five ways to elevate your attendee experience without breaking the bank HEREConnect with Clare:WEBSITELINKEDINYOUTUBE