This episode of No More Bad Events takes a smart turn. It deals with neuroscience and how people learn, connect, and change behavior; especially when an event is designed to do more than just deliver information. Scott Bloom sits down with corporate trainer and keynote speaker Rich Kuepper to explore what it really takes to turn a meeting, workshop, or conference into something people actually feel and act upon. Rich brings nearly three decades of experience designing learning experiences that move beyond passive, information-heavy training and into the world of immersive, behavior-changing development. What makes Rich’s approach different is that he doesn’t just teach content — he creates experiences. From challenge-based exercises that push people outside their comfort zones to high-energy moments designed to build resilience, leadership, and rapport, Rich shows how neuroscience and event design can work together to create real transformation. The conversation digs into why psychological safety matters so much, how humor and human connection help people open up, and why movement, novelty, and surprise are such powerful tools for keeping audiences engaged. Scott and Rich also talk about the importance of debriefing after the action, tailoring the experience to the audience, and thinking intentionally about how a room is set up so people can connect, move, and learn together. If you care about creating events that do more than deliver information — events that inspire action, shift perspective, and energize a room — this conversation is packed with practical insight and fresh ideas.

In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott welcomes event industry thought leader Julius Solaris for an in-depth discussion on the recently released Experience Design Report, authored by Julius Solaris in partnership with Encore. The conversation dives into the shifts in attendee expectations—especially among Gen Z and millennials—highlighting the increasing demand for authentic connection, micro-events, and meaningful personalization at conferences and trade shows. Scott and Julius explore surprising findings from the report, such as the gap between the importance of connection and how few event professionals intentionally design for it. They examine the rise of ambassador programs, the challenges and opportunities with AI-driven matchmaking, and the need for planners to rethink the traditional event registration drivers—including keynote speakers and panels. Other highlights include actionable advice for event professionals on closing the connection gap, the value of early planning with production partners, and the importance of inclusivity for both introverts and extroverts. Julius Solaris also shares personal stories, his journey into events, and what excites him about the industry’s future. If you want to understand what’s next in event experience design, this episode is a must-listen.

Scott Bloom welcomes Hall of Fame speaker and Cavett Award recipient Scott McKain to No More Bad Events for a conversation about the power of distinction in the speaking and events industry. They explore the evolution of meetings and meeting messages from simply “standing out” to going beyond distinction, adapting to changes in audience expectations and the role of AI in shaping experiences. The conversation offers actionable insights for event planners, speakers, and professionals on integrating content, maximizing engagement, and building authentic, lasting relationships with clients to ensure every event is unique and impactful. Don’t miss out. It’s a good one.

In this episode of No More Bad Events, Joshua Seth shares his experiences and insights on delivering value as an emcee, keynote speaker, and entertainer at corporate and association events. He discusses the importance of presence, connection, and emotional impact in creating memorable experiences for audiences. Joshua delves into techniques that he learned from theater, particularly the Meisner technique, to enhance audience engagement. He also explores the value of collaboration with event planners and the necessity of authenticity, vulnerability, and ritual in live performance. Some additional topics discussed in this episode of No More Bad Events include the multifaceted role and value of a professional event emcee, the pitfalls of hiring narrow-interest entertainers versus universal acts, the importance of emotional moments and authentic audience engagement, collaboration between emcees and event planners for better outcomes and embracing imperfection and vulnerability in live performances

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.

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.

In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott Bloom sits down with Amanda Dyson, marketing leader at FourKites, a Chicago-based software company, to explore the evolving strategies behind impactful B2B event marketing. They discuss her recent experiences at the Manifest trade show in Las Vegas, the power of exclusive events for lead generation, and how integrating technology and AI is changing the industry. Amanda shares insights into maximizing ROI through curated attendee experiences, creative activations like the standout Sphere event, and the importance of partnering with industry leaders such as Microsoft. The conversation dives into event strategies tailored for B2B SaaS companies, including ways to maximize ROI and pipeline generation from trade shows. They cover the impact of high-value, exclusive experiences that create buzz and lasting connections, along with leveraging AI and new technologies to streamline event marketing. Scott and Amanda also touch on the value of co-marketing and strategic partnerships, the evolution and challenges of trade shows in the logistics and tech sectors, and tips for creative activations that help brands stand out. The episode wraps with personal reflections on building authentic relationships and navigating career pathways in marketing.

Host Scott Bloom kicks off this episode with someone who knows what real pressure sounds like—Scott Tillema, a former law enforcement officer and hostage negotiator turned keynote speaker. His specialty? Negotiation and influence. Drawing on his background in behavioral science and psychology, Scott shares what he learned from working high-stakes crisis situations as part of a regional SWAT team—and how those same principles apply to everyday leadership and communication. He highlights the importance of self-management in negotiation, explaining that before you can influence others, you have to control your own emotions and know your goal. The conversation explores the difference between negotiation and manipulation—one builds mutual value, the other only benefits one side. Much of their discussion speaks directly to event professionals and HR leaders, offering practical tips for navigating stressful conversations, tricky contracts, and conflict resolution. Scott also breaks down how delivery and body language can set the tone, de-escalate tension, and strengthen trust. From tactical breathing to taking breaks and showing humility, his advice is all about staying steady when the pressure’s on. They even take a lighthearted detour into Hollywood’s version of negotiation versus what really happens behind the scenes of a SWAT callout—and how a viral TED Talk led Scott to a new stage as a professional speaker. This episode is packed with insights on negotiation, influence, and leadership—skills every event professional, leader, or communicator can use to stay calm, connected, and effective when it matters most.

The conversation kicks off with Scott Bloom and Ernie Harker diving into the realities of working with AI—particularly generative AI. Ernie explains that AI is not a simple plug-and-play tool; human creativity and clear communication are essential to getting the best results. He emphasizes the importance of treating AI as a collaborative partner, much like working with a designer or writer, and notes that the quality of output is directly connected to the clarity of input. A significant takeaway is Ernie Harker's advice on branding and AI. He discusses being intentional with brand direction when instructing AI, making sure to define not just what you want to say, but also the emotional tone and brand personality. He gives examples of helping organizations reimagine their About Us pages by personifying their brands and using AI to consistently infuse the desired emotion and personality into their messaging—rather than just sharing vanilla facts. The episode also provides actionable strategies for event planners. Ernie Harker details how AI tools like ChatGPT can streamline event sponsorships by generating sponsorship packages and writing personalized outreach emails, saving planners significant time and allowing for more customized and effective communication. Additionally, listeners get a glimpse into Ernie Harker's multifaceted background—from illustrating children’s books to completing an Ironman and climbing Kilimanjaro. He rounds off the discussion with the unconventional branding advice that if a direction feels uncomfortable and different from the norm, it’s probably the right choice for capturing attention. In essence, the episode is packed with insights on leveraging AI for creativity, branding, and event planning—highlighting the importance of clear communication, emotional connection, and not being afraid to stand out.

In this episode of Scott Bloom interviews Eric Termuende, who shares insights from his life as a keynote speaker Eric discusses his shift from 80 events a year to a more balanced schedule, coaching other speakers and prioritizing family. They dig into the art of selecting speakers for events, focusing on identifying the exact problem the speaker can solve rather than just ticking boxes on a checklist. Eric emphasizes that his keynotes are built on universal leadership principles applicable across industries and how he’s now incorporating personal stories to connect better with audiences and make presentations more memorable, entertaining, and actionable. The conversation covers the importance of relatability, authenticity, and being approachable on stage. Eric draws inspiration from speakers like Brené Brown, highlighting the power of storytelling over simply delivering statistics. They address what makes a speaker referable: being easy to work with, delivering clear, memorable, actionable content, and providing evidence of experience through diverse video clips and fresh testimonials. And this is important. Session descriptions are noted as crucial gatekeepers for planners choosing among speakers. Scott and Eric also talk about solving both corporate and event planner problems—such as energizing audiences on the final day of a conference or setting the right tone as an opening speaker. In short, this episode offers practical advice for event professionals, aspiring speakers, and anyone interested in leadership, authenticity, and navigating both career and personal life transitions.