Event Industry News Podcast

The third and final panel at the Unique Venues of London Showcase explored how changing expectations are shaping the future of event experiences, with a focus on wellbeing, inclusivity and meaningful human connections.

Featuring Lucy Eden (Be In Your Element), Zoe Light (Asembl.), Claire Arouche (The National Gallery) and Martin Dibben (Premier Crew), the discussion examined how event organisers can adapt to evolving audience needs across different generations.

From shorter, more engaging programmes and wellbeing spaces to inclusive hospitality and the growing demand for low and no-alcohol options, the panel highlighted the importance of offering...

Recorded at The ICC Wales courtesy of The Celtic Collection, host James Dickson is joined by guests Rachel Phillips, Regional Sales Director, The Celtic Collection, Rebecca Edwards- Symmons, Chief Executive at Commonwealth Games Wales, and Katrina Cookson and Sian Morse, Co-Founders of Hospitality & Events Network Wales to explore how Wales is uniting venues, sports bodies, and local businesses to compete in the global events market.

They discuss practical collaboration examples - from the Commonwealth Games program to rapid event pivots - and the value of networks, trade shows, and lasting legacies like the Tour.

The e...

Following on from Beyond the Myth: The Modern Reality of Unique Venues, the second panel at the Unique Venues of London showcase explored how venues can deliver more sustainable, accessible and inclusive events.

Featuring Matt Gray (event:decision), Claire Gardner (Eventful), Sophie Linin (Royal Museums Greenwich) and Julia Danmeri (TranslateAble), the discussion covered accessibility in historic venues, captioning, quiet spaces and inclusive event planning.

The panel also explored carbon measurement, delegate travel and the wider social value of unique venues, highlighting how responsible practices can create better experiences and lasting benefits for communities.

...

What makes a venue more than just a place to host an event?
Recorded live at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, this Event Industry News roundtable, hosted by James Dickson, brings together event professionals to explore the growing importance of the destination experience and how venues are adapting to changing expectations.
From investment in event technology and flexible conference spaces to immersive experiences, creative networking and rethinking traditional event formats, the discussion explores what today’s organisers and delegates really want.
The conversation also tackles the practicalities of venue selection, including budgets, accessibility, location and sustainability, while highlighting how un...

Live from the ICC Wales, James Dickson speaks with ICC Wales' Amy Phillips and accessibility specialist Dr Shani Danda about the new Access All Areas report and the persistent gap between venues' intentions and disabled delegates' real experiences.

They discuss practical, low-cost improvements (clear online info, captions, quiet spaces), the commercial and legal reasons to act, and ways venues and organisers can start making events genuinely more inclusive.

Thanks to the ICC Wales and The Celtic Collection for hosting these podcast recordings.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by...

Are historic and unique venues really more restrictive, complicated or expensive than traditional event spaces? Or are event organisers missing a trick?
Recorded live at the Unique Venues of London Showcase at Somerset House, this engaging panel brings together experts from Historic Royal Palaces, Somerset House, Park Lane Events and Venufindr to challenge some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding unique venues.
From surprising cost advantages and modern technology to the creative possibilities these remarkable spaces offer, the discussion reveals why historic doesn’t have to mean compromise.
If you’re planning your next event, this conversation might just...

Steve Catling, founder of Hippo Events, discusses his journey from agency and corporate roles to launching his own company, the challenges of growing a small team, and the importance of relationships and continuous learning in the events industry.

He shares practical examples of creative problem-solving, managing suppliers and freelancers, and how Hippo prioritises client experience and adaptability to deliver memorable events.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and...

Host James Dickson speaks with Matt Grey, founder of Event:Decision, about quantifying what makes events responsible and authentic. They discuss carbon measurement, social value yield, and how benchmarking and impact reviews help organisers of any size show genuine environmental, social, and governance performance.

The episode explains practical tools for measuring event carbon, tracking broader ESG factors, and turning data into decisions that improve credibility and prove the value of events to clients and communities.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual...

James Dickson speaks with beam leaders David Tremmil and Louisa Watson about the association’s mission, membership and role in the events sector.

They cover beam’s inclusive approach, advocacy work, collaboration with other associations, and highlights from the Forum and upcoming events.

Listeners are given quick details on how to learn more or join (beam-org.uk) and what to expect from the autumn calendar and gala dinner.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by or...

Host James Dickson speaks with Max Fellows of Allpoints about IBTM Ignite returning to IBTM World in Barcelona (17–19 November). The episode explains how the program supports event startups and scale‑ups with training, mentoring, and live pitching opportunities.

Ignite acts as an incubator: selected businesses receive coaching, pre‑scheduled meetings, and the chance to pitch to investors on a live stage for potential funding (£50k–£250k) and ongoing mentorship.

Applications and attendance details are available at ibtmworld.com for startups, scale‑ups, investors, and attendees interested in exploring the future of the events industry.

This epis...

James Dickson talks with Hugo Campbell, co-founder of Togather, about the rise of food and beverage as a central part of events—from festivals to football stadiums. They discuss creative F&B concepts (pop‑up restaurants, local produce areas, secret food zones), how modern stadia like the Hill Dickinson are designed around the fan experience, and why improving F&B boosts both guest satisfaction and event revenue.

The episode also covers changing audience tastes, especially among Gen Z, and how organisers can use thoughtful curation and experiential production to turn food into a key driver of attendance and...

In this episode, James Dickson speaks with Mia Moles, Business Support Director at Detectnology UK, about modern event security hardware. They cover screening solutions for people, bags and vehicles, the evolution from visible detectors to AI-driven and covert systems, and how technology can both deter and detect threats.

Mia also discusses the company’s 36-year history, demo and training practices, GDPR and legal considerations, integration with event operations, and how organisers can balance safety, guest experience and budget when deploying screening technology.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Pr...

In this episode James Dickson speaks with Julia Danmeri, founder and CEO of TranslateAble, about the vital role of language in the events industry. They discuss translation, interpreting (in-person and remote), sign language, captioning, localisation and platform-agnostic tech solutions that make events more accessible.

Julia shares practical examples from event operations, explains why human translators remain essential despite AI advances, and offers advice for organisers to integrate language and accessibility early in planning. Learn how TranslateAble supports organisers across pre-event planning and on-site delivery.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by...

Jeremy Basset, CEO and founder of Super Benji, joins James Dickson to explain how his AI-powered sales tool automates prospecting, personalises outreach, and helps event organisers find sponsors, exhibitors and speakers more efficiently. They discuss real-world results, use cases for big and small shows, and how AI can improve lead quality and reply rates.

The episode covers Super Benji’s origins, pricing approach, and quick time-to-results, and highlights practical tips for event teams looking to scale outreach without sacrificing community trust and personalised engagement.

EIN listeners can get a month free trial of superbenji.ai us...

James Dickson interviews Rae Malcham and Darcy Gabriele from BW Events Tech about their platform-agnostic consulting, implementation and on-site support for complex events. They discuss the value of expertise across multiple platforms, tech tours that share real deployments, and practical solutions like Wallet Passes and QR integrations.

The episode also covers rising attendee expectations, collaboration in the events community, responsible use of AI, and how BW Events Tech helps clients choose or optimise tools to reduce friction and improve quality.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. P...

James Dickson interviews Rob Murdoch, Sales Director at Exposure Analytics, about their Physical Engagement Index - a data-driven report measuring 43.8 million visitors across 3,000 events from 2020–2026. They discuss how anonymised sensor data captures dwell and engagement time, the limits of footfall and badge scans, and why actionable insights matter more than raw visitor counts.

The episode highlights key findings (average engaged dwell ~13:50), regional and sector differences, and how organisers and exhibitors can use benchmarks to redesign booths, improve layouts, and prove event ROI. The full report is available now at https://exposureanalytics.com/physical-engagement-index/.

Th...

James Dickson speaks with Kristina McCoobery, Global President of INVNT, about the agency model of the future. They discuss INVNT's theatrical roots in storytelling, the renewed value of in-person events, and how live experiences drive emotional engagement.

Kristina explains how INVNT is adopting AI responsibly - hiring a Chief AI Officer and building Orbby for analytics and on-site insights - while keeping human-led creative strategy at the centre. She also covers global collaboration, cultural nuance, and how new tools speed decision-making and boost efficiency.

Overall, the episode highlights the evolving role of agencies in delivering...

James Dickson talks with Kieran Garlic of Present Communications about how many people “accidentally” find careers in the events industry, and the challenges of creating formal routes into the sector through apprenticeships, work experience and links with academic institutions.

They also discuss the growing role of technology and AI in events, the need for practical on-site training, real-world production anecdotes (including the “Bose Stick” story), and upcoming topics such as freelancer rates and evolving technical skills.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual...

In this episode James Dickson speaks with Anita Macdonald (Meet Cambridge) and Andy Williamson (Welcome Brain) about the newly launched Neuro‑Inclusive Networking Guide. They explain why traditional unstructured mingling can exclude neurodivergent attendees, share survey findings, and describe simple, practical changes—like networking buddies, badge icebreakers, and low‑cost tech or formatting options—that make networking easier and more effective for everyone.

They also cover the guide’s silver/gold/platinum approach, the value of publicising neuroinclusive practices, and how organisers can access the free guide at welcomebrain.com/neuroinclusive-networking-guide.

This episode of the Event Indu...

In this episode James Dickson speaks with Rick Stainton, CEO of The Power of Events, about the organisation’s industry map, the nationwide schools engagement program and the new Experience of Work initiative designed to give young people meaningful work placements.

They discuss how the project bridges education and vocational skills, the scale so far (over 142,000 students reached) and plans to deliver 1,500 work experiences in year one with support from industry partners.

Find out more and get involved at www.thepowerofevents.org or email [email protected].

This episode of the Event Industry Ne...

James Dickson talks with Jess Gould from Weezevent about closed‑loop cashless payment systems, NFC wristbands and unified ticketing and access control that work offline to reduce theft, speed up entry and simplify vendor operations.

They also cover live reporting, data ownership and emerging AI integrations that give organisers real‑time insights and long‑term audience intelligence for festivals and venues.

To find out more about Weezevent and their cashless solutions visit https://weezevent.com/en-gb/weezpay/cashless/

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadc...

In this episode, James Dickson interviews Chris Carter‑Chapman, event director of World Travel Market London, on his first year in the role.

They discuss WTM’s scale and heritage, new WTM Travel Tech and innovation zones, attendee journey and planning tools, logistics across London and Excel, the show’s economic impact, and strategies to grow buyer attendance despite venue capacity limits.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and co...

Mark Hutchinson, Managing Director of creative agency INCEPTION, joins the Event Industry News Podcast to discuss how his team designs trade show stands, retail activations and product launches with commercial outcomes front of mind.

They cover using data and technology—dwell time, heat mapping and interaction tracking—to measure event ROI, the importance of authentic creative over theatrical gimmicks, and embedding sustainability through reuse and smarter planning.

Mark also shares client work highlights, including global projects with Pokémon, and explains how clear metrics help clients increase investment when activations drive real business growth.

Th...

In this episode James Dickson interviews Muhammad Younas, founder and CEO of vFairs, about how he built the platform from his experience running online events, scaled rapidly during the 2020 pandemic, and prioritised stability and hands-on support for customers.

They discuss vFairs’ evolution into hybrid and in-person events, global expansion of support teams, integrations with marketing and CRM systems, and the company’s plans to embed AI features to streamline event operations and improve attendee engagement.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual even...

In this episode James Dickson is joined by Rainfocus CMO Ashleigh Cook to discuss how event data and AI are transforming attendee experiences and providing measurable ROI. She explains data-driven personalisation, real-time analytics, and AI-powered sentiment and recommendation tools that speed decision-making and improve conversions.

The episode covers practical topics like data migration, integrating event data with CRM/marketing stacks, pre-population to reduce friction, and using dashboards to track velocity and retention over time.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event...

Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn discusses the company’s ground‑breaking project to install mains power at London’s Finsbury Park — the first installation of its kind in the UK. The move, a collaboration with Haringey Council and National Grid, aims to reduce reliance on temporary generators and use renewable energy for major concerts.

Broke ground in March with the first mains-powered concerts scheduled for the end of June; the change offers operational efficiencies and modest carbon reductions as a statement of intent. Reading is already next in line for a similar installation in 2027.

This episode...

The event industry news podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production trusted by organisations where reliability really matters — from corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams. They design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

In this episode James Dixon interviews Ross Wheeler, Business Director and Head of Live at Imagination, about his unusual journey from training as a ballet dancer to leading global live event production. Ross explains how theatrical thinking informs creative event design, the importance of time and rehearsal for impactful experiences, an...

Maria O'Dea from The Event School London explains the school's new ATHE level 4–7 regulated event management diplomas, created to tackle UK industry recruitment shortages by offering a structured, vocational route into events.

The episode covers the school's hands-on, industry-led teaching, flexible course options from short masterclasses to degree alternatives, and how it prepares students and career changers for real-world challenges including AI, corporate events and weddings.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. Fr...

James Dickson sits down with Area General Manager Nicola Betley to celebrate Hilton Birmingham Metropole’s 50th anniversary, exploring the hotel’s role at the heart of the UK events industry, long-serving team members, and evolving guest and event experiences.

They discuss partnerships, new ideas like glamping and leisure facilities, upcoming anniversary events, and how the venue plans long-term to stay relevant for future conferences and visitors.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reli...

James Dickson sits down at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with Rita Chandarana from Eventologists to explore how creative production turns standard hotel spaces into immersive, memorable events. They discuss collaboration with technical partners like Protec, designing multi‑zone experiences (wellbeing, charging and photo areas), catering to changing audience tastes, and the importance of meticulous planning and trusted partnerships.

The episode celebrates the hotel’s 50 years of events and highlights the art of meeting client marketing objectives while delivering flawless execution and inventive, inclusive experiences.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Pres...

James Dickson records at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole to mark its 50th anniversary, interviewing Simon Jelley from Protec about the venue's vast event spaces, technical capabilities, and the on-site partnership that powers seamless productions.

They discuss the Monarch, King and Palace suites, arena-style load-ins, evolving AV technology and LED walls, hybrid event integration, staffing strategies, and practical planning tips - like accounting for major fixtures such as the World Cup.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations...

James Dickson sits down with Johnny Lance, co‑director of The Showman's Show, to explore the event’s 40+ year history, its role in the outdoor events industry, and how it evolved from a printed directory into a must‑attend trade show.

They discuss practical event infrastructure, sustainability wins, new technology, the family business ethos, and what makes the October gathering a social and trade fixture for organisers, suppliers and venues.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where...

Host James Dickson chats with Kieran Garlic, MD of Present Communications, about how modern AV, live streaming and hybrid production can extend the life and reach of events. They discuss leveraging event content, building resilient systems, the blurred lines between live and digital formats, and practical tips for making events more accessible and engaging.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver...

James Dickson interviews Alex Pearn, CEO of ClinkClink, about their new report 'Do You Sleep Well at Night? Sleep, Stress and Wellbeing in UK Event Management', which examines how in-house event managers experience stress, poor sleep and post-event crashes, and why last-minute changes and under-resourcing are top concerns.

The episode highlights the difference between motivating 'good' stress and damaging stress, practical steps for teams and leaders, and directs listeners to download the full 2025 report at clinkclink.co.uk for detailed findings and recommendations.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present...

At Confex 2026 James Dickson speaks with Katie Whitby, Head of Sales at The Venues Collection, about modern delegate welfare. They discuss practical, easy-to-implement measures venues can offer — from quiet spaces and residential options to allergen kits, accessible tech and inclusive catering — and why venues should act as trusted advisors to event organisers.

The episode highlights real examples and simple solutions that make events more inclusive, calm and effective for delegates, whether for small provincial meetings or large corporate conferences.

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these episodes possible.

This epis...

At Confex 2026, James Dickson sits down with Ash Austin of Evolution Dome to explore 15 years in the inflatable structure industry. They discuss the benefits of inflatable venues—rapid setup, acoustics, temperature control, and wind ratings—plus the launch of the educational "Pink Book" and a new private Nexus Pod product.

This episode highlights safety, sustainability, and best practices for event organisers considering inflatable structures, and includes practical insights from both indoor and outdoor event use.

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these episodes possible.

This episode of the Event Indu...

Recorded live at Confex 2026 inside an Evolution Dome, James Dickson sits down with Lefteris Angelidis, CEO and creative director of Visual Architects. They discuss the company’s journey from club and festival theming to a full-service creative production house with manufacturing, 3D, robotics and interior design capabilities.

The conversation covers how 3D renders and AI speed creative briefs, the importance of in-house synergy between design and production, sustainability through reusable assets, Manchester roots and international projects, and the logistics and opportunities shaping events today.

Find out more about Visual Architects 

Thanks to our fri...

Recorded live at International Confex 2026 from an Evolution Dome pod, James Dickson interviews Fran Starkie and Joe Chilvers about The Training Department’s new nine-module corporate production management programme. They discuss how the hands-on, modular courses bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world event production, while supporting students and career switchers.

The episode covers course structure, industry partnerships, networking opportunities, accreditation plans, and practical realities of event work, plus where to find more information and a discount code (EPS200) at https://thetrainingdept.live/.

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these ep...

James Dixon talks with Jenny McNeil, founder of Feast & Fable, about creating immersive, narrative-driven dining experiences that use food as the central storytelling device for brands and events.

They cover Jenny’s career path, examples of multi-room and sensory activations, and how sound, scent, performance and context make meals memorable for press, influencers and consumers.

Visit https://www.feast-fable.co.uk/ to find out more

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James Dickson speaks with Jens Nisson, Director & Executive Head Chef at Bubble Food, about translating restaurant techniques to events, crafting narrative-driven menus, and prioritising provenance and sustainability.

The episode also explores logistics, front-of-house staffing, street-food influences, staying creatively current, and how Bubble Food delivers standout experiences across venues.

Visit https://bubblefood.com/ to learn more.

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