Ignite Your Events: The Podcast
Brought to you by Ignite, the magazine for business event professionals, Ignite Your Events explores the issues facing the industry—from RFPs and price setting to ethics and negotiating—and speaks to the innovative thinkers who are working on the solutions. Your hosts, Debbie van der Beek, President and Chief Visionary Officer of Ignite and Editor, and Director of Content Innovation Laura Bickle aren’t afraid stir the pot and have the tough discussions necessary to move the industry forward. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation filled with real experiences, actionable advice and a sense of community.
Episodes
In the spring issue of Ignite, Monica Gomez, founder of The Concierge Club, wrote about the inefficiencies of the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and proposed some innovative solutions.
Gomez joins us in the Ignite podcast booth today to dive even deeper in the issue and tell us why she thinks an industry coalition around the issue may be the answer. And she’ll also recount her fascinating career journey—hint—there’s a Bieber in...
Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s long overdue for discussion—how we value professional speakers and why they deserve to be paid for their work. Yes, even at industry events!
Joining us is Tami Adams, founder and curator of speaking talent at TA Speakers Management. Adams is a longtime supported of the Ignite Worth it initiative, which was founded on the idea that the industry can only grow if we articulate and stand up for o...
In this episode, we’re getting real about money with Keri Miller, Chief Creative Strategist at e=mc² events. She’s one of our go-tos when we take Ignite's Worth It: Stand up for Business Events initiative on the road. In fact, she joined us on stage at IMEX in Las Vegas last fall.
And it's Miller’s views on compensation that prompted us to invite her on the podcast today. Miller is a strong advocate for fair and equitable compens...
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome the Ignite team into the podcast booth! Together, we’re diving into the trends shaping the industry in 2025, from networking and sustainability strategies to culinary innovations and diversity-focused event design and more. Get ready for an episode packed with tons of inspirational ideas for event pros!
A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Quebec City. Learn what makes Quebec City a...
In this bonus episode, Ignite team members share our hopes and dreams for our beloved business events community for 2025.
Do you have some wishes for 2025? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
Ignite Team Members in this Episode:
Laura Bickle, Angela Kryhul, Jennifer Newby, Rose Filice, Melaya Horsten, Debbie van der Beek
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so...
This episode, we’re ready to stir the pot and tackle industry practices that need a makeover—all in the name of elevating the business event industry and driving discussion. On the docket: unprofessional behaviour on FAM trips, transparency in budgets and fees, discounting practices and idea theft.
A special thank you to our episode sponsor, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Connect with their team to start planning your next e...
In this episode we talk to Dwayne Rutherford, founder and managing director, Debonair Corporate Events, on the importance of keeping up the momentum with DE&I efforts at events. As some corporations seem to be retreating from DE&I initiatives, it is important for the events industry to forge ahead and set an example for creating experiences and spaces that are welcoming to everyone. You don’t need to be an expert in DE&...
In this episode of the Ignite Your Events Podcast, Laura and Debbie explore the challenges faced by event pros in aligning personal values with career growth. Whether you’re an independent planner, corporate event coordinator or supplier, this conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries, managing workloads and confidently articulating your worth.
Listen in for valuable insights on pricing, client management and ma...
Julia O’Grady is the “chief futurist and head of schmoozing” at ITM Events based in Ottawa and has been in the industry for more than 15 years.
O’Grady is a fierce advocate for elevating the business proposition of the industry while promoting an approach that respects all stakeholders.
You’ll be captivated by her story of her losing $14,000 on a program and how that experience changed her entire approach to her business. And you’l...
Lisa Zivontsis started her career with various event and incentive firms before founding The Event Partner in 2016. Lisa is known for her advocacy in the event industry, speaking out about the need for fair, people-focused business practices. In this episode, she shares how a devastating loss sent her on a journey toward balancing her family life and her mental health with her love of the work.
Guest: Lisa Zivontsis, CMP, DES, foun...
In this episode, we dive deep into the corporate event planning industry with Anita Carlyle, managing partner at Moore Carlyle Consulting and MCC Destination Management in Toronto. She’ll take us through how her company handles the challenges of the RFP process, protecting ideas, the impact of the economy on events and fostering mutually beneficial client relationships.
Guest: Anita Carlyle, Managing Partner at Moore Carlyle Consul...
This inaugural episode delves into the origins and impact of the "Worth It: Stand Up for Business Events Initiative," born from a profound session at the 2022 PCMA Canadian Innovation Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada. Debbie and Laura share compelling stories of industry challenges and triumphs to elevate the business events sector.
A big thank you to Quebec City for sponsoring this episode. Learn what makes Quebec City a uniqu...
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