Advertise on podcast: Adventures In Venueland

Pull up a chair as we head to "America's Farm to Fork Capital," Sacramento, for a special in-person episode with James Rasmussen, VP of Arena Programming at Golden 1 Center. Our hosts sit down with James in the Sacramento Kings podcast studio and dig into what makes the city special and things to look forward to for those coming to the Event & Venue Marketing Conference in June. Fresh off a venue tour before recording, we talk about the many features of the arena that make it stand out – including being 100% solar powered and the importance of the solar panels on the roof, giant window walls that can open to cool the venue with the delta breeze, sourcing 90% of their food and beverage from within 150 miles, LEED Platinum Certification, and so much more. We talk through the building’s evolution as it approaches its 10th anniversary and their emphasis on designing for the future. We chat through James’ career history from working as a security guard at Bob Dylan’s house while in college at Pepperdine University to his entry into live events with Arena Network, and many shows and tours he worked on along the way. There’s nothing like recording these in-person and you’re sure to enjoy this special episode live from halls of Golden 1 Center. James Rasmussen: LinkedIn | Email Golden 1 Center: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We 🫶 New York and are heading back to the City That Never Sleeps for this episode with Missy Zedeck, Marketing Director for AEG Global Touring Division. We hear from Missy about how a typical day or week might look – reviewing marketing budgets, national campaigns, overseeing marketing plans for the tours, and making any adjustments based on needs and sales which vary by tour. She tells us about how she checks in with venues and tours to provide support and will often catch tours they are working on when they come through NYC. We talk about some of the most personally rewarding tours and events she has worked on, advice she would give venues, and trends Missy is seeing for front and back of house activations and gifting. From early jobs to her experience out of college with CAA and Live Nation before landing at AEG, Missy offers great tips and advice for people wanting to pursue a career in live events and what can set them up for success. Enjoy this interesting and fun look inside the promoter side of the industry! Missy Zedeck: Instagram | LinkedIn AEG: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – We're wrapping up 2025 and headed into a new, exciting year in Venueland! 🎊 As we plan ahead, we decided to take a look back and recap our 2025 episodes. Hosts Paul Hooper and Dave Redelberger are joined by Audio Editor & Mixer Camille Faulkner as we reminisce on Episode 100, our live episode recorded in Atlanta, fascinating guests, and fun bonus episodes. If you missed some and want a quick catch-up or are wondering which to go back and listen to, this episode is a great way to hear about some of our favorite moments and notable adventures from the year. What were some of your favorite episodes and quotes from 2025? What guests or topics would you like to see us feature in 2026? Drop a comment or send us a message! –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Escape with us to the eucalyptus and redwood grove of Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove in San Francisco — home of the iconic Stern Grove Festival — as we sit down with the festival’s Marketing Director, Molly Fremgen. We learn about the magic behind this beloved concert series, now entering its 89th season in 2026, and the legacy of Stern Grove Festival as the nation’s longest-running nonprofit music festival — bringing free live music to the Bay Area since 1938. We dive into the nuts and bolts of producing a large-scale nonprofit concert series, from the challenges of live events to the creative solutions that keep the festival thriving. Molly talks about the pride the team takes in stewarding Stern Grove’s legacy, and how the organization uses its platform to support the broader live music and local business community in San Francisco. Molly also traces her path into live events — from producing a music festival while studying at the University of Illinois, to roles at MTV, AEG, Goldenvoice, and on the PR team at Coachella. We learn about Molly’s 500 mile hike of the infamous Camino de Santiago in Spain which happened at a crossroads in her career and helped guide her to her current dream role, and how her goalkeeping and manifesting has steered her to achieve career and personal goals. This episode is full of fascinating info, great career advice, and lots of laughs. Molly Fremgen: LinkedIn | Email Stern Grove Festival: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We’re off to the land of Oz as we chat with Christine Pileckas, the Director of Booking & Marketing at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Christine, who recently celebrated her 15 year anniversary with the venue, gives us the lay of the land on the venue’s place in the city, the city’s place in the state, and how she juggles her roles at the arena. Recognized as one of the Top 20 busiest arenas in the world for their venue size, INTRUST Bank Arena is somewhat unique with its blended marketing and booking departments, which provide a synergy which help both excel. Hear how things are structured, what motivated Christine to add booking to her resume, some misconceptions about both sides of the industry, and how their approach helps them chase and market shows. We learn about how she got her start in live events, from a shifted major at West Chester University of Pennsylvania to an internship and starting role in New Jersey to her time in Wichita – Christine talks about how not being afraid to take risks and working for the job you want has led her to this point in her career. As we hit our 150th overall episode (119 main + 31 bonus) enjoy this conversation packed full of great career tips, fun marketing ideas and strategies, and lots of interesting information about the Air Capital of the World. Christine Pileckas: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn INTRUST Bank Arena: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We’re headed north of the border to Hamilton, Ontario to chat with Nick DeLuco, Senior Vice President & General Manager of TD Coliseum. This is opening week for the venue, which will open after an extensive $300 million renovation by Oak View Group this Friday, November 21, with a kick off concert with Paul McCartney. We chat with Nick about the arena’s place in the Golden Horseshoe market, Oak View Group’s investment in the cutting-edge venue, and their music-first approach to the design and strategies. We talk about the balance of paying homage to the 40 year history while also blazing a new path with innovations – including unique floor level suites built into the lower bowl. As they approach their opening, we hear about how the team worked together on the project and their focus on being present during the busy opening week. Nick also walks us through his venueland history, from taking Sports Management in school and wanting to be a sports agent to an internship at his hometown venue in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to his first job post graduation in ticketing in Mississauga. We talk about his path to opening new buildings in Kingston and New Brunswick as well as his time spent in Edmonton overseeing live events. Enjoy this fun look behind the curtain as they prepare to open this venue while also enjoying great career advice, fun stories, and recommendations for your next visit to Hamilton. Nick DeLuco: LinkedIn TD Coliseum: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Just like your favorite venue ghost, we’re back to bring you spine-chilling stories, spooky event info, and harrowing Halloween haunts to make all your nightmares come true! 🦇 For this year’s frightful feature, we learn all about Paramount Theatre in Austin, which in addition to being haunted also presents an annual horror film series – Panic at the Paramount! 🎬 Our (g)hosts are joined by Javier Ramirez, Director of Marketing at Paramount & State Theatres and Moontower Comedy Festival (largest annual comedy festival in North America). Javier acts as our guide through an overview of both theatres before we dive into their horror film series. We learn about how Panic at the Paramount was created, their thought process with ticket pricing and branding around the events, and how various actors and legendary film director Robert Rodríguez have gotten involved in presenting films for the series. We then learn about the 110 year old Paramount Theatre’s three resident ghosts, which have been seen around the venue, photographed disappearing into the seats, and even… smelled?! 👻 Enjoy this fun annual Halloween episode to get you in the mood for today’s holiday. Javier Ramirez: Instagram | LinkedIn Paramount Theatre: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Take a trip to the Queen City as we talk to Tim Murray, Athletic Trainer for the Cincinnati Cyclones, the ECHL pro hockey team that plays at Heritage Bank Center. Tim tells us about the Cyclones, a ECHL minor league hockey team affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) and Toronto Marlies (AHL), gives us an overview of the roles of an athletic trainer, and what a typical day is for him for home and away games. Learn what makes a good venue from his side of the industry, the differences of being an athletic trainer with different sports, and what he loves about hockey. Tim tells us what inspired him to pursue this career, and walks us through time in school at EKU (where he became friends with Paul) and Murray State, and his path that led him to his current role. We discuss competitive drive and how he has competed in different events and currently competes in CrossFit. Tim tells us about his work in spreading awareness for Dwarfism and #DwarfismAwarenessMonth (October) – using his platform to educate people and advocate for those who can’t advocate for themselves. Enjoy this fascinating look into the athletic trainer side of the live events industry in this fun, educational episode. Tim Murray: Instagram | LinkedIn Cincinnati Cyclones: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

On our latest adventure we chat with Ritesh Patel, Co-founder and Co-CEO of Ticket Fairy, an advanced AI-native vertical SaaS platform built specifically for the live entertainment industry. Similar to the show How It’s Made, we talk with Ritesh about what Ticket Fairy is and how it was turned into what it is today, such as: thinking of the concept, coding and developing, testing it on his own gigs, beta testing with his friends, pitching and selling investors, scaling the business and product, and continuing to enhance and grow the platform’s capabilities. It’s a fascinating look into an interesting industry platform and what goes into building a business. Additionally, Ritesh is the creator of LOCUS, which he originally started to promote shows in 2000 and revived in 2022 into what is now two multi-day annual festivals in Tulum and Bali. We talk through both events and how they allow him to continue to follow his passion for being a promoter, which was incubated by falling in love with the rave scene while in college in Bristol. Enjoy this interesting, educational episode that is steeped in a love for live events and exploring ways to make things easier for those that put them on. Ritesh Patel: Instagram | X/Twitter | LinkedIn Ticket Fairy: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We’re headed to Rock Town for this episode as we chat with Cai Lane, Marketing Specialist for Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau. LRCVB, which is a destination marketing organization, also manages venues in the Central Arkansas Region, including Robinson Center, Statehouse Convention Center, First Security Amphitheater, and River Market Pavilions. Cai tells us about the city and about each of the venues their CVB manages. We learn about the culture and scene of Little Rock, which Travel + Leisure declared the most underrated city in the south. We dive into a day in the life with him, learning about his role with the venues, digging into buyer personas, and how he works with promoters to set realistic and stretch goals before making a comprehensive plan. From making Little Rock shine and promoting venues to his side businesses in real estate and recording music – you're bound to enjoy this episode, which is filled with infectious joy, fascinating information, and great BBQ recommendations. Cai Lane: Instagram | LinkedIn Little Rock Convention & Visitor's Bureau: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Monster Jam trucks, Disney On Ice skaters, dirt bikes, and even the circus – join us as we dive into all things family shows with Windy Reeves, Senior Director of Event Marketing & Sales for Feld Entertainment, the leading global company of live touring family entertainment. Feld is the powerhouse behind Monster Jam, Supercross, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and Disney On Ice, and Windy gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how these productions come to life. We chat through exciting new additions to the tours, and how she builds the Atlanta shows, sets the pricing, works with PR and group sales to develop campaigns and promote their shows. Learn how she and other promoters leverage new exciting things each year to pitch media, and how they have been leaning more into influencer and celebrity marketing. Learn how Windy got her start in her career, from attending Georgia College State University to stints at the Union Reporter and Macon Centreplex before joining Feld, and how the excitement has kept her in this role while giving her fulfilling opportunities like being a Lead Adjunct Professor at University of South Carolina for a class offered by Feld. Buckle up and listen in as we run away with the circus on this fun, informative episode. Windy Reeves: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email Feld Entertainment: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Rocket off 🚀 to Space City with us as we chat with Alyssa Patani, Arena Marketing Manager at Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets. Lyssa gives us the lay of the land – Toyota Center’s place in the market, what her role is at the venue, and what makes Houston such a special place. We chat with her about social strategies, their approach and her recommendations on graphics, and how she balances the demand for graphics with managing time by using templates. Learn what other venues she follows and how important it is to create a social aesthetic and visuals unique to your venue. Lyssa tells us about how she developed a love of design through early days of MySpace which led her into teaching herself Photoshop which has come in handy when working with tour admats. She tells us about her history in the industry and how she has been challenged over the years, and through that, has gained new perspective and been able to network with peers from other venues. You’ll love this episode, which is packed with fun stories, candid vulnerability, and great conversations with plenty of laughs. Alyssa Patani: Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn Toyota Center: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Lace up your sneakers and meet us in the center of the basketball universe as we chat with our friend Jeff Johnson, Associate Director with Pacers Sports & Entertainment and Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. Jeff, who is celebrating 27 years with the organization, oversees marketing for events as well as traditional advertising for the Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever. In case you’ve been living under a rock, Indy is having a *moment* with sports – hosting the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, amazing back-to-back seasons by the Pacers, hosting the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend – all punctuated by the emergence of Caitlin Clark which has led to sold out WNBA games at home and on the road. We chat about all those things with Jeff, and the importance of basketball to the city and state. We hear some amazing stories from throughout his career, from hosting swimming championships in an arena to calling Butler games in college to fun minor league hockey promotions. Listen in and enjoy this episode which is the perfect mix of inspiration, imagination, and fun stories that serve as a reminder of how special the live event industry is. Jeff Johnson: Email Gainbridge Fieldhouse: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We’re headed to the Northwest, on the shore of Lake Washington, to chat with Alexa Coyle, Marketing Manager for Seattle Seahawks, Lumen Field, and WAMU Theater + Co-founder of The Female Edge. Alexa oversees event marketing for Lumen Field (concerts, dirt events, WAMU Theater, and conventions), branding and marketing for food and beverage, Seahawks retail marketing, and more. She tells us about many of the unique things about their stadium, which includes the most just-walk-out concession stands of any venue in the world. We talk about innovation within more seasoned venues, elevating premium spaces, and how they are inspired and driven by the technology-forward market of Seattle. As a former professional soccer player, we talk about what it means to her to work at one of the host venues for the 2026 World Cup, as well as early preparations and planning currently underway as they look ahead to next summer. Alexa tells us about her career, from an interest in analytics and creative, and finishing her MBA and co-founding The Female Edge (which provides recruiting support and mentoring to female athletes) while playing professional soccer at Hibernian WFC in Edinburgh, Scotland. You’ll love this fun, interesting episode, which is full of interesting strategy and great discussion. Alexa Coyle: Instagram | LinkedIn Lumen Field: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – We’re excited to launch our latest, ongoing bonus episode series, Breaking In! ✨ This series, consisting of roundtable discussions about breaking into the live event industry, will highlight different perspectives, talk through challenges, and discuss tips for those beginning their careers in venueland. 🆕 For our first episode, we get the perspective of three EVMC conference interns as they finish school, explore opportunities to enhance their resumes, and begin applying for jobs. 🤝 Meet Naomi Redwood (Toronto, Ontario), Marquise Sommers (San Antonio, Texas), and Sierra Ross (London, Ontario). These recruits tell us about themselves, where they are in their career pursuits, what made them fall in love with the industry, and challenges they have found and continue to face. Following discussions, our hosts answer questions and offer advice on making yourself stand out, learning from mistakes, executing visions, coping with rejection, and other topics. If you’re entering or interested in the industry or on the hiring side of recruiting people for entry level jobs, we hope you’ll love and learn from this episode and we look forward to seeing how this series can continue to grow. –––––– ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet our team: Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.