On this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott Bloom sits down with Raegan Smythe, CEO & Executive Producer at CYT Productions, for a behind-the-scenes look at what really makes meetings run — and what quietly drains budgets when no one’s watching. They dig into the hidden world of AV costs, from overbuilt breakout rooms and unnecessary projectors to labor overruns, bad load-in timing, and the contract traps that can turn a smart event into an expensive mess. Raegan also shares practical ways planners can take control, like using a breakout matrix, asking better questions upfront, and leaning on experienced pros instead of trying to do it all alone. And just when you think it’s all spreadsheets and stress, the conversation gets fun with stories about full-room transformations, AI-powered event design, and even a surprise dog-training detour. If you’ve ever wondered where event budgets really go — and how to make every dollar work harder — this one’s packed with insight, energy, and a few great cautionary tales. Don’t miss it.
GUEST BIO:
Raegan Smythe has provided production consultation and brokered AV services for event and meeting planners for over 25 years. As a former association meeting planner, she understands nonprofit budget limitations, political structures, and volunteer involvement. Raegan spearheaded MPI Potomac's 'ABCs of AV' event and actively volunteers as Director of Member Engagement & Recognition. She's also Past President of the Greater Washington DC Chapter of ILEA.
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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