In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott Bloom chats with Anne Bonney, Keynote Speaker and Event Emcee , about embracing change within organizations, particularly at events and meetings. Anne shares insights about why change is often resisted and how event planners can overcome inertia and risk aversion. They discuss strategies for introducing new elements at events, the importance of emotional intelligence, creativity through discomfort, and the evolving role of emcees and keynote speakers. The episode also touches on personal stories, memorable event moments, the value of interactivity and audience engagement, the psychological resistance to change at events, strategies for implementing gradual change at meetings, and the risks of not updating or modernizing events. Bottom line? Embracing incremental change in events—supported by empathetic communication and creative involvement keeps gatherings relevant, engaging, and competitive in an evolving world. The willingness to dance in the discomfort zone which is the opposite of getting out of the zone is the pathway to growth, freshness, and lasting impact.
GUEST BIO:
Anne Bonney, CSP, was born to speak. Today, she helps overwhelmed professionals build resilience, emotional intelligence, and courage in the messy reality of change. A high-energy keynote speaker, dynamic conference emcee, two-time author, and host of the Dancing in the Discomfort Zone podcast, Anne blends sharp humor, real-life stories, and practical tools. She challenges people to own their reactions, tackle tough conversations, and move through change with confidence.
HIRE THEM TO SPEAK:
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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
PRODUCED BY eSpeakers:
When the perfect speaker is in front of the right audience, a kind of magic happens where organizations and individuals improve in substantial, long-term ways. eSpeakers exists to make this happen more often.
eSpeakers is where the speaking industry does business on the web. Speakers, speaker managers, associations, and bureaus use our tools to organize, promote, and grow successful businesses. Event organizers think of eSpeakers first when they want to hire speakers for their meetings or events.
The eSpeakers Marketplace technology lets us and our partner directories help meeting professionals worldwide connect directly with speakers for great engagements. 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.
Learn more at eSpeakers.com.
SHOW CREDITS:
● Scott Bloom: Host | scottbloomconnects.com
● Joe Heaps: eSpeakers | jheaps@eSpeakers.com