In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott sits down with Anne Gorman, VP of Sales and Marketing, from streamlinevents to discuss the evolving dynamics of the events industry, particularly influenced by the influx of Millennial and Gen Z professionals. Anne shares insights on how the workplace and event audience expectations are shifting as younger generations bring new values, such as flexibility, mental health awareness, and a desire for meaningful work, to the forefront of event planning and team building. The conversation delves into how event companies are adapting in their hiring and training practices to accommodate the needs of younger staff, offering more structured support, feedback, and multiple potential career paths. Anne emphasizes the necessity of the industry to meet these younger professionals where they are, rather than expecting them to change, highlighting the importance of variety and purpose in career development. Scott and Anne also explore how attendees’ expectations have evolved—audiences now crave interactive, experiential, and networking-driven events rather than long traditional presentations. Technology is playing a pivotal role, but Anne underscores the need for tech to facilitate genuine in-person connections instead of just digital interactions. She shares examples of leveraging registration data and AI to foster better real-life connections among attendees. Addressing industry-wide challenges, Anne notes a slowdown in event commitments due to global uncertainties and points out the increasing demand for event personalization, sustainability, and agenda flexibility. The discussion touches on the need for better compensation within the industry to attract top talent and considers innovative formats like "unconferences" for future events. The episode wraps up with a lighthearted "Get to Know You" segment, where Anne shares some personal preferences, favorite travel destinations, and a memorable story from her early career, giving listeners a glimpse into her personality outside of her professional expertise. Overall, this episode offers valuable perspective on how generational change is shaping the future of event planning and delivery.
GUEST BIO:
Anne is a meetings industry master with extensive experience across agency operations, strategic management, and sales. Now in a key leadership role driving revenue growth strategies, her solid foundation makes her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues. Anne leads with determination, delivering strategic guidance that transforms business goals into extraordinary events.
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ABOUT NO MORE BAD EVENTS:
Brought to you by eSpeakers and hosted by professional emcee, host, and keynote speaker Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events is where you’ll hear from some of the top names in the event and speaking industry about what goes on behind the scenes at the world’s most perfectly executed conferences, meetings, and more. Get ready to learn the secrets and strategies to help anyone in the event industry reach their goal of putting on nothing less than world-class events.
Learn more at nomorebadevents.com.
ABOUT THE HOST:
A veteran comedian and television personality who has built a reputation as the go-to choice for business humor, Scott has hosted hundreds of events over two decades for big and small organizations alike. Scott has also hosted his own weekly VH1 series and recently co-hosted a national simulcast of the Grammy Awards from the Palace Theater.
As the son of a successful salesman, he was exposed to the principles of building a business at an early age. As a comedian, Scott cut his teeth at renowned improv and comedy clubs. As a self-taught student of psychology, he’s explored what makes people tick and has written a book (albeit a farce) on how to get through life. He’s uniquely positioned to deliver significant notes on connecting people and making business seriously funny. And who doesn’t like to laugh?
Learn more about Scott: scottbloomconnects.com
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Thousands of successful speakers, trainers, and coaches use eSpeakers to build their businesses and manage their calendars. Thousands of event organizers use our directories every day to find and hire speakers. Our tools are built for speakers, by speakers, to do things that only purpose-built systems can.
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