In today’s episode, Paige is excited to sit down with the multi-talented Marianne Jackson, Senior Executive Producer and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kennedy Events. Marianne dives into her colorful world, revealing her journey from producer to business development maestro, highlighting the evolving landscape of team celebrations in a post-COVID era. Expect to hear about her commitment to inclusive event planning and the way she faces challenges head-on with grace and strategy. Beyond event logistics, we'll explore the importance of core values, how they shape client relationships, and how Kennedy Events stands out by infusing delight into their work. It’s a rich conversation filled with insight, laughter, and invaluable tips from one of the industry’s best.

In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck dives into the intricacies of event planning with Meg Fasy, founder of fazeFWD, and Sarah Bseiso, Senior Manager of Global Events at Informatica. They tackle the balance between structure and innovation in managing large-scale events and delve into the significance of building strong relationships within the industry. Both Meg and Sarah share their insights on the pivotal role of autonomy in event teams and the art of saying no to unfeasible ideas while remaining open to new trends that are reshaping the event planning landscape.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with guest Carlin Putman, owner and founder of Page-One Meetings and Events, LLC, to navigate the intricate world of event planning and the road to establishing a successful business. Carlin, with an extensive background of over two decades in the industry, shares how she kick-started her career straight out of college where she honed her event-organizing skills in various roles, before bravely navigating through the AIG financial crisis, which prompted her to lay the groundwork for her own enterprise.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” Paige Buck sits down with two of the industry’s top marketing consultants: Neil Wu Becker, co-founder of Nextbound, and Maeve Naughton, from MKN Consulting Group. Becker brings thought-provoking insights into the role of event planning teams; urging them to step beyond people-pleasing into adopting a strategic business mindset. Naughton echoes a similar sentiment, noting that the post-COVID era ushers in a prime opportunity for event planners to reinvent their approach. She foresees a landscape where smaller and more unique events become the norm, creating more engaging and memorable experiences that blend personal enjoyment with business relevance. Learn how to approach events with a strategic lens and why it matters. Tune in for insights on redefining events in the post-COVID era.

We’re kicking off the new year with a recap of a few of our favorite episodes of “Solution Seekers” from 2023. Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, this podcast strives to empower listeners to become solution seekers themselves, embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. Tune in to our 2023 highlights episode for an exclusive look into the minds of the best in the business and the future of large-scale event planning.

In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nadia Rahali, General Manager of the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta. Join us as Nadia shares her journey from Morocco to Atlanta, rooted in hospitality and guided by the compassionate examples set by her father and mentors like Lynne Twist. She opens up about her experience in a domestic violence marriage and how it led her to a powerful role within the United Way, embodying the spirit of service and community empowerment.

In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck is joined by Earla Jones, Director of Conference Services and Operations at the American Library Association. With more than 20 years of experience as a planning professional, Earla brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Her journey from a psychology major to a renowned event planner showcases the diverse paths leading to success in this industry. She emphasizes the significance of experiential design in events, focusing on creating engagements that resonate with all five senses to leave a lasting impact. Jones also highlights the vital role of accessibility in event planning, discussing how inclusive practices can transform an event's appeal and reach.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” Paige Buck is joined by Johnice Veals, the Associate Director of Events and Employee Engagement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Johnice takes her into the world of pharmaceutical events, sharing her insights and experiences in creating meaningful and impactful experiences for employees globally. From navigating time zones and cultural differences to fostering diversity and inclusion, Johnice discusses the challenges and successes in her role. They also delve into her previous work at Life is Good and how she brings elements of fun and music into the pharmaceutical industry.

In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck engages in an insightful conversation with Megan Hull, the Senior Director of Events at Technology Marketing Toolkit (TMT), a renowned marketing consulting firm in the IT services industry. Megan brings her expertise and years of experience as she discusses the challenges faced by the events industry and how TMT has adapted to the changing market. With over 30 events each year, ranging from small workshops to large-scale conferences, Megan and her team have developed effective strategies for ensuring the success of each event.

In this enlightening episode of The “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck is joined by Michelle Allbon, Fractional CRO and Managing Director of Grounded Advisory. During her interview, Michelle dives deep into the dynamic world of sales, marketing, and operations. Drawing from her diverse career path and wealth of experience, Michelle sheds light on the complexities and challenges of navigating these intersecting domains.

In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Costa, a seasoned hospitality professional and the Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 Hotels. Joel shares his extensive experience working in the industry and his current role with 1 Hotels, a brand focused on minimizing their environmental footprint.

In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck speaks with Joshua Steinberger, a seasoned professional in the realm of strategy and communications. With an impressive portfolio highlighting his work with organizations such as Tipping Point and the Presidio Trust, Joshua shares his experiences and provides valuable insights into the world of communications, events, and driving impact.

In this episode of the Solutions Seekers podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with guest Justin Dorfman, Co-Founder and CEO of AssetMule and an experienced sales professional with a passion for enterprise sales. Throughout the episode, Dorfman shares valuable insights on managing the sales process, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored solutions.

In our latest episode of The Kennedy Events Podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Gene Hwang, a seasoned event photographer and co-founder of Orange Photography. With decades of experience in the industry, Gene shared valuable insights and anecdotes about the art and science of event photography, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that make events truly unforgettable.

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with the remarkable Heather Mason, CEO and Founder of Caspian Agency, for an insightful and inspiring conversation on the importance of strategy in the event management industry. Renowned in the industry for her strategic approach to event management, Heather shares her experiences, expertise, and vision for the future of the events world.

“Solution Seekers” marks a significant milestone for Kennedy Events as we embrace our core values and embark on a new era of growth and inspiration. Through thought-provoking discussions, expert interviews, and practical advice, this podcast will empower listeners to become solution seekers themselves, embracing challenges as opportunities for personal and professional development. We look forward to sharing our explorations as you tune in, engage, and become a part of this community. Together, we can navigate the ever-changing landscape of events and beyond—one solution at a time.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” Sophia Piliouras joins host Paige Buck to dive deep into the evolution of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the corporate world. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the importance of genuine expertise in DEI initiatives and the challenges faced in achieving true diversity and inclusion in today's society.

In the world of business, revenue growth is the ultimate goal. It's what drives companies forward, fuels innovation, and creates opportunities for expansion. Achieving sustainable revenue growth requires more than just hard work and dedication. It requires alignment within teams, a shared understanding of metrics, and a strategic focus on key goals. In a recent episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with guest David Aronica, Head of Growth Marketing at Yellowbrick Data, to discuss the importance of team alignment in driving revenue growth.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck is joined by Tony Allen, current President of RevRoad and previous Global Head of Event Services at Zoom. Tony shares his wealth of knowledge on experience design and how its methodology can be applied to any industry to create a memorable event. At its core, experience design methodology focuses on orchestrating all aspects of an event to elicit specific emotions and engage the senses of the participants. Tune in to learn how organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors, build stronger connections with their target audience, and ultimately, create events that leave a lasting impact in the minds and hearts of attendees.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers”, host Paige Buck is joined by Anna Nicholson, an experienced events manager on the Global Events and Experiential team for B2B Marketing at Yahoo. Anna shares the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the events industry and how Yahoo has started to track metrics on DE&I, sustainability, and accessibility at events. DE&I in event planning goes beyond surface-level diversity and actively addresses systemic barriers, promoting equitable opportunities for underrepresented groups. By incorporating DE&I principles into every aspect of event planning, from vendor selection to program design, event organizers can create enriching experiences that celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and drive positive change.