Event Industry News Podcast

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 - ...

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 a...

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 Com...

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 fo...

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 eve...

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...

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 be...

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 par...

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 ...

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 l...

James Dickson is joined by A Greener Future’s Claire O’Neill to talk about GEI18, AGF’s Green Events & Innovations Conference taking place next week on 24th February at Royal Lancaster London. GEI18 is set to be a day of succinct, practical sessions on sustainability in live events covering certifications, power, waste, community impact as much more. Speakers include industry leaders and music-sector partners (Earth Perce...

James Dickson welcomes event business success coach Nick Oxborrow to kick off 2026 with a candid conversation about his journey from hospitality into events, starting a business in Singapore, and the impact of the 2008 financial crisis.

Nick explains why event professionals often struggle to monetise their skills, the importance of financial planning and relationship-building, how tech and AI should support, not replace, human conn...

James Dixon records live from Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, with guest Goc O'Callaghan — co-founder of ArcTanGent Festival and founder of UBQex. They discuss measuring the "return on experience", real-time metrics, personalisation, imagination poverty, accessibility, and the need to design events around people.

The episode offers practical ideas — using apps and algorithms for personalisation, psychographic design, breaking physical...

James Dixon sits down at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham with event lead Johanna Byrane to explore the venue's recent refurbishments, new on-site hotel and upgraded conference technology.

The episode highlights flexible event spaces, pitch-side experiences including an alfresco auditorium, the World Rugby Museum, and practical advice for planners on collaborating with venues to create memorable events.

Thanks to our friends at Jacobs...

James Dixon speaks with Penny Banks, Creative Director at GES, about the launch of Show Ready - The Edit, a curated range of four modular exhibition designs (Khan, Luter, Vico, Rho) aimed at the 30–50 sqm exhibition stand sweet spot.

The episode covers the product’s circular design principles, recycled materials and integrated LED flooring, plus faster builds, configurable layouts and operational benefits for exhibitors and show or...

Recorded at Stream7 to mark Event Industry News’ 15th anniversary, this episode brings together event producers, staffing experts and broadcasters to share real-world stories and practical insights.

Guests discuss Wildfire’s show‑stopping props (yes, hovercrafts), the role of temporary staff and people-first culture, and how production teams add value through problem‑solving and client focus.

Conversation covers the technical side ...

delighted to record this episode in person at the Stream7 studios in Sheffield.

Joining us for the conversation was a brilliant panel of Northern-based event professionals, all members of the fantastic NOWIE community:

• Emily Woods, Marketing at Stream7
• Lia Baron, expert in end-to-end event management
• Hannah Pugh, Freelance Event Manager and AAA 30Under30
• Evie Booth, Events & Marketing Freel...

Recorded at Stream7’s Sheffield HQ as part of Event Industry News’ 15th anniversary series, James Dixon sits down with long-time listener and big fan of the podcast, Andy Jeffries. They explore Stream7’s journey from event broadcasting to hybrid solutions, how the team adapted during the pandemic, and their role across live, virtual, and festival productions.

The episode dives into working with event platforms, lessons learned fro...

In this episode of the Event Industry News podcast, host James Dixon is joined by Matt Pearce, the CEO of Talk2 Media and Events, to delve into the dynamics of the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME 2025).

Held in Melbourne, Australia, AIME is recognised as the leading business event in the Asia-Pacific region, drawing in 675 exhibitors from 30 countries and facilitating nearly 20,000 meetings.

Exploring the evolution...