Advertise on podcast: Events Dear Boy! The Events Industry Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Anita Howard, founder of ICE Hub, a community of more than 3,000 in-house corporate event planners. Anita unpacks what it’s like building an event for event organisers, why the in-house role is finally shifting from “tactical doer” to strategic business driver, and how AI is changing the way planners work (not by replacing the magic, but by removing the grind).

In this episode of Events, Dear Boy!, we welcome futurist and speaker Ant Morse to explore his journey from senior digital leadership into professional speaking. Ant shares his broad expertise across emerging technologies (from 5G and IoT through to AI), explains how he “fell into” speaking by accident after being asked to fill a sponsored event slot, and reflects on why credibility and governance-led realism matter amid the current AI hype cycle. He talks candidly about what he loves most (storytelling, Q&A, and learning from diverse audiences), shares a hilarious worst-case mic moment, and offers practical tips for both speakers (tech prep and backups) and organisers (better briefing, pre-calls, and context setting to maximise speaker value).

In this episode, Events Dear Boy! was recorded live for the very first time at Event Connect, the flagship conference hosted by Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) for its events management students. We were joined by Rachel Tetlow from Pro-Manchester, focusing on the critical role of planning and delivering events with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in mind. In this special episode marked an exciting milestone for the Events Dear Boy! team, bringing their industry insights and open conversation to a student-led audience shaping the future of the events sector.

Simon shares practical advice for speakers on delivery, presence and avoiding “slide dependency,” along with guidance for event organisers on how to get the best from their speakers by focusing on problems over topics. He also shares memorable speaking moments, including delivering a keynote in total darkness in Monaco when the power failed.

Helen also explores the realities of working within tight budgets, engaging and inspiring the next generation of event managers, and adapting to the evolving expectations of audiences and businesses alike. She shares some of her proudest moments as an event organiser and offers practical advice for both speakers and fellow event professionals, highlighting the importance of kindness, organisation, and openness to new ideas. Great event organising is about creating a fantastic product for a moment in time and constantly evolving to meet audience needs. Managing budgets can be tough, but staying organised and treating everyone with respect is crucial. Inspiring and motivating the next generation of event managers remains a key priority for the industry. Helen’s proudest moments include delivering major events with high-profile speakers and well-respected awards programmes. For speakers: Be punctual, professional, and patient with event organisers. For organisers: Stay organised, be kind to everyone, and remain open to new ideas and technologies. Personal well-being matters — taking care of yourself is essential in the high-pressure world of event organising.

Naomi Timperley, a freelance growth and innovation consultant, shares her journey to becoming a speaker and offers insights into the speaking industry. She started her career in the travel sector and then moved into tech recruitment and gained public speaking experience as a rep and a karaoke compere. Her speaking career took off after appearing on Dragon's Den and she has since spoken at various events and panels. Naomi loves the adrenaline and humour of speaking and advises speakers to do their research and have coping mechanisms for nerves. She also shares tips for event organizers to get the best from speakers. Takeaways ·       Naomi’s journey to becoming a speaker started in the travel sector and tech recruitment. ·       She gained public speaking experience as a rep and a karaoke compere. ·       Appearing on Dragon's Den gave her a platform to speak about entrepreneurship. ·       Naomi loves the adrenaline and humour of speaking and advises speakers to do their research and have coping mechanisms for nerves. ·       Event organisers should provide speakers with as much information and preparation as possible. Chapters 02:00 Naomi's journey to becoming a speaker 07:50 Naomi's experience with Baby Loves Disco and Dragon's Den 12:05 Types of events Naomi is booked for 14:07 Worst speaking experience 16:51 Tips for event organizers

In this episode, we’re joined by Kerry Merritt, Head of Content at Total Telecom, to discuss the world of business events. We talk about the size and scale of events, the challenges of coordinating schedules, and the importance of content in event planning. Kerry shares her favourite moments from past events, including the satisfaction of seeing a successful event come together and the challenges of running an event during a snowstorm. They also discuss the qualities of a great speaker and offer tips for event organisers.

In this episode, Martin Bryant, the brilliant technology journalist, speaker and host, shares his experiences and tips for speaking at events. Martin is the editor PreSeed Now, the leading authority on early stage start-ups, so offers incredible depth of insight into the direction of travel of new technologies and investment. And with his deep contacts across the global tech industry, is in huge demand to host, speak and present, as well as contributing his knowledge to multiple broadcasters. Martin discusses his transition from journalism to speaking and the importance of being comfortable on stage. He emphasizes the value of providing useful information and being audience-centric in speaking engagements. He also shares a story about a panel that went poorly due to lack of preparation. Martin provides tips for speakers, including not scripting word-for-word, rehearsing bullet points, and getting in the right mindset before going on stage. He also highlights the importance of event organizers preparing and communicating logistics to speakers. Takeaways Being comfortable on stage is crucial for speakers. Providing value and being audience-centric are key to successful speaking engagements. Preparation and clear communication of logistics are important for event organizers. Speakers should rehearse bullet points and get in the right mindset before going on stage. Avoid scripting word-for-word to allow for more dynamic and engaging presentations. Sound Bites "It's about having that focus on ‘What is the outcome I want to deliver for this audience?’" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:22 Transitioning from Journalism to Speaking 05:08 Types of Events Martin is Booked For 07:00 Martin's Love for Speaking and Providing Value to the Audience 09:43 The Importance of Audience-Centric Content 13:35 Tips for Speakers: Rehearsing and Being in the Right Mindset 18:44 Wrap-up and Conclusion

In this high-energy episode, the brilliant Holly Moore, founder and CEO of Make Events and creator of Anything is Possible, joins us to share her experiences and insights as an event organizer and creator - and a speaker! She discusses the importance of employee engagement and the power of live events in cutting through the noise of digital communication. And she emphasizes the significance of content strategy and creating memorable experiences for attendees. Holly shares her favourite event highlights, including working with Kylie Minogue, and reflects on event disasters and the lessons learned. She provides tips for speakers, such as finding a niche, feeling confident on stage, and taking care of oneself. She also offers advice for event organizers, including the importance of creating opportunities and finding enjoyment in work. Sound Bites "Nothing cuts through the noise like a live event." "The smallest thing that costs nothing is often the thing that everybody remembers." "Your customers' truth is your truth." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:02 Employee Engagement Events 06:08 Creating Memorable Experiences and Content Strategy 10:57 Favorite Event Highlights and Lessons Learned 16:01 Tips for Speakers: Finding a Niche and Feeling Confident 19:15 Tips for Event Organizers: Creating Opportunities and Finding Enjoyment 26:04 Conclusion

In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Vimla Appadoo, a speaker, service designer and culture consultant who quiets crowds with her open and vulnerable approach to public speaking. We discuss the importance of building a strong company culture and the challenges of scaling up while maintaining diverse and independent team cultures. Vimla shares her journey from being an introvert to becoming a public speaker and as ever, we ask her to offer her tips for other speakers and event organizers. Takeaways Building a strong company culture is crucial for scaling up and maintaining diverse team cultures. Speakers should find their own way of delivering and talking authentically, rather than relying on a script. Event organizers should provide clear instructions and information about the setup, timing, and other speakers. The timing and dynamics of different speaking slots, as well as the presence of a green room and opportunities to meet other speakers, can greatly impact the speaker's experience. Engendering emotions in an audience requires giving them a way to resolve those emotions and providing actionable takeaways. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:17 Building Strong Company Cultures 04:08 Different Cultures within Organizations 08:32 The Love for Speaking and Authenticity 10:31 Worst Speaking Experience and Feedback 12:22 Tips for Speakers: Saying No and Authentic Delivery 14:48 Event Organizers: Clear Instructions and Timing Considerations 16:46 Green Room Experiences and Social Dynamics 19:35 Wrap-up and Call to Action

In this episode we welcome Nikki Kitchen, founder and director of Purple Riot and Riot House, twin agencies that offer events production, media and marketing to a whole range of clients across the consumer and business space. Nikki shares a range of event production and management experiences, from creating Vogue's Fashion Night Out at short notice, to a disastrous attempt to build the world's biggest glitter ball. Plus! The Cheeky Girls. Atomic Kitten, and who could forget...Chico! We talk about the thrill of great events, and Nikki shares some advice for event professionals on planning and staying calm under pressure. Takeaways Building relationships with suppliers and partners is crucial for successful event planning. Experiencing disasters and stressful situations is part of the job, but it's important to stay calm and find solutions. COVID-19 has shifted perspectives and highlighted the importance of wellbeing and not letting things get to you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:14 Types of Events and Clients 04:16 Team Size and Partnerships 07:26 Memorable Events: The Rock Shopping Centre and Vogue's Fashion Night Out 09:29 Disaster Stories: The World's Biggest Glitter Ball and Angry Mob at a Light Switch On 12:51 Engaging Speakers: CEOs, Business Owners, and Celebrities 15:11 Event Planning Tips: Building Relationships and Staying Calm 17:47 Perspective and Wellbeing in Event Management 19:39 Conclusion

Phil Lewis is the person that leaders call when their business is stuck, when change is failing, or when they need their organisation to adapt, fast. On stage he shares stories of real business transformation and proven, practical advice for addressing the human side of corporate change. In this episode, Phil shares his expertise on the challenges of change and growth in organizations and the importance of understanding the human dynamics within them. Phil also talks about his journey from marketing to helping human beings get out of their own way at work. He shares his experiences as a speaker and offers tips for other speakers. Takeaways Understanding the difference between the capability of humans and organizations is crucial for successful change and growth in organizations. Treating human beings as cogs in a machine hinders their creativity and potential in the workplace. Speaking engagements provide an opportunity for dialogue and learning from the audience. Calibrating the level of challenge and confrontation in speaking engagements is important to avoid pushing too hard. Speakers should embrace the fact that everyone in the audience is making it up as they go along and be open to learning from others. Sound Bites "I became really interested in the difference between the capability of the human and the capability of the organization." "You can be efficient with everything but people." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:21 Overview of the Podcast and Guest Introduction 02:02 Phil Lewis' Background and Expertise 05:17 The Difference Between Human Capability and Organizational Capability 08:37 Unleashing Human Potential in the Workplace 11:26 The Challenges of Change and Growth in Organizations 13:09 Phil's Love for Speaking and the Learning Journey 18:26 Phil's Bad Speaking Experiences 20:12 Tips for Speakers

In this episode, Herb Kim, the founder of Thinking Digital and curator of many TEDx events, shares his experiences and insights in organizing successful business events. He discusses the importance of creating a growth mindset and fostering a learning environment for attendees. Herb also emphasizes the value of storytelling in presentations and the need for speakers to establish a connection with the audience. He highlights the challenges of audience development and the impact of AI on the future of work. Herb's passion for creating impactful and inspiring events shines through in this conversation. Takeaways Creating a growth mindset and fostering a learning environment is essential for successful business events. Storytelling is a powerful tool in presentations, helping to establish a connection with the audience. Audience development is a challenge, especially for new events, and requires strategic planning and marketing. AI will have a significant impact on the future of work, potentially leading to the end of white-collar jobs and the need for universal basic income. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the podcast 03:32 The growth of TEDx events 05:18 The evolution of TEDx events and the level of support for speakers 08:16 The importance of featuring local speakers in TEDx events 10:05 The focus on improving the quality of talks 13:10 The joy and challenges of organizing business events 17:33 The success and impact of TEDx Manchester 21:16 The importance of teamwork and attention to detail in event organization 24:17 Memorable speakers and their impact 30:47 Tips for speakers: storytelling and connecting with the audience 35:37 The need for speakers to establish a connection with the audience

Katie Treggiden is an author, journalist and podcaster who found her own ‘defiant hope’ in the face of the climate challenge. Today she speaks about sustainability, design and the role of craft in restoring our future. Katie talks to us about her love for speaking and how it’s OK to enjoy being on stage - and why you should never stop being nervous! She shares a couple of speaking horror stories about busted ankles, and what happens when an audience has a tough choice to make. And she shares her tips for other speakers about how you can only wing it once you have over-prepared. But as you’ll find out, Katie is very clear she’s not an expert! You can find Katie’s books in the Pomona Partners book store. Takeaways Craft design and sustainability are key areas of interest for Katie Treggiden, a keynote speaker, author, journalist, and podcaster. There is a growing alignment between sustainability goals and business goals, with companies recognizing the importance of values-driven decisions. As a speaker, Katie enjoys the adrenaline rush and the opportunity to connect with the audience, inspiring change and action. Preparation is crucial for speakers, but it's also important to let go and trust oneself to deliver an engaging and natural presentation. Event organizers should prioritize making speakers feel valued and cared for, creating a collaborative and supportive environment. Sound Bites "I think the point at which I define myself as an expert, it's time for me to go home." "There's clearly still an awful lot of corporate bad behavior here and there, but it feels like there is a much tighter alignment between sustainability goals and business goals than there was five years ago." "I love that sort of feeling a bit sick for days beforehand and then the moment you get up on stage, it's just like nothing else." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:18 Katie Treggiden's Area of Expertise: Craft Design and Sustainability 06:01 The Changing Landscape of Sustainability in the Corporate World 11:21 The Thrill and Impact of Speaking 13:58 Worst Speaking Experience and Tips for Speakers 22:32 Advice for Event Organizers 24:25 Conclusion and Call to Action

Julia Phillips has founded and sold one successful events agency and now she's on her second, Potting Shed Events. In this first episode of Season 2 of Event's Dear Boy!, the business events podcast, she tells us about the secrets of her success. What does she love about events? And what does she put off? What have been her most successful events, and have there been any disasters? Julia discusses the types of events her company specializes in, the importance of staying in your lane and excelling in what you do, and the challenges of managing client expectations. Julia also talks about the role of speakers in events and shares tips for speakers to engage and connect with the audience. She emphasizes the importance of caring about the outcome of the event and focusing on the experience of individual attendees. Takeaways Focus on excelling in your area of expertise and staying in your lane Care about the outcome of the event and prioritize the experience of individual attendees Speakers should be relevant, concise, and leave space for questions Engage with the audience during breaks and networking opportunities Share knowledge and collaborate with others in the event industry Sound Bites "I love seeing a programme come together, of seeing an event go really, really well, of seeing an audience engaged, of seeing guests really enthused and motivated." "My only interest is making sure the event goes well. My secondary interest is making sure the event goes so well that you never ever want to change event agencies and you want to stay with us forever." "We can adapt without the client being aware that we're adapting. We can adapt to really make the most of the space that we have available." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 02:13 Julia's Role and Experience in the Events Industry 03:33 Types of Events and Specialization 04:09 Working with Different Industries and Being a Generalist 05:15 Julia's Love for Seeing Events Succeed 07:29 Challenges and Frustrations in Event Organizing 08:36 Balancing Content and Breaks in Events 09:38 Finishing Off Bits and Challenges of Quiet Peak Times 11:06 Creativity and Game Design in Events 14:18 Proud Moments and Event Disasters 20:05 Tips for Speakers at Events 21:52 Tips for Event Organizers 24:33 Sharing and Collaborating in the Event Industry 26:41 Wrap-up and Conclusion