Beyond the Ballroom: How to Plan Authentic Corporate Events

Tired of business trips that feel like a copy-paste of the same sterile ballroom and conference room? How do you transform a mandatory work trip into a memorable, culturally-rich experience? In this episode, we tackle the secret to planning truly authentic corporate events that leave a lasting impact on attendees. We sit down with a master of the craft, Renee Jacobs, the Chief Operating Officer of MGME (McVeigh Global Meetings and Events), to uncover how professionals can escape the corporate bubble and genuinely connect with a destination.

Join us as Renee Jacobs pulls back the curtain on the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry. She shares a wealth of corporate event planning ideas that go far beyond the typical agenda. We explore the powerful shift in MICE industry trends toward creating genuine "sense of place" activities, from sourcing local food for a surprise culinary competition to organizing city-wide "dine-arounds" for groups of up to a thousand people. Renee reveals how selecting unique corporate event venues—like historic castles in Ireland, the iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore, or the Alvear Palace in Buenos Aires—is the critical first step in setting the stage for an immersive experience.

The conversation also delves into the growing importance of integrating corporate social responsibility activities into the itinerary. Renee explains how CSR initiatives, such as local beach cleanups, tree planting, or bringing supplies to a local school, can be powerfully grounding experiences that connect attendees to the community in a meaningful way, even on a tight schedule. From fishing for piranhas in the Amazon to multi-million dollar gala dinners at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Renee shares unforgettable stories and practical strategies that prove business travel doesn't have to be boring. This episode is packed with inspiration for creating your own authentic corporate events.

About Our Guest:
Renee Jacobs is the Chief Operating Officer of MGME (McVeigh Global Meetings and Events), a leading global agency specializing in event planning for Fortune 500 companies, life science organizations, and major associations. With a passion for travel that began in high school, Renee has built a remarkable career in the MICE industry. Her journey includes roles at The Compass Group, the Journal of Commerce, and WorldTEK, where she honed her expertise in planning large-scale commercial trade shows, exhibitions, and incentive trips across the globe before joining MGME and rising to her current role as COO.

TIMESTAMPS / CHAPTERS:
(00:00) Win a Luxury Cruise to Alaska!
(05:21) Introducing Renee Jacobs: A Leader in the MICE Industry
(09:21) The Scale of MGME: From Advisory Boards to Fan Activations
(14:24) The Big Question: How to Make Corporate Events Authentic
(15:33) Strategy 1: Choosing Unique Corporate Event Venues
(17:40) Strategy 2: Creating Authentic Culinary Experiences
(20:52) Strategy 3: Engaging Local Culture & Artisans
(23:06) Behind the Scenes of a Multi-Million Dollar Event
(24:50) Strategy 4: Integrating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
(29:00) How to Partner with MGME for Your Next Event
(32:35) Final Thoughts: The Power of Authentic Travel

Links

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Produced by Podcast Studio X.